2014 Boston Globe travel show

The 2014 Boston Globe Travel Show is taking place Feb. 7-9 at the Seaport World Trade Center. The expo includes over 250 exhibitors, live music, food demonstrations, exotic animals from around the world, and, of course, vacation and travel deals and giveaways.

Nicole Bomba, of Amherst, N.H., and Dustin Beably, of Temple N.H., came to the show on Feb. 8 for the first time.

“We’re planning trips for weekends and looking at bigger options,’’ said Bomba.

Jen and Scott Arseneault of Lowell met with a travel agent from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The couple recently came back from Mexico and said they try to travel at least two to three times a year. They currently have a trip to Sweden scheduled.

A JetBlue representative on stilts entertained guests and advertised trips to the Red Sox’s spring training park in Florida.

Simply Cannoli from Douglas sold made-to-order cannolis to attendees with their choice of powdered sugar and other toppings.

With one of the biggest displays, the Aruba Tourism Board Authority provided guests with deals on trips, with on-sight specialists to help attendees plan their next vacation.

Jaclyn Fitzgerald and Doug Soehner of North Andover are planning a vacation this year. They said they hope to get a deal or even win a cruise.

Guests signed up to win cash towards their next trip at Vikings River Cruises and Cruise Planners.

Kids of all ages were invited to play at the show with a bouncy house and a miniature golf course.

Chef Abby Freethy of Greenville, Maine—owner of Northwoods Gourmet Girl— used Maine-made ingredients to cook up her signature crab cakes, caramel glazed ham and blueberry cobbler for guests to sample at one of the two culinary stages.

The Maine Day culinary stage will feature a variety of Maine-themed cooking demonstrations throughout the show.

Visitors looking to score a good deal waiting in line to sit down with an agent at JetBlue Getaways.

Mike and Lori Mulry of Holbrook returned to the travel show for their second year. They even booked a trip to Ireland for June.

The entertainment stage featured a variety of speakers, including author Patricia Schultz and author Arthur Frommer, who spoke about when to splurge and when to scrimp on vacations. The stage will also feature Chinese Classical and Folk Dance, a Highlander Pipe Band from Nova Scotia, and a Puerto Rica Salsa demonstration.

A travel agent in Tanzanian dress spoke with guests about the culture and, of course, the best places to vacation in Tanzania.

Peter and Kim DeMaranville of Newburyport are planning a trip to a warmer climate this year. They said they’re having trouble deciding between Florida and the Azores Islands, but hope to learn more about their options.

Lian Catering’s chef Vicky Regia, a guest chef at Café Provence in Brandon, Vt., presented Flavors of Indonesia on the second culinary stage. Her main dish was Balinese Chicken Satay.

This culinary stage featured a variety of other presentations including the True Meaning of Sushi with chef Toru Oga and a Taste of Puerto Rico. Many other chefs will make their signature dishes throughout the weekend.

Balinese Chicken Satay (pictured left), grilled chicken on skewers with a sweet sauce, garnished in peppers and onions. Chef Vicky Regia also made a stir-fry dish (pictured right).

Many of the exhibitors used phones, televisions, and tablets to encourage customers to sign up for e-mail listings and giveaways, including Charter Vacations, which offered yacht tips to Greece, Croatia, and Australia, to name a few.

Guests lined up to sample canapé rendang at the Wonderful Indonesia booth. A representative from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia cooked and served.

Canapé rendang, beef slowly cooked in coconut milk and spices including ginger, chilies, and lemon grass. The meat is cooked until the liquid is gone and it is served on top of rice or as a canapé (pictured) with corn chips and topped with peppers.

A SeaWorld representative demonstrates how to feed a bearded dragon to a group of curious guests. SeaWorld showcased a few of their animals, including the bearded dragon (pictured), peregrine falcon, sloth, and an owl.

Animal Ambassador, Julie Scardina, poses with Edgar, a full-grown screech owl. “We love coming to reach out to customers and show everyone what we’re all about,’’ said Scardina. “The animals we rescue really are inspirational.’’