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.

only $399.00 per person based on double occupancy

Price includes:  Motorcoach Transportation, 4 nights lodging. 8 meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners, Admission to Graceland—Home of Elvis Presley, Admission to the Tunica Museum

Free time on Beale Street in Memphis 

Depart: Gilman 9:00am

Day 1: Depart your group’s location in a spacious, restroom and video

equipped motorcoach and arrive later that day at a Casino Resort in

exciting Tunica! You’ll check in and enjoy a delicious Dinner Buffet. 

Day 2: Have a Hot Breakfast Buffet before enjoying the Casino Resort.

Later, enjoy Dinner. 

Day 3: After a Hot Breakfast Buffet, your group will have a memorable

day, starting with a tour of amazing and opulent GRACELAND, home

of Elvis. Later, you’ll depart for free time on BEALE STREET in

Memphis. Then, return to Tunica to visit another Casino Resort for

more gaming and Dinner. 

Day 4: After enjoying a Hot Breakfast Buffet, depart for a visit to the

TUNICA MUSEUM where you’ll take a journey back in time to see what

life was like in Tunica before the casinos. This evening, you will enjoy

Dinner and return to your Casino Resort. 

Day 5: Today after enjoying a Hot Breakfast Buffet, you depart for

home… a time to chat with your friends about all the fun things

you’ve done and where your next group trip will take you! 

$399.00 per person based on double occupancy

For Information and Reservations, contact:

TRAVEL DISCOVERIES

815 432-6121 or 219-474-6666

Motor Coach Driver & Step-On Guide Gratuities included

Look out New York City, here we come again for our 5th annual weekend getaway to the Big Apple.  Enjoy sightseeing, shopping,  great food and more  in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

We are pleased to have Ann Barnlund again escorting us and pointing us in the right direction as we enjoy sightseeing aboard the double decker buses, transportation on the subway and a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Our centrally located hotel, the New York Sheraton, makes it a cinch to enjoy 5th Avenue shopping, take in a Broadway play or people watch in Times Square.

Rate is $ 999.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Single rate would be $1450.00 and triple rate is $899.00 each

This trip includes:

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to LaGuardia airport

Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers

3 nights hotel at the Sheraton New York (located between Central Park and Times Square)

1 day unlimited use of MetroCard

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry ticket

48 Hours three loop Double Decker Tours with over 35 stops:

*Uptown Loop – with Central Park, Lincoln Center, Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Harlem.

*Downtown Loop — with Times Square, Empire State Building, Chinatown,Battery Park,Greenwich Village, Soho and Little Italy.

*Brooklyn Loop — featuring Botanic Gardens and Brooklyn Museum of Art

Your choice of admission to Empire State Building Observatory or Museum of the City of New York

And admission of your choice to Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History or Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

Not Included:

Transportation to Chicago from Watseka which we will provide at an additional charge.

Air taxes and fuel charges currently estimated at $60.00

To book or for more information contact Anna Barnlund 815-486-7297

Travel Discoveries  Watseka 815-432-6121 or

Kentland 219-474-6666

Deposit  of $250.00 each and is nonrefundable

Final payment due April 1, 2010. Once final payment is received it becomes nonrefundable.

Optional trip cancellation insurance is available and highly recommended, ask us for rate.

Only 20 seats available for this New York City trip———-

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

Board the famous Holland America domed railcars on the Mckinley Explorer on the way to Denali National Park where you will experience the indepth Tundra Wilderness Tour as you keep an eye out for grizzly bears, dall sheep, caribou, moose and wolves. Continue your rail journey to Anchorage and your flight home.

Stop by our office for a Holland America brochure and look at cruisetour # 1 for more details.Your Holland America Cruise Tour includes:

• Roundtrip air from Chicago and current taxes
• 3 nights aboard the Zuiderdam
• Skagway to Whitehorse rail and motorcoach
• Frantic Follies Revue
• overnight Whitehorse
• Motorcoach to Dawson City with lunch
• 2 nights Dawson City
• Yukon Queen boat to Eagle
• overnight Tok
• Motorcoach to Fairbanks and overnight
• Gold Dredge #8 tour with lunch
• Mckinley Explorer rail to Denail
• Tundra Wilderness Tour
• overnight Denail
• Mckinley Explorer to Anchorage
• overnight Anchorage
• port charges and current taxes
• most meals aboard ship and some meals on tour as described

Not Included:

• Air and air taxes are included, but are subject to change until ticketed
• If fuel stays above $70.00/barrel Holland America may impose a fuel surcharge of up to $9.00 per person/day on the cruise portion of trip
• gratuities aboard ship at $10.00 per person/day
• meals on land portion unless included as described
• optional shore excursions and land tours.
• Trip cancellation protection- highly recommended and price is based on cost of your cruisetour.

Cost is per person based on double occupancy

Inside cabin         $2759.00

Outside cabin      $3129.00

Balconies  from   $3419.00

Passports are required for this Cruise Tour

Need more information or ready to book call Travel Discoveries 815-432-6121 Watseka or 219-474-6666 Kentland

All aboard the Glacier Express and other legendary Swiss trains as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Alps in the comfort provided by Swiss Rail. Enjoy time on your own to explore the beautiful cities of Lucerne , Luasanne,  Montreaux , Zermattand Zurich.

Board the Chocolate train to  Gruyeres, famous for its cheese and then on to Broc, the chocolate village.Make your way by rail to Zermatt where you have time to take in the stunning scenery and explore this village at the base of the famous Matterhorn.

Then you get to experience one of the most spectacular train rides in the world aboard the Glacier Express.  Travel through the Alp, across fast flowing rivers and dark tunnels to finally arrive at the world class ski resort town of  St Moritz. Then back to Zurich and enjoy time here to shop, relax and explore before your flight back to the states.

June 20 – Depart Chicago for Zurich

June 21 – Arrive  Zurich and transfer to Lucerne.  The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful city.

June 22 – Full day at leisure in Lucerne.  You might want to use your rail pass to explore nearby Interlaken.

June 23 – Morning train to Lausanne.  Rest of the day free to explore Lausanne, take the train to Geneva, or maybe a boat ride on beautiful Lake Geneva.

June 24 – Today you will have the opportunity to ride the Chocolate Train.  This special tour will take us first to Gruyeres, a quaint little village, famous everywhere for their cheese then on to Broc to experience the chocolate factory including a visit to the tasting room.  The train will return to Montreux late afternoon where you can stay and explore or catch the next train back to Lausanne.

June 25 – We will train to Zermatt, where we will stay at the base of the famous Matterhorn.  Rest of the day is at leisure, to explore one of the famous peaks by gondola or cable car.

June 26 – Full day in Zermatt.  Explore the little village on foot as there are no cars allowed here.

June 27 –Today you will take one of the most spectacular train rides in the world, the Glacier Express.  This panoramic trip through the Alps includes 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.  We will arrive in St. Moritz by late afternoon.

June 28 – We travel back to Zurich today, arriving early to mid afternoon.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

June 29 – Full day at leisure

June 30 – Say Auf Wiedersehen to Switzerland as we catch our flight back to Chicago.

Trip escorted by Julie Morgeson.

Trip includes air from Chicago, 9 nights hotels with breakfast daily, airport transfers, rail pass and taxes. ( rail pass allows for transportation by rail, most buses and some boats. Discounts at many tourist attractions and other venues may also apply).

Not included are optional tours, meals other than breakfast and taxi fare.

Rates subject to change until tickets are issued.

Price per person based on double occupancy is $2529.00.

$300.00 per person deposit secures your spot on the exciting journey.

For More Information Contact Julie Morgeson 815-383-8494 or 815-457-3022