As a travel writer I’m fortunate to visit many exciting destinations. Recently I was able to learn about some new destinations to me, as well as meet some travel experts during the Bay Area Travel Adventure Show in Santa Clara, California. The theme I took away from this year’s show was travel smart. Rick Steves shared European travel tips, Samantha Brown spoke on the importance of travel rituals, Johnny Jet talked about how to travel like a rock star, Pauline Frommer helped plan your next vacation and Angel Castellanos shared how to pack smarter. This, in addition to meeting over 200 travel providers under one roof, is a great place to learn from the experts, dream, plan and book your next trip.
What better place is there to learn about European travel destinations than from the travel writer and television host Rick Steves? Attendees were able to pick up copies of Steves’ books and pose for a selfie with the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. I asked Steves for his best value destination in Europe and his response was that it was wherever your travel dreams take you. “You should go where you want to go and know how to travel smartly there,” notes Steves.
As a seasoned traveler, but looking at travel through the eyes of a new mother with twins, Samantha Brown offered a different perspective. “Put down the phone and just go for a walk,” recommends Brown. “Go where the people live. This is my happiest when I travel, I walk. Enjoy the mundane. Create a ritual.”
How to pack smart
For all of us with wanderlust in our hearts, reality tells us that we still have to do our travel research, book our tickets if we are flying to our destination and pack. After sitting in on Angel Castellanos “How to Pack Smart” seminar I walked away with more than one useful tip from the travel ambassador.
“Think of your travel wardrobe as flexible and versatile,” said Castellanos. He uses Eagle Creek Packing Cubes to maximize space in his luggage.
One of the key benefits of attending the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show is meeting with tour operators from so many unique destinations. I had a chance to learn about the Dominican Republic directly from the tourism board. I’ll be sailing to this beautiful island with Fathom via cruise ship on a voluntourism mission later this year. I look forward to visiting Puerto Plata and working alongside the local Dominicans in my efforts to travel with purpose.
Closer to home, I am planning a couple of trips to Oregon this year; rafting the Rogue River in southern Oregon with Row Adventures, a trip to Portland and possibly a visit to the Roseburg area. That’s after I return from a quick trip to Las Vegas. I’ll be putting Johnny Jets’ tips on “How to Travel Like a Rock Star” into play for this Nevada adventure. Thanks, Johnny!
Insider tip
2017 dates for Travel & Adventure Show February 11-12, 2017. For additional insider tips follow @nancydbrown on Twitter and Travel & Adventure Show @TravAdventure.
If You Go:
Travel & Adventure Show http://www.travelshows.com/sanfrancisco
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, California 95054