As we begin our travels in 2012 we are looking forward to another great year of fun destinations.

It is the 25th year of travel with Evie’s Travel, which began at the Hormel Historic Home. Five years later we’re with the Mower County Senior Center.

There are so many memories with all the destinations and new friendships. The convenience of having all the plans made, including tickets, meals and travel made easy is what it’s all about. This may be the year to look at the varied schedule of destinations, many by motorcoach, with both the popular one-day trips or the extended travel.

Mark Feb. 15 for our annual “Minnesota Coffee Party and Travel Show.” This is open to the public from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. The schedule of travel for 2012 will be available on that day.

Besides coffee and pastries, there will be sign-ups for prizes. There are no reservations needed. This will be held at the Mower County Senior Center. Enter through the south entrance travel door.

Our first extended trip for 2012 on April 18-20 is an exciting one.

“Six Countries without a Passport,” will take you to the 1903 Jolsyn Castle — a 30-room Scottish castle style, an Irish pub for dinner and Irish folksinger/entertainer, the Chomari Ballet Folklorico, a Greek Dinner, tour and dance performance, and one night at their theater, the largest in the nation, the comedy show, “Lend Me a Tenor,” plus a tram tour of this state’s largest tourist attraction and one of the top five zoo’s in the United States.

You will not believe you are actually in Omaha, Neb. This is only a small portion of all the sites and countries we will visit while there.

Other extended travel trips this year will include:

•Sept: 6-7: “Hello Dolly” at the Fireside Dinner Theater.

•Sept.30-Oct. 6: The seven-day Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains Show trip.

•Nov: 14-17: Branson Christmas” including the newest show at the Sight and Sound Theater, “Joseph,” a trip to the showboat Branson Belle for Johnny Mathis and his two-day show., The trip also includes Danny O’Donnell, who continues to attract crowds and makes changes in his productions. A Christmas variety show will complete our list.

A complete schedule of these and the one-day trips offered will be available on Feb. 15 coffee party.

Travel calls can continue to be made at the travel number at 507-438-3946. During these winter months the office may not be open at the regular time.