Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?
This Weekend I Plan To: Attend The New York Times Travel Show in New York City!
This weekend your favorite Ascending Butterfly is covering The New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City!
Travel tends to combine ALL my loves: Music (during my journey), Photography (have DSLR will travel) and Foodie Adventures.
I love checking out The New York Times Travel Show and finding out about new trends and exploring fun destinations all under one roof!
Dubai will be one of the main sponsors of this years show, and they are definitely on my bucket list. I will be spending most of my day in the media panels and seminars on Friday and can't wait to explore the exhibitor floor when it opens. Dubai is on my travel bucket list and I can't wait to learn about this destination.
I also look forward to seeing the folks behind Puerto Rico Tourism to get a better sense on how the Island is doing after suffering such massive earthquakes!
Please keep both Australia and Puerto Rico in your prayers my butterflies, both are suffering from such devastating natural disaster!
If you haven't already done so, get your tickets today!
Are you attending The New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, hit me up on twitter at @Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1 so we can meet up! What is the top destination on your travel wish list this year?
FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I will be attending the show as Media/Press. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.
This Weekend I Plan To: Attend The New York Times Travel Show in New York City!
I am so glad I am in town this weekend and will be able to catch The New York Times Travel Show this weekend at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC.
Travel tends to combine ALL my loves: Music (during my journey), Photography (have DSLR will travel) and Foodie Adventures and I love checking out this show and finding out about new trends and exploring fun destinations all under one roof!
Are you attending The New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, hit me up on twitter at @Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1 so we can meet up! What is the top destination on your travel wish list this year?
FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I will be attending the show as Media/Press. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.
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?
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.
Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.
Followers
Follow us on Twitter @Tracy_Iglesias and @Ascending1