Call our Asia Experts
800.942.3301
Latest Travel Articles
Saturday, July 31, 2010
C’mon y’all, let’s go!
Invite your friends to get in on "inspired" FUN & SUN as Ensemble Inspired Journeys presents a Paula Deen Cruise: Western Caribbean Party-at-Sea!
Sail seven days roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale – January 30-February 6, 2011 – aboard Holland America Line’s brand-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam from $1,529 per person.
Paula Deen and Family are setting sail for an exciting and delectable winter-busting cruise. And we’ve got lots of surprises in store! Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.
Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.
Private Events & Highlights
*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family.
Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage - July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.
Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center. The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line. Monday, March 15, 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
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.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Ever thought of going on an independent vacation for your honeymoon? You choose your destination, how long you stay, it really doesn't get any easier than that. Below is a press release about the new independent programs that Monograms offers especially for honeymooners.
LITTLETON, Colorado 11/11/2009 – When planning a wedding, some perfectly lovely women become “bridezillas” and wonderfully great men find themselves doing everything wrong… Together, bride and groom are often under extraordinary pressure – and sometimes, at odds – while booking the “perfect” honeymoon. Monograms provides want-to-be-honeymooners a solution: Simplifying travel planning by taking care of vacation details on nearly 150 travel packages in 31 countries on five continents around the world.
“We handle all the details for honeymooners,” said Jennifer Halboth, director of marketing for the Globus family of brands, parent company to Monograms. “This includes offering them a wide variety of destinations from which to choose the perfect getaway as well as a selection of highly recommended hotels, known for their location and amenities and transportation, ensuring they easily get from point A to B (and C, D and F).”
For international escapes, Monograms also provides travelers a Local Host – an expert in their destination – to help them make the most of their vacation. And, in 2010, Monograms has expanded the cities worldwide in which Local Host services are available.
“Many newlyweds don’t have a lot of time or energy to research their honeymoon destination before they go. This isn’t a problem when choosing Monograms as a travel companion,” said Halboth. “When couples travel internationally with us, they will be welcomed by an on-site expert who will help them get acquainted with their honeymoon destination by facilitating a half-day of sightseeing. The Local Host is also on hand to personalize their experience, providing suggestions, making excursion arrangements and answering questions.”
Sample Monograms Vacations Sure to Appeal to Honeymooners in 2010 Include:
EUROPE
- A Week in Paris (7 days)
- Rome, Paris & London (10 days)
- Paris & Nice (7 days)
- Rome, Florence & Venice (10 days)
- NEW Rome & Sorrento (7 days)
- Barcelona & Madrid (7 days)
SOUTH AMERICA
- Cruising the Galapagos with Peru (13 days)
- NEW Brazil, Argentina & Chile (13 days)
- NEW Costa Rica Wonders (7 days)
SOUTH PACIFIC
- Australian Escape (11 days)
- Journey Down Under (11 days)
ASIA
- NEW Beijing & Shanghai (7 days)
- NEW Beijing & Hong Kong (7 days)
- NEW Bangkok & Phuket (9 days)
NORTH AMERICA
- NEW Vancouver & Whistler (7 days)
- Oahu & Maui (7 days)
- NEW Maui & Kauai (7 days)
Sign up to receive the latest news and specials from us about Asia and other escorted tour destinations.
