Cultural Stage (2017)
Presenters & schedule subject to change.
Saturday, February 11
10:30a
1,000 Places to See Before You Die – U.S. & Canada (REVISED EDITION)
Author Patricia Schultz shares her favorite destinations in North America drawn from her recently updated title 1000 Places To See in the U.S. & Canada Before You Die. Patricia shares anecdotes, interesting facts and beautiful photography that illustrate the continent’s countless treasures, including scenic highways, world-class museums and the best BBQ dives that warrant a stop. Come along for a virtual road trip from sea to shining sea!
Book signings follow at on-site Bookstore.
11:30a
Discover Your Celtic Story with Brendan Vacations
Ashley Vaughan with Brendan Tours details authentic Ireland vacations, planned by locals that will transport you to the magic of the Emerald Isle. Join us and explore the many places of intrigue and the countless ways you can create Your Brendan Story.
12:00p
Pauline Frommer – Insider Tips for Creating Great Vacations in All Price Ranges
Pauline Frommer – Editorial Director of Frommer Travel Guides and award-winning travel journalist – discusses secrets that the travel industry doesn’t want you to know about how to avoid overpaying for lodgings, activities and airfares. She’ll also discuss how to tailor the right itinerary for your interests and budget, how new developments in travel will affect your next vacation, and some destinations you should be considering.
Book signings follow at on-site Bookstore.
1:00p
1,000 Places to See Before You Die – Emerging Destinations: Iran, Cuba, Myanmar and Antarctica
Best-selling author Patricia Schultz showcases four eye-opening destinations that will have you reconsider your bucket list: Iran, Myanmar, Cuba and Antarctica (including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia). Learn why Americans are joining the still limited number of travelers who return with similar tales of an authentic, safe, fascinating and welcoming adventure.
Book signings follow at on-site Bookstore.
2:00p
Emerald Waterways – Europe’s Newest Deluxe River Cruise Line
Linda Gruneklee with Emerald Waterways shares information about the newest deluxe 4-star river cruise line in Europe. Learn why Emerald Waterways was awarded Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise for Value in 2015 and 2016!
2:30p
Traveling With Heart: Giving back when traveling can enhance your travels and your life
Traveling with a purpose, voluntourism and socially conscious travel are some of the fastest growing segments of travel and add more dimension and depth to your journeys. Robert Rose, producer and host of Raw Travel TV, will explore the many ways travelers can give back and why voluntourism is becoming so popular.
3:00p
Vacation Resorts International – Dominican Republic: History & Dancing
Get ready to enjoy the action and adventure of the Dominican Republic. Following a brief presentation about the D.R., dancers will show you some basic steps of Merengue and Bachata so that you’re ready to hit the dance floor!
3:30p
Martinique Magnifique: Your Perfect Caribbean Winter Escape
Learn what makes Martinique’s Fun & Sun unique, and enter a raffle to win two tickets to paradise! Just 4 hours from Boston, the affordable luxury of Martinique is renowned for its lush rainforest, white sand beaches, delectable culinary experience, highly awarded rum, and rich French and Creole history and culture.
4:00p
5 Things to Know Before Planning Your Italy Vacation
Join Brandon Shaw, Italy vacation expert and co-founder of The Roman Guy, as he helps you avoid 5 common mistakes that people tend to make when planning their Italy vacations. Having lived in Italy for over a decade, Brandon knows how to help you make the most of your experience.
4:30p
Women Traveling Solo: Making the Most of Your Next Adventure
From inspiring memoirs like Eat Pray Love to news stories of violence abroad, it’s hard for women to know what to expect when exploring the world by themselves. Join Beth Santos, founder and CEO of leading women’s travel community Wanderful, for some key tips and tricks for women planning their first solo adventure.
5:00p
Travel Blogging Made Easy
Ever dream about leaving that 9-5 and catapulting yourself into the world of travel blogging full-time? Beth Santos of Wanderful is joined by travel blogging experts Lillie Marshall, Robin Hutson and Nathaniel Boyle to share their experiences, debunk myths, and help you learn how to get into the field, whether for fun or for profit.
5:30p
Cultural Music and Dances performed by “Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP)”
Filipino-American students of a local Filipino School perform cultural music and dances characteristic of the Philippines.
6:00p
Show Floor Closes
Sunday, February 12
10:00a
Show Floor Opens
11:00a
Intrepid Vacations – The “Taste” of Adventure
By pairing the classic grassroots Intrepid travel style with a special food focus, their culinary itineraries expose you to the world’s most exciting food cultures, be it chomping a trail through Thailand’s food markets, or touring Tuscan vineyards. Uncover a world of authentic, mouth-watering food tours designed to suit any budget, appetite and time frame.
11:30a
Traveling With Heart: Giving back when traveling can enhance your travels and your life
Traveling with a purpose, voluntourism and socially conscious travel are some of the fastest growing segments of travel and add more dimension and depth to your journeys. Robert Rose, producer and host of Raw Travel TV, will explore the many ways travelers can give back and why voluntourism is becoming so popular.
12:00p
Pauline Frommer – Insider Tips for Creating Great Vacations in All Price Ranges
Pauline Frommer – Editorial Director of Frommer Travel Guides and award-winning travel journalist – discusses secrets that the travel industry doesn’t want you to know about how to avoid overpaying for lodgings, activities and airfares. She’ll also discuss how to tailor the right itinerary for your interests and budget, how new developments in travel will affect your next vacation, and some destinations you should be considering.
Book signings follow at on-site Bookstore.
1:00p
MSC Cruises – The Fastest Growing Cruise Line in History
Join Connie Wallace as she details why MSC Cruises is the top ocean cruise line in Europe, South America and South Africa, and how it is now taking North America by storm. With 12 award-winning ships and another 11 NEW ones on the way, you’ll see why MSC Cruises is the “fastest growing cruise line in history”.
1:30p
Vacation Resorts International – Dominican Republic: Game Show & Video
Get ready to enjoy the action and adventure of the Dominican Republic. Following a brief video about the D.R., audience members can compete in a trivia contest for a week-long, all-inclusive resort vacation in the D.R. for 2 people (must be 18; airfare not included).
2:00p
The Digital Traveler: Best Apps, Photos & Travel Products
As a travel writer and columnist for the Boston Globe, Chris Muther has covered everything from local haunts to global destinations and travel trends. In this presentation, he’ll detail the best phone apps and products for your travels, as well as ways to improve your travel photography.
2:30p
Discover Portugal: The Beauty of Simplicity with Sagres Vacations
Portugal marries old-fashioned charm with the subtle nuance of contemporary sophistication. Both classic and distinctly modern, Portugal is a paradox that captivates even the most unassuming visitor, offering a rich European history of castles and century-old wineries, warm climate throughout the year, golden sand beaches, top-rated family resorts, and exclusive authentic experiences.
6:00p
Show Floor Closes