The Travel & Adventure Show series made Chicago its first stop of the year. In its 18th year, with more than 100 previous events, it filled the exhibit hall with travel brands, experts and celebrities.

Television host Samantha Brown started Saturday with a presentation on travel in 2023. An Emmy Award winner, Brown gave advice on how to identify what you want out of travel and how to get it.

After checking out a few exhibits, I attended a session featuring Emmy Award-winning reporter and producer Peter Greenberg. I am a longtime fan of the “Travel Detective” from his television appearances and his many books. Greenberg spoke about the new rules, challenges and rewards of current travel.

Other speakers included “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly, an industry expert on loyalty programs and credit cards; “The Private Tours Guy,” Julian Douglas; and author Pauline Frommer. Over the two days of the show, more than 30 presentations covered all aspects of travel.

There were also several interactive exhibits, my favorite being the camel ride from Peanut of New Beginnings Ranch. A family-run business based in Wisconsin, New Beginnings Ranch offers camel and pony rides, along with petting zoos, using mostly rescued animals. Due to the lengthy line, I did not get a chance to ride Peanut, but I did marvel at the magnificent animal.

Chicago-based Steve’s Segway Tours had Segways and Trikkes available for learning and fun. I previously took advantage of their instruction and found it extremely useful, as I have since taken several Segway tours and am completely comfortable on a Segway.

After Chicago there are seven more shows in the next few months alone, including in Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. No matter what your travel interest is, there is something for all at the Travel & Adventure Show.

— John Wroblewski, online writer