Seminar Descriptions - 2013

Speakers/Schedule Subject to Change. Please check back often for updates.

Travel & Adventure Theatre

Destination Theatre

Saturday, February 16

FOCUS: EUROPE
Spain: A Perfect Blend of History, Culture, Food and Modern Comfort
Supinder Singh, President, Palace Tours

For many travelers, Europe tops the list of travel goals and desire. There are many opportunities and options for travel to Europe and something for everyone... In this presentation you'll hear the many ways to experience and immerse yourself in the wonderful destination of Spain. Looking for something different in your next vacation to Spain? Maybe staying at historic buildings that are now 5 star hotels, or how about a luxury train cruise? How can you best plan your next journey? What are some current deals and travel opportunities to take advantage of? You’ll leave this session with insider tips on travel to Spain.

Presented By:

FOCUS: CULINARY TRAVEL/VOLUNTEER VACATIONS
How to Experience the True Culture of a Country Through "Volunteer Vacationing”
Sucheta Rawal, Founder, Go Eat Give

When you visit another country, do you end up eating at tourist-trap restaurants and bring back exact same pictures as all of your friends? Do you feel with your limited vacations, you can only scratch the surface of another culture? Sucheta Rawal, founder of the international nonprofit, Go Eat Give will tell you how you can avoid being a tourist and get the authentic experience of another culture, while saving time and money. Among other unique experiences, you can take a dessert safari into the Sahara, hobnob with the locals in Kathmandu, and enjoy the Spanish countryside, all while chowing through the local cuisine and giving back to the communities you visit.

Attend this session for a chance to win tickets on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Joe Diaz, Co-Founder AFAR Magazine
Experiential Travel

In 2009, AFAR launched devoted to experiential travel, which connects you with the authentic essence of a place and its people, deepening your understanding of the world, its cultures, and yourself. We'll explore what experiential travel looks like, how to do it, and where to think about going in the upcoming year.

FOCUS: AFRICA
Namibia: Endless Horizons
Representatives of the Namibia Tourism Board

One of AFAR magazine’s 13 Top Places To Go In 2013, Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, unexpected adventures, prolific wildlife and an eclectic cultural mix. Namibia also has 42% of its land under conservation management. Nowhere else is the world comes close to this degree of protection. But 42% isn’t just changing landscapes; it’s changing lives. Join us to discover why Namibia is a global leader in its approach to community development, conservation and adventure tourism, and why Namibia should be your next destination of choice.

Presented By:

The Transformative Power of Travel
Andrew McCarthy, Award-Winning Travel Writer and Actor

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Developing Your Photographic Vision: The Importance of Looking vs. Seeing
Ralph Velasco, Author, Ralph Velasco on Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More

Professional travel photographer, author and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco discusses the important distinction between passively looking for photo opportunities and actively seeing them. Using sample images from a variety of destinations around the world, including India, Egypt, Cuba, Mexico, Cambodia and Europe, he’ll provide information that will help travelers of all skill levels to improve their photography by capturing more and better photo opportunities, no matter the type of camera they use.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Presented By:

Rick Steves’ ITALY
Rick Steves, Author, Rick Steves’ European Guidebooks and Host, Writer & Producer, Public Television, Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves, author of Rick Steves’ Italy - the best-selling international guidebook in the USA, shares practical tips and insights into his favorite country. Italy, while rewarding is also challenging for American travelers. In one fast-moving hour Rick will cover the most important travel skills for enjoying Italy economically and efficiently along with his favorite destinations - from Venice, Florence, and Rome to the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and the Cinque Terre.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: FAMILY TRAVEL
Family Travel Made Easier!
Colleen Kelly, Host and Executive Producer, Family Travel with Colleen Kelly

Tired of the same old family road trip? Feeling like a pack mule? Bucket list overflowing? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a fledgling jet setter, Colleen Kelly gives you fresh ideas to make your next family vacation a real getaway....even with the kids in tow! Join the host of the PBS series Family Travel with Colleen Kelly for tips on trips and fun family destinations that will please everyone from sulky tween to landmark-lovin' gramps.

Attend this session for a chance to win a trip giveaway…
Autograph Signing Immediately Following

1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Patricia Schultz, Travel Writer, TV Producer and Author 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die

Best-selling travel author and TV producer Patricia Schultz discusses some of her favorite destinations from the newly revised 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places To See in the USA and Canada Before You Die, followed by signing of her books.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: PET TRAVEL
Jetsetting with Your Pet: How to Travel Domestically and Internationally with Your Four-Legged Friend
Kelly E. Carter, Founder, TheJetSetPets.com, Pet Travel Expert, AOL’s Paw Nation and Contributing Editor, Elite Traveler

With pets being viewed as full-fledged family members, there’s no reason to leave Fifi behind when you travel for business or pleasure. Find out the best airlines for pawsengers, which hotels roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests, the top pet-friendly destinations, the latest news and trends in pet travel as well as the most recent laws regarding animal quarantines.

BONUS: Attend this session to enter an on-site drawing for a Sherpa pet carrier and one night stay at Hotel Palomar San Francisco. Winners must be present to claim prize.

Europe Through the Back Door
Rick Steves, Author, Rick Steves’ European Guidebooks and Host, Writer & Producer, Public Television, Rick Steves’ Europe

Join the travel expert – acclaimed for his bestselling guidebook series, public television series, and public radio shows – as he shares all the latest in smart European travel. Freshly back from lots of travels, Rick Steves explains the practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel. Packed with tips on getting the most out of every mile, minute, and dollar on your next trip, this is a talk not to miss!

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Developing Your Photographic Vision: The Importance of Looking vs. Seeing
Ralph Velasco, Author, Ralph Velasco on Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More

Professional travel photographer, author and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco discusses the important distinction between passively looking for photo opportunities and actively seeing them. Using sample images from a variety of destinations around the world, including India, Egypt, Cuba, Mexico, Cambodia and Europe, he’ll provide information that will help travelers of all skill levels to improve their photography by capturing more and better photo opportunities, no matter the type of camera they use.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Presented By:

FOCUS: DRIVE VACATIONS
Worth the Drive: Northern California Travel Options
Lee Foster, Author, Back Roads California and Northern California Travel: The Best Options

In this slideshow talk, award-winning travel journalist Lee Foster will describe the joys of discovering Northern California. He’ll cover the territory, from San Francisco to Yosemite, the Redwood Country to Big Sur. Lee will discuss hidden, undiscovered gems for the experienced explorer and assess the entire Northern California scene for the neophyte traveler. For a teasing preview of Lee’s talk or a summary afterwards, Search “Norcal” on his website at www.fostertravel.com and you’ll see his 30 favorite destination articles about Northern California. These will be published in Spring 2013 as his new book Northern California Travel: The Best Options.

Book Signing Immediately Following

1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Patricia Schultz, Travel Writer, TV Producer and Author 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die

Best-selling travel author and TV producer Patricia Schultz discusses some of her favorite destinations from the newly revised 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places To See in the USA and Canada Before You Die, followed by signing of her books.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

1:30pm - 2:15pm

FOCUS: TRAVEL APPS
Best Travel Apps to Help You Plan Your Next Trip
Jen Leo, Web Buzz Columnist, Los Angeles Times

Traveling is getting easier and more fun with the helpful assistance of apps. Discover the best travel apps to turn your smartphone and iPad into a pocket concierge. Jen reveals the path to grabbing great hotel deals, quickly translate foreign languages, have shortcuts to sharing your travel videos, tools to take panoramic photos, source foodie hangouts, get offline travel guides and maps, and more, all from the palm of your hand.

FOCUS: GLOBAL
Taking a Global Adventure: The Do’s & Don’ts of Taking That Once in a Lifetime “Around the World” Adventure
William Chalmers, Event Director, The Global Scavenger Hunt

The number one dream trip most American's desire according to National Geographic Traveler magazine is a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. Author and Event Director of The Global Scavenger Hunt, an annual around the world travel adventure, will discuss the Do's and Don'ts of orchestrating that dream trip: from planning, to going to doing! Your dream trip should be more than just knocking off sight-seeing Bucket List items, but become a participatory and authentic site-doing adventure. Our best memories come from overcoming challenges and from trusting strangers in strange lands, not just creature comforts.