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Gourmet chocolate stars in at least one upcoming festival, The Salon Gourmet & Chocolat in Metz, France, Feb. 6-9.

Gourmet chocolate stars in at least one upcoming festival, The Salon Gourmet & Chocolat in Metz, France, Feb. 6-9. (iStock)

Travel? Coffee? Wine? Crafts? Whatever your passion, you can almost be certain of finding a consumer fair devoted to your specific interests. Here are some upcoming events centered around the products and lifestyles that make our everyday lives brighter and happier.

Travel in Stuttgart, Germany: Inspiration for new travel destinations is in abundance at CMT The Holiday Exhibition, billed as the world’s largest consumer fair for travel and leisure time activities. From Jan. 18-26, the Messe Stuttgart hosts thousands of exhibitors touting every form of vacation imaginable, from five-star pampering on a cruise to hardcore fitness boot camps. Hikers, golfers, cyclists, divers and other active types can find holidays in which indulging in their favorite activities stands front and center. Those with mobility issues can find tour operators and destinations catering to their special needs. The question of how to travel and where to stay once arrived is answered in the form of seven halls full of trailers, mobile homes, vans, tents, off-road vehicles and various gear. Each edition of the fair features a special guest land, and this year, it’s India in the spotlight. Watching Bollywood style-dancing or breathing in the scent of its spices transports the essence of this exotic land that much closer. Presentations by travelers, adventurers, sportsmen and bloggers make up the on-stage offerings.

The fair is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Online tickets for adults go for 15 euros on weekends and 17 euros on weekends; youth ages 6 to 15 pay 5 euros. Tickets bought on site will cost slightly more and do not include the free use of public transportation to and from the fairgrounds. Online: www.messe-stuttgart.de/cmt

Crafts, chocolate and gourmet treats in Metz, France: Two completely separate fairs taking place simultaneously on the grounds of the Metz Expo Feb. 6-9 can be explored for the price of one ticket. The “Salon Gourmet & Chocolat” is a showcase of chocolate, pastry, beverages and artisanal products reflecting their regional roots, whereas “Salon Creativa” is meant to give crafty types the inspiration for their next handicraft, along with the materials needed to complete it. Experts are on hand to give demos and tips on how to use the tools of their trade. The fairs run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, and tickets cost 8.50 euros. Children up to the age of 12 enter for free. Online: metz-expo.com/evenement-12-creativa

Wine in Strasbourg, France: The “Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants” gives visitors the chance to taste and virtually explore the regions producing one of France’s most acclaimed exports. From Feb. 14-17, exhibitors from regions including Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy-Beaujolais, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Corsica, South-West Armagnac, Loire Valley-Vendée and the Rhône Valley will be on hand to offer samples of their offerings. As the fair’s name implies, the exhibitors present are independent wine-makers. As wine is best enjoyed with its proper food counterpart, a number of stalls will offer accompaniments such as charcuterie, foie gras, cheese, oysters and other delectable bites. The fair takes place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Parc des Expositions, located at 3, Avenue Herrenschmidt. Entry costs 6 euros per person. Online: vigneron-independant.com

Travel, leisure and motorbikes in Munich: While the scope of the consumer fair named “f.re.e” is too vast to defy easy description, fans of adventure travel and the great outdoors are sure to find something new and exciting offered by the some thousand exhibitors on hand at this fair slated for Feb. 19-23 at the Exhibition Center in Munich-Riem. The latest gear for camping, RVs, water sports, cycling and fitness is displayed across eight halls. A cycling track, climbing wall and pool allow for demos and hands-on experiences. Running parallel to this fair, and accessible with the same ticket, is IMOT, a motorcycle exhibition featuring exhibitors from around the globe (IMOT takes place Feb. 21-23 only). Adult tickets to the expo go for 17 euros, youth ages six through 14 pay 8 euros, and children ages five and under enter free. Online: free-muenchen.de/en

Tattoos in Frankfurt, Germany: Those considering their first or umpteenth tattoo can get inspired by the Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention, set to take place March 28-30 on the grounds of the Frankfurt Trade Fair. Some 400 of the world’s best tattoo artists will showcase their skills, live on the skin, through their portfolios and by means of photo and art exhibitions. Tattoo competitions are judged by a high-profile jury. Stands selling fashion and lifestyle products help complete the look one is after. Concerts and high-energy stage shows add to the fun factor. The event takes place in Hall 1.2; single-day adult entry tickets go for 35 euros. Online: godsofinktattooconvention.com/events

Coffee in Amsterdam: The Amsterdam Coffee Festival, which opens to the public on April 5, unites coffee lovers with the many facets of their drink of choice. The festival’s 10th anniversary edition promises a lineup of immersive experiences, from live roasting demos and barista battles to workshops, art displays and live music. The “Coffee Trail” is a combination of workshops, competitions and new product launches. At the heart of the show is the opportunity to taste some of the finest coffees from around the globe. The fair takes place at the NDSM, and tickets are sold for three time slots: 9 a.m.-noon, noon-3 p.m. or 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Tickets for 20 euros adults and 5.50 euros for those under 18. Online: amsterdamcoffeefestival.com

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