Latest Travel Articles

Friday, February 12, 2010

Asia mesmerizes visitors with its ancient alleyways, bustling colors and magnificent relics from a culture that dates over 6,000 years. This ancient past has not been overtaken by modern buildings, but rather many cities offer both. See skyscrapers & modern architecture, & not far away, visit amazing shrines, monasteries and temples. Walk the Great Wall of China. Walk through a Zen garden. Shop in a modern mall, or visit local markets. Participate in time honored traditions such as a tea ceremony or dance the night away at a modern nightclub. Eat at a stylish five start restaurant, or join the locals for exotic food cooked with Thai, Malaysian or Indian spices. Need transportation? Depending on what Asian city you are visiting, you may see cars, bicycles, rickshaws, a high speed bullet train or even an elephant.

Popular tourist sites in China include the Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Popular cities to visit in China include Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Popular cities in Japan include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Visit highlights such as the Golden Pavilion Temple, Mt. Fuji and Todaiji Temple, which is home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.

Singapore and Thailand have also become popular destinations for those traveling to Asia.

Traveling on a land tour is the best way to cover various cities in Asia. Tour operators offer packages as short as eight days which would visit just two cities such ash Beijing combined with Shanghai or Hong Kong. These packages are more basic and include just hotel accommodations, transfers and some sightseeing, with a lot of free time. Tour operators also offer more comprehensive tours of two weeks or more that cover at least four major cities in Asia with more inclusions, but still plenty of time to explore on your own.

If you feel that touring is not right for you, then you may want to consider a Yangtze River cruise or a cruise of Asian countries onboard a mainstream cruise line such as Princess, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America or Royal Caribbean.

Learn more about Asia tours and cruises

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

The Victoria Anna, built in 2006, is setting the standard for Yangtze river cruising. A three-story atrium lobby welcomes guests to a decor blending modern comfort and elegant Asian design. A large sun deck, two lounges, three bars, a gym, library, multiple gift shops, and two elevators complement two restaurants including a main dining room and an à la carte restaurant. All of the ship's generously sized cabins include floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass door opening to a private balcony. The Victoria Anna accommodates 226 passengers. The newest and most luxurious ship on the Yangtze, the Victoria Anna promises a journey of unbelievable comfort and grand style.

Ship Amenities

• All staterooms are outside and feature floor-to-ceiling windows & private balconies
• Except for a small area in the Yangtze lounge, the interior of the vessel is non-smoking
• Relax in the Yangtze Club or the library
• Enjoy the fitness center
• Pamper yourself in a visit to the hair salon
• Enjoy personal service from our English-speaking staff
• Open seating in dining room at Avalon tables
• Single-sitting main dining room & á la carte restaurant
• Wine included with all onboard dinners
• Internet access is available
• Sun Deck

Deck Plans

Built: 2006; Length: 106 m; Passenger decks: 5; Crew members: 138; Standard cabins: 133; Jr. Suites: 16; Deluxe Suites: 2; Shangri-La Suites: 2





Staterooms

Shangri-La Suites - 632.92 sq. ft.
Deluxe Suites - 373.30 sq. ft.
Executive Suites - 319.69 sq. ft.
Superior Cabins - 226.04 sq. ft.

 

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Enjoy Japan’s culture, food  & traditional performing arts. Here are some of the things you can experience

Take a moment and simply admire the sheer beauty of Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple, in Kyoto, Japan.  Surrounded by water, rock gardens & manicured trees, its still reflection is certain to make a lasting impression on you.

Experience the traditional values or wabi (elegant stillness,) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm,) which is essential to Japanese art.  a Tea ceremony is a means of training concentration or spirit and of learning manners. There are a number of school in Japan, each presenting their own style of tea ceremony. The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan. It is common to be asked to remove your shoes before entering a tea ceremony. 

Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, which is famous for its principal sanctuary built on a steep cliff. The Temple was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The 139 zelkova pillars that support the balcony are over 12 meters tall. It commands a wonderful view of the city of Kyoto. Expect a considerable amount of walking from the parking lot to the temple.

Geisha have to undergo intensive training. Geisha are trained in a number of skills: traditional Japanese dance, singing, playing instruments like shamisen (three stringed instrument), flower arrangement, wearing kimono, Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more.

Japanese Kaiseki is a traditional, multi-course dinner.  Kaiseki-ryori uses the fresh ingredients of the season and are cooked in ways that enhance the original taste of the ingredients, and include anywhere from 6 to 15 different types of food including soup, vegetables, grilled fish, rice and dessert.

Shabu-Shabu is a popular beef dish in Japan.  It is basically boiling meat in a broth…healthier than using oil at the Melting Pot! Some restaurants offer a Maiko performance during dinner.

Visit our Asia website for a selection of Japan travel packages.

Each Operator may have a different policy. Please check the operator site for more details. Operators: Abercrombie and Kent Globus Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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.”