Latest Travel Articles

Monday, July 05, 2010

We invite you to experience the traditional magic of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in the months of November through April. This is the perfect time of year to vsit. The climate is surprisingly often mild and the cities are less crowded than in the summer months, and prices are 30 to 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

Shop in the glittering Christmas Markets and Bazaars. Explore and soak up the atmosphere of Old World Charm. Our tours are priced much lower than during the summer season and the airlines are advertising some of the lowest airfares of the year. Now is the time to make your reservations.

Italy is still the leader of destinations and Spain is not far behind, but don’t discount Egypt. Egypt is an awesome destination for the winter season. Temperatures are more bearable than the hot, hot summer season. For Christmas Markets, Vienna Prague and Budapest are still most popular. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed in our winter seasons magical tour destinations.

Tour operators that offer winter tours are Globus, Trafalgar and Insight.

Friday, May 28, 2010

First time visitors to Europe hanker for historic sites and world-class museum's in Europe's most famous cities. Return travelers revisit their favorities for in-depth exploration. Here is my list of four must see European cities and things to do in each.

LONDON, ENGLAND:
Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guards A ritual that is one of the most famous aspects of the royal residence, the Changing of the Guards features real military soldiers in their trademark red jackets abd bearskin hats.
The Tower of London is not only the home of the crown jewels, it also features permanent exhibitions of crowns and diamonds in the Martin Tower and armor and armaments in the Royal Armouries. Free tours given  by the Beefeaters are riddled with tales of the Tower's history. The Ceremony of the Keys, a 700 year old ritual performed every night at evening lockup must be requested in advance for viewing two to three months in advance.
The British Museum holds one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities-94 galleries worth. The National Maritime Museum's 30 galleries contain one of the world's largets collections of boats and navigational equipment, as well as the world famous observatory.

PARIS, FRANCE 
La Basilique du sacre Coeur de Montmarte & Montmartre cemetery Sitting atop the highest hill in Paris, the basilica is visible from all over the city. At the top of the steps leading up to the church, there's a plaza with a great view and just beyond the church around the cobblestones is the market square of Place du Tertre with shops, cafes and artists painting. Street performers regularly put on shows. Walled and shaded by trees the cemetery off Rue Caulaincourt near Palce de Clichy is famous for its hillside graves of composers, artists and authors. Notre-Dame de Paris is well known for its towera, flying buttresses and gargoyles. The inside glows with stained glass. The bell in the south tower is heard only on the most solemn occasions. The 11th century organ, which has 8,000 pipes, is played in concerts every Sunday except during Lent. Musee de Louvre needs several days to fully appreciate the museum.

BERLIN - This city's most beautiful plaza is called Gendarmenmarket with its three neoclassical buildings. Flanking it are two rebuilt 18th-century churches, Franzosischer Dom to the North and Deutscher Dom to the South. The French Cathedral has a museum chroniclng the history of the French Hugenots who sought refuge in Berlin following their expulsion from France and a viewing platform at the top of its tower. The German Cathedral houses an exhibition on the history of parliamentary democracy in Germany. Classical music and opera events are held in the square. Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is for history buffs interested in World War II. Dokumentation Zentrum, berlin Mauer is located opposite a preserved piece of the Berlin Wall and the adjoining death strip that constituted the border fortification. This museum gives an overview of the Wall's development and its fall. Alliierten Museum focuses on the history and role of the Western Allies in berlin, particularly during the Cold war.

ROME, ITALY- The piazza is the heart of Rome's most fashionable shopping area, familiar to residents and visitors because of its grand and distinctive steps. At the base sits a fountain by Bernini and the house of 19th century poet John Keats. At the top there's a grand view of the city. The Pantheon is a monumental round  ancient structure prserved very well. The painter Raphael and the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II are buried inside with hundreds of early Christian martyrs whose remains were transferred from the catacombs in the seventh century. Basilica di San Giovanni in laterano holds the distinction of being the highest ranked church - even above St. peter's Basilica in the Vatican- since it conatins the papal throne. The famous Scala Sancta are also at this piazza. Basilica di San Pietro is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. St. Peter's is the ultimate destination for Catholic pilgrims, but it also drawss visitors with its masterpieces of art and architecture. When the Pope is in residence, he blesses th crowds in Piazza San Pietro at noon on Sunday.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

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

Pack Fun into Quick Independent Vacations - here is a press release about the changing world of Independent Vacations.

LITTLETON, Colorado – October 28, 2009 – It’s no secret that Americans are changing their vacation habits: Many time-starved travelers are opting for quick getaways to fill their vacation void.  Monograms is making it easy for people vying for a quick escape to another city – domestically or internationally.  The company simplifies vacations for independent travelers on five continents, in more than 30 countries, by enabling them to personalize their vacation without having to take care of logistics and planning obstacles such as choosing the perfect hotel (in an equally desirable location) and getting from point A to B to city orientation and “must-see” sightseeing. 

Monograms offers four-day getaways to London, Paris, Rome, Venice and Sorrento, starting at just $480.  Domestically, travelers can enjoy short escapes to New York, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, New Orleans, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, DC for as low as $259.  And, week-long escapes in nearly every corner of the globe are also available, including: Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, South America, North America and Asia.

“Not only do we provide travelers a plethora of destinations from which to choose the perfect mini getaway,” said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands, the parent company for Monograms.  “As part of our international vacation packages, we include a half-day city orientation, ensuring our travelers don’t miss the must-see sights.  In addition, our Local Hosts share insights and suggestions to help vacationers make the most of their quick getaway.”  Domestically, Monograms provides travelers with 24-Hour Service On Call.

Taking advantage of nearly 40 offices and more than 200 support staff around the world, Monograms also offers travelers a selection of hotels known for their comfort, style, service and convenient locations.  In addition, Monograms takes care of flight arrangements, transfers from airport to hotel and transfers between cities, further simplifying the planning process and making it easier than ever to take a mini vacation.

“A vacation – short or long – should be just that … a vacation,” said Nisbet.  “At Monograms, we value a traveler’s time and need for an unparalleled, stress-free getaway.  Our experts take on the details so our travelers can immerse themselves in their escape and focus on fun.”

For more information about Monograms and the nearly 150 vacation packages available worldwide, visit http://www.independentvacations.org.