Discover Your Next Destination at the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show (www.latimes.com/travelshow), the nation's largest consumer travel expo, will transform the L.A. Convention Center into a world of discovery on March 19^th and 20^th, bringing together industry authorities, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of adventurers. Arthur Frommer, Huell Howser, Andrew McCarthy and Rick Steves will headline the two-day exhibition, packed with expert advice, topical panel discussions and destination workshops. In addition to getting insider tips and recommendations, attendees can browse the five-acre show floor for their next adventure -- from the most thrilling to the most chill locations around the globe.

"Travel is about escaping the confines of everyday life, and it's also about becoming a citizen of the world -- embracing new ideas and perspectives," said Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times Travel Editor. "This year, we're particularly excited to welcome Andrew McCarthy, who embodies that notion, along with the industry's most experienced travelers who will help attendees identify where to go, what to do and how to save money."

McCarthy, widely known as an actor with roles in pop culture phenomena "Pretty in Pink" and "Gossip Girl," is also an accomplished travel journalist who's making his first appearance at the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show. He has won two Lowell Thomas Awards, is a contributing editor at National Geographic Traveler, and has written for Travel+Leisure, Men's Journal, The Atlantic and Slate.

Frommer, a long-time show participant, is recognized for his best-selling guidebook series featuring more than 340 titles covering every major destination in the world, as well as a nationally-syndicated column and weekly radio program. Beloved and respected, television personality Howser is known for his critically-acclaimed PBS series "California's Gold," "Visiting with Huell Howser," and "Downtown." Steves is an authority on trans-Atlantic travel that has written more than 30 books and hosts the long-running public television series "Rick Steves' Europe" as well as a weekly radio program.

Los Angeles Times Travel staff writers, special correspondents and favorite sources will also appear throughout the weekend. Presentations, panels and workshops will address various aspects of travel, locations near and far, and a range of appetites for adventure. Sessions will also provide practical information on how to find the best deals, choose the right itinerary and more.

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show's Presenting Sponsor is the Automobile Club of Southern California. Taiwan is the Major Sponsor and KTLA is the Media Sponsor. The event, co-produced by Unicomm, LLC and the Los Angeles Times, will take place at the L.A. Convention Center Saturday, March 19^th and Sunday, March 20^th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; trade hours 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $12 at the door or $9 online in advance (promo code "LAPR"); one child age 16 and below admitted free with paid adult. Ticket purchase information, a current schedule of speakers and more details are available at www.latimes.com/travelshow.