Sometimes we try too hard. Sometimes we overthink things. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us.

The PA Family Travel Fair has a unique way of simplifying things. The lively event focuses on recreation, on Pennsylvania, on family.

"Recreation is so important to your well-being," said Wendy Royal, organizer of the PA Family Travel Fair and editor of Where & When Pennsylvania. "It's crucial to your health to check out of your job. It can just be a long weekend. But it's time with kids too. It's important for families to spend time together. It's important to get away and make those memories. You only get 18 summers with your kids."

The sixth edition of the annual PA Family Travel Fair, hosted by Where & When Pennsylvania, will be presented on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a new location, John Bonfield Elementary School, 101 N. Oak St., Lititz. The event is free to attend.

"There's nothing else like this in the state of Pennsylvania," said Royal. "We call it a travel fair because it's fun and informative. I'm amazed by how little people know about things to do in Pennsylvania. I've had so many people say to me, 'Why doesn't the state do this?' The state of Pennsylvania tourism office's job is to bring people in. Our goal with the travel fair is to keep some of those tax dollars here. We're trying to get people to spend some of their money in our state."

More than 40 exhibitors will be represented at the PA Family Travel Fair, including visitor's bureaus, museums, state parks, amusement parks, historical sites and Keystone State destinations. The low-pressure, laid-back atmosphere is enhanced by food trucks, live shows, giveaways, face painting and balloon artists.

In addition to substantial giveaway drawings from exhibitors, Where & When Pennsylvania will be giving away a Potter-Tioga getaway for four. The grand prize includes four nights of lodging at the Penn Wells Lodge; passes to museums, attractions, and tours; food vouchers; and more.

"We cater to our exhibitors," said Royal. "They're handing out free information. The cool thing is you get to talk to someone. You get first-hand knowledge and advice from someone who knows. When you're there, it's a lot of fun because we involve the kids."

According to Royal, Pennsylvania is a unique travel destination.

"You can't really compare it to other states," said Royal. "The country was born in Pennsylvania. It all started in Philadelphia, and at one point, Pittsburgh was the wild west. So much has happened here. There's so much history, and there's so much fun."

The PA Family Travel Fair was started in 2018 as a way to meet a need for affordable family vacations. Since then, the need for recreation or for family togetherness hasn't changed. In fact, if anything, it has grown stronger.

"Way too many of us are leaving vacation days on the table at the end of the year," said Royal. "(Family vacations are) a time when we can connect. We encourage families to spend time together and disconnect from technology. There are a lot of fun things to do with the family, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Or you can make it a history trip."

For additional information about the PA Family Travel Fair, go to http://www.pafamilytravel.com.