Travel Madness Expo 2024

Once again, the Travel Madness Expo is back and was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from July 12-14. It took up 4 halls where people could roam around and scope out which booths had the best flights and hotel packages. Let’s take a closer look at what took place during the TME.

For the ones looking to travel not just domestically but more so internationally, the TME had a whole roster of airlines to choose from. From the more familiar ones such as Air Asia and Philippine Airlines, to the larger international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, ANA, Air China, Japan Airlines, China Southern, and many more. They had their own booths at which you could sit down and choose the exact flight that you would like. 

There were other airlines that did not have their own booths, however, they did have special rates which you could avail through the participating travel agencies. Some of these airlines were Cebu Pacific, Air France, Delta Airlines, Korean Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airlines, and more. You’d be sure to find the right airline and price for you with all the variety in choice. If air travel isn’t what you are looking for, there were also some cruise lines that had their own booths such as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. 

Aside from the abundant airline choices there were other establishments that had booths as well. There were travel agencies, tour operators, and theme parks such as AAP Travel Inc., Ark Travel Express Inc., Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, Enchanted Kingdom, Calamian Islands Travel and Tours, Getaway Tours International Inc., Magical Holidays and Tourism, Pan Pacific Travel Corporation just to name a few. They had different rates and packages so it’s important to take your time looking around and inquiring as to which package best suits you and your upcoming travel plans. 

If you’ve already sorted out your flights and are looking for somewhere to stay, there are many hotels and resorts to choose from which have locations both domestic and international. Some of the hotels and resorts to be found were Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel, Anantara Vacation Club, Bayview Park Manila, Crown Regency, Sunlight Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hotels and Resorts Davao, La Carmela de Boracay, Newport World Resorts, Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos are just some of the familiar names you’ll see. There were definitely other hotels and resorts which I was unfamiliar with, so it was nice to inquire about what they had to offer and to make future plans of visiting these newer establishments. 

There are many types of travelers. Some are the thrills and adventure type who seek out new places and experiences even if it can seem a little daunting. There are also the types who prefer to rest and relax and are mostly looking to unwind during their travels. Regardless of what kind of traveler you are, it’s important to stay prepared. Many things can happen while away from your hometown or country. Bags can sometimes get lost, flights can be spontaneously canceled, bookings can be altered, or you could get sick while abroad. We are just human after all and mistakes and accidents can happen anytime. One way to make sure that you are safe and secured no matter what happens is to avail of travel insurance. There were a few insurance companies at the expo that were catering to travelers such as AXA Philippines, Malayan Insurance, Pacific Cross, Standard Insurance and a few others. It’s very convenient that they had their own booths so you could ask all your questions and get the coverage that you need before going on your trip.

Now that we’ve covered flights, accommodations, and insurance, of course we need to do a little shopping. Luggages and bags get thrown around a lot from airport to airport. It’s important to invest in good quality bags and travel items and the TME had a few booths which were offering some great discounts. Some of the retail brands and services that were around for the expo were Crash Baggage, IT Luggage London, Luggage Master, Big Sky Nation, Evvo Travel Wifi, Philippine Gadgets and Accessories, Travelex, and Vedasto Leathergoods Corp. 

If you needed a break from inquiring and shopping there were some food stands wherein you could get a quick snack or even a whole meal. Expos involve a lot of walking around so you do need to fuel up after a few hours. Some of the food concessionaires included Chef Tatung, Delsey Fresh Juices, Mat’s Donuts, Onse Cafe, Steak Garage, The Alley Milk Tea, and Tako Bar Manila.

There was also some entertainment to be seen during the expo. A main stage was situated towards the center back of the hall where people presented not only their companies and deals but also to showcase some culture. There were dances and songs not only from Filipino presenters but also some International ones as well. 

Overall the TME was a great experience. I went during the first day which was a weekday in the hopes of trying to avoid the weekend crowds. If you are able to do that the next time around, I highly recommend that you try to attend during the week instead of the weekend. You’ll have a better chance at taking your time to look around, and the lines won’t be too long. I will definitely be visiting again next year and I’m excited to see how much more they will expand in terms of participating establishments and services.