2016 AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO in Columbus- and Ticket Giveaway! #AAAGVTE

When I visited Columbus, Ohio, last year for the AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO, I had no idea the fun that was in store! I had a chat with Josh Ozersky, an absolute foodie like I am, received a ton much information on fun travel destinations in the United States, Canada, and even international destinations that inspired my to broaden my travel horizons and start planning more vacations, and had an absolute blast chatting with vendors and  tasting delicious food samples from their local areas.

For 2016, this year's EXPO will be held on January 22-24 and promises to be just as much fun. From Travel Channel celebrities to authentic Appalachian music, I can't wait to step foot inside the Columbus Convention Center and have a ball.  

Tickets are $8 at the door or at any auto club location, but if you're a AAA Club member and show your card, you'll save $3 off the ticket price. Great news for folks with kids: children 16 and under are admitted for free! The EXPO will run from 12pm-7pm on Friday, January 22nd, 10am-7pm on Saturday, January 23rd (it's also Kids Day!), and 11am-5pm on Sunday, January 22nd. 


Here's a few highlights, and don't forget to read to the end to hear about our ticket giveaway with Weirick Communications and AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO!

2016 Events and Guests

Photo Credit: Great Vacations Travel EXPO Presented by AAA

Samantha Brown

Samantha Brown will be sharing stories from behind the scenes at Travel Channel and how to make every excursion memorable. Samantha will take the stage on Sunday, January 24 at 1pm. 

Anne McAlpin

Ann specializes in packing, and this expert on the subject will undoubtedly teach me more than a thing or two about packing properly. Anne will be taking the stage on Friday, January 22nd at 2pm and 4pm. 

The Wayfarers

Hailing from Southeast Ohio, The Wayfarers offer a high-energy, traditional Appalachian music performance. I love this style, so you can bet I'll be taking a seat for their show on Saturday, January 23rd at 3pm.  

For the entire lineup, please visit the official website for more information. 

AAA Travel Stage Schedule

Straight form the AAA Travel EXPO, here's this year's line-up: 

Friday, January 22

12 p.m.

Sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains with The Mastertones, courtesy of Virginia Tourism

1 p.m.

Pack it Up! with Packing Expert, Anne McAlpin

2 p.m.

Exploring the World in Comfort with Viking River Cruises

3 p.m.

Dream Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean with AMResorts

4 p.m.

Pack it Up! with Packing Expert, Anne McAlpin

5 p.m.

Life Changing Experiences with Rocky Mountaineer

Saturday, January 23

10 a.m.

Sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains with The Mastertones, courtesy of Virginia Tourism

11 a.m.

Life Changing Experiences with Rocky Mountaineer

12 p.m.

Simply…Together with Trafalgar

1 p.m.

The Amish Country Theater, courtesy of Ohio’s Amish Country

2 p.m.

What’s New with Royal Caribbean

3 p.m.

Music of Appalachia with The Wayfarers, courtesy of Ohio’s Appalachian Country

4 p.m.

Stage Front Meets Beachfront with Hard Rock Hotels and Resorts

5 p.m.

Discovering Faith-based Attractions and Destinations with Christian Treasure Seekers

Sunday, January 24

12 p.m.

Dream Vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean with Karisma Hotels & Resorts

1 p.m.

Travel Channel Star, Samantha Brown

2 p.m.

Life Changing Experiences with Rocky Mountaineer

3 p.m.

Sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains with The Mastertones, courtesy of Virginia Tourism

AAA Travel EXPO Ticket Giveaway!

I'm giving away 25 tickets to AAA Travel EXPO! Let me know in the comments what part of the expo you're looking forward to most and you'll be entered to win. I will meet you at the Columbus Convention Center and hand them to you personally. 


Thanks to Weirick Communications for hosting the ticket giveaway and for all of their help in making this article possible! See you at the EXPO!