Six Reasons to Attend the New York Travel Festival

What are you doing next weekend? If you don’t have plans you do now. If you do have plans, it may be time to cancel them. The New York Travel Festival, a consumer focused travel show, will be held in New York City on April 20-21st. And yes, tickets are still available. But, why come? I outlined a 6 reasons I’d make it my weekend.

A Niche Approach

Travel, both the industry and the consumer often focus on destinations (passport stamps?) instead of the true reason people travel – experiences. And the New York Travel Festival highlights five such travel niches important to today’s traveler; Adventure and Outdoor, Cultural, Gay and Lesbian, Food and Wine, and Responsible and Eco-Sustainable.

List of Speakers, Panelists, and Special Guests

Have you seen the impressive list of travel expertise on the agenda for Saturday?  It starts with a keynote from National Geographic’s Andrew Evens (@WheresAndrew) and continues with talented travel expert after expert. And there is something for everyone across each niche including ways of traveling such as nomadic, family, solo and more. Much more. You will be hard pressed to find anything in the world of travel someone on Saturday can’t speak too. Plus, you’ll be able to ask questions too.

blowing my horn in Mexico

In fact, you might even have a hard time choosing. I know I am, except for one presentation.  Yes, I am presenting too.

My Mexico

Yes, I am excited to be presenting with the international sponsor – Mexico. Actually, I am a big fan of all three international sponsors (Czech Republic and Ireland are the other two) and I’ve enjoyed adventures in each country. But, if you read this site or follow @StayAdventurous on twitter, you know I am a fan of Mexico. A big fan.

And if you want to know how it all began, why I love the diverse country so much, and why I keep returning,  you can hear me talk about Mexico at the event at 2pm on the main stage.

Saturday Venue – The Bohemian National Hall

Gorgeous is the first word that comes to mind. I am not surprised considering the Bohemian National Hall was built to promote Czech heritage. And no, I don’t just say that, because it’s my heritage, but rather because of their (our) appreciation for beauty.

the main stage

Sure “content is king” and and the list of speakers will impress no doubt, but “setting is queen” and this place will set the mood and bring an energy. Did I mention it was gorgeous. In fact, this place is so nice, you can expect to pay New York City prices for lunch, so definitely make sure you select the ticket with lunch included.

Sunday Tours

my kind of Mexican tasting

The event is two days, the first day is 9am (doors open at 8am) to 530pm at the venue and the second day attendees take to the streets of New York City. All of New York City; all five boroughs are involved. The concept of travel is not just to distant lands but also to experience the unique aspects of home and in this case – New York City.

Each of the Sunday tours, provide participants a taste (and many involve food and drinks too) of the city. It’s a chance to remind yourself, New York is more then your neighborhood and its top ten tourist attractions. Much more. And you’ll learn that when picking your Sunday tour.

For those interested, you can find me on Sunday at the VIP Tour which involves Mexico.  If interested, you can find a special price for the VIP Package for both Saturday and Sunday here.

Travel Inspiration

Ok, what do you spend most of your free time talking or thinking about? Is it places you want to go, things you want to do, food you want to taste, adventures you want to have but they all seem impossible because life’s “responsibilities” get in the way? Sometimes we all feel we can never take the trip we really want.

the sunset often inspires me... Tamarindo, CR

I am not going to instruct you to change your entire mindset (now),  but I will tell you coming to an event such as the New York Travel Festival might just provide the reminder you need. It can be the moment when the lens is finally back in focus for a minute and you can see what you want in the world of travel. I know I’ll be inspired and will hope to inspire you. So, if you want to give yourself that moment, that chance, then join me at the festival. I hope to see you there.

stay adventurous, Craig