CONYERS—They swapped stories and scrapbooks. They laughed and reminisced. A reception hosted a few weeks ago by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber gave those who traveled in 2012 with the Chamber to China and Italy a chance to share highlights of their trip.

This year will mark the fourth year the Rockdale Chamber has offered trips abroad to the public at steep discounts offered only to Chambers, which use the trips as fundraisers.

The Chamber’s China trip received high marks again. Frances Carey, a retired special education teacher in Rockdale County, said the October trip was unforgettable.

“Everything in China was so beautiful. I was really amazed by the bonsais there. I never knew they could grow so big. The 20 to 30 pearls that we saw come out of one fresh oysters were really cool, too,” said Carey.

Those traveling to Tuscany, Italy also gave their trip a thumbs up.

“Tuscany was more beautiful than I could have imagined,” said Linda Mayhand, an entrepreneur who lives in DeKalb County. “From the olive groves to the art galleries and standing in awe of the Leaning Tower, it was just wonderful. Even when we got lost in the mountains, it was a great experience. I’ve been to the Netherlands, but this was really a new frontier that I loved.”

Even experienced travelers like Chamber President Fred Boscarino said he found Tuscany to be an adventure. He, Mayhand and some others struck out driving on their own, relying on a GPS system rather, than a tour guide.

“It was truly an adventure and an experience getting lost in the mountains of Tuscany,” Boscarino said jokingly. “It was actually kind of fun.”

Boscarino said in addition to swapping stories, travelers shared their suggestions for destinations the Chamber should consider for 2013.

“Some possibilities so far include the Azores, Greece and Turkey,” Boscarino said.