The LA Convention Center

There is a great big world to explore out there and the (insert number) exhibitors scheduled to be at the 14th annual LA Times Travel Show January 28th-29th hope to convince you to put their destination on your 2012 travel plans. Destinations from such far flung locals as Fiji and Azerbaijan as well as local getaways like Catalina and Ventura will be in attendance and eager to share their passion for the locale they represent.

Cruisers, rail riders, backpackers, and luxury travelers will be happy to know that this show has something for them. The show is spread out over five acres inside the L.A. Convention Center and navigating can be a bit of beast (I always wear tennis shoes and grab a bag to stuff all the destination swag and coveted brochures inside) so attendees will be happy to know that this year the show is offering a free mobile guide which lists all the exhibitors, show specials, and speakers in one easy to use app.

Speaking of speakers, this year’s lineup is like a who’s who of the travel industry.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Times Travel Show, returning to the L.A. Convention Center January 28-29, today announced the schedule of world-class travel experts, hands-on activities, regional cooking demonstrations and cultural performances being presented at the highly-anticipated 14th-annual event. A free mobile guide is being offered for the first time and will put the five-acre show floor in the palm of attendees’ hands to provide timely updates on event information, show-only specials and giveaways. The schedule, list of exhibitors and registration for the mobile guide are now available at latimes.com/travelshow.

Exhibitors representing destinations around the globe, from the warm waters of the Caribbean to Alaska’s glaciers, will present a wide variety of options to satisfy every traveler’s palate. The Travel Show will also feature activities designed to provide a mini-vacation in the heart of downtown L.A. Attendees will have the opportunity to hop on an exhilarating zip line presented by Ecuador Ministry of Tourism, “walk on water” inside bubble rollers, climb a rock wall and glide down a rappel tower. The show’s Culinary Stage, sponsored by Tourism Ireland, will serve samples of regional and exotic cuisine. Performers representing cultures from Africa to Japan will also add to the international atmosphere and The Times’ award-winning photo staff will be shooting exclusive souvenir photos.

Los Angeles Times Travel Show giveaways include a chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to Yukon, Canada from Boreale Explorers; an international adventure from Explore!; a “Barefoot Perfect” Vacation Package from the Belize Tourism Board with airfare, dining and activities included; and a visit to the Verde Valley in Phoenix complete with lodging, dining and entertainment provided by The Heart of Arizona.

Tickets for the weekend show January 28 and 29 are $10 each, and for a limited time visitors can redeem discount code “LATPR” to receive $2 off. Registration for the industry conference on January 27 is $30. Additional details can be found online at www.latimes.com/travelshow. Connect on Facebook.com/LATimesEvents and @LATimesEvents (#travelshow) to stay up to date.

Photo: AndrewGorden