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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)

Ready to start picking out your honeymoon http://www.independentvacations.org/

Thursday, December 03, 2009

In rescent years, Globus realized that baby boomers were not all willing to travel by motorcoach, therefore they developed the Monograms product which allows travelers to book their arrangments to have more flexibility, but backed by a name they can trust.  As part of the Globus family of brands, Monograms benefits from 80 years of worldwide travel experience. Along with Globus, Cosmos, and Avalon Waterways, Monograms offers hassle-free, unique and perfectly planned journeys that allow travelers to truly experience a new destination

Now your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be, fun!—without all the planning and logistics hassles. With Monograms, they handle all the details, so that you can feel comfortable and confident in your destination—even if it’s your first time there.

With vacations on five continents and in 31 countries, Monograms offers you more than 100 packages to choose from.

We understand that the right hotel is key to your vacation. That’s why Monograms offers you a selection of wonderful hotels known for their comfort, style, service, amenities and convenient locations.

With Monograms, you never have to worry about getting from Point A to Point B. Whether it’s by plane, train, rail, bus, or car, we can take care of your transportation needs.

Most Monograms vacations feature a half-day sightseeing and orientation in each city, so you don’t miss the must-see sights. You can also personalize your vacation by adding other activities and excursions, either before your go or on-trip, that will make your getaway exclusively yours!

Start your day off the right way…with breakfast, which is included on your Monograms getaway to Europe, Asia, South Pacific, and South America. For lunch and dinner, immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling area cuisine!

Once you arrive at your destination, friendly, professional Local Hosts are on hand to provide you with a destination guide, to offer hints and recommendations to help you get the lay of the land, and to ensure you have what you need to make the most of your time.

We invite you to browse packages available through Monograms Travel