Here are some links that we’ve found helpful in our travels across the globe…

• Passport Information from the Department of State

• Indianapolis Airport Information

• Chicago Airport Information

• Transportation Security Administration

• Weather Information

• Centers for Disease Control

• General Emergency Information

• If You’ve Been a Victim of a Crime

• If You’ve Lost Your Passport

• If You’re Sick or Hurt

• US Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions

• US Customs

Most of our group motorcoach tours leave from:

First Christian Church – 546 North 6th Street, Watseka, IL  60970

Click Map For Larger Image

The Travel Discoveries Travel Blog is a collection of our client’s  journals, diaries and photos from around the world. Designed for travellers, this site blog includes some hints and tips for safe travel so that you and your family can get started on your next big journey.

We’ll share travel tips, help you plan your next big vacation, and introduce you to travelers from all over the world.  Thanks for joining us for the trip of a lifetime!

Joan and John Cook
Travel Discoveries International
http://www.TravelDiscoveries.com
(815) 432-6121 – Watseka
(219) 474-6666 – Kentland

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.

For more than 25 years, Travel Discoveries has been instrumental in arranging special day trips, short breaks and three day excursions for both individuals and organizations. While many of our special outings include our friends and associates in Iroquois, Newton, and surrounding counties, we also provide helpful information and creative getaway ideas to clients all over Illinois, Indiana, and the Midwest.

If you would like assistance in planning a group trip or short break, please feel free to contact us today. Otherwise, our upcoming events for local residents are listed below. All Day Trips leave from the First Christian Church at 546 North 6th Street in Watseka, Illinois, unless otherwise stated or arranged in advance.

We have also successfully planned and organized group cruises and tours, ranging anywhere from ten to three hundred participants at a time. Please contact us if you require more information on our group programs, or if you would like assistance with planning a group or large family function.

We arrived at the Grand Floridian for the first night ( no castle stay for us this time) and while we had toured the property before this was our first stay here. A great property with immaculate grounds located on the monorail just outside the Magic Kingdom. The room at the Floridian was slightly larger than an average hotel room with a balcony and a large bathroom, as well as a minifridge and coffeemaker in the room.

Luggage is transported by Disney from your room to the ship- but bags had to be ready to go at 8am! Our Disney Cruise motorcoach left at 11am for the 90 minute ride to Port Canaveral. The design and color scheme of the Disney ships make them stand out against the Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships in port that day-very distinctive.

As everyone had checked in on line prior to arrival ( make sure you do this), a quick trip through the security scanners brought us to the checkin counters. After verifying out passports we received our welcome packets and were directed to the photo counter where our pictures were taken and imbedded into our room key cards. Then Welcome Aboard! we gave our names to the hostess and were introduced to all those within earshot of the main atrium. But first things first it was on to the top deck buffet. Very good selection of food and eager bartenders to serve.

After the usual lifeboat drill, section O for us, it was time to sail away. I really enjoy this part as you slide out to sea with bystanders lining the shore and waving or honking goodbye-and the unique musical blasts from the Disney horn!

The cabins on board are great for couples or families. Our balcony cabin had a queen bed with a pullout sofa and above that a bed would pull out.This area could be separated by a privacy curtain. The bathroom was actually split in two with a shower and sink in one room and a sink and toilet in the other. Very handy if sleeping four in the room. See photos below-

We got to eat in the one  specialty restaurant, Palo, that evening which is for adults only and requires reservations and an upcharge of $15.00 each. Having not tried this before on other cruise lines- hey the food is included why pay more, but after experiencing Palo it’s- why wouldn’t I want a nice relaxing atmosphere with great views by the window and a superb food and wine menu to choose from- excellent sea bass and rack of lamb,decadent desserts.

The dining onboard is a unique cruising experience as you get to enjoy each restaurant  on board a different night. You rotate between each and your waitstaff goes with you from Parrot Cay to Tritons to Animators Palate.

Lots of choices to make after dinner, see a movie in the theater, or go topside to the pool deck and see what is playing on the giant outdoor screen, several lounges for adults with comedy,karaoke,newlywed type games and family entertainment. We chose to see the musical Toy Story brought to life onstage, long time since I saw Woody, Andy and Buzz Lightyear,  great show!

Kids have loads of fun in there own program areas operated at 4 different age levels from age 3 to 17.  We toured them all, met the enthusiastic crewmembers and looked at several of the projects being worked on in the labs. Of course, it would not be Disney without visits from various onboard characters including Mickey and Minnie who arrive in the atrium for photographs the last evening. Lots of little Princess’s that night.

You can’t miss Pirate Night as lots of make believe-maybe even some real pirates come out to celebrate on the pool deck beneath the big screen with Capt Hook and Mr Smee leading the singing and dancing- the whole deck is almost rocking until finally the fireworks begin – yes real fireworks at sea launched from the smokestack over the dark Atlantic Sea-what a sight, hope we didn’t wake any fish!

And then there is the awesome port of call at Disney’s own Bahamian Island Castaway Cay. The ship slips into its own dock early in the morning and you can either walk the 7 minute hike to the beach or take a tram. The tram services both the nearby large family beach or continues on to the other side of the island to the relaxing and quiet adults only beach. We tried both!

A great island meal is included- ribs,chicken, fish-load up! Sun, blue waters, good food and drink and friends- We’re on vacation now!

Sadly, we head for home late in the afternoon to arrive at Port Canaveral at 6:00am. Any checked bags have to be out of the room by 11pm the night before as they get to go through customs first. After a last breakfast on deck, or in the dining room if you prefer, the announcement came at 7:30am that we have cleared customs and we were now free to disembark. Very smooth.

We stayed a few days at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, did both water parks and as much of Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom that we could.

Then Saturday morning a car from the Royal Castle arrived to pick us up and wisk us away to the back side of the Magic Kingdom. There we were met by Steve, our personal tour guide for the rest of our stay. Right away he escorted us to the Haunted Mansion and with his special entry card, we went through secret passages to arrive deep inside the mansion and right onto the ride. Then over to Thunder Mountain for a wild roller coaster thrill and again the “Extreme Steve Pass” got us  thru some dark passageways to the front of the line- ride the last 2 cars for the best ride he rightfully advised. After 2 more rides it was over to the castle to check out the only guest room in the castle.

Another secret door through the main passage in the castle led us to a small room with an elevator and with the swipe of a card the door opened and we were transported to the third floor. The foyer had inlayed tile of the pumpkin coach, wood and glass case containing THE MAGIC SLIPPER and paintings on the stone walls. Notice all clocks in paintings are stopped a few minutes before midnight- you know why! Inside was a beautiful suite with 2 canopied beds, real antique  furniture, stained glass windows , fireplace, a separate bedroom with pullout sofa sleeper, and flat screen tv’s that looked like a mirror when turned off. The large bathroom contained a separate shower and full size jacuzzi tub with multicolored lighting and a ceiling that changed to twinkling stars at the press of a button.

We were then taken back downstairs to meet the Princess and have our pictures taken before dining at the Royal Table. After a great meal, Steve took us on a few more front of the line rides and then to VIP seating in time for the night parade. Fireworks followed over ” our castle” and then it was suggested maybe we should try the Buzz Lightyear ride. It was like being in a giant video game and points were scored by hitting the targets from your laser gun. Of course, Steve knew where to shoot for the most points and by the third time around the ride our oldest had mastered the game, scoring to the max 999,999- he was quite proud of himself!

After the park closed we got a chance to see underground Disney. Our personal guide took us down  a couple levels where the underground network of tunnels connected points throughout the park. The Magic Kingdom is actually raised about 45 feet above sea level and these tunnels go down to the original ground level- quite fascinating!

We then walked around the now closed and deserted park and the ever knowledgeable Steve regaled us with stories about Walt and Roy Disney, the building of the park  and showed us various points of interest and humorous touches added by the imagineers.

By now we had run out of steam and it was time to turn in to our suite. A turndown service had been provided including a pumpkin coach pulled by horses made from white chocolate  containing chocolate covered strawberries. A quick photo was all I got before 2 hungry boys attacked the treat.

A deluxe continental breakfast was delivered to our room the next morning before we said goodbye and and left the magic behind. This was truly a once in a lifetime family experience!

John, Joan, Matthew and Bryan

 The Augustin Hotel was our base for the next two days and it’s central location, friendly staff and included excellent buffet breakfasts made for a wonderful starting point. I don’t know how I’ll survive without 5 kinds of herring to choose from each morning—

 The local fish and shopping market set up each morning at harbor’s edge and what a selection they had, flowers, handmade items , furs and lots of fresh fish. Just browse and you are offered samples from caviar to whale and invited to purchase a sandwich made from your choice of fresh fish. While we were there a motorcade whizzed by and we got a glimpse of Queen Sonja of Norway.

 The Floibanen funicular from city center up Mt Floyen is a must see for the incredible views of the city and harbor area.  On a really clear day you can see the oil platforms in the North Sea from here ( we didn’t). If you choose to walk down it’s worth the trip on an easy path that takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. What better way to end the day than with a pint of Guiness at Scruffy Murphy’s Pub at waters edge (we’re not that far from Ireland!).

 An early start on the Fjord 1 ferry to Balestrand – on this high speed ferry we made several stops along the way at quaint villages, some only accessible by boat. About 4 hours later we arrived in beautiful Balestrand and the incredible Kiviknes Hotel. This hotel has been in the family for over 100 years and is ideally set on the waterfront. Our room, as did most, had a small balcony and fantastic views of the fjord. 

 Several hiking trails begin here and we chose one of the easier ones ( for a Norwegian!) to get a good view from above.  So we climbed and climbed and every time we asked someone coming down about how far to the lookout point it was always “20 minutes” so we climbed some more. Finally, a light rain begin and we almost turned back until Bryan went ahead a little further and yelled back he found it. What a stunning view - it was worth every step. I just wish we could have gone on to the glacier but that would have taken another “‘20 minutes”.  A lavish dinner buffet was included that evening and we savored the meal as well as the table at the window overlooking the fjords and snowcapped mountains in the ever changing evening light. At the same latitude as Anchorage nightime here in May comes between 11 pm and 3 am!

 Our short journey through Norway continued the next day up Sognefjord- 2nd longest in the world to Flam. The fairytale views just got better with every turn and I would have enjoyed staying aboard the whole day, but Flam was in site and we had a train to catch.

 The famous Flam Railroad was completed in 1940 after 20 years of labor. It climbs from sea level to almost 3,000 ft in 12 miles through 20 tunnels in about an hour with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall where you are able to get off and feel the power of the surging water- beware the siren song!

 Myrdal station is the end of the line and the connection point for the train that runs between Bergen and Oslo. A 6 hour ride over the top of the mountains and down to Oslo brings us to the end of our journey.

 We’d love to come back again and bring the hiking boots and backpacks and do some real hiking along the fjords, which honestly offer some of the most incredible views you’ll find anywhere in the world!

John, Joan and Bryan

Join John and Joan for a weekend in New Orleans for jazz and blues, food and drink, sightseeing and more.

 Three nights in the French Quarter at the Monteleone Hotel, New Orleans School of Cooking experience with lunch, Mardi Gras World tour just across the Mississippi River where you can see many of the floats in their final stages of preparation for the upcoming Mardis Gras Parades and Cemetery and Gris Gris tour.

February 18 Fly nonstop from Chicago / New Orleans to arrive about noon.

Transfer to the historic Monteleone in the French Quarter near Canal Street for the next three nights.

Included is New Orleans School of Cooking where you can learn to make some of those creole favorites such as jambalaya, red beans and rice and bread pudding with rum sauce and pralines.

2 hour Mardis Gras World Tour just across the Mississippi River where you can see many of the floats that will be in the Mardis Gras parades a couple of weeks later.

  Cemetery & Gris Gris Walking Tour  Walk through St. Louis Cemetery #1 as your professional licensed guide recounts the background of the famous people who are buried there.  Listen to the evolution of voodoo, learn about unique above ground burial customs, and find out what “Gris-Gris” means and discover the mysterious ingredients in your souvenir “GrisGris” bag. 

Optional tours available include:

 Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tours

Hurricane Katrina Tour

February 21   Return to O’hare nonstop Monday evening.

Air, 3 nights Monteleone, transfers to and from New Orleans airport to hotel and New Orleans School of Cooking with lunch,Mardis Gras World tour and Cemetery and Gris Gris tour. the rate per person based on double occupancy is  $849.00

Deposits: $200.00 per person

Final Payment: Nov. 15, 2010

Cancellations:  Oct. 01—Full refund less $25.00 administrative fee

Oct. 01-Dec. 15—$200.00 cancellation fee    Dec. 16—No refunds

Note:  In addition, if air tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable.

Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.  The premium is based on the total cost of the trip and your age.  Call Travel Discoveries for a quote.

Travel Discoveries Watseka   815-432-6121 joan@traveldiscoveries.com or Kentland 219-474-6666 john@traveldiscoveries

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Zanzibar, the Serengeti are just some of the places you’ll see on your search for the Big Five ( lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, elephants and cape buffalo). Join your tour escort, Julie Morgenson on this once in a lifetime adventure to East Africa. This escorted tour includes airfare, most meals, several game drives and time to relax on the beach at the Indian Ocean.

May 29   depart Chicago for Tanzania on overnight flight through Amsterdam and transfer to Arusha for overnight stay.

May 31  Arusha – Lake Manyara

 Pass through the Massai Steppes and small African villages where farmers are attending their fields of maize, coffee and bananas. Enjoy your first game drive at Lake Manyara National Park and then travel up the scenic escarpment that brings you to the lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley. 

June 01 Lake Manyare – Ngorongoro Crater

 Journey across the highlands into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and then proceed 2,000 feet down through the morning mist to the bottom of the crater. An awesome wildlife experience is sure to be had. Our lodge this evening is set at the rim of the crater.

June 2     Ngorongoro Crater – Olduvai Gorge – Serengeti

Depart for the Serengeti with a stop along the way at the Olduvai Gorge. Ahead lie the vast plains of the Serengeti.

June 3-4   Serengeti National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives. Optional hot air balloon ride above the plains.

June 5   Serengeti National Park – Zanzibar

 Transfer to the airstrip for a short flight to Zanzibar, a small island off the coast in the Indian Ocean

June 6-7   Zanzibar

Relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of this pleasant destination or sign up for the many opportunities to sight see including a trip to Stone Town.

June 8     Depart  Zanzibar

Transfer to Dar Es Salaam for an overnight at a hotel with dinner.  Later transfer to airport for flight home.

June 9      Arrive home Chicago

Price for this African Safari is $ 5499.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Price includes air from Chicago, tours and as listed, all meals while on Safari and breakfast and dinner in Zanzibar.

Not included:

• airport taxes
•  visa fees and processing
• inoculations
• tipping
• air taxes and any fuel surcharges are not guaranteed until ticketed
• currency fluctuations may affect final prices

Passports and visa required:  US Passport holders require a visa for Tanzania.Please ensure that your passport has at least 7 months  from return trip before expiration as well as at least two blank pages side by side for customs stamp.

Inoculations:  Yellow fever certificate may be required for Tanzania. We recommend you contact Passport Health 888-499-7277 for questions regarding country specific health counseling.

Trip Protection is highly recommended:The nonrefundable premium for land and air is $300.00 each. Pre-existing conditions are covered provided deposit and premium paid at same time.

Deposit: $600.00 per person by check is due at booking, plus insurance. The insurance portion can be paid by credit card.

An additional deposit of $2,000.00 each is due January 7, 2011

Final payment:  Due February 7, 2011.

Cancellations: Full refund up to September 1, 2010. 

Sept 2- Feb 7   $200.00 each will be assessed

Feb 8 – Mar 15  $650.00 each

Mar 16 – Apr 20 $50% of total

After April 20th nonrefundable

Once airline tickets and insurance premium are processed they are non-refundable.

Space is limited to 20 participants

Julie Morgenson, group leader   815-383-8494 or 815-457-3022 juliemorgenson@yahoo.com

Joan or John Cook  815-432-6121           travel@traveldiscoveries.com