Travel Discoveries is owned and operated by Joan and John Cook, two dedicated vacation consultants with personal travel experiences spanning almost every continent on the globe.

For more than 25 years, we have worked to ensure the vacations we recommend offer exceptional value for money and recreational fun. Together with an experienced team of travel consultants and event planners, Travel Discoveries continues to maximize the enjoyment friends and customers experience when booking a vacation through us.

 An early summer family vacation began in the wonderful, unique city of Dubrovnik. This 1,000 year old walled city was a delight to walk, exploring the many artistic shops and savoring the sights and  smells of the open air cafes and restaurants.                                                   

 We then drove the breathtaking Dalmatian Coast north through Split to the quaint island city of Trogir.  A couple nights here and we felt like locals in this tourist friendly village. There were many handmade items to choose from, including candles, soaps, carvings and paintings.

 A further drive down the coast through wine country and olive groves  to the ferry boat that takes us to the island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. We enjoyed the fisherman in the early morning just outside our hotel room, bringing in their catch from the previous night.

Back on the mainland and a leisurely drive through the mountainous coast brought us back to the Dubrovnik airport and our jouney home. With its fabulously rugged coastline and small towns clinging to the mountainside and 1,000 islands dotting the sea, you just know you’ll be back someday! 

Our group of 30 traveled on an exciting and unusual cruise to three continents—Europe, Africa, and Asia. After spending a day in Athens, Greece visiting the Acropolis, we sailed for the Greek Islands of Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos. Santorini is an unusual island with intense character and unique fascination formed by volcanic lava. Rhodes is known as the island of Roses. Everyone should experience Mykonos by night as the sun sets over the Mediterannean Sea.

The Glacier Express in Switzerland is one of the most scenic rail trips you could ever hope to take. An eight hour train ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz saw us travel through 91 tunnels and over 29 bridges while aboard the Glacier Express. This is a very relaxing way to see the Swiss Alps and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Definitely a highlight of our trip to Switzerland, and a must see for anyone with the opportunity to visit this beautiful country.

 Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is a spectacular archaeological site discovered in 1911. We spent nine days traveling to Lima, and visiting the ruins of Cuzco, South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress near Machu Picchu.
This was a rough trip and not for everyone. It is very dry and dusty, and hotel accommodations were below standard. If you are looking for adventure, want to experience new cultures, and have an interest in archaeological sites, this is the trip for you.

Venice is made up of 188 islands, 150 canals and over 400 bridges. Lace makers, glass blowers, and gondoliers are what makes Venice what it is today. The most famous area is the Piazza San Marco where St. Mark’s Basicila is located. Don’t forget to look at the top of the Basicila of the pictures depicting scenes from the Bible and St. Mark’s life.
At the Piazza San Marco you will find many fine outdoor restaurants. Three piece orchestras play while you are dining. After dinner, take a gondola ride to really experience one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Marcel Proust said it best– “When I went to Venice, my dream became an address”.

This very cosmopolitan city is every shopper’s dream. From pearls, to silk ties, to watches, to custom made suits and dresses, shopping on Nathan Road in Hong Kong is an amazing experience. Shopping is not complete without a stop to Stanley Market for a taste of international gifts as well.

Our trip included a tram ride to Victoria Peak, and a tour of Repulse Bay and the fishing village of Aberdeen where you will find the “water people”. The food is excellent - from authentic Oriental to all types of seafood. We were even brave and tried jellyfish!

For friends considering a trip to Hong Kong, we also suggest planning for a two day extension into mainland China to visit the city Guangzhou. You can travel by boat and return by train for the ultimate experience.

One of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, Bali is the very heart of Indonesia. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets started and ended each of our days. We visited several Balinese temples, and witnessed a performance of the holy Barong dance.

We explored the Balinese villages known for their artisans and traditional handicrafts. At one of the villages, we visited a batik factory and came home with many bargains. An evening is not complete without watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean and listening to their people play traditional Balinese music on the gamelan.