Fiji Anyone?

This weekend's beautiful weather, in contrast to what's outside my window this morning, put me in the mood to hit the road again. even though we just got back from the incredible island of St. Lucia the feet are getting itchy and the travel bug, thanks to January's cold and snow, is starting to tickle the wanderlust in my brain.

So it's a good thing that  on Friday and Saturday AAA of Colorado hosted the 2019 Vacations Showcase at Sports Authority Mile High Stadium (can we officially drop the Sports Authority yet?). As always the event highlighting travel destinations on all seven continents was well attended. The Travel Show is open to everyone, not just AAA members and saw attendees young and old mesmerized by the multitude of choices. From cruises to safaris if you couldn't find the trip of your dreams at the Show then it probably doesn't exist.

Best deal at the show? $700 roundtrip tickets to Fiji. The islands of Fiji in the South Pacific offer the paradise of Tahiti but apparently at a fraction of the price. And what the heck, from Fiji it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to New Zealand and Australia. And once in Australia its not all that far to China and the Orient which puts you half way around the world so you might as well keep heading west through Egypt and the Middle East. Then it's only a couple of hours flight to Europe and you're almost home!

Last year some of the cruise lines were offering year-long Around the World trips if you want to take your sweet time. Pack the Dramamine, get your sea legs under you, and be pampered as you visit the wonders of the world.

Want to stay closer to home? Some of the more unique offerings at the show were presented by History Colorado and they're right in our own backyard. The trips are hosted by experts in local lore including Dr. Tom Noel who goes by the moniker of Dr. Colorado on KUSA Channel 9's "Colorado & Company". I've lived in Colorado since 1971 and am still amazed at how much I don't know about this great State so while the Around the World jaunt may not happen this year it wouldn't surprise me if I and my wife take advantage of some of the History Colorado offerings.

Also close to home is the hot springs mecca of Glenwood Springs which also had a booth at this year's Show. Sitting back in 100 degree waters while catching snowflakes on the tip of your tongue is not a bad way to while away a Winter day but truth be told Glenwood offers so much more than just a relaxing soak.

Apart from visiting all the booths the Vacation Show features a huge selection of seminars and travel clinics hosted by travel experts to answer all your questions. The amount of information is almost overwhelming but you'll definitely come away with your travel appetite whetted. Speaking of appetite one of the vendors actually specialized in trips with a culinary focus. That's just what I need; a gastronomic experience where I come back heavier than when I left!

                                                Here's some video of this year's show:

While taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the show I had the chance to chat up Miles, the Team Mascot of our beloved Denver Broncos. Turns out Miles is the strong, silent type so I had to direct my conversation towards Emily and Breanna, two of the Broncos Cheerleaders who were there to cheer on all the intrepid travel enthusiasts. But that's ok as they were much cuter and more personable than Mr. Miles, and anyway, who wants to talk to a giant horse's head?

All in all the 2019 Vacation Showcase was a great way to break the Winter blues and I'd recommend it as an event to attend in 2020. Hopefully I'll see you there!