I love a good travel show. I attended my first one a few years ago at New York City’s Javits Center, which takes place again this upcoming weekend (open to the public January 26-27). It was another one of my day trips from Philadelphia, this time with my husband and a friend of ours. We walked the easy mile or so from Penn Station to the Center taking in Manhattan as we went. The next day I couldn’t figure out why my arm was so sore. Finally, I realized it was the walk back to the station with the bags full of travel brochures and books that had done me in. Those same bags of materials I rifled through at home during the following weeks, with most ending up in the recycling bin. Now I know better. If I’m interested in a destination, I can always remember, write down or take a photo of the website/vendor and follow up later with an Internet search. Another tactic is to choose the leaflet over the 20-page guide.
Here are some other things I’ve learned from this and additional shows I have gone to in the Philadelphia area:
Get in for the lowest price possible
While these shows aren’t going to break your bank, why not save a few bucks on the entrance fee and use the money toward your next vacation or lunch/dinner after the show? If you are sure you’re going, buy your tickets online where they are generally discounted (watch out for a handling fee!) vs. at the door. Also, Google it. There may be another discount to be found if you spend a few minutes searching. And don’t think the show is going to sell out. Personally, I wait until closer to the date of the show before purchasing my tickets in case they need to discount more due to low attendance.
See if it’s worth your time
When I find out a travel show is coming, I visit their website and look at speakers, vendors, and other activities because who wants to waste a Saturday or Sunday on just an “ok” experience? I like to see if there are vendors from places I’ve never been or showcasing experiences I’ve never had that can give me more information on those topics.
Often there are speakers that interest me too. Arthur Frommer, Andrew McCarthy, Samantha Brown are a few that I’ve seen. Rick Steves was a featured speaker at one show. I had been watching him for years on PBS and have found him quite knowledgeable and entertaining, so it was a no-brainer that I wanted to attend the show. It’s a good thing he was there because otherwise I wasn’t impressed with the vendor list. A lot of the space was taken up by travel consolidators, or those vendors you see at a car or home show. It also was a smaller group of vendors, which meant we were done with the show earlier than expected.
Be friendly
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to just see booths for places I’ve never been too. I enjoy interacting with the folks behind the table because in most instances they are local to the places they are promoting, and they are proud to tell you about these destinations. Talk to them. It’s like going on a micro-trip. You could learn something new, even about a place you’ve been.
My husband especially loves to start these conversations. Once he talked to the person from Ocean City, MD about their airshow that we had been to the previous year. He and the gentleman at the booth ended up having such a great discussion, the man ended up giving my husband his card and told us to be his guest at the local car museum the next time we visited.
Another hint – showing interest or just being friendly could also land you that limited tchotchke that you saw a few others walking around the aisles holding.
Not buying? No problem.
I’ve never bought the “bargain price” trip on site. But it’s not in my make-up to be so impulsive or to not do some fact-checking when I get home. Generally, if something peaks my interest, these days I either take their flyer, which lists the special prices and gives a short description of the trip. At home I visit their website and do some comparison shopping. Make sure you check to see if taxes are included; if it’s a cruise are the port charges included or will they be added on to that best price ever? My advice is run away from any person who pitches too hard to you.
Be cautious – even after the show
Many booths will give you the opportunity to put your name in for prize drawings. And let’s face it, it’s a way to increase their mailing list. In the past I’ve seen people use those return address labels that you often get from non-profits. Of course, these days the form generally asks for an email address. If I really want more information or want to be put into a drawing, I normally just give my name and email address. And you can always set up an email address other than your main one for things like this. You can also unsubscribe from their emails if needed in the future. I rarely, if at all, give a phone number. When we did that a few years ago we had multiple calls telling us we were big winners and to call an 800#. We did some online research and learned this specific company had a habit of calling and wanting to sell you trips. Sorry, no big winners here!
What dreams are made of
Above all, allow the travel show to be a chance to learn more and dream about your next weekend getaway, family vacation, or that bucket list trip. Who knows. Just one idea gleaned from it could lead to one of your greatest life experiences. Enjoy the show – wherever you go to it!
4TunnelsTravel 