Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Not so #WordlessWednesday Photo Tour of The New York Times #Travel Show! @NYTTravelShow #NYTTravelShow

I had no idea when I walked into the Media Day for The New York Times Travel Show this year what a mess there would be at the Airports later that weekend. (And let's not even discuss the weekend schedule into the city on public transpo, thanks MTA! NOT!)

After what was an amazing weekend of  'exploring the world in one place' and connecting with my tribe of fellow travelers, 'wanderlusters' and writers - Editor friends would have trouble getting home, when Airlines experienced computer problems, and our new President issued a Travel Ban that caused chaos.

It took me a few days to figure out how to approach sharing my recap of the show. Should I stay silent about what is going on around the world? Just focus on the exhibitors? Tidbits from the Panels and Learning Sessions from Media Day only?

There are fundamental things in life that have the ability to 'transport' you:

(1) Reading
(2) Music
(3) Education

and last but certainly not least

(4) TRAVEL

Travel at its best expands our horizons, shows us just how much we have in common - it makes the world that much 'bigger'.

And that is exactly what The New York Travel Show achieved for me, here are some photo highlights:


Above: All-Inclusive Travel Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - the all-inclusive travel market is facing a ton of competition - including cruising, improvements are being made but travel buyers still need to research and evaluate a prospective all-inclusive carefully to be sure you are getting the most bang for your buck based on the way YOU travel. When you travel, do you sleep in late most days? Then an all-inclusive that includes breakfast is probably not a necessary expense for you. Do you hate buffets? Make sure your all-inclusive includes more than a buffet dining option.


Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show -  Norwegian Cruises let us know that the Norwegian Sky is going to Cuba with an overnight in Havana



Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - Celebrity Cruises will boast 61 overnight calls in Europe in 2017


Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - MSC Cruises focus on wellness powered by Technogym definitely caught my eye, if I can get away but still focus on 'staying centered' that is my idea of vacation nirvana! I have never taken a cruise before, but MSC has definitely got me tempted. Ascending Butterfly has always taken a 'Mind, Body, and Soul' approach to wellness and wellbeing and this is certainly right up my alley!

VIDEO - While I did take photos I thought sharing this video I shot at the Mexico Tourism Exhibitor Booth of a live Mariachi Band would be way more fun!



Below: The Media Day was sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, they hosted a really nice networking break:


Above: Costa Rican Coffee, an assortment of chocolate, and dried fruit to take home and some delicious empanadas to nibble on between sessions was a great break in between panels during Media Day. Learning is hungry business!


Above: It snowed yesterday here in New York City, I actually wish I was on a beach 'wasting away in Margaritaville' right about now! #LicensetoChill

Below: But it was the Giant Flip Flop that drew visitor's to the booth!




Above: The India Tourism Board caught my eye especially after the special screening of Lion starring SAG nominee Dev Patel that I got to attend earlier in the month (I will share a full review on the movie soon) and I couldn't help but nab a close up of the eye catching elephant statues.




ABOVE: Indonesia also had a super eye catching booth!


Above: At the Indonesia Tourism Booth they offered the chance to customize a bookmark with your name in Javanese Characters which as an avid reader I thought was awesome and I definitely took advantage of this, it will be a very treasured bookmark!


Above: The interactive mailbox at Live the Language definitely caught my eye, I would love to learn a new language abroad! Yes Please!

Cultural Performances:


Above: 2017 New York Times Travel Show  - The New York Korean Performing Arts Center drum and dance in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Asia Stage Cultural Performance.


Above: Korean Martial Arts Group takes Asia Stage at The New York Times Travel Show (I have studied several forms of Martial Arts, seeing this was a great reminder I need to get back into it!)


Above: Cultural Dance Performance - The New York Times Travel Show 2017

Above: What is a tradeshow without a fun cocktail reception right? ManAboutWorld hosted a cocktail reception sponsored by the Tourism Boards of both Florida and Arizona, and they definitely get cool swag mentions for the McClendon's Select Organic Red Grapefruit Soaps! Not to mention the Tequila Glasses for the Margaritas were super cute too! LGBT travel was the focus of this party which I hopes become an annual one for the show.

MY TAKE:

The New York Times Travel Show does a great job of improving it's Media Day each year, I am there now as Press, but many moons ago I worked for an Airline (that is still very much in business) in the Caribbean Sales Division where I sold directly to the Agencies that sold to the end consumer. I will always have a strong interest in the 'business' side of travel and where it's headed, the technology that is always changing and adapting to suit the needs of the tech savvy traveler and finding unique travel ideas, products and experiences.

It also activates a fresh case of 'wanderlust-itis' - that won't go away until I board a plane again!

Readers Sound Off: What destination(s) is top on your travel bucket list this year?

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FTC Disclosure: I was granted Press Access to the New York Times Travel Show for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

21 comments:

  1. I bet this was a fun event. I've never heard of a travel show. I'd love to attend one someday. I do love to travel. I would definitely appreciate some tips on how to get the most out of my trips.

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    1. @Jenn There are so many ways to save, searching for both hotel fares and airline tickets online, considering a good all-inclusive (food has a sneaky way of taking up A LOT of a travel budget) and being flexible on when you travel are all great ways to save - tips you will definitely on these pages, so be sure to check out older posts and search our archives! :)

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  2. Sounds like a really interesting event. I personally love an all inclusive as then you don't need to worry about anything once you get to the resort or take the cruise etc (usually, unless its a fake all inclusive, i.e. the upsell vacation from hell) so its good to hear that this is a growth market.

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    1. @Sue I remember the early days of all inclusive so I know what you mean, thankfully its grown in leaps and bounds and offers budget conscious travelers a way to stretch their travel dollars. (The more I save the more I can buy unique souvenirs! LOL) ;-)

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  3. I really wanted to attend this - next year for sure! It's great that you got to visit with the Costa Rica tourism board!

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    1. @Sky If you do attend the show next year please let me know, I always tweet out before the show just in case folks want to meet up, I can't attend the entire show but I do come in for Media Day.

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  4. Oh man. I wish I could add all of those places to my list. Looks like such a fun event. I think my top travel place this year would be to a beach - not picky!

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    1. @Censie I am a beach bum too! Buffet may have wrote Margaritaville for me! LOL :-)

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  5. Sounds like such a great show! I am loving that HIGE flip flop! Travel definitely is so much fun and people should definitely take full advantage of all of the great things and places to see.

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    1. @Mistee - I love the New York Times Travel Show, it's such a fun show to explore, it definitely increases my wanderlust though! Which can be dangerous and make it hard to focus on work, LOL :-)

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  6. I love to travel and hope that in the coming years, as my kids get older, that we are able to travel more. Honestly, I'm not even very picky as to where we go, I just enjoy exploring other places and cultures. This looks like a great show!

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    1. @Phoebe - Same here, I'm a 'have passport will travel' kind of gal myself! #DestinationAnywhere for sure!

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  7. Looks fantastic! What an experience too!The huge flip flop is so awesome and screams summer time!

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    1. @Crystal - There was no way I could bypass that giant flip flop! LOL

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  8. Wow, all of this is amazing! I love to travel, I just wish I had more time and money to do it! We are actually working on plans for a 15 year anniversary trip and I think I need to check out some of these places.

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    1. @Mariah Congrats and Happy 15th Anniversary! Please let us know where you decide to go and tag us on twitter @Ascending1 or @Tracy_Iglesias so we can see your neat anniversary vacay photos!

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  9. Now I had no idea they had a travel show. How cool. I want to go. I guess it would make sense to do it in New York since people have a higher income bracket there.

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    1. @Valerie The New York Times Travel Show is more than likely hosted in NYC because it is run by the New York Times! I don't think it is so much an income bracket thing as a location thing! :-)

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  10. Oh wow, this seems to be such an amazing experience! As a traveler, I loved reading this post and I hope I get to see this for myself too!

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    1. @Aileen I love tradeshows, they are super long days with a ton of ground to cover, but the all the sights and sounds of the show are so exhilarating and fun!

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  11. @Stephanie I am super curious what gave you that impression. I live in New York City. WITHOUT a roommate, I definitely know how hard it is to make ends meet in this city, there is a high of cost living here. I certainly know that not all New Yorkers have high incomes. What did I write that gave you that impression?

    Which local tour company were you with?

    Which destination did you see that is on your wish list to visit next?

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