Special Journeys

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OUR TRIPS

 

Special Journeys provides chaperoned vacations for individuals who need assistance traveling. Our goal is to provide fun, well-planned and reasonably priced vacations that are staffed with experienced volunteers and tour leaders. We are a local company exclusively serving those states where we can physically pickup and drop-off our travelers (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota).

Our travelers are people with developmental or physical disabilities, the elderly, the mentally ill and other individuals with special travel needs. Most travelers are individuals with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Travelers must exhibit good social behavior, have no major medical concerns that would interfere with traveling, be at least 18 years old (unless prior arrangements are made) and display appropriate behavior toward property, themselves and others.

Our Guaranteed Cost™ trips means there are absolutely no hidden costs - your trip includes everything necessary to have a great time including:

  • all meals,
  • lodging (in your own, regular bed),
  • all transportation including local pickup and drop off in your city,
  • all entertainment and activities,
  • an experienced tour leader and experienced staff care in 1:3 and 1:4 small groups.
  • 1:1 staffing is available at an additional cost.
  • Travelers only need to bring souvenir and snack money.

Best of all your Special Journey adventure includes the opportunity to have tons of fun, see exciting new places and meet new friends!

New Photo DVDs - All travelers will receive a photo DVD that shows a slideshow of the trip's photos in your DVD player/TV and can also be used to print any trip photos!

February, 2009

Double The Monster Truck Fun

Kansas City
February 6-8, 2009 (3 Days)
$575
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Spa and Shopping Vacation in Kansas City

Kansas City
February 17 -20, 2009 (4 Days)
$1,080
Walking Level: Light

For additional information about this trip please click here.



March, 2009

Hollywood & Universal Studios

March 23-28, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,845
Walking Level: Moderate to High

For additional information about this trip please click here.



Spring Training in Arizona

Arizona
March 23-28, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,790
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

The Ultimate Shopping Trip!

Illinois, Iowa & Wisconsin
March 31 - April 5, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,170
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.



April, 2009

Kansas City Adventure

Kansas City
April 16-18, 2009 (3 Days)
$490
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Washington DC & Baltimore

April 22-28, 2009 (7 Days)
$1,890
Walking Level: Moderate to Heavy

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Spring NASCAR Racing

April 24-27, 2009 (4 Days)
$845
Walking Level: Low

For additional information about this trip please click here.



May, 2009

New Orleans

May 5 - 9, 2009 (5 Days)
$1,670
Walking Level: Moderate to High

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Branson Spring Adventure

May 11-14, 2009 (4 Days)
$1,200
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

WWE Wrestling

Waterloo, Iowa and Bloomington, Illinois
May 15 - 18, 2009 (3 Days)
$575
Walking Level: Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Baja Mexico Cruise

May 23-29, 2009 (7 Days)
$1,690
Walking Level: Light
Signup Deadline: March 25, 2009

For additional information about this trip please click here.



June, 2009

Absolutely Elvis

Memphis & Tupelo
June 2 - 8, 2009 (7 Days)
$1,775
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

For additional information about this trip please click here.

FanFare (CMA Music Fest)

Nashville, Tennessee
June 11-16, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,640
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

Travel to Nashville with Special Journeys and meet your favorite country star in person. See a show on the General Jackson Showboat and visit other exciting Nashville attractions.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Galena - Mississippi River Boat Trip

June 22-26, 2009 (5 Days)
$1,380
Walking Level: Light

Ride a riverboat on the Mississippi and spend time in relaxing Galena, Illinois for some shopping and a party making specialty bath products!

For additional information about this trip please click here.



July, 2009

Taste of Chicago over 4th of July weekend

Chicago, Illinois
July 1 - 5, 2009 (5 Days)
$1,260
Walking Level: Moderate

Incredible food, fun and sights in Chicago!

For additional information about this trip please click here.

South Dakota

July 13 - 18, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,495
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

Mitchell Corn Palace, Wall Drug, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore National Park and Crazy Horse Monument along with a spectacular night show at Crazy Horse. Also a wagon ride/sing along through Custer State Park and a cowboy cookout at the park's highest point.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

July 20-24, 2009 (5 Days)
$1,290
Walking Level: Moderate

Travel west partner and join us at the Daddy of 'em all: the world's largest rodeo and western celebration! Also see a PBR Rodeo, the USAF Thunderbirds and explore Terry's Bison Ranch

For additional information about this trip please click here.



August, 2009

Animals, Animals and a Parade!

August 5 - 10, 2009 (6 Days)
$1,235
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

Interact with Alpacas, Buffalo and Miniature horses. Ride a stagecoach. Ride on a parade float and see a country music star!

For additional information about this trip please click here.



August, 2009

St. Louis Adventure

August 13 - 17, 2009 (5 Days)
$1,200
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

See the sights in St. Louis!

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Canadian Rockies By Train!

Canadian Rockies
August 2 - 11, 2009 (10 Days)
$2,140
Walking Level: Light to Moderate

All aboard this amazing trip to the Canadian Rockies!This promises to be the most beautiful and scenic bus trip of the year!

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Fishing, Fishing, Fishing

Ozarks, Missouri
Mid September, 2009 (4 Days)
Price To Be Announced
Walking Level: Light
Accessibility Note: Please contact us if you use a wheelchair and want to attend this trip so we can schedule your boat to depart from a marina with a lift/transfer station.

Travel to the Ozarks for two full on the water fishing days with professional guides who provide the boats, equipment and knowledge of where the fish will be. We will fish for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.

Fishing license, guide, boat, tackle and bait included. All travelers MUST wear life jackets at all times while on or near the water.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Ireland

September 10-20, 2009
Price To Be Announced
Walking Level: Moderate

Travel to the green, green hills of Ireland with two experienced Ireland tour leaders! Visit the cities and see the exciting in-town attractions. Travel around the country and see the castles and ruins. Stop in the small villages and explore the sights. We will enjoy great food, great attractions and have a blast on this overseas adventure. This exciting and unique trip promises to provide memories that will last a lifetime (and that's no blarney!).

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Pumpkin Festival

Kansas
September 25-28, 2009 (3 Days)
$800
Walking Level: Light

Get into the fall spirit by picking your own pumpkin, making your own pottery item and shopping at a craft fair. Enjoy a hay ride and a horse drawn carriage ride!

For additional information about this trip please click here.



October, 2009

NASCAR

October 2-5, 2009 (4 Days)
Cost: Stand Alone Trip: (a) Both Races $1,190 or (b) Saturday Race and Fun Kansas City Day $795
NASCAR Season Pass Price: $875 (see Spring NASCAR trip for details)
Walking Level: Light

Travel with us to the Kansas Speedway and see the 2009 Kansas 400 race and the Kansas Lottery 300.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Kansas City Chiefs Game

October, 2009 (3 Days)
$635
Walking Level: Light

Join us for a Kansas City Chief's home game!

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Disney 7 Night Caribbean Cruise

October 23 - 31 (9 Days)
$2,630
Walking Level: Light

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Harvest Overnight

Kearney, Nebraska
October 30-31, 2009 (2 Days)
$75 (limited free transportation area)
Walking Level: Light

Enjoy an overnight trip to a waterpark!

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Horseback Adventure

Therapeutic Riding Center in Missouri
Mid-October, 2009 (4 Days)
$1,230 Walking Level: Light

For additional information about this trip please click here.



November, 2009

Las Vegas

November 17-21, 2009
$1,790
Walking Level: Moderate

Enjoying the "Freemont Street Experience", a show and the sights and sounds of the famous Strip. See the Hoover Dam

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Nebraska Huskers v. University of Kansas Jayhawks

Lawrence, Kansas
November 13-15 (3 Days)
$620 Walking Level: Moderate

Travel with Special Journeys to see the Nebraska Huskers play the University of Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas.

For additional information about this trip please click here.



December, 2009

Branson Christmas

Branson, Missouri
December 1-5,2009 (5 Days)
$1,410
Walking Level: Light

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas in beautiful Branson! Enjoy several Christmas shows including the Dixie Stampede, the Branson Belle Showboat and the Andy Williams Christmas show.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Eureka Springs Christmas and Precious Moments

December 11-14,2009 (5 Days)
$1,050
Walking Level: Light

Visit the Precious Moments park and then our relaxed Christmas trip. Plenty of time for shopping and attend one show.

For additional information about this trip please click here.

Christmas in Kansas City

Kansas City
December 17-19, 2009
$545
Walking Level: Light

Visit the Crown Center, Hallmark Visitors Center and see Christmas lights. Enjoy a famous Christmas play.

For additional information about this trip please click here.



January, 2010

Double The Monster Truck Fun!

EITHER Des Moines, Iowa in early January, 2010
OR Kansas City, MO in February, 2010

Dolphins, Dolphins - You With Dolphins (don't forget the Sea Lions)

Florida
January, 2010 (6 Days)
Price To Be Announced

If you like dolphins you need to read more about this trip!

For additional information about this trip please click here.



February, 2010

Cancun (All inclusive resort)

Mexico
February, 2010 (5 or 6 Days)
Price To Be Announced

Travel with Special Journeys to Cancun, Mexico for fun getaway in the sun! We will spend a few days at an all-exclusive resort where entertainment, mouth watering meals and adventure awaits us! There will be an opportunity to lie in the sand, play beach volleyball, watch energizing shows and sleep in. Take a stroll to a nearby town and see how locals live or relax in a pool back at the resort.

Disney World!

Orlando, Florida
March, 2010 (6 Days)
Price To Be Announced

It’s truly a small world after all! We will travel to the magic land of Disney and stay at one of the Disney Resort properties. Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios will be on our list of attractions. We will also have time for shopping in Downtown Disney which boasts one of the biggest Disney stores you will ever set foot in! Also, we will stop at Design-A-Tee where you can design your very own Mickey ears!!!

We will take a break from enjoying the Disney parks by spending a day relaxing at nearby Cocoa Beach. Pick up shells, play in the ocean or just relax with a good book. As night settles in we will enjoy an award winning dinner show. In addition to the awesome parks we will enjoy some fantastic night-time entertainment as well as spectacular meals.



March, 2010

San Diego

March, 2010 (6 Days)
Price To Be Announced

San Diego is one of California’s most beautiful treasures. On this trip we will explore Balboa Park, guaranteed to be an adventure that you won’t forget. Also visit Sea World where we will visit with Shamoo, enjoy rides, watch dolphins and attend a Hawaiian Luau! We will also have a meal at the Hard Rock Café and visit the world famous San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park where you can see wild animals in an amazing, unmatched environment that designed to mimic the animal’s native habitat.

Spa and Shopping Vacation in Kansas City

March or April, 2010 (4 Days)
Price To Be Announced

Check out the details for our 2009 trip for more information.

Charleston, SC

Explore this fun deep south coastal city and visit the historic landmarks, including 18th century homes and plantations, the Battery, museums, and the city market. See Fort Sumter where the Civil War began. Take a boat cruise and see even more sights and then spend time on the beach collecting shells and playing in the ocean!



May, 2010

WWE Wrestling

Des Moines, Iowa



Other 2010 Trips!

Alaska Cruise

See some incredible sights during this wonderful 7 night cruise down the southern coast of Alaska and British Columbia. Our ports of call will be Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Also we will see the Inside Passage, which is one of the most beautiful areas in the world! Check out our website for photos from the last trip.

Colorado Adventure

Enjoy mountains and take a jeep ride through the beautiful hills around Estes Park. Visit the Royal Gorge and ride the cable car while enjoying breathtaking scenery. Tons of other fun and time for shopping on this Colorado adventure including a stop at Celestial Seasonings and an evening on Pearl Street.

Laura Ingles Wilder Festival

Do you love Little House on the Prairie? This trip takes us to an old time festival in the hometown of your favorite author. Fun activities, hear great country music, see a parade and quilt show. There will also be time for shopping at the many vendors and exhibit booths. We will also stop and visit the Precious Moments Park and Factory Store on this exciting trip!

Dukes of Hazard Festival

Grab your orange shirts and meet the original cast, get autographs and photos with John Schneider (Bo), Catherine Bach (Daisy), Ben Jones (Cooter) and Rick Hurst (Deputy Cletus)! Get your picture taken with one of hundreds of General Lees present and then see the cars jump, race, flip and crash!!! Exciting attractions and activities at past Fests include races, demolition derby and tons of country music.

Seattle and Oregon Coast Adventure

Travel the most beautiful & scenic roads on the coast. See the ocean, beaches, mountains and forests. Part of our trip will be spent driving and sightseeing at the beautiful spots in this area. We will also spend time exploring Seattle, the Space Needle and the first Starbucks coffee shop - along with many other fun attractions!

Treasure, Scenery and MORE TREASURE!

Hunt for Diamonds, gold, sapphires and other semi-precious stones on this safe, wheelchair friendly trip! Your guides will do most of the work while YOU find and keep the treasure!

For additional information about this trip please click here.