5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Travel Expo

Have you ever attended a travel expo? If you have you know how great they can be. And if you haven’t been to a travel and tourism show then you’re missing out! There are a ton of benefits to going to one of these shows. After attending The Outdoor Adventure Show this past weekend I was blown away and knew I had to convince others to not only attend this show but a travel show near you. So, I’ve compiled 5 reasons why YOU should attend a travel expo.

What is a Travel Expo?

A travel expo is similar to a trade show but open to the public. They’re usually held in large event centres and showcase an array of travel exhibitors. You’ll find everything from tourism boards, travel gear, tour companies, and other travel related brands. And there is always a variety of things going on, like The Outdoor Adventure Show has a rock climbing wall, demonstrations, presentations, products to try, and more.

Attend a Travel Expo Near You

There are countless travel expos around the world. So, it should be easy to find one near you. The largest outdoor adventure and travel show in Canada is The Outdoor Adventure Show. It’s held in numerous big cities across Canada every year. And is home to over 300 exhibits that offer everything from the latest outdoor gear to amazing adventure travel destinations. And to help inspire your next adventure there are over 100 presentations that cover everything from paddling to international travel.

A few other big travel shows around the world include; the New York Times Travel Show, the Vancouver International Travel Expo, and the World Travel Expo in Australia.

5 Reasons Why YOU Should Attend a Travel Expo

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

The number one reasons to attend a travel expo is because it’s the BEST place to help you start planning your next adventure. Like at The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show this year there was a huge focus on Newfoundland & Labrador travel. And there were exhibits on everything from what to do in St. John’s to how best to explore Gros Morne National Park, and a ton more that Newfoundland & Labrador has to offer.

And this is key, speaking with the folks at the booths will not only inspire you to visit their destinations or join their tours, but they have the BEST information to help you plan the perfect adventure.

Related Post: What Does Adventure Mean to You?

Talk to Professionals

Another great reason to attend a travel expo is that you can speak directly with the people behind the scenes. These are not travel agents spewing what you want to hear. These professionals know their stuff and will give you the best advice on when to visit a destination, what are some of the best tours and ways to explore – many you probably haven’t heard of, and they can give you all the information, pamphlets, and websites to ensure you have the best adventure.

Like at the Outdoor Adventure Show this year I got to speak with not only someone from the Nunavut tourism board but also ladies from Parks Canada who not only live there but travel and work in Nunavut.

As well as tour operators that are from Nunavut. All of this lead to incredible conversations about the truth behind Nunavut, what to do there, how to get around, and real local advice.

Discover New Destinations & Tour Companies

Sometimes browsing the web in search of a tour company or a new place to visit can be overwhelming. But at a travel expo you’ll discover a ton of great places to visit that might not have been on your radar. And talking with the representatives of that destination they can help you find where to go and what to do that is geared towards your interests.

And there are always a wide array of tour companies, many large and well known and some small but just as great. You’ll find everything from dive tours to group tours to off the beaten path destinations, and even tour companies that can customize a tour for you. And speaking to the folks from each will help you find the best fit for you.

Like at the Outdoor Adventure Show I learned about a woman from Uganda that created a tour company for woman travellers, Women Tour Uganda. An adventure cruise company, One Ocean Expeditions, which will help you explore the Canadian Arctic. And I even discovered a non-profit organization, Paddle Co-op, which offers affordable whitewater kayaking and canoe trips in Ontario, and the money helps support youth leadership programs.

Get Great Deals

If you love deals than you should definitely attend a travel expo! Whether you’re looking for new camping gear, a new backpack, or great clothing, a travel expo is full of awesome deals on all the gear you need. Many things are greatly reduced or even half off.

And not only is there deals on outdoor and travel gear, but also on tours. I noticed most of the tour companies at The Outdoor Adventure Show were offering deals off tours for attendees or if you signed up for their newsletter. Some were hundreds of dollars off and one I noticed was a two for one deal!

Enter ALL the Contests

When you attend a travel expo you’ll be blown away by all the contests there are. Be sure to enter ALL the contests you can. You never know when you might win. And someone has to win – and it could totally be YOU!

At The Outdoor Adventure Show there were a ton of contests. There were contests on everything from winning free gear to winning a $10,000 adventure vacation with Exodus Travels, and even a 7-Day RV rental.

So, be sure to attend a travel expo near you. And whether you live in Canada or are visiting, make sure to visit The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show the next time it arrives in a city near you!

I was a guest of The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show. But as always all opinions and experiences are my own

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