ENTERTAINMENT STAGE
Click to jump to each day's schedule:
SATURDAY SUNDAY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14
10:00AM SHOW FLOOR OPENS
10:00AM Philadelphia Passport Office – Smart Traveler Program
The Philadelphia Passport Agency explains how the U.S. Department of State can assist U.S. citizens traveling overseas through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). A free service, STEP provides updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and other information about your destination, as well as provides State Department assistance in case of an emergency.
10:30AM Arthur FrommerArthur Frommer – When to Splurge and When to Scrimp on Vacations
All vacations are made up of a few standard components: lodging, food, transportation and activities. Arthur discusses which of these categories you can cut back on without harming your vacation and which deserve a splurge. He’ll also let you in on all the latest tricks for saving, whether you decide to pinch pennies or go all out. Bring a notepad and pencil, as you’ll undoubtedly want to take notes of these valuable pointers. Book signings follow at the on-site Penn Book Center.
11:30AM Philadelphia Zoo – Live Animal Presentations
Philadelphia Zoo
12:00PM Andrew McCarthyAndrew McCarthy – The Transformative Power of Travel
Known for his diverse roles in the Joy Luck Club, Pretty in Pink, St, Elmo’s Fire, and cult favorites Weekend at Bernie’s and Mannequin, actor and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy shares his vision of how travel can change our lives. Philadelphia Inquirer travel editor Philippa Chaplin interviews Andrew, with book signings following at the on-site Penn Book Center.
1:00PM Radio Disney
Radio Disney, Brought to you by AAA Travel!
Join the Radio Disney Road Crew for Music, Games, & Prizes! While you’re having fun, talk to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner about your next vacation with AAA!

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2:00PM Arthur FrommerArthur Frommer – Getting Out of Your Vacation Rut: New Types of Vacations and Destinations to Consider
Do you find yourself going to the same places and doing the same activities over and over? Arthur will introduce you to places you might not have considered and new styles of intriguing, invigorating vacations. Followed by book signings at the on-site Penn Book Center.
3:00PM presentersChef Joseph Poon & Restaurant Girl Danyelle Freeman – Quick Cooking Demo
Master Chef Joseph Poon is joined by Danyelle Freeman (RestaurantGirl.com) for a quick and easy cooking demo. Chef Poon’s warmth and exuberance earned him appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and Food Network’s “The Best of...” Known for his Asian fusion cuisine, he conducts Wok ‘N Walk Tours and teaches cooking classes in his vibrant Philadelphia Chinatown community. Danyelle served as Chief Restaurant Critic for the New York Daily News for over two years and has appeared on "Iron Chef America," NBC's "The Chopping Block," and Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," among others. Book signings follow at the on-site Penn Book Center.
3:20PM Reid BReid Bramblett – Planning the Perfect Italy Adventure
Considered "the best source on Italy" by Arthur Frommer himself, travel author Reid Bramblett, creator of ReidsItaly.com, gives an overview on planning the perfect trip to Italy. Book signings follow at the on-site Penn Book Center.
4:00PM granniesThe The Grannies on Safari – The Trans Siberian Railroad Adventure and Travel Tips
PBS Television's "Grannies on Safari" – Pat Johnson and Regina Fraser – will preview their recent trip on the Trans Siberian Railroad with L’ernidee Travel and follow with tips and insights into the places visited. Now blogging for AARP.org, Huffington Post 50+, ShareCare and the Flat Stanley Project – Flatter World. Book signings at the on-site Penn Book Center.
5:00PM SHOW FLOOR CLOSES
   
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
10:00AM SHOW FLOOR OPENS
10:00AM PJ ThomasThe Best Beach Vacations You’ve Never Heard Of
You've sipped margaritas in Cancun, and put a little foot down in Montego Bay, but have you thought of dancing the night away under the stars in... Gulf Shores Alabama??! PJ Thomas, Editor of Pathfinders Travel Magazine and ThePerfectBeachblog.com, is the ultimate beach bum who has literally traversed the globe to wiggle her toes on some of the finest beaches in the U.S. and the world. Hear why Rosemary Beach, Sanibel, St. George's and Daukuskie Islands rival their Caribbean counterparts. Discover why the Midwest should not be ruled out for your next “No Passport Beach Destination.” From India to South Africa and points in between, discover "Some of the best beach vacations you never heard of.”
10:30AM Chris ElliotThe Travel Troubleshooter – How to Ensure You Get the Best Travel Deals
Consumer advocate and journalist Christopher Elliott – the Travel Troubleshooter – details the best ways to get a great travel deal. Book signings follow at the on-site Joseph Fox Bookshop.
11:30AM Philadelphia Zoo – Live Animal Presentations
Philadelphia Zoo
12:00PM Peggy GPeggy Goldman’s Top Ten Affordable Destinations of 2012
Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel and a well-known travel expert, will take you to her favorite must-visit destinations for 2012 without sending you into debt. She’ll explain about how you can now visit Cuba legally, and she’ll share insider secrets that will help you plan your vacation, tell you about the hottest trends, and share strategies on how to shop for the best travel bargain to get the most bang for your buck.
12:30PM Wendy WuWendy Wu – China, Off The Beaten Path
Wendy Wu, founder and CEO of Wendy Wu Tours, will discuss “off the beaten path” China, areas which are rarely see by Western travelers such as the Nine Villages Valley, the ancient Silk Road route and Tibet.
1:00PM Andrew EvansAndrew Evans – DIGITAL NOMAD
Andrew Evans, travel author and National Geographic's Digital Nomad takes you on a journey to all seven continents as he shares his recent travels while on assignment for National Geographic Traveler magazine. Discover how digital media can help you share your travels with others and how to take amazing travel photos with just your phone. Book signings follow at the on-site Penn Book Center.
2:00PM ProfessorThe Traveling Professor – Above the Clouds in Peru and Machu Picchu
Join Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor (www.travelingprofessor.com), on a breath-taking journey through Peru and Machu Picchu – from Lima’s historic center, then a train ride through the Sacred Valley into Machu Picchu’s Lost City of the Incas, finally ending in a tour in Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. This is a fascinating journey of rich cultural and scenic attractions, thrilling landscapes, and ancient communities with haunting music, bright costumes and exotic traditions.
2:30PM Chef PoonChef Joseph Poon – Quick Cooking Demo
Master Chef Joseph Poon’s warmth and exuberance earned him appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and Food Network’s “The Best of...” Known for his Asian fusion cuisine, he conducts Wok ‘N Walk Tours and teaches cooking classes in his vibrant Philadelphia Chinatown community. Book signings follow at the on-site Penn Book Center.
2:50PM There’s a little bit of Israel in all of us – Come find the Israel in you.
Israel excites, enticing adventure-seekers, those seeking cultural experiences and groups yearning spiritual re-awakenings. Arouse your senses, replenish your soul on Negev Desert mountain hikes, jeep tours, Red Sea coral reef snorkeling, mouth- watering cuisines, an award-winning wine industry, Dead Sea mud rubs and spa resorts. Come learn about new trends, events, and tourist attractions in Israel. Presented by Israel Ministry of Tourism.
3:20PM Max GMax Grinnell – Cultural & Literary Adventures: Five Weekend Trips from Philadelphia via Amtrak
Max Grinnell, travel author and urbanologist, shares great trip ideas from the Philly area by Amtrak train. Book signings at the on-site Penn Book Center.
4:00PM SHOW FLOOR CLOSES