Our Meet the Experts Theatre plays host to expert talks covering the different corners of the globe. Speakers give you unique insight into their experiences and take you on fascinating and memorable journeys to inspire your next adventure with more than 25 hours of free talks.

Discover the hidden places of Borneo and Indonesia that tourists never see, learn about 5,000 years of Pakistan's history and culture and go on a journey to some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic scenery in Patagonia with our experts. From the wilderness of Alaska to the tropical paradise that is Sri Lanka, there really is something for everyone at Destinations.

2020 sees our experts:  Author Monisha Rajesh, circumnavigates the globe in Around the World in 80 Trains; Award-winning travel writer Dom Tullett discusses travelling with children  and tips on how to make it work; The UK Military’s Chief Survival Instructor, John Hudson shares lessons for everyday life from the extreme world.
 

Our 2019 line-up included: 

Glyn Thorneloe: Asia Product Manager, Explore Worldwide Ltd. Glyn is a Semi-pro photographer and widely travelled. He discusses ‘Enhancing travel experiences and building bridges with your camera’, exploring ways and giving tips on developing our ability to see the beauty and find interest in our world.

Verena Meraldi: Hurtigruten Expedition Team Member and Mexican/Swiss biologist whose passion for travelling, hiking and observing wildlife has taken her to many places. Verena discusses ‘Expedition vessels as a platform for science, how we contribute for key scientific research’, a look into the expanding expedition and cruise market and how tourism can actually help scientific progress.

Cathy Harlow: Tour Guide and Travel Specialist with Discover the World, Cathy has over 30 years’ experience as a travel specialist for Greenland, Iceland and Northern Norway. Cathy presents on ‘Greenland – the world’s largest island is big on experiences’, uncovering what makes Greenland one of 2019’s most unusual holiday destinations.

Harji Singh: Harji set up the award-winning India Travel Company London 30 years ago after receiving an MBA from London Business School. Harji was part of the campaign that brought Kerala to the fore in the tourism map. He speaks about ‘The lesser known Kerala’, uncovering some hidden gems that remain unexplored by the visitor.

Beat Germann with Bespoke India Travel Ltd has worked as a Guide for more than 150 Groups through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Central Asia. Beat speaks about ‘Eco luxury travel experiences across South India’ and ‘with a Royal Enfield across South India. Negotiating the crowded streets with a grin’ - a short survival guide including a few do’s and many don’t to negotiate India’s chaotic traffic and still smile!  

Malcolm Peasnall: Director of the Independent Traveller first stepped foot in Southern Africa some 40 plus years ago. Since then he has visited the area over 70 times. He has travelled widely in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. He discusses both ‘South Africa garden route explained and explored’ including highlighting the spectacular scenery, great food, fantastic wine and some of the best accommodation that South Africa has to offer. ‘Canada wildlife explored’  covers how to see the best Canada has to offer cost-effectively and time efficiently.
 

Carlos Emms: The Smooth Drive Home radio presenter discusses ‘Food & Radio with Carlos’, reminiscing about memories of his childhood tours caravanning with family and his current favourite travelling highlights.
 

Visitors choose from a variety of speakers and topics including: 

‘The hottest European destinations for 2019’ with Alison Porter

‘Food & caravanning’ with Monica Rivron

‘Discovering the UK: The joys of home-grown travel’ with Anna Hughes

And much much more! 

Click here to view the full 2020 Meet The Experts Schedule