New York Times Travel Show Underway

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Times Travel Show was underway at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Saturday.

As Gene Michaels reported, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Travel Show, for which 1010 WINS is a media sponsor. The convention showcases more than 500 travel destinations around the world, offers tips from travel experts and live performances and food offerings from around the globe, and allows visitors to book tours on the spot.

One exhibitor, Genevieve, told Michaels there are many good reasons why you should visit Ireland – the castles, the attractions, and "the people are so friendly, just like me."

She also told Michaels about something special that is happening this year.

"This year, we've got the Gathering happening – what it is is that all the Irish Diaspora to come home and have a big party, basically, so any kind of groups – sports groups, choir groups, family groups, get all the clans home – and have a big party in Ireland," Genevieve said.

Meanwhile, Nick from Sea World Orlando explained an all-new exhibit opening soon at the attraction.

"'Empire of the Penguin' – it's got a lot of interesting and a lot of fun things that people can do. It's like augmented reality, where you can put yourself dancing with penguins, or swim underwater with penguins," he said.

The penguins Nick referenced are virtual, but real ones will be on display at the Sea World exhibit too.

Also appearing at the Travel Show this year is Andrew McCarthy, the actor known as a member of the "Brat Pack" in such films as "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Pretty in Pink" who later reinvented himself as an award-winning travel writer.

McCarthy was set to promote his new book, The Longest Way Home, he told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu. He said travel can be a valuable learning experience – particularly for Americans.

"I've found travel and the world to be a great university. I've found the world to be a much friendlier place than we're led to believe in a lot of ways. I think – it's one of my pet peeves – I think Americans don't travel, because we have this preconceived notion of the world. I think we're afraid of the world, really," he said. "And so, Mark Twain had that line – 'Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness,' and I think that's completely true."

The Travel Show was set to run Saturday until 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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