Let’s Start the Show
Courtesy Travel and Adventure Show
It’s time for the annual early Spring tradition! Not the one with that big bunny, the madness of March, or my seasonal allergies. I’m talking, of course, about the Travel and Adventure Show in Dallas, Texas.
In many ways, the event mirrors the best parts of travel itself: the openness, the curiosity, and the willingness to connect.
Come, let’s take a look at the 2026 Show.
Travel Show Logistics
Held once again at Dallas Market Hall, the Travel & Adventure Show continues to live up to its reputation as the largest travel show in the U.S. With the event series running over 20 years now with over 2.7 million total guests across it’s Show locations, it is a well established presence in the travel industry circuit.
The venue remains a practical choice. It is centrally located, easy to access, and still offering free parking. If you’ve read this previous Psychology of Travel post, you should know that yes, the tight spaces are as memorable as ever.
Even from outside, the scale of the event is immediately apparent. Judging from the medley of cars streaming in from every entry point, it was clear that I wasn’t the only one who had decided to arrive early.
Entering, picture rows of exhibitors stretched across the event center, organized loosely by region. This layout makes it easy to browse everything from local Texas getaways to far-flung international destinations.
What’s New in 2026
This year’s show felt more interactive and more immersive than ever. Year by year, exhibits continue to evolve beyond simple brochures and banners.
Many booths now offer hands-on experiences—interactive displays, virtual previews, and even live demonstrations that give you a feel for a destination before you ever book a ticket.
The Collette exhibit was a fan-favorite, smartly blending their vast industry knowledge with the personal experience of olive oil mixing demonstrations (with delicious take-home samples!). Thanks to Collette representative Jessica Ward for an amazing blend!
Everything started off on the right foot from our very first booth visit. I had an engaging discussion with Bonham, Texas Tourism Director Melissa Maxwell. The Bonham special events schedule is loaded with small town charm that welcomes families of all ages.
Returning favorites from regional tourism boards were joined by new destinations and niche product providers, offering everything from rugged outdoor adventures to highly curated luxury experiences.
For example, Lewis & Luyt Travel Co-Founder Nina Kok showcased personalized itineraries in Africa with a quiet confidence that provided instant trust.
Visually, a glance around at the exhibits would show everything from Tesla cybertrucks to a section of replica passenger plane by Cathay Pacific airline. Those visual statements definitely make an impression.
Learning from the Travel Experts
Photo courtesy Travel & Adventure Show
One of the strongest aspects of the show remains its speaker lineup.
Across multiple stages, travel experts, influencers, and industry veterans share insights that go far beyond surface-level tips. Whether it’s destination deep dives, practical travel hacks, or personal stories from the road, the sessions offer something for every type of traveler.
Among the keynote speakers this year were Emmy Award-winning reporter Peter Greenberg and Phil Kheogan of The Amazing Race fame.
Greenberg’s tips ranged from how to select the best TSA line at the airport to the brave new world of AI in the travel industry.
Kheogan emphasized, to my biased delight, the emotional benefits of engaging in meaningful travel to help live life to the fullest. He presented with a genuineness that was much appreciated, including gratitude to his parents for infusing the love of travel and culture curiosity at an early age.
What sets these talks apart is their practicality. You’re not just inspired—you leave with actionable ideas you can use immediately.
The Power of Real Conversations
In an age dominated by online reviews and social media, what makes this show is the human element.
Here, you’re not passively scrolling through content—you’re actively engaging with people who live in the destinations they represent.
These conversations often reveal details you won’t find online, like local traditions and their origins. You may find hidden gems off the typical tourist path. Plus, expect to absorb honest advice about timing, logistics, and expectations.
Harmony Heard of Visit Cullman and Craig Johnston of Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association worked collaboratively to shine light on areas of Alabama that, all of a sudden, are on my bucket list.
I’m grateful to Beatriz Carcamo of the Palm Beaches for cluing me in to the wide range of spots beyond the big-name yachting events there (which are also on my ever-growing bucket list of events to attend).
Texas Heritage Trails Program representatives taught this good ol’ Texan a thing or two about Texas’ regional travel (plus a cool app called Texas History Navigator by the Texas Historical Commission).
Plus, Rosemary Vega offered a beautiful story about a public memorial in Aransas Pass, Texas that locals have dedicated. Stories like this build a bridge into wanting to visit to learn more about the local culture.
Among the booths highlighting travel-related products, the team for Heritage1857 Coffee shared the history behind their family-owned Vietnamese coffees. I went with the Salted Coffee variety as we couldn’t resist after just one sample and hearing about the cultural legacy behind the product.
Felicity over at the Haiku booth had a wide range of great travel bags. They shared a special link for Psychology of Travel readers, click here to check it out and use code PSYCHTRAVEL20!
It’s these kinds of authenticity that transform the travel inspo process into something far more meaningful.
Repeat Presences Build Personalization
Courtesy Travel & Adventure Show
If there was a consistent theme in conversations with attendees, it was that this was not their first visit to the Travel & Adventure Show. I couldn’t help but notice a sense of the pure number of repeat visitors.
I asked Travel Show founder and CEO John Golicz regarding the event’s appeal for repeat visitors. “Travel is perishable”, he said, adding “so this (Travel Show) is a source for new ideas and opportunities”.
“Travel is perishable, so this (Travel Show) is a source for new ideas and opportunities.”
-John Golicz, CEO of Travel & Adventure Shows
Repeat exhibitors were also welcomed sights, catching up with familiar faces from abroad.
There’s clearly something to be said for getting your destination in front of a dedicated travel audience here.
Plus, the emphasis on personalization is clearly growing—travel is no longer just about where you go, but how it’s tailored specifically to you. Ask Preston Cavner, Master Guide of Stonewood Expeditions in Alaska. He detailed tailored trips through wildlife, scenery, and local cultures…in my mind, I was already there.
Importantly, the show isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about shared enthusiasm. Conversations spark easily between friendly strangers, whether it’s comparing past trips or swapping recommendations for future ones.
Final Thoughts…Should You Attend?
For anyone wondering whether to attend, for most travelers it’s an easy “yes”.
You’ll get the most value if you enjoy discovering new destinations in one place, prefer speaking directly with knowledgeable locals and experts, or want to compare options before booking show-only travel deals.
Plan to spend at least one day—though the full weekend is ideal if you want to take in the speakers and explore most thoroughly.
What makes the Travel & Adventure Show stand out isn’t just the scale or the variety—it’s the feeling you leave with. It reminds you that travel isn’t just about places. It’s about people. It’s about perspective. And it’s about the connections we build along the way.
Check out the Travel Show’s official website Travel & Adventure Series for the latest updates, schedules, and to buy tickets for the next Show near you.
Happy Travels,
Dr. L
Founder, PsychologyofTravel.com
Disclosure: Special thanks to Travel & Adventure Show – Dallas for sponsoring our entry ticket admission, media credentialing, and courtesy media photos. All opinions remain my own and an honest attempt to review my experiences for my readers and followers. For more information, see our disclosure statement.