The Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show, hosted at the Santa Clara Convention Center over the weekend of March 16-17, 2024, provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of global travel opportunities.

From tourism boards to cruise lines, and vacation packages to group tours, the event catered to a wide range of interests and preferences in travel.

During the 2-day event, travel enthusiasts and industry insiders had the chance to engage directly with representatives from various destinations (ranging from the USA and Mexico to Europe, Asia, and beyond), gaining firsthand knowledge and practical tips for planning their next adventure. The cruise pavilion showcased a variety of cruise options from leaders in the industry such as Viking Cruises, while the vacation packages section offered curated experiences for different tastes and budgets.

During our visit to the show, we spoke with the Mendocino Tourism Board who provided valuable guidance and helpful suggestions for a trip we have planned this season. From learning about dog-friendly restaurants (such as 5200 Restaurant and Ravens’ Restaurant) and outdoor activities (like hiking, beaches, and a tour of the Redwood groves via the Skunk Train) to discovering iconic landmarks and scenic destinations to visit, their assistance proved to be a valuable help, as I’m in the process of planning our upcoming itinerary.

In addition to discovering more about Mendocino County and other notable places in California, we also spoke with travel experts from a range of companies including Collette, which hosts exclusive group trips around the world. From African safaris to Icelandic adventures, the third-generation family-owned company (that’s been in business since 1918) is passionate about curating exciting and memorable small group tours to the most incredible destinations around the globe. They are a great resource for travelers who want a seamless, stress-free experience, as they plan the full itinerary for each trip, while making guests feel comfortable and welcome in each destination they visit.

In addition to browsing exhibits, attendees could attend live presentations by and meet-and-greets with travel experts and notable people (including Phil Keoghan and Peter Greenberg) covering topics such as sustainable tourism and off-the-beaten-path destinations. These sessions provided valuable insights and information for travelers looking to make informed decisions.

A notable aspect of the event was the opportunity for attendees to participate in giveaways and contests, offering the chance to win vacations and leisure packages. This added an element of excitement to the experience, as it gave them the chance to win a variety of all-inclusive vacation packages from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and other exhibitors.

To further expound on the value of the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show, I spoke with Jonathan Golicz, Vice President of the Travel & Adventure Show Series (which hosts the event).

CLP: What inspired your team to create this event, and what sets it apart from other travel conventions?

JG: “The Travel & Adventure Shows were founded due to a void in the consumer travel trade show space. When the shows first began, there were a few newspaper-run events. Still, we wanted to create events focused on bookings, which occur when you bring together a quality audience of travel enthusiasts and top travel brands worldwide. The Travel & Adventure Shows are now the only series of consumer-focused travel trade shows, taking place in 9 different travel gateway cities in the U.S. What’s more, we cultivate industry-leading content at each show in 4 different theaters located on the show floor. From industry-leading names such as Rick Steves, Phil Keoghan, Phil Rosenthal and Peter Greenberg, to world travelers providing the latest tips and information, attendees get the inside knowledge they need to enhance their travel experience.”

CLP: For travel enthusiasts attending this year’s show, what is new and exciting compared to previous years?

JG: “There are new destinations and travel providers represented on the show floor, manned with their experts in the booths who are ready to help travelers find, plan, and book their next trips. There is new, updated travel information not just on the stages, where Phil Keoghan, Peter Greenberg, and others will be speaking, but in the booths as well. Updated itinerary options, new products and technology offerings, show-only deals, travel specials, and hands-on activities are all featured on the show floor in 2024.”

CLP: With the travel industry constantly evolving, how does the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show stay ahead of the curve in showcasing the latest trends and destinations for 2024?

JG: “We do our best to bring together the leading destinations and travel providers from around the world who represent all of the major segments in the travel industry. The hottest destinations, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel suppliers are all on hand with the local experts in their booths, armed with the latest information for 2024 and beyond. On the stages, the top minds in the industry are hand-picked to provide actionable advice, ranging from destination-specific information and recommendations to packing, technology, and budget travel tips. These industry leaders are traveling the world and picking up the latest info on the way.”

Overall, the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show served as a valuable resource for travel enthusiasts seeking inspiration and practical advice for their next journey.

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