Recap of 2014 New York Times Travel Show - Top Takeaways and #Travel News!

By the time you read this I will be well underway to somewhere fun to celebrate my birthday this weekend! Perfect how it fell on a Friday this year!

I love to travel and jumped at the chance to take in the New York Times Travel Show this year (at what is beginning to feel like my second home this year, The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City). I was born and raised in the North East US so I naturally gravitate to warmer climate travel options, but I also wanted to learn more about Destinations I haven't yet visited, and travel options like Cruising which I haven't yet tried.

It is super easy to get distracted with all the sights, sounds, color and excitement at the show that's for sure, so I highly suggest journalists (be it print or digital) take some time in the Press Area to get organized and solidify your plan of attack. If you have a general idea you can explore the Trade Show by zones and speaking to the representatives will give you a better idea of which destination and property are the best fit for you.

I wanted to recap the show both with Photos, as well as new news and top takeaways:

"Take 2" Shuttle Transfer Service

As someone who doesn't drive I was excited to learn about Universal Orlando's latest offering "Take 2" Shuttle Transfer Service. Vacationing in Central Florida and forgot to book a rental car or just don't even want to do all the driving? For only $39 per adult be sure to add on 'The Take 2 Shuttle Transfer Ticket' - then enjoy meet and greet transfer service provided by Quick Transportation from your Walt Disney World hotel to your Universal Orlando Resort on -site hotel and then to Orlando International Airport (MCO) via Taxi Sedan/Van.

Her skirt reads 'Dushi Hende'  which is an interesting initiative by the Curaçao Tourist Board 

Tropical rhythms from the folks representing Antigua and Barbuda!

Ceylon Enterprises Group of SRI LANKA provided a moment of Zen!

Now you know butterflies will always catch my eye! I have yet to visit the Dominican Republic, but would like to!

of course I had to get a close up, the Dominican Republic Booth had handcrafted items available for sale at their display booth during the New York Times Travel Show

Tourism Malaysia had such an eye-catching display I just had to stop!

Sea World had live animals in their display area so needless to say they drew quite a crowd! 

Sea World Display Area at 2014 New York Times Travel Show

I have to admit I have never visited Sea World!

Sea World Display Area at 2014 New York Times Travel Show

Everyone thought this little guy was some kind of animatronic robot but he is REAL! It was the smallest, cutest, sweetest bird ever! I so wanted to touch it.

Owl Above: In fact this sweet little guy is a rescue! Kudos to Sea World for taking care of him. His movements were slow and deliberate he really did look like a little robot, and it was only with trainer handling that the crowd was able to understand he is real. Those eyes were so soulful they drew everyone in!

I spent the most time speaking with 'Da Pineapple Guy' he truly embodied the 'Aloha Spirit'

Don't leave Hawaii without calling 'Da Pineapple Guy' so you can bring back the sweetest trip souvenir - Fresh Pineapple and Fresh Papayas!

I spent the most time speaking with 'Da Pineapple Guy', who offers an awesome Pineapple Delivery Service. I LOVE that! My most cherished memories of many of my warm weather vacations are actually fruit related in some way. In Puerto Rico it was eating Mangoes fresh from the tree from the Farm of a local while enjoying the view from the comfort of my Balcony for Breakfast one morning. On another trip it was the Breadfruit I ate in Barbados at The Round House Restaurant taking in the spectacular view of the rugged East Coast of Barbados. The Pineapple Guy can arrange to have the Tropical Gold variety of pineapples (which have been proven to be the sweetest and lowest acid pineapples available in Hawaii, grown on the north shore of Oahu) sent right to your door or your hotel the day before you leave. They are picked fresh daily, inspected & pre-certified making them airport ready and you can also arrange to have Papayas delivered as well. Out of all the vendors there he truly asked me genuine questions about what it is I do and the business side of blogging. He is a proud dad, and someone who showed me a taste of true Aloha Spirit. I have never visited Hawaii, but my time with him certainly bumped this beautiful destination up my travel wish list! There are even instructional videos on his site on how to cut a Pineapple. You can tell his heart is in his work, his family and his homeland. It was really cool to make a genuine connection with someone there that went beyond a sort of rote memory bullet points, someone who was just so in the moment, it brought me back into focus! I also left his booth with dark chocolate Macadamia Nuts, and Hershey's Macadamia covered kisses, both of which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and now I  need to arrange a trip to go get some more!

Zoetry - Paraiso De La Bonita - Riviera Maya

Zoetry also drew us in with the colorful and tropical displays.You can indulge yourself in The Art of Life at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, a luxurious, secluded retreat combining Endless Privileges with holistic wellness, tranquility, and romance. It is Perfectly situated along Cancun's famed Riviera Maya, this AAA Five Diamond resort offers magnificent ocean views, graciously appointed suites, gourmet dining, Bvlgari Bath Amenities (my personal faves!) and more. I love Mexico and I try to visit there as often as my schedule permits!

Grabbing those peaceful zen like moments wherever I could find them.

I wanted to sit there with the brochures on a cozy couch and day dream about these beautiful destinations. The Cruel, Cold Winter here in NYC has made me want to shake off that North East Cold and hop on a plane to somewhere super warm! Sunshine dear old friend, I MISS YOU!

Celebrity Cruises announced that their Black Car Service has been extended for Suite Guests until 04/30

Book a suite on any Bermuda or Europe cruise, 7 nights or longer and you'll receive round-trip black car service between your home and the port or Airport. Your modern, upscale vacation begins the moment you step out the door. Check out celebritycruises.com/blackcar for more information and additional details.

Just had to snap a shot of the cow at Cabot's cute display!

Cabot Creamery is a 1,200 farm family dairy cooperative with members in New England and upstate NY producing all natural, award-winning cheddar cheese.

My Take:

The Travel Show was a wonderful way to get more information about Destinations on my Travel Wishlist which includes Greece, Italy, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Paris, Asia and many more! It sent my incurable case of Wanderlust right through the roof! And is making me curious about this whole cruising thing. I'm going to have to try it one of these and report back to you! (Have any of our butterflies traveled aboard a Singles Cruise before? If so, did you enjoy it?)

What is your favorite travel destination butterfly? Why is it your favorite?

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FTC Disclosure: The New York Times Travel Show provided us with passes to the Show/Seminars/panels for editorial consideration. 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. All opinions are 100% my own! No monetary compensation has been exchanged!

Did you miss #KBBlog5? When it’s the Fifth Year Blogging Anniversary of @KittyBradshaw, you know it’s ON in the City!

Center (in Pink): Kitty Bradshaw, #KBBlog5 Blogaversary Event, New York City

In mid July, 150 Bloggers from around New York came together under the Studio Arte Space to network and to help Kitty Bradshaw ring in her Fifth Year of Blogging in true New York Style!  Guests were treated to cheese platters sponsored by Cabot Creamery, sparkling wine sponsored by Barefoot Wine, cupcakes by Tipsy Tasty Cup Cakes, desert shooters by The Dessert Stylist, and food sponsored by Golden Krust which included jerk chicken, beef patties, veggie patties, and rum cake.  General Motors was on hand to speak directly with bloggers and encouraged them to enter to win a chance to have a driving experience which included a GM vehicle loan for one week and a $100 gift card.  Last but not least Jaguar and Company Clothier was on hand to present the lines vintage chic designs and sample presentations of their unforgettable fragrance. 

When I met the lovely Raijean Stroud of Swa-Rai Media Group at The Niche Mommy Parenting Conference in New Orleans last year, we talked fashion, blogging and strategy, and when she put out the call on The Niche Parent (the conference has since been re-branded) Facebook Forum for someone to cover an event for her in New York City, I was happy to help. Little did I know what a Social Whirlwind this event would be! But I will tell you, I urge bloggers to join forums, networks and groups, not just the ones between bloggers and brands but with EACH OTHER! You never know when you get an invite that is not in your city that another blogger could help you out with or vice versa, pay it forward my friends, seriously, pay it forward!

Here are some event photos I captured:

Golden Krust Bakery provided some amazing Jamaican Patties and Chicken, they were definitely a crowd pleaser!

You know I had to capture a shot of this vignette of Hot Sauces and Jamaican Jerk Sauce!

GIFT BAGS:

Upon exiting, guests received gift bags filled with items from Command Brand, Tide Pods, Jaguar and Company, Dirty Dog Treat Boxes, 12-Fold pocket squares, Panama Jack Sun Screen, Green and Black Chocolate, Epilady USA, Sprigsville, April Marin, and NRelate.com rounded out the sponsors. NRelate creates plugins for bloggers looking to monetize. (Like hello, don't we all want to find creative ways to monetize?!)

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT:

During the event, Stephanie Cipriani was on hand to raise awareness for the Lower Eastside Service Center/Angel Thrift Shop.   The LESC uses the money from Angel Street Thrift Shop to fund programs benefiting individuals and families affected by Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness. (And they will pick up the donations so give them a call fellow New Yorkers please, don’t just toss stuff that would be a benefit to a family who needs it!)

Barefoot Wine, Moscato Spumante,  #KBBlog5, New York City, Blogaversary Event

KEEPING IT BUBBLY:

Barefoot Wine kept the Moscato Spumante Popping, super refreshing on a hot muggy day in the summer in New York City during a heat wave. DJ Sean Soul created three KittyBradshaw.com 80’s music mixes for guest to enjoy that will be available for download within a couple of days on her site. We were definitely getting down on that dance floor!

Kitty Bradshaw, #KBBlog5, Blogaversary Event, New York City - takes a moment to thank the sponsors!

My Take:

I had a blast helping to ring in her Fifth Blogaversary, Kitty was a gracious hostess in every way, and we enjoyed singing and dancing along to the music.  Plus Great Eats and Treats Too!

I am definitely thinking I should do something BIG for my next blogaversary!

Bloggers enjoying a 'selfie' moment!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage.