For those with an adventurous spirit, visiting countries outside the U.S. may sound exciting. From cuisines to cultures, traveling abroad can offer a plethora of learning opportunities.

And for those who don’t want to get bogged down with booking flights, making hotel reservations and setting itineraries, the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce offers trips that are not only stress free of details, but also affordable.

“You basically just send in your check, show up at the airport and everything is taken care of,” Beth Jones said of the trips arranged by Chamber Discoveries, a DBA of Adelman Travel Systems, Inc.

Jones and her husband Steve have participated in two of the local chamber trips, which she described as “top-notch” and “customer oriented.”

“Both of the trips have been outstanding we have gone on,” Beth said, “and more than we expected. Steve and I are not planners. We tend to do things at the last minute, so this was definitely the way to go for us. Also, the accommodations have been excellent from the hotels to the bus.”

Beth added that even the tour guides were well versed and knowledgeable and that for those with physical challenges, trips are designed to accommodate.

Jane Flowers, who is the former executive director of the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce, concurred with Beth.

“I love to travel and on these trips you don’t have to worry about anything,” Flowers said.

“All of the details are covered, they keep you so informed and traveling as a single woman I like the security as well,” she said.

Another positive aspect of traveling on the chamber trips, both the Jones and Flowers said, is the camaraderie.

“We like traveling with a few people we know and it is always interesting to make new friends,” Steve Jones said.

“In fact, we always get to meet people that are local that we didn’t know,” he said, adding this can serve as an asset for the community.

“It helps you build relationships you would otherwise not have,” he said.

“I got to know my neighbors better,” Flowers said, of one of her trips.

And because other communities, whose chamber of commerce’s participate, trips are also a way to get to know people from other parts of the U.S.

Flowers said she met a woman from California and after returning from the trip sent her a local cookbook.

“The trips help bring us together as a country and also as a community,” Flowers said.

As far as cost, Beth Jones said the chamber trips are affordable.

“They are quite reasonable. I had a friend of mine who travels quite a bit tell me it sounded like a deal,” she said.

“And once you travel with them,” Beth Jones said, you receive perks, which could include discounts and gifts.

Taking chamber trips also benefits the community.

Beth Jones said a small portion of the proceeds goes towards the chamber, which is designed to promote and protect the interests of the local business community.

“Steve’s sister and her husband went on one of the trips and they actually signed up through the Vicksburg–Warren County chapter since their community did not have a chamber,” Beth Jones said,  “so they actually made a contribution to our community.”

Beautiful Ireland

This year, the Vicksburg–Warren Chamber of Commerce is offering a trip to Ireland. The dates of the trip are Oct. 11 through 18 and will include panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula, and visits to historic locations including the “Rock of Cashel,” and Kilkenny Castle.

Although the trip will be packed with memorable destinations, there will also be time for travelers to explore Ireland on their own, enjoy local shops and restaurants and if they so choose, a visit to the Blarney Castle where they can kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck.

“The Ireland trip is going to be great,” Flowers said.

“Ireland is so beautiful and you can go through the little villages,” she said, “and there are castles everywhere.”

Flowers said there are many good restaurants in Limerick.

The Emerald isle also offers beautiful scenery, she said.

“It’s landscape like I have never seen in my life,” Flowers said.

Pricing for the eight-day trip varies and travelers will need a passport

“You need a passport to travel to Ireland and passport processing can be slow,” account manager for the Vicksburg–Warren County Chamber of Commerce Lois Vinson said.

“So if you do not have a passport, you need to apply for one immediately,” Vinson said.

For more detailed information about the Ireland trip, visit vicksburgchamber.org or call The Chamber at 601-636-1012.

“This trip is about enjoying life,” Flowers said, “no matter what your age.”