The Travel & Adventure Show series made Chicago its first stop of 2024. In its 20th year, it is the largest series of travel shows in the United States.

When I walked into Donald Stephens Convention Center, I was pleasantly surprised to see the enormity this year. It seemed bigger than ever.

As always, I started by meandering through the aisles, scanning the travel bookers, top destinations, tour operators, travel suppliers and more. Booths of all sorts filled the exhibition hall, but most creative might have been Winona’s with a big “Winona is the Miami of Minnesota” sign and pink flamingos.

Rick Steves lived up to his reputation as “America’s leading authority on European travel” with an informative and entertaining session on travel through Europe. Likewise, travel and outdoors expert Jennifer Broome captivated her audience with tips for solo travelers.

After those two sessions, I met a new friend. Based in Wisconsin, family-run New Beginnings Ranch supplies camel and pony rides and petting zoos. Most of the animals are rescues. Newton seemed to enjoy the attention and was affectionate as attendees rode him around his pen.

Travel & Adventure shows are scheduled for several more cities in 2024, including Denver, New York, Los Angeles and others across the country. Whether you work in the industry, plan to travel or just like fun shows, Travel & Adventure Shows have a lot to offer.

— John Wroblewski, online writer