Thanks to KCET, the local public television station, I won a pair of free tickets to the Los Angeles Times Travel + Adventure Show. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to get out, talk travel, enter giveaways, watch global dance routines, listen to speakers and network with other folks in the travel business. I’m a writer who writes about the city she lives in, but I’d like to branch out and be able to write about various parts of the world – particularly Ireland. <--- hint hint

I took my mother along with me and I convinced her to buy a day pass for the L.A. Metro Rail – our local light rail/subway system. She parked her car at a free lot in town and off we went! Admittedly, she was a bit overwhelmed but I was an excellent guide (how can I not be? I don’t drive!) and I got her to the L.A. Convention Center with expert ease.

Welcome!


Traditional Irish Dancing

blue13 busting out their Bollywood moves

Bollywood style dance performance from blue13

Belly-dancers

Real Zip Line!

Highlights…
- Receiving awesome vouchers for the Soleil Day Spa in Palm Springs ~ so mom and I may just have to indulge in an off-season weekend of pampering!

- Meeting Mary Anne Been of Jetset Extra

- Being interviewed by a Balinese TV anchor for Bali news segment

- Meeting author and travel journalist Linda Ballou

- Learning some helpful travel tips during the Traveling on a Budget Panel

- Handing out my business Moo cards willy-nilly!

The absolute highlight of my day was getting to listen to Rick Steve’s talk about his history as a traveler, the shows, the ins and outs of smart traveling, and then getting to meet him and have him sign his book, Europe Through the Back Door. Unfortunately, my camera’s batteries died during his lecture and I was unable to snag a picture. Sad, considering meeting Rick was like meeting a rock star! If you’re unfamiliar with Rick Steve’s, be sure to check out his website (link below).

If the weather had been better on Sunday, my mom and I would have gone back to listen to local travel guru Huell Howser and Travel Channel wanderlust guide Samantha Brown. Native Southern Californians are prone to staying inside when it rains, though, curling up with a good book or a movie and some tea and popcorn.

I would definitely give the Travel and Adventure show another go next year! Thanks again, KCET!

Helpful Links
L.A. Times Travel & Adventure Show
Rick Steves
KCET Public Television