I’m at 36,000 ft, seat 7D (business class, thanks to American Express mileage points) on my way to Frankfurt for IMEX,

one of my industry’s premier trade shows. I am a Hosted Buyer, meaning that my participation is hosted (paid for) by the suppliers who exhibit. During three full trade show days, I am required to make 30-minute appointments with not less than 10 suppliers per day. My feet hurt already!

The show encompasses more than 3,500 exhibitors from 160 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. There are 4,000+ hosted buyers like me from all over the planet, and expected attendance will top 10,000 visitors. It’s a colossal trade show!

Did I mention that my feet hurt?

 

So what fabulous places will I be learning about with which to tempt you in the future???

 

Alsace –

A region in France, adjacent to the Rhine River, with Germany next door. Strasbourg is a place you’ve probably heard of. The region is famous for white wines – Riesling being the most notable. Colmar is a small town that I’ve been interested to visit for years, having heard about it from some well-traveled customers for whom it is one of their favorite places on the planet.

Ireland –

I could be the Irish Travel Ambassador, having visited almost every pocket of this emerald isle. I have two separate appointments with Irish Destination Management Companies (DMCs). One is a dear, dear friend with whom I worked on many a program in years past before she (regrettably) left to work for another company. Maeve’s energy is contagious, and she never fails to make me laugh, which is why she’s my first appointment on Day 1. The other meeting is with the DMC partner with whom I have worked on every Ireland program I’ve operated since 1989. One of my favorite places to do business!

Malta –

A tiny island nation off the coast of north Africa – which is part of the European Union. I visited Malta once – very briefly – many years ago and remember being struck by its crumbling old city (I love crumbling old stuff), fortifications, hand-made lace and pure potential as an undiscovered treasure (I love undiscovered treasures!). A second tiny island is called Gozo – who wouldn’t want to go to Gozo? So much fun to say!

Bhutan –

Gotta go there . . . to this Himalayan nation that measures its prosperity in terms of “Gross National Happiness.”

 

Romeo Hotel –

Naples gets a bad rap. I’ve never been there – but will go with my WOW! Travel Club in October. Haven’t committed to a hotel as of yet, and was planning to stay in Sorrento. But this new hip, happening harbor-front hotel looks interesting!

 

Croatia –

I have nothing against Starbucks, but for me, it’s a litmus test of destinations. Once Starbucks has opened on a historic town square anywhere in the world, that destination has lost much of its appeal. I think (I hope) that Croatia is Starbucks-free. Just across the Adriatic from Italy, with thousands of miles of coastline, pristine islands, and centuries-old culture – it’s been on my “list” for awhile.

For the same reasons, Slovenia is another compelling destination. Just northeast of Italy … at the north end of the Adriatic.

Plus: Argentina, Bali, the Basque region, Corsica, Cuba, Iceland, Myanmar and Zimbabwe!

Stay tuned . . . the world awaits!!