Chicago Travel and Adventure Show: An Exciting Destination

When I received my complimentary ticket to attend Chicago’s Travel and Adventure Show, I didn’t realize it would actually be a passport to experience the world at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.  It was truly an exciting opportunity to meet people from different countries and ask them about their homeland’s culinary specialities. I have never been to these exotic destinations.   Here are a few highlights:

I would love to visit Saint Lucia!

I would love to visit Saint Lucia!

 

So cool that the Dominican Republic has foodie tours! Let's take Kitchen Chat on the road!

So cool that the Dominican Republic has foodie tours! Let’s take Kitchen Chat on the road!

Sandals features a variety of world cuisines on their properties

Sandals features a variety of world cuisines on their properties

Let's try some lobster mac 'n cheese in Belize!

Let’s try some lobster mac ‘n cheese in Belize!

I have never been to Mexico. This would be a delicious destination! Ready to "guac" and roll!

I have never been to Mexico. This would be a delicious destination! Ready to “guac” and roll!

Indonesia looks like so much fun! I am sure their food must be amazing, too!

Indonesia looks like so much fun! I am sure their food must be amazing, too!

This year, The Travel and Adventure Show launched the Taste of Travel.  It was great to watch highly acclaimed chefs prepare delicious recipes.  I was delighted to see my friend, Chef Raghavan Iyer from International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).  He made an outstanding Indian slaw that included turmeric.  Tune into my recent kitchen chat with Raghavan to learn more about Indian cuisine.

IMG_4766-2

 

Another highlight was interviewing the prestigious Executive Chef Michael Cairns of Omni Hotels & Resorts Montelucia Scottsdale in Arizona.  Here is our quick kitchen chat at the event.  It was fascinating to learn about the sustainability projects going on in Arizona’s culinary community and the ecotourism opportunities.

 

And of course I am ready to hop on a cruise and sail away from the snow in Chicago.  There were some great cruise ship companies at the Travel and Adventure Show, too.  I hear that the cuisine is always amazing on cruise ships!

I am ready to sail and explore different ports of cuisine!

I am ready to sail and explore different ports of cuisine!

All aboard to explore delicious destinations both on and off the cruise ship

All aboard to explore delicious destinations both on and off the cruise ship

It was truly a delightful weekend to explore The Travel and Adventure Show and to savor the flavor of the world cuisines.  I learned so much about traveling – even the importance of travel protection by Berkshire Hathaway.

Travel protection is important to consider while planning your trip

Travel protection is important to consider while planning your trip

And it was great to connect with AAA. I am already a member of AAA and didn’t realize that the benefits of membership go well beyond outstanding roadside service! AAA has extensive travel planning available to its members.  

So if you are planning a vacation, I encourage you to visit the Travel and Adventure Show.  Here is a link to see if an upcoming Travel and Adventure Show will be in a town close to you.

Where would you like to travel and which cuisine would you like to sample?

Savor the day!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.