With the holidays now behind us, it’s time to plan the new year, including vacations. If you’re looking for ideas on where to go this year, the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show in Rosemont, Illinois, coming up January 17-18, is a great place to do research. Get inspiration as you browse the exhibit floor, attend seminars and workshops featuring celebrity speakers, see demonstrations and taste samples of international cuisine cooking, and watch entertainers perform dances from distant lands.

The Exhibits
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway to a Midwest destination or an adventure like an African safari or a trek in Nepal, you’ll find plenty of information among the show’s 300+ exhibitors. Gather brochures and chat with destination tourism bureaus, tour operators and resort representatives. Meet Alaskan sled dogs, ride a camel or try out deep-sea diving in the Dive Industry Association’s not-so-deep dive pool.

Discover new travel gadgets like Pick-Pocket Proof Pants^TM and the NapAnywhere, which allows you to sleep sitting up. I’m anxious to see the Pocket Poppet Cardigan, a women’s sweater that stows in a small pouch when not in use.

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Seminars and Workshops Featuring Celebrities
In the Travel Channel Theater hear inspiring travel stories, learn invaluable tips, and have your picture taken with travel celebrities, including the Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown; “Travel Detective” Peter Greenberg; Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of the Frommer’s Guides; and Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Cheryl Strayed, New York Times best-selling author of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail will discuss her 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Coast Trail, a story recently adapted into a movie.

More Entertainment and Information
Grab a front-row seat at the Taste of Travel Stage where top chefs will hold live cooking demonstrations. You may even get to sample the dishes. Over 20 exotic cultural performances will take place on the Global Beats Stage throughout the weekend. At the Destination Theater get in-depth information on specific popular travel destinations, and at the Savvy Traveler Stage learn how-to tips on smart travel using the latest products and technology.

If you attend:

• Do some research beforehand. Check the keynote speakers schedule to determine which you want to see and set an alarm on your cell phone as a reminder. Browse the list of exhibitors to be sure you don’t miss booths you may be interested in.
• Seats for seminars featuring celebrities fill up quickly. If you want to sit up front, get there early.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
• Dress in layers, as it can get rather warm in the convention center. Take advantage of the coat check.
• Don’t carry a lot with you, as you’ll be picking up lots of brochures, which can get heavy.

The Chicago Travel & Adventure Show is held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located at 5555 N River Road in Rosemont, Illinois, January 17-18, 2015. The show opens to the public on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the web site to purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $11 for a single day or $17 for two days (use promo code CHPR). On-site the tickets are $16 (single day) $25 (two days). Children 16 and under enter free.

Other Posts that May Interest You:

Here ‘n There in the Midwest: A Look Ahead to 2015

Top 2014 Midwest Wanderer Travel Experiences

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