Monograms has several nice itineraries, but the Rome, Istanbul & Athens is very unique. Visit Southern Europe’s most fascinating locales and step back in time to explore cities rich with historical treasures. Begin you stay in Rome. Should you follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures, or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites artistic pilgrimage…the possibilities are limitless. Next, it’s off to Istanbul where East meets West in striking contrast. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars, along with the small of incense and spices, are common in Istanbul. Whether you’re relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath or exploring ancient Byzantium at the Yerebatan Cistern, you’ll discover a land that reflects its 2,500 year history at every turn. Continue on to Athens, where you can walk in the steps of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. Marvel at the great archaelogical sites at the Acropolis, take a day trip to Delphi or consider a cruise to see some of the Greek Isles. No matter what strikes your interest, the diversity and beauty of Greece is the idyllic way to round out an unforgettable Monograms vacation. Prices start at $3,949 pp and includes flights Rome to Istanbul, and Istanbul to Athens as well as transfers.
Archive for December, 2008
Globus Monograms: Rome, Istanbul & Athens
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
Why I Disagree with 2009 Being a ‘naycation’ Year
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008I came across this article on CNN on the 9 reasons people will not be traveling next year. There are some good points, but I would like to suggest a different point of view.
We all agree that 2008 has brought about drastic economic changes in this country. However, we find that consumers are still traveling.
Vacation budgets: It’s hard to imagine setting aside money for a vacation, but small adjustments make it very possible to include a vacation in your budget. Cosmos tours recently launched a campaign called “A little change could go a long way.” Cut out just a few stops at the specialty coffee shops and you an enjoy a delectable taste of the real thing on the other side of the globe. 20 grand lattes = 1 grand day in Italy or a couple of days on a National Park tour. It’s that simple.
The article points out that people feel uncertain about the future. After 9/11 we as a country learned that life brings unexpected challenges, tragedies and fear, but these emotions in many cases bring people together, and makes families and individuals want to enjoy their lives more. Even as we were uncertain of the security in our country and what the the future would bring, there was a significant increase in pregnancies after the terrorist attacks. Logic would have suggested the opposite – why bring a child into an uncertain world? You could argue that uncertainty makes people realize the value of living a meaningful and fulfilling life, providing a constant source for inspiration to work hard towards these goals.
Staying at home and seeing local attractions can be monotonous, so people will want to venture away from home. Why not take a driving vacation through New England or the National Parks? Rafting trips in the Midwest are also very affordable. A good travel agent can help you think “out of the box” and find the right trip for your family.
The article mentions that deals are good, but consumers feel they could be lower. Cruises are going for as low as $99 for 3 days…we just booked a client on a 3 day NCL cruise in March, balcony cabin for $306 pp and the promotion included a $40 ship board credit. Worried about onboard expenses? You can go on a cruise and spend little money out of pocket. Read our blog for some great ways to save while on your next cruise!
Another point, was that people don’t feel like traveling right now. Each time a new ship came out this year we saw a spike in interest to experience them. We were part of the Inaugural cruises for both the Celebrity Solstice and Ruby Princess, and consumer excitement in both of these ships was evident with the surge of bookings for these ships. The Oasis of the Sea is not sailing until November 2009, but consumers could not wait to begin booking the world’s largest cruise ship when reservations opened in September of this year.
Stress! Plunging markets. Shaky mortgages. Pricey bailouts. The financial crisis is taking a toll on budgets, but could also be affecting people’s health. Stress has been linked to overeating, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and more. Relaxation is key, and what better way to relax than to take a short vacation?
Hiking, biking, river rafting, cooking and wine tours have all increased in popularity over the past several years. We also see increased bookings for family travel to the Galapagos, Alaska, Costa Rica, Canada, Hawaii and Europe as these itineraries ensure that there are plenty of activities for both adults and children. People are interested in travel, they just seem to be looking for new destinations and experiences.
The article also suggests that the travel industry is not offering enough incentives. Early payment discounts, payment plans and incentives are in place for several tour companies and cruise lines. For the month of January, many cruise lines have not only lowered fares, but they are reducing the deposit required by 50% to make a reservations. The airline industry should be dropping prices as they start to purchase new fuel contracts at lower rates, but there are plenty of vacation alternatives close to home if they don’t. Purchasing from a travel agency could also give you some added benefits such as savings on travel insurance, complimentary shore excursions, onboard credits and more at no additional cost to the consumer.
Last but not least, it seems that many consumers are planning their trips for 2010. It’s okay to plan ahead, but keep in mind that as the economy recovers, the prices will start to go back up. With cruises, consumers can get a full refund of their deposit up to the time of final payment, so there is no risk in booking early to take advantage of these great promotions. Many insurance policies will offer coverage that allow travelers to cancel for any reason, (including work related issues.) This is another advantage of booking with a travel agent, as booking direct may not always provide consumers the option to purchase the type of insurance coverage they need.
The article closes by stating that for those that do travel in 2009, even a small budget could offer a wonderful, and rewarding experience. You can read other great reasons to travel in 2009 in the article Thank you! 6 reasons we love to Travel Now.
We’d love to hear about your travel plans for 2009.
Don’t Overspend on a Cruise
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008Cruises are an excellent value. Food, entertainment and many onboard activities are included in the price of the trip. Still, it is easy to overspend if you’re not careful.
Where can the spending add up? Watch the beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments and items ship sell onboard. Many are over priced.
Talk to your travel agent about the port you are visiting and read online blogs. In many islands you can just walk off the ship for shopping and beaches, where on others you will want to buy an excursion or take a cab.
Spa: Want a relaxing massage or facial? Regular prices are about 20 to 30% higher than you would pay at a local spa. The best time for a Spa treatment is the days you are in port, where they will run $20 to $60 off per treatment. Keep in mind even if you have an excursion planned for the day, the spa is open until 10 p.m. Try to avoid getting your hair & nails done onboard. They are expensive and usually do not offer any specials on these services. Also, they will try to sell you products at the end of your treatment. Ask questions and write the name of the items down but purchase it when you get home. You can usually find cheaper price on the internet. Elemis for example often offers 10% off on online purchases.
Consider purchasing packages, such as the soda, wine, beer, coffee or ice cream programs. I was recently on a 7 day cruise where it cost $29 per person. When you consider that each soda costs $3, and my husband usually drinks a minimum of 5 per day, he easily would have spent $80 or $90 on soda versus the $29. Tea, coffee, milk & juice is free onboard, but name brand coffee such as Seattle Best or specialty coffee drinks, there is an additional charge. Ice cream can be ordered each night in the dining room with your choice of topping and whip cream, so perhaps pass on the $3.50 ice cream sundae and wait for dessert. You can always order 2 desserts if something else on the menu interest you. Chocolate cake with a side of vanilla ice cream perhaps?
Internet: Wifi connections are great on the newer ships, but again this can get expensive. Purchase a package prior to using the internet. Minutes can go for over .70 if you do not purchase a package, but drop down to .30 to .50 on average depending on usage if you buy one of their packages. Some ships run specials the first day of the cruise where you get 10 to 30 minutes free if you sign up for a package that day so check your cruise bulletin.
Specialty dining: In recent years ships have now offer restaurants that have a cover charge. The food & service in these venues are usually top notch, but if you are on a budget, you can skip it without being cheated. It’s not that $20 or $25 is not worth it for Brazilian Lobster or Kobe beef, but depending on the ship you are on, there is usually a great selection in the regular dining room without paying additional. The menu’s are posted early each day outside of the dining room, so take a look and see what interests you. If you don’t feel like dressing up, then the buffet usually has the same items being offered in the formal dining room.
Gratuities: Your bar bill include 15% tip each time you order. There is no need to tip additional money, unless you feel the service is “above and beyond.”
Watch the casino! Cruise lines are making it easier for you to spend your money. On many ships, In the slot machines, you just insert your room key and you can deduct the amount you’d like right from your account. It is harder to keep track of how much you are spending versus using cash, since no receipt prints out. Best bet is to have a budget in mind for each night, take cash and walk out when it’s gone.
Last but not least shopping. Although items onboard are duty free, chances are you can purchase the items cheaper in port. You can “negotiate” with local vendors most of the time to get the price down, where on the ship it is a fixed price. Also be aware of the shopping allowance per person. When visiting the Caribbean, you are eligible for a $800 pp exemption. You may also bring back 1 liter of alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes and up to 100 non-Cuban cigars. You will be asked to complete a form prior to disembarking the ship that explains all of these exemptions. Keep all of your receipts handy just in case you are questioned by customs.
Children can spend hours in the kids club, and adults can spend an entire cruise vacation, reading, watching movies, swimming, watching live entertainment and eating, at no additional cost.
Cosmos Tours
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008
Cosmos tours has offered budget vacations for more than 40 years. Traveling with Cosmos is far easier than going it alone, but you still get plenty of free time to do what you want. Cosmos has refined their itineraries over the years to combine the must-see sights with significant time on your own. They now offer more choice of activities, and longer stays in key cities for more flexibility. You can book a complete package including airfare, accommodations, transportation and the services of a knowledgeable Tour Director for much less than if you booked them individually on your own. You can also choose to book your packages land only if you are planning to use mileage points of find a better air quote online.
Why Cosmos tours?
- Great value: complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing, and a professional Tour Director for as low as $75 a day.
- Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price.
- Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations.
- Well chosen, pre-selected hotels so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment.
- Optional excursions at an unbeatable value—diverse enough for unique interests, and all reasonably priced.
- A dynamic blend of transportation including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise—we make getting there part of the fun.
- Many meals included in the package price for a great value, plus the freedom to experience the local fare as you wish.
- Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or sit back and take it all in.
- More than 45 years experience showing people the world.
- Portage included—not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on vacation.
- Cosmos vacations are recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer.
- Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93 percent satisfaction rating on our customers’ post-vacation surveys.
Here is a wonderful blog and review from one of our clients who recently experienced a Cosmos tour.
Princess Cruise Sale – Balcony Bonanza Princess Sale Extended
Monday, December 29th, 2008Princess Balcony Bonanza Sale extended until February 28,2009. Don’t delay in booking to get the cabins with the best location on the ship. Princess is offering some great prices, and free upgrades from ocean view to balcony on select sailings. Keep in mind that your cruise deposit is refundable until the time of final payment, so there is no risk in booking your Princess cruise early. Many sailings have added amenities including ship board credits, wine and more. Call for details.
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^FREE BALCONY UPGRADES APPLY TO SELECT SUMMER 2009 SAILINGS ONLY ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS AT TIME OF BOOKING. *BALCONY BONANZA FARES FOR CANADA/NEW ENGLAND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON DECEMBER 13, 2008. This offer applies to lower berth passengers only. Offer may not be combinable with other discounts, promotions, or shipboard credits, and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico only. Call Princess for applicable fares and air add-on program. Please refer to the applicable Princess Cruises brochure for terms, conditions and definitions which apply to the booking.
Super Bowl Packages – Your Ticket to SuperBowl 2009
Monday, December 29th, 2008Superbowl packages for the 2009 Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. Be part of the 2009 Super Bowl…footballs finest hours, as the best teams in the league take the field. From tailgating, the kick-off, to half time, the energy and pageantry of the championship are best experienced first hand. Let Atlas take you there in style.
Why book with us?
1. Save time: We have selected the top sports operators to bring you the best selection and prices on super bowl packages. No need to visit various web site, as we offer a wide selection.
2. Security: Super Bowl packages are not cheap, and over the internet you do not know who you are buying from. Over the past 18 years we have built relationships with reputable sport companies to ensure your investment is secure.
3. Cancellation Insurance: No one wants to think of a medical emergency for you or an immediate family member, but it can happen, and Super Bowl packages are non-refundable. We have the solution. Atlas offers cancellation coverage on most packages, which is normally not available through sport suppliers.
4. Save money: Last but not least, our agents can also assist with airfare, ticket upgrades and additional hotel nights. Tampa offers a lot to see and do, so why not make the most out of your trip? Looking for tickets only, we can do that too.
With all of these benefits, at no additional cost to you, Atlas is your ticket to super bowl packages!
New Cruise Ships in 2009
Sunday, December 28th, 2008Whether you prefer a large floating city with “neighborhoods,” a mid-size ship or a small luxurious ship, 2009 brings you plenty of new cruise ships to choose from.
Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
5,400 passengers November, 2009
Costa Cruise Line
Costa Pacifica Costa Luminosa
3,004 passengers 2,260 passengers
June, 2009 April, 2009
MSC Cruises
Splendida Magnifica
3,300 passengers 2,550 passengers
July, 2009 December, 2009
Seabourn
Odyssey
450 passengers June, 2009
Carnival
Dream
3,652 passengers September, 2009
Celebrity
Equinox
2,850 passengers August, 2009
Silversea
Spirit
540 passengers November, 2009
River Cruises:
Amadeus Waterways: Amadolce & Amalyra (142 passengers each) March, 2009
Uniworld: River Beatrice (160 passengers)
River Tosca (84 passengers) April, 2009
Do you plan to sail on any of these new ships in 2009?
Antarctica Cruises
Saturday, December 27th, 2008The Antarctica Peninsual is currently one of the fastest warming area on the planet, with temperatures & related ice-melt increasing at an even faster rate than had been predicted. .An article written by Emanuella Grinberg from CNN describes the situation in more detail.
Want to make a difference? Join a mission with luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent aboard MV ‘Minerva’ with award-winning scientist Dr. James McClintock to an Antarctic research station, where they present equipment critical to the monitoring of Antarctic climate change. Along the way, travelers journey in Zodiacs and on land to explore the region’s coastline and wildlife.
An Antarctica expedition will leave you breathless. These journeys are rich in education and exploration. The older expeditions ships are not the only option anymore. Cruise lines such as Holland America feature Antarctica combined on some South America cruises, as well as the luxury line Silversea onboard the Prince Albert II.
Book now, and you also save $1,000 per person on the A&K voyage, as well as other early booking savings on 2009-10 Antarctica trips.
Sustainable Travel: Adventure Trips
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
Adventure Center is a One-stop source for world-class sustainable adventure travel experiences at affordable prices. Choose from a range of over 1,000 adventure vacations worldwide including hiking and biking trips, cultural tours, African safaris, Antarctica expedition cruises, and much more. The environmental effects of a trip are key considerations during the itinerary design process. Everyone involved with the organization of a trip, from tour leaders to office staff, promote and adhere to sustainable travel principles, which travelers are encouraged to embrace.
Backroads, Country Walkers, National Geographic and Mt. Travel Sobek are all adventure companies offering unique itineraries including hiking, biking and walking trips to lessen the environmental impact and allow travelers to be culturally unobtrusive.
Would you be more likely to travel with a company that promotes environmentally friendly practices over one that doesn’t?
Trafalgar Tours
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008Trafalgar offers 8 different styles of touring, as well as river cruises in Europe. All travel is carefully designed to appeal to all types of travelers. There is only one choice to make to ensure a hassle-free, dream vacation…Trafalgar.
City Breaks: These are designed with the independent traveler in mind who prefers to explore Europe’s great cities at their own pace. Packages include transfers and breakfast daily.
Free & Easy: Experience the art of perfectly balanced touring with longer stay in each destination. The slower pace means less packing and unpacking and more leisure time to enjoy the cities on your own.
Europe Discoveries: Travel throughout the length and breadth of Europe’s varied destinations on multi-country vacations.
Regional Tours: Enjoy the traditions, customs and scnery on these tours which concentrate on one country or a specific region of Europe.
Train Tours: Rediscover the magic of train travel through the heart of Europe’s wondeerland on a choice of 5 exciting journeys featuring modern, high-speed trains in combination with state of the art motorcoaches.
Eastern Mediterranean: Explore the cultural and historic treasures of Greece, Egypt, Israel and Turkey with included sightseeing and cruises. Embark on a tour of discovery in this fascinating region.
Cost Saver: Perfectly balanced vacations combining all the benefits of fully escorted touring with the flexibility of traveling independently.
Breakaway: Tours designed for 21 to 38 year olds.
River Cruising: An intimate, stylish and sophisticated experience, gliding down Europe’s waterways on a luxury river cruise is a peaceful and relazing way to see Europe’s great cities.
