Vacation Expo 2005, New England's Largest Consumer Travel Show, Offers Tempting Escape from...

BOSTON -- 10th Anniversary Show Features Super Low Prices, New Convenient Location at Seaport World Trade Center

This weekend throngs of New Englanders seeking relief from winter's deep chill will flock to Vacation Expo 2005, New England's largest consumer travel show. Marking its 10th year, Vacation Expo runs January 21-23 at a brand new location, Boston's Seaport World Trade Center.

Nearly 20,000 winter-weary consumers are expected at Vacation Expo 2005, with thousands booking vacations and cruises on the spot. Popular destinations include the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, cruising and even ski packages. Vacation Expo is presented by Vacation Outlet (www.vacationoutlet.com), one of the flagship brands of leading leisure travel seller NLG.

Every year, eager travelers are drawn to Vacation Expo for the season's best deals to warm weather destinations and ski resorts. Vacation Expo 2005 exhibitors represent over 300 top leisure travel suppliers including regional and national vacation wholesalers, international tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, hotel/resort companies, and government tourism boards. This year exhibiting companies include the Bahamas Tourist Office, GWV Vacations, Carnival Cruise Lines, SuperClubs, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Aruba Tourism Authority, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, TNT Vacations and many more.

The 'vacation experience' comes to town

Vacation Expo visitors ready to feel like they're on vacation can try the thrill of scuba diving right at the show. The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association's (DEMA) 2005 Scuba Tour offers the opportunity for show attendees age 10+ to discover scuba diving for free in its heated 26,000-gallon pool.

"Wild Survivors" presented by SeaWorld and Busch Gardens on Saturday and Sunday will captivate young and old alike. Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina, a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, will introduce such strange and wonderful creatures as an African crested porcupine, red-ruffed lemurs, a hairy armadillo and more. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens also present the "Mystic Sheiks of Morocco" 7-piece marching band, performing throughout the weekend.

Celebrity Cruises(R) is offering Expo attendees an up-close glimpse at Cirque du Soleil(R). Visitors will see Cirque du Soleil like never before as animators interact with Expo attendees, and can learn about The Bar at the Edge of the Earth(SM), an exciting new dimension in onboard nightlife, created exclusively for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil.

Vacation Expo visitors will be treated to hourly trip giveaways including a grand prize Vacation Expo trip for 10 guests to Aruba sponsored by TNT Vacations; a charity vacation auction to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation; and vacation and cruise showcases featuring such speakers as Erik Torkells, editor of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, and Bob Weiss, editor of Boston Air Journal and WBZ-Radio commentator.

Vacation Expo hours are Friday, January 21, 5pm - 10pm; Saturday, January 22, 10am - 8pm; and Sunday, January 23, 10am - 5pm. Admission to the show is $8/person; kids 12 and under free. Discount admission coupons and more information is available at www.vacationoutlet.com.

At the heart of the newly revitalized waterfront Seaport District, the Seaport World Trade Center is considered one of the region's most sought- after venues for conferences and special events. Easy accessibility from all major roadways and the Seaport District's MBTA Silver Line entices Vacation Expo attendees to make a day of it, visiting nearby attractions such as Faneuil Hall or the New England Aquarium.

About Vacation Outlet

Each year, Vacation Outlet sends thousands of people away on vacations and cruises around the globe. Customers choose their trips or weekend getaways from a vast selection of travel packages and last- minute deals from the world's best resorts, hotels, and cruise lines. Longstanding relationships with trusted brand-name partners mean the best deals for each and every customer.

Visit www.vacationoutlet.com or one of the conveniently located Vacation Outlet stores throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.