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 AdministrationWeather Information

             Centers for Disease Control

             If You’ve Been a Victim of a Crime

             If You’re Sick or Injured Abroad

             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   journals, diaries and photos from around the world. Designed for travelers, this site 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 travel 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 30 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.

Amazing Costa Rica! what else can you say. A country the size of  West Virginia with a Caribbean coast, a Pacific coast, a continental divide with a cloud forest and an active volcano. With a range a climates like this you can see why there is such biodiversity in this land.

Collette Tours was our tour company and we were escorted by a fabulous motorcoach driver, Juan Carlos and one of the best, most knowledgeable  guides I’ve traveled with Ricardo Howell.

 We began in San Jose the capital city and home to 1/4 of the population. A few miles outside of town is the lovely family owned Doka Coffee Estate where we enjoyed an informative tour of the fields,production and roasting facilities.

Then on to Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific Coast and the centrally located Diria Resort. Two relaxing days( unless your room was next to the family of Howler monkees!) to enjoy sun,watersports,catamarans and watching the surfers.

 Then up into the cloud forest at Monteverde for the next two days and the stunning views from our rooms at El Establo.  We are located near the quaint town of Santa Elena where we had lunch in the treehouse and did some local souvenir shopping. A full day trip to Selvatura Park for an awesome zip line adventure involving 12 ziplines over the forest and the Tarzan Swing. Then enjoyed the butterfly gardens before heading back in time to go out to dinner at a fun place Tramonti Italian Restaurante- Happy Birthday Ricardo!

Fred dug and Doris planted a tree in the rainforest on behalf of Collette Tours as part of their contribution to green tourism. More will be planted, but this is dry season-little or no rain on the west side of the divide December to June- then look out ’cause here comes rain for the next 6 months.

 A long ride to cover a short distance on really winding narrow roads, with great views though, on way to Arenal Volcano. Stop in Tilaran for a break, Elaine buys more”stuff”. Arrive at Arenal Lake, largest manmade in central America and supplies 50% of country’s power. A Pango Pango boat ride across the lake with incredible view of  the 5,000′ Arenal Volcano looming nearby. Lots of wildlife and sign at dock warns of swimming and crocodiles.

 Checkin to Arenal Springs Resort,WOW! Hot spring fed pools, waterfalls and main pool- with swim up bar of course. Two unit buildings scattered throughout the property with patios to view the ever changing face of Arenal. A few minute drive to La Fortuna to explore souvenir shops, buy special coffee and dinner on the main drag.

 A day trip to the Nicaraguan border for an exciting jungle trip down the Cano Negro River with Mango on our Pango Pango. Egrets,bats,kingfishers,caymans,Jesus Christ lizards, monkees and a 3 toed sloth just to name  some of the many species we encountered. Trip back to Arenal through the heart of the farming region, bananas,pineapples,casava,yuca and tapioca,sugar cane and cattle ranches all along the route.

Head back to San Jose and flight home, but first stop is Sarchi and an ox cart factory established in 1923. Great spot for handmade crafts and our group photo. Trip up the mountain to view Poas volcano, but alas Poas is invisible today-socked in by it’s own clouds- so buy some postcards to see what we missed.

Gotta leave something to come back for. We were here for 8 days and I feel like we only scratched the surface, beautiful country, friendly smiling people and fun traveling companions. PURA VIDA!!

 Cost is $60.00 and reservation deadline is March 1.

After lunch tour a local farm and country home and explore Rockome Gardens and the Amish Museum before returning home.

 Donna Whitlow is your tour guide and cost is $99.00 for transportation, quilt show, Rockome Gardens and lunch.

Reservation deadline is April 5

Anna Barnland will be escorting your tour and the cost is $99.00 for transportation, lunch and tour.

Reservation deadline is April 16th

Depart First Christian Church in Watseka at 8:30am with a stop at the Crescent Community Center at 8:45am to arrive in plenty of time to get a bite to eat, watch the warmups and maybe even get an autograph or two. Game time 1:20pm and we will return home directly after the game. Cost for motorcoach transportation and terrace reserved ticket is $60.00. Reserve your seat now. Full payment due no later than March 1st.

Depart First Christian Church in Watseka at 8:30am with a stop at the Crescent Community Center at 8:45am to arrive in plenty of time to get a bite to eat, watch the warmups and maybe even get an autograph or two. Game time 1:20pm and we will return home directly after the game. Cost for motorcoach transportation and terrace reserved ticket is $60.00. Reserve your seat now. Full payment due no later than March 1st.

Donna Whitlow, number 1 Cubs Fan, will be leading the group.