Travel Inspiration - Visit a travel fair!

One of the best ways to be inspired to travel and to collect information about destinations you zero in on, is to visit travel exhibitions and fairs in your city.

This weekend, as I'm headed to the TTF & OTM (Travel and Tourism Fair 2011) - the biggest travel and tourism fair here in Mumbai (and perhaps India?!), I thought I'd share this with all my fellow travelers and specially novices who have yet to set foot and explore the world on their own.

Here's 5 great reasons to visit travel expos - and how you can make the most of it!

1. Free Maps and Destination Guides
Travel fairs throw up tons of information through visuals, brochures and handouts. Use some discretion and pick up only stuff you can actually use for your travels.

I usually pick up only maps, guides and price lists - not brochures and handouts, unless I'm specifically interested in something. Keep their cards instead - use a pen to write what you liked at the back of it!

The stall owners would appreciate non-wastage of their material too.
Bonus: It's good for the environment!

2. Official Destination Representation
Get your doubts and questions answered by the best people who could help - the tourism boards or reps of the state / country / city you're planning to visit. Many merchants / tourism boards would even have a keen willingness to patiently understand your profile and help you plan your perfect trip! Keep their cards so you can revert or say thank you later.

3. Offers, Discounts and Contests
The consumer is truly king at these exhibitions. Not only do you get all the info and details on your dream destination from possibly the best people - but you also stand to avail the hottest deals, and even win contests perhaps. Try your luck. Who knows?!

4. Discover New Destinations
Sweet serendipity - You might have Ladakh on your mind but discover Bhutan instead!
Keep your eyes wide open and soak it all in :)

5. Meet Great People!
Travelers are open-minded people who wander the planet and most likely spread warmth, cheer and great energy. You couldn't possibly spot someone sad here.

From my own personal experience, I bet the psych majors would be able to prove that dopamine levels run as high as shopping therapy here - without burning a hole in thy wallet! Make some friends, find a travel agent, you may even chance upon a travel partner at such an event.

Drop me a message at kaushalk@facebook.com if you'd like to join me.
See you there!