Travel Opportunities
SSCI offers individuals exciting and adventurous travel opportunities. Day trips are offered to nearby destinations such as St. Louis, Southern Illinois, Peoria, Chicago, and more. Extended trips are planned for all over the U.S. and World! We would love for you to join us!
For more information on travel opportunities, please contact Barb Hipsher at (217) 503-4643.
EXTENDED TRIPS, 2026
➤ June 7 - 12: Niagara Falls, NY
Highlights include overnight lodging to and from Niagara Falls, NY, 3 nights lodging in Niagara Falls, NY, 5 breakfasts at the hotel, 1 lunch at Canalside Restaurant, 2 dinners at area restaurants, 2 hour narrated Lockport Canal Cruise, tour of the Niagara Falls/Goat Island; State Park, Maid of the Mist boat ride, Cave of the Winds, visit to an area Winery with sampling, Platters Chocolate Factory, souvenir gift, luggage handling in Niagara Falls, all taxes & meal gratuities, and motorcoach transportation.
Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Niagara Falls, NY
➤ July 26 - 31, 2026: Majestic Canadian Rockies
Highlights include One Hotel Stay, Banff Area Tour, Banff Gondola – Sulphur Mountain, Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Lunch at Chateau Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks, IceFields Parkway, and Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Ride.
Registration Deadline: April 27, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Majestic Canadian Rockies
➤ August 16 - 24, 2026: Discover Painted Canyons of the West
Highlights include Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Las Vegas.
Registration Deadline: February 16, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Discover Painted Canyons of the West
➤ September 21 – 25, 2026: Branson, Missouri
Experience the best of the Ozarks with an unforgettable getaway to Branson, Missouri, where four nights of comfortable lodging pair perfectly with four hearty breakfasts and four delicious dinners—including the famous Great Hall Buffet and an enchanting Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise. Your days and nights will be filled with excitement as you enjoy six spectacular shows, from the high-energy Clay Cooper’s Country Express and The Haygoods to the uplifting Great Passion Play, lively entertainment at the Uptown Cafe, the Showboat Branson Belle experience, and Nashville Roadhouse Live. Explore the natural beauty and history of the region with a cave tour and Ozark history museum visit at Lost Canyon Cave at Top of the Rock, plus a guided tour of the College of the Ozarks, featuring the inspiring Empty Cross and the renowned Keeter Center. Add in a charming hop-on/hop-off Eureka Springs trolley tour, a full day of thrills at Silver Dollar City, browsing at the Grand Village Shops, and time to wander historic downtown Branson and Branson Landing, and you have a perfectly balanced adventure of entertainment, culture, nature, and fun. This is Branson at its very best—ready for you to explore.
Registration Deadline: July 20, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Branson, Missouri
➤ September 27 – October 2, 2026: Philadelphia, Amish Country & the Brandywine Valley
Highlights include One Hotel Stay, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Philadelphia City Tour, Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, Brandywine Valley, Two DuPont Mansions (Nemours Mansion & Longwood Gardens), Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania Amish Country, Amish Farm & House, Amish Family Style Dinner, and National Constitution Center.
Registration Deadline: June 29, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Philadelphia, Amish Country
➤ November 10 – 19, 2026: Sunny Portugal Discovery
A journey along Portugal’s coast invites you from the vibrant energy of Lisbon and the historic monuments of Belém to the golden cliffs of the Algarve and the refined charm of the Portuguese Riviera, weaving together sun-drenched landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable cultural encounters. As you wander cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenades, and storybook villages, you’ll learn how cork has shaped the nation’s culture and economy during a visit to a family-owned cork factory, enjoy a taste of Portuguese gin at a local distillery, and step back in time with an overnight stay in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route carries you through the rolling plains of Alentejo, the dramatic coastline of the Algarve, and into the mountains of Monchique for a scenic picnic lunch, before continuing on to the elegance of the Portuguese Riviera and the medieval charm of Óbidos. Along the way, you’ll explore the palaces of Sintra, stroll through multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and experience the full spectrum of Portugal’s coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and timeless allure.
Registration Deadline: May 11, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sunny Portugal Discover
➤ December 4 – 8, 2026: New York City Holiday
Highlights include New York City Tour, 4 nights in Manhattan, Rockettes Holiday Show, Broadway Show, Rockefeller Center, One World Observatory, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Christmas Store Visit, Holiday Lights Tour, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Registration Deadline: September 5, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: New York City Holiday
➤ December 7 – 15, 2026: Tropical Coast Rica
Costa Rica invites you into a world of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and endless sun-kissed coastlines, creating a paradise alive with exotic plants, vibrant wildlife, and fine sandy beaches. As you journey through this breathtaking landscape, you’ll catch a glimpse of authentic local life during a visit to a family-owned farm, where tradition and sustainability shape daily living. Explore the mist-shrouded beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, choose between serene Hanging Bridges or an exhilarating Canopy Adventure, and enjoy a warm, home-cooked farm-fresh lunch. Discover the craft behind world-renowned coffee at a coffee plantation, marvel at the iconic Arenal Volcano, and venture into the wildlife-rich Cano Negro Refuge. Your experience culminates with a peaceful Lake Arenal cruise, offering sweeping views of the surrounding rainforest and volcanic peaks—an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and pure Costa Rican magic.
Registration Deadline: June 7, 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tropical Coast Rica