We found ourselves in London for our Nth time. Yes, we’re obsessed but this time it was business. And that business involved exploring the wonders of one of the biggest travel conventions in the world, World Travel Market.
We went there for a couple of reasons:
- To get inspiration for our travels in 2013. We have no plans and I wanted to see what really ‘tooted my horn’ so we could work on saving money and getting on it.
- To make connections with various PR companies, hopefully have them love us, and build partnerships.
I can say without a doubt that it was quite the success. Little did we know we would be adding a gazillion countries to our bucket list (that we had no clue we wanted to visit so badly) and also got to hang out with our travel blogger buddies that we only get to meet up with once in a blue moon.
So while we were there we got to see and experience the following:
Abu Dhabi: This booth was probably one of the most hopping places in the entire convention center. The display was massive and beautiful with the information ladies dressed to the nines. Before stuffing our faces with dates we poked our heads around a bit. A guy was writing arabic calligraphy for people, I got some henna done, and Shaun lived his dream of being a falconer.
Then he wouldn’t shut up about having a raptor and wanting to own one.
Colombia: We felt at home hanging around this booth. Not only did we become friends with all of the representatives there but I realized that I do want to have an apartment there at some point. I miss it. A lot.
Japan: We were poking our heads around to get us excited about the upcoming year. We have been to Japan before… but… I am applying to see if I can’t get on the teaching boat this year. We loved it dearly when we spent 3 weeks there back in 2008 and we can’t wait to head back to explore it on a more intimate detail.
Korea: Also on our “possible” list for teaching. Also on Shaun’s bucket list for “I worked for Blizzard and Starcraft is their national sport so I will be the coolest guy in the world there” purpose. That and he wants to go to an e-sports… game. Also, how do you beat robots dancing to music. SERIOUSLY.
We left London alive, excited, and ready to “plan”. With a little luck and positive thinking, this will be an incredibly epic year. Wish us luck!
I would like to own that bird costume
This is really great and you know what I enjoy watching the video.Thanks!
So would I Hogga… so would I.
So glad that WTM was so productive for you! I got a lot out of it as well. Sorry that we didn’t get more of a chance to chat. Hope teaching English in Japan or S. Korea works out for you, it’s such a good way to make money while experiencing another culture.
I seriously thought I would see more people. I just kept running into Kirsten over and over again.
Oooh…I have to put this convention on my to do list. Looks exciting!