Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Experience
Last week I took a quick one-day trip to Chicago specifically to attend the Travel & Adventure Show.
If you get my newsletter, yesterday I shared a few reasons why this is the time of the year to search out “shows” and some of my favorites – if you don’t get it, why not sign up right now so you don’t miss a thing?
This was my first time attending this show and it didn’t disappoint! If you love to travel or just want ideas for new places to go, this is an event worth checking out. The Chicago show is over, but there are still a number of these events happening all over the country.
If you plan on attending any shows this winter, why not make a whole day of it? That’s what we do! For this one, I arrived in the area around lunchtime, so opened my favorite travel app Yelp and looked for a place to get a bite to eat. Near the convention center were tons of chain restaurants, but I always prefer something local. ShortFuse Brewing seemed to fit the bill. Just a half mile from the convention center, this local brewery has been open for about a year and a half. With about a dozen beers on tap and a nice guest cider, it was pretty easy to find a drink I enjoyed. The menu was fantastic. It covered everything from interesting takes on typical bar appetizers and sandwiches to a wide variety of pizzas. Since it was the weekend, they also had a special brunch menu. After I had fueled up, I headed over to the convention center.
As soon as I entered the convention room, I knew I was in for a treat. Imagine hundreds of cities, countries, touring companies, cruise lines, and other travel-related services all in one area ready to share why their location is the best. Very fun. In addition to all the travel booths, this show had camel and segway rides, scuba diving (yes, in a portable pool set up inside the convention center) and talks from top travel celebrities such as Samantha Brown, Pauline Frommer, and Rick Steves.
Although I appreciate swag as much as the next girl, I was most interested in meeting some of the representatives from several locations either near me or the places I planned to visit in the next year. That’s what I spent my time doing – learning about the locations that interested me the most.
It was fun talking to people who love travel and love their destinations, and it was wonderful dreaming about all the exciting trips I can plan for the next year. For me, one afternoon was plenty and I headed home once I had met with every place that interested me. As I can’t resist a fun roadside stop, I took a quick break at Fair Oaks Farms to pick up some delicious Gouda for my son – he’s a big fan! I also saw signs for several interesting wineries that I’m going to have to create a little trip to cover in the future!
All in all, a show like this is a fantastic way to spend a cold and dreary winter afternoon.
Do you like going to this type of event? Which one is your favorite? Why?
Don’t want to forget to look for a Travel & Adventure show in your area? Or a delicious brewery? Pin for later: 
This sounds like so much fun and I would love to meet Rick Steves someday!
Me too! I didn’t see him but did watch a bit of Samantha Brown’s presentation – I used to LOVE watching her on the Travel Channel.
I love going to the travel show. In fact, it was going to one that started me down this road last year. I have to say, it was fun! And I met some very nice people at the show, and it was very informative.
That is terrific!
Oh wow this looks so fun! I’m going to have to see if there is one in my area sometime soon!
Hopefully!
I definitely need to find one close to me. I am sure it is full of great ideas!
Yes, I found a few places I hadn’t thought of visiting that looked very interesting.
My goal is to get to one of these this year!
Excellent goal!
I wrote an article on my website about this travel show a couple months ago! I’m so glad you had a great time! It looks like a really good travel show.
Fun! It was a great one, wasn’t it?
Never heard of a travel show, but I would love to check one out!! Wish they were coming closer to Florida!
Yes, I’m surprised there isn’t one near FL!
That’s so neat! Will need to look into attending a Travel Show for sure!
You definitely should!
Sounds like a great time!
Thanks! It was.
Sounds like fun and Informative. Will keep my eyes open for one near me.
Hope you find one!
A travel show is a wonderful idea. I have not been to one. Looks like a great way to learn about activities.
Yes, if you want new ideas of places to go – this is a great show.
I always look forward to this show! Enjoy!
It was so fun!
Great idea! I have not attended a travel show but I’ll need to watch and see if I can find one in my area.
Fingers crossed!
I have never been to a travel show, and I totally want to go to one. I really enjoyed reading all this info, and I am definitely going to check out any travel shows in my area! Great info, great post! 🙂
Good! Hope you find one near you!
How fun! I would love to check out a travel show!
Looks like it was a fun day! I’ve never been to a travel show before.
My first time too!
I love the adventure elements of this show: camels, Segways, and diving! Pretty cool!
Yes, that was pretty neat – my kids would love that, so would keep them happy if they come along next year.
I didn’t even know that Travel and Adventure Shows existed! I definitely need to sign up for the newsletter.
It was new to me this year too – and so much fun.
I fo to my first travel show tomorrow and I can’t wait!
Have a blast!
Living close to Chicago, I’ll need to attend the next travel show!
Yep, it’ll be back next year – I’ll be there too!
Sounds like you had a great day full of fun!!
It really was fun – worth all the driving!
I would LOVE to attend a travel and adventure show. How much fun is that!! Never mind the fact that it was in Chicago, old stomping grounds for our family. You have me wanting to go back to visit all over again.
I so wish I’d had more time in Chicago, but I’m heading back the end of February for a quick weekend getaway, so I’ll get to do some more fun stuff then!
Thank you for the insight on what a travel show is like. We’re hoping to go to a few travel shows and conventions later this year. As a new blog we’re a little intimidated though.
It sounds like they’re a lot of fun and we’d love to hear a talk from Rick Steves 🙂
Don’t be intimidated – they are lots of fun and so interesting!
I’ve struggled to write a good “About me” page for a while. I didn’t want it to be a diary and a rambling only about myself, but at the same time, I wanted to have some personality there. And so I did what I usually do – I opened up a bunch of other blogger’s “About me” page and analyzed what they have written.