Your next vacation could start here
Studies show that Americans leave hundreds of millions of their vacation days unused every year. Why could that be? Well, for starters, planning a vacation can be a job in and of itself these days. Expedia research says that travelers visit 277 web pages before booking a trip—an increase of over 700% in the last 10 years.
This phenomenon might explain why the Travel & Adventure Show Series has grown so popular in recent years, with 140,000 travelers attending across nine events in 2025. Imagine the hottest destinations, trusted tour operators, myriad cruise lines and the top travel experts all in one place, there to answer questions, share tips and even offer a deal or two. You’ll leave with a much bigger bucket list—and possibly even your next vacation. Now in its 21st year, the traveling travel show is going coast-to-coast in 2026, adding new stops in Seattle (Jan. 10-11) and South Florida (Feb. 28-March 1) to the regular rotation that includes New York City (Jan. 24-25), Chicago (Feb. 21-22) and Los Angeles (March 7-8).
Here's why you should go when it comes to your town.
It's a one-of-a-kind one-stop travel shop
With the proliferation of travel websites on the Internet, A.I. tools promising to make travel planning as easy as clicking a button and just about everyone with a smartphone and a social media account claiming to be an influencer, it can be tough to discern what information is truly useful. In spite of all of this technology, studies continue to show that travelers rely most on "word of mouth" recommendations. That's why the Travel & Adventure Shows can be so useful.
The only travel trade show series in the United States gives 140,000 active travelers access to a curated collection of exhibitors that are experts in their field, with on-the-ground knowledge that can guide you toward the right destinations or travel experiences for your next trip.
Looking for road trip ideas? There's local tourism boards that will go the extra mile so that you visit their town. Want to customize your trip? Tour operators that specialize in everything from safaris to solo travel to dive vacations can help find the right fit. Considering a cruise? There are both large and boutique cruise lines ready to help you get on board. Need a beach getaway? Sunny spots across the globe can give you a sense of why they are a "shore" thing.
You can travel the world in a single day
Imagine if you could visit Jamaica, Uganda and the Galapagos without racking up thousands of frequent flyer miles. The show floor at the Travel & Adventure Show is where this can happen. Organized by region of the world and traveling interest, it's not hard to find inspiration for your next vacation.
In a few hours, you'll talk to top destinations and meet tour operators and cruise lines that plan thousands of trips a year. Some offer giveaways for free trips, and many will have jaw-dropping prices that you can only get at the show.
The Seattle lineup includes overseas destinations such as Costa Rica and Korea and domestic hot spots like Greater Palm Springs and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Get expert advice and booking help from top tour operators such as Collette and Goway Travel. You can even visit with top cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea and Celebrity.
You'll hear directly from the experts
Perhaps just as valuable as the chance to talk to destination experts and travel planners, is the opportunity to get valuable travel tips and hacks from leading experts in the industry. A full lineup of speakers will give you insights into where to go, when to go, how to save money and how to travel safely and sustainably.
At the Seattle event, the impressive list of speakers include travel expert Rick Steves, CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg and Frommer's Guides Editorial Director Pauline Frommer. You can also hop into the Destination Theater to take a deeper dive on destinations such as Alaska, Africa, the Cook Islands and the Mexican Caribbean.
Don't leave home without it
Perhaps the best way to attend a Travel & Adventure Show is with an open mind.
Follow your nose to sample a regional delicacy at a food tasting; scale a climbing wall or try on SCUBA gear; sip and savor wines or spirits from across the globe; listen and learn about the latest travel trends; and meet other travelers ready for their next adventure.