Travel Connections

06/02/2026

Day 2 of our Italy Undiscovered tour was such a good mix of history, food, and fun…which is basically Emilia-Romagna in a nutshell. 🇮🇹

We started the day in Parma with a guided tour through the historic center, including the Cathedral, bell tower, and beautiful baptistry. The frescoes inside the Cathedral were absolutely incredible.

From there, we headed to Modena for a visit to a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, where we learned how authentic balsamic is still made using generations of family tradition. And yes…there was plenty of tasting involved. 😋

Then it was off to Maranello and the Ferrari Museum, which was a huge hit with the group — even for those who don’t consider themselves “car people.” 🏎️

In the afternoon, we explored the stunning 13th-century Castle of Montechiarugolo, complete with frescoes, hidden corners, and even stories of its resident ghost, Fairy Bema. 👻

We wrapped up the evening with another amazing dinner filled with regional specialties at a local restaurant in the countryside. Honestly, every meal here somehow keeps getting better.

Italy is showing off a little… and we’re okay with that. ❤️

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Ciao from Italy! 🇮🇹✨

Our Travel Connections group officially kicked off the first day of our Italy Undiscovered journey with an incredible introduction to Northern Italy’s history, culture, and cuisine.

We began in Milan with a guided walking tour featuring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks — the magnificent Duomo, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world-famous La Scala Opera House, and the historic Sforza Castle.

From there, we traveled to the charming village of Busseto, birthplace of legendary composer Giuseppe Verdi, before enjoying a visit to a local cheese factory for an authentic Parmigiano Reggiano tasting. 🧀

But the evening may have been the highlight of the day…

In the peaceful Italian countryside, our group gathered at a beautiful farmhouse restaurant where a local chef taught us the art of making traditional tortellini by hand. We enjoyed an unforgettable dinner filled with regional specialties including cured meats, Parma ham, fresh pasta, risotto, and dessert — all paired with the warmth and hospitality that make Italy so special. 🍷🍝

What an amazing first day exploring the hidden flavors and traditions of Italy!

05/29/2026

✨IMPORTANT VENUE UPDATE✨

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming 2027 Group Travel Preview Night on Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 PM!

Due to the overwhelming response and interest in these exciting tours, we have officially outgrown our office space for this event. We are so grateful for the incredible turnout and enthusiasm!

Because of this, the event location has changed to:

📍 Uptown Grill, 601 1st St, LaSalle
📌 Thursday, June 18 @ 5:30pm

✨ If you have not yet RSVP’d, please let us know if you plan to attend so we can finalize arrangements ✨

We’ll be presenting details on all three of our exciting 2027 group tours:

🌄 Canyon Country (April 2–9, 2027)

🍺 Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria with Oktoberfest (September 25–October 4, 2027)

🗽 Spotlight on New York City Holiday (December 2–11, 2027)

We’ll be joined by our Collette BDM, Lora Carlson, who will help walk through the itineraries, inclusions, and what makes each of these journeys so special.

We can’t wait to share these incredible adventures with you!

Travel Connections
Your passport to adventure starts here. 🌍✈️

Travel Connections is here for you before, during, and after you trip. For the most inspired way to

05/28/2026

Just a friendly reminder that voting for Best of the Illinois Valley ends May 31! ✈️❤️

We’re incredibly grateful to be nominated for Best Travel Agency for the third year in a row, and so thankful for the support this community has shown our small business over the years.

If you’ve enjoyed working with Travel Connections --> whether for a honeymoon, family vacation, group tour, or bucket-list adventure --> we would truly appreciate your vote as we head into the final days of voting!

🗳️ You can vote daily through May 31
📍 Category: Travel Agency
🌐 https://www.bestoftheillinoisvalley.com/

Thank you again for supporting local and allowing us to help create so many amazing memories around the world. Your passport to adventure starts here. 🌎

05/18/2026

Behind every trip we plan is a story.

A honeymoon.
A family reunion.
A bucket-list dream.
A first passport stamp.
A memory that lasts forever. ✈️🌎

That’s why being nominated for Best of the Illinois Valley means so much to us, because it represents the trust this community places in our small business to help create those moments.

Thank you for supporting Travel Connections for the past 15 years and for allowing us to be part of so many incredible adventures. If you’d like to support us with a vote for Best Travel Agency, we would truly appreciate it. ❤️

🗳️ Vote daily through May 31
📍 Category: Travel Agency
🌐 https://www.bestoftheillinoisvalley.com/

05/15/2026

Exploring the stunning new region of Miches on Playa Esmeralda… and wow. The colors of this water don’t even look real 🇩🇴

05/07/2026

Thank you so much to ALG Vacations for the thoughtful gift and recognition on Travel Advisors Day! We are grateful for all of your support and appreciation throughout this exceptional year. It means so much to be recognized, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership!

04/27/2026

✨ You’re Invited: 2027 Group Travel Preview Night! ✨

We’re excited to introduce our 2027 TC Group Tours, and you’re invited to be among the first to hear all about them!

Join us for a relaxed, informative evening where we’ll walk through each itinerary, share highlights, and answer all of your questions.

📍 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM
📌 Travel Connections Office
1130 Peoria St, Peru

2027 Trips Being Featured:
🌄 Canyon Country (April 2–9, 2027)
🍺 Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria with Oktoberfest (Sept 25–Oct 4, 2027)
🎄 New York City Holiday (Dec 2–11, 2027)

We’ll be joined by our Collette BDM, Lora Carlson, who will provide expert insight and help bring these experiences to life.

Whether one of these trips is already on your radar or you’re just looking for your next adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to explore what’s ahead.

📩 SEATING IS LIMITED, call or message us to reserve your spot! 815.780.8581

Travel Connections — your passport to adventure starts here 🌍✈️