Travel shows are immersive experiences and being around thousands of other travel lovers energizes and builds camaraderie. Simply put, travel shows are exciting! 

Here are four reasons we are super excited for you to attend the Denver Travel and Adventure Show this January.

Destinations to Discover

The exhibit hall is packed with representatives of domestic and international destinations, tourism boards, and travel associations. Wandering the aisles, you can strike up conversations with exhibitors while generating new ideas for your wish list of places to go and experiences to have. If Africa is on your mind, you can meet with the Africa Tourism Association, Visit Tanzania, or Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda. If you are curious about scuba diving, you can visit with folks from the Cayman Islands, Fiji, Belize, and Jamaica. If you know what you are looking for and are ready to book, or if you are in search of inspiration and new ideas, a travel show is a worthwhile excursion. The destination buzz is palpable and the diversity of exhibitors in one place makes for a very worthwhile and inspirational day trip!  

People to Meet 

In addition to travel professionals to schmooze, you’re likely to meet travel enthusiasts who love to talk about their personal adventures. Not all travelers are extroverted or gabby, but for sure, at a large travel show, you are likely to meet all kinds of people with all kinds of stories. Today, there is a growing population of multi-generational traveling families hitting the road. There are travelers with one kid, two kids, or no kids. Travelers who want to travel by boat, bike, or van, and others who purchase round-the-world airfares. You’ll meet travelers who are retired and living full time on the road, and solo travelers working remotely as digital nomads. At a travel show, you can meet LGBTQ+ travelers, experienced vagabonders, or people setting out for the first time. 

One of the best travel experiences of my life came about through a random conversation that started in line for coffee. I overheard the woman in front of me talking about her recent travels in Sicily, Italy where she did a work exchange. She harvested olives on a small farm and got free room and board in a gorgeous, 15th-century villa. She told me all about her hosts, the 100-year-old olive trees, the long lunches, and ample chianti! It sounded perfect. She shared the name and contact info of the hosts and I reached out to them. It was successful! One year later, my husband, our 9-year-old son, and I spent two weeks in Sicily, harvesting olives and living in a beautiful Italian villa. 

This year, some big names in the travel space are speaking at the Denver Travel Show including Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, and Andrew McCarthy. With so many interesting (and famous!) people in attendance, you just never know who might be standing in front of you in the coffee line!  

Travel Trends to Track 

A third reason to attend the Denver Travel and Adventure Show is to hear about trends, tips, and tricks that may save you time, dollars, and hassles! Travel planning and logistics are always changing, and all weekend long the featured speakers will be sharing helpful travel information. You’ll gain practical insights about seamless domestic and international air travel; tips for finding the best deals, how to stay safe and informed, new ideas for packing light and smart and what to do when things go wrong. To be sure, you’ll hear useful nuggets so bring a pen and notebook. We are certain you will leave more informed than when you arrived. 

Giveaways

A final bonus of attending travel shows in person is the swag, special deals, and chance to win giveaways. Wonder Year is doing a Kindle Giveaway valued at $99. We’ll take entries all day on Saturday and do the giveaway at 1 pm on Sunday. Five runners-up will receive a signed travel book by local Colorado authors including Jon Krakauer, Brook Eddy, Joshua Berman, and more.  Other vendors offer discounts on excursions and tours, lodging, and gear rentals and often there’s a grand prize that someone’s got to win!  

Last year we attended the Denver Travel Show as observers, taking in all that the Show had to offer. This year we are thrilled to be on the other side. I am a featured speaker, presenting Wanderlust Masterclass: A Roadmap for Epic Adventures (Even with Kids!) on the Savvy Traveler Theater stage on January 20th at 3:15. Wonder Year also has Booth 910 the entire show where we look forward to meeting new friends and sharing our book, Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling. I’m happy to sign your book. Use promo code: WONDERYEAR24 to receive $6 off regularly priced tickets ($20) today! #DenverTravelShow and drop by to see us!

Related posts: Wonder Year to Present at the Denver Travel & Adventure Show

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