Park districts offer trips both domestic and abroad

Does the New Year bring you visions of new adventures?

Whether you travel solo or with a companion, local park districts or recreation departments offer great destinations and advantages.

"You are usually traveling with friends or people from your community," said Sue Gager, Bensenville Park District's Active Adult Supervisor. "And you receive personal attention."

In addition to the many day trips and overnighters offered through Bensenville Park District, an extended trip is planned to Branson, Mo., June 23-26.

This will be a fully-escorted, deluxe motorcoach trip booked through Triple R Tours, with overnight accommodations at the Welk Resort and five top-notch shows -- Shoji Tabuchi, Yakov Smirnoff, Broadway!, the Showboat Branson Belle for boat ride, dinner and show, and the Rankin Brothers at the Welk.

There will be a sixth bonus show at the Golden Corral featuring Allen Edwards.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the American Presidents' Museum, a fish hatchery, Table Rock scenic drive and a tram ride through the climate-controlled Fantastic Caverns. Also included are three dinners, three deluxe breakfasts and one continental breakfast.

The price is $577 for double occupancy, with a $100 deposit required and the balance due by May 20. If for any reason you would need to cancel, you can do so until May 20. For details, call (630) 766-7015.

The Pella Tulip Festival in Iowa is offered by the Glen Ellyn Park District May 1-3. This extended trip through Bob Rogers Travel will feature flowers, history and shopping. Highlights include a visit to the Amana Colonies and the Herbert Hoover Museum.

Motorcoach transportation, overnight accommodations and six meals are included in the $460 fee. For details, call Jeannie Robinson at (630) 858-2462, ext. 27.

Wheaton Park District is offering several extended trips during the year, including a train lovers' special, "Trains Across Colorado," July 16-23. Highlights include a Denver city tour and trips on the Pikes' Peak Cog Railway, Royal George Scenic Railway, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

The $1,994 per person/double occupancy or $2,563 per person single/occupancy fee, with a professional Mayflower Tour manager, includes round-trip air fare from Chicago; seven nights hotel stay; six dinners; one lunch; five breakfasts; baggage handling for one suitcase per person; free home pickup and return.

A $200 deposit is due at registration and is fully refundable until June 1, when the final payment is due. An optional trip protection plan is available for $90 at the time of signup.

For details and daily itinerary, call (630) 665-1415.

You'll need your passport if you plan on joining the Naperville Park District for a trip to Beijing City, China, Oct. 21-29. Lorraine Ouellette, Naperville's program manager, said because the U.S. dollar is worth so much more in China, this trip is an excellent value at $1,949.

This trip, offered through Collette Vacations, will take you on a sightseeing tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City; a visit to the Summer Palace, ranked the most noted classical garden in the world; and the Temple of Heaven, where the emperor visited twice each year to thank the gods for the good harvest and to pray for the new harvest.

Also on the itinerary will be the Valley of Ming Tombs, where you will walk the Sacred Way, then a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. Perhaps the highlight of this trip would be the walk along a portion of The Great Wall.

Ouellette added, "If you go with us, you will see a lot more than if you went on your own."

She noted that traveling with a group is a great way to make new friends, too, and recalls one of her travel groups that visited Italy four years ago and continues to meet on a regular basis.

Registration for this trip ends May 15. Price and availability cannot be guaranteed after this date. For details, call (630) 848-3615. When making your reservations, don't forget to inquire about other fun and fascinating trips planned for 2008.

Bon voyage!