Latest Travel Articles

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Families planning a vacation often want to have a unique experience, as well as an educational one. With the tomb of King Tut's limited engagement in Times Square coming to a close, those planning a family vacation should act quickly to book a trip that offers both.

The King Tut exhibit, currently showing in the Discovery Times Square Exposition, is the first appearance of the boy king in New York in 30 years. However, the exhibit is only on loan from Egypt until January 2, 2011, so those who want to get a glimpse of the legendary pharaoh should do so quickly.

The highlight of the exhibit is undoubtedly Tut's iconic golden canopic coffinette, but its not the only artifact on display. Fifty artifacts from Tut's own tomb are present, along with 80 from other royal tombs. These range from a golden headdress to the crown Tut was wearing when he was discovered.

Not only is the exhibition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these treasures, but it's also a chance for an educational experience. Kids will love learning about the ancient Egyptians, and parents might be interested in the latest DNA research on Tut's body.

New York is the last stop on an eight-city, six-year tour, with tour organizers saying that the artifacts will return to Egypt forever at its conclusion. Travelers should take advantage of this limited run and book their North American family vacation today.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide

LITTLETON, Colorado – September 23, 2009 – With nearly 40 offices staffed with more than 200 travel experts that extend as far as Asia and as wide as Europe, Monograms – the independent travel arm of the Globus family of brands – has inherited a rich reputation as a company travelers can depend on to help them simplify travel planning while personalizing their dream getaway.  And, in 2010, Monograms is taking this notion of dependability a step further, becoming the “go-to” company for travelers visiting a destination for the first time in nearly every corner of the world with 100 travel packages from which to choose the perfect escape – be it a family vacation, honeymoon, couple’s retreat or a much-needed girlfriend getaway.

“We give travelers the power to personalize their vacation without having to take care of planning details and logistics,” said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands.  “And, in 2010, we’re extending our offerings with new vacations in Europe, North and South America and Asia.”

Monograms 2010 vacation offerings provide travelers diversity in length of stay (itineraries range from four to 20 days) pricing and destinations, boasting getaways to Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, South America, Asia, the South Pacific and many cities and regions in North America. 

The company is not only expanding its vacation portfolio, it has increased the services that make Monograms the perfect travel companion.  For instance, Monograms is now providing travelers the chance to book activities and excursions online before their vacation.  And, Monograms has expanded the cities worldwide in which Local Host services and expertise are available.

“Monograms is the only brand in the world to provide travelers a Local Host in dozens of destinations around the globe,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands.  This on-site local expert helps Monograms vacationers get to know their destination by facilitating a half day of sightseeing.  Then, the expert helps them personalize their experience by providing suggestions, making excursion arrangements and answering questions while also taking care of such details as facilitating transportation between cities as well as airport and hotel transfers. 

“Our goal is to make our clients feel both comfortable and confident while traveling abroad,” said Born.

Monograms vacation packages also come with an impressive selection of hotels recommended for their location and amenities.  And, a daily buffet breakfast is included in most Monograms getaways (in Europe, South America, Asia, the South Pacific). 

“The plethora of services Monograms provides takes away many of the stresses the average person experiences when planning and taking a getaway – domestically or internationally,” said Nisbet.  “Our experts take on the details so our travelers can immerse themselves in their escape and focus on fun.”

DEAL ALERT:  Monograms 2010 package prices are down an average of 15 percent in Europe and 10 percent worldwide.

NEW Monograms vacations in 2010 include:
•    Rome & Sorrento (7 days), priced from $1,343
•    Brazil, Argentina & Chile (12 days), priced from $3,039
•    Costa Rica Wonders (7 days), priced from $1,299
•    Tokyo & Kyoto (7 days), priced from $2,099
•    Beijing & Shanghai (7 days), priced from $1,109
•    Bangkok & Phuket (9 days), priced from $1,219
•    Maui & Kauai (7 days), priced from $829
•    Vancouver & Whistler (7 days), priced from $549
•    Redwoods, Wine Country & Yosemite (9 days), priced from $699

The above prices are based on land-only, including intra-vacation air and rail transfers.  Air-inclusive pricing is also available, including hotel/airport transfers when Monograms issues tickets.

Visit http://www.independentvacations.org for a full list of 2010 vacation packages.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Consider an Independent Vacation for your next Family Vacation? Here is a press release from the Globus family of brands about their new and improved Family Tour Programs.

LITTLETON, Colorado – September 2009 – According to Monograms’ Independent Travel Study (conducted by Kelton Research, 75 percent of Americans feel pressure to make their vacation fun, not only for themselves but for those they’re traveling with.   This feeling of wanting to provide the perfect getaway is especially true when taking the family on vacation.  Whether they’re interested in single- or multi-city getaways in multiple destinations on five continents or On the Road Driving Vacations or Rail Getaways in North America, Monograms provides travelers on-site and around-the-clock support to reduce stress and increase their fun-factor.

“Monograms is dedicated to simplifying the vacation planning process for families,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing and customer care for the Globus family of brands.  “We take care of the details – before and on the trip – with help from a group of dedicated customer service representatives and expert Local Hosts around the world, so families traveling with us can focus on fun and togetherness.”

Monograms’ Independent Travel Study also revealed that nearly 30 percent of travelers say choosing a bad hotel or place to stay is one of the worst vacation planning mistakes they can make.  And, nearly 60 percent admit that the biggest hole in their vacation planning abilities is finding places and activities that are unique.

According to Born, these concerns can be prevented, when traveling with Monograms.  “We carefully select hotels that not only provide travelers the comfort and amenities they desire, but are also located in the heart of each destination.  And, by pairing families traveling abroad with on-site Local Hosts in each destination, we can help them personalize their vacation by pointing them in the right direction to ensure they’re experiencing local culture while exploring the passions and interests of younger and older travelers alike.”

And, providing more value to families, Monograms offers discounted travel for young travelers.

Visit http://www.independentvacations.org/ for a full list of itineraries and offerings.