Travel Articles From www.escortedspaintour.com http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Articles.asp Travel Articles From www.escortedspaintour.com http://www.travelhelm.com/images/AtlasWhiteLogo.jpg http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Articles.asp <![CDATA[Cruise Through Central Europe]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Cruise%5FThrough%5FCentral%5FEurope/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Cruise%5FThrough%5FCentral%5FEurope/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:02 EST Visiting Central Europe can be an easy and convenient vacation when you take a river cruise. From Amsterdam to Budapest, Berlin to Vienna, Paris to Prague, there's a wonderful choice of ships and itineraries to show you fascinating cities as well as beautiful countryside, vineyards and hill top castles. Be enlightened by Europe's history, art and culture - and be pampered aboard today's luxurious river boats.

Discovering Central Europe

While cruise ships call at the sea ports of Europe, you can enjoy a river cruise while discovering Central Europe. The many rivers of the continent were once the centre of commerce and transportation. Towns and villages were built along the river banks and many buildings were designed to face the water. A river cruise gives you a unique perspective on these historic places. It also lets you visit the leading cities of Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Cologne, Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Basel, Strasbourg and many more. Our preferred partners, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River, offer cruises on the following rivers:
  • The Danube in Germany, Austria, Slovalia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
  • The Rhine in Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland.
  • The Moselle, Main and The Main-Danube canal in Germany.
  • The Elbe in Germany and the Czech Republic.
  • The Seine, Saône and Rhône in France.
  • The Douro in Portugal and Spain.
  • The Nieuwe Maas, Nederrun, Waal and Schelde in Holland and Belgium.

Good reasons to take a river cruise

Consider the many advantages of seeing Europe by river boat:
  • Convenience - unpack once and the river boat is your floating hotel.
  • Scenic cruising – Daylight cruising of the most scenic areas is a feature. Around the ships there are plenty of picture windows and open deck space for you to enjoy the passing scenery. Many cabins have large windows or French doors.
  • Central locations - In most ports, river boats can dock conveniently downtown allowing passengers to step ashore in the heart of the city at their leisure.
  • Outstanding excursions - Informative local guides lead sightseeing tours in each town which are included in the fare. Additional organized excursions are available for purchase. Companies are using Quietvox headsets so tour members can always hear the guide.
  • English speaking staff & guides - Tour guides and staff speak English on the cruises offered by Ensemble's preferred partners, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises.
  • No motion sickness - There's no problem with motion as you aren't on the open sea and boats are stable.
  • Friendly companions - With under 300 passengers, there is a great camaraderie on board. These are very friendly cruises.
  • Excellent Value - Packages include pre and post cruise stays in great cities, transfers, port excursions, and complimentary wine with dinner making them great value.

Life on board

What can you expect aboard ship when sailing Europe's rivers? Luxurious surroundings, gourmet meals, quality wine, cabaret entertainment and excellent service. Aboard a river boat you'll be well looked after as you glide serenely from town to town. Browse our selection of river cruise vacations. Sounds inviting doesn't it? Consider taking a river cruise when planning your next vacation to Europe. If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to travel that lets you see a lot of interesting places as well as enjoy the countryside, a river cruise could be just right for you.]]> <![CDATA[Save 40% on Travel to Europe]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Save%5F40%25%5Fon%5FTravel%5Fto%5FEurope/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Save%5F40%25%5Fon%5FTravel%5Fto%5FEurope/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Mon, 5 Jul 2010 12:42 EST 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Travel Improves Your Health]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Travel%5FImproves%5FYour%5FHealth/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Travel%5FImproves%5FYour%5FHealth/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:00 EST We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true.  Vacations Travel Improves Your Health?can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health. 

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

  • Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
  • Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
  • Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
  • Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
  • Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!
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]]> <![CDATA[See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/See%5FEurope%5F%3A%3A%5FTravel%5FSafely%5Fand%5FIn%5FStyle%2C%5FEscorted%5FTours/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/See%5FEurope%5F%3A%3A%5FTravel%5FSafely%5Fand%5FIn%5FStyle%2C%5FEscorted%5FTours/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:25 EST

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe? 

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable.  Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder.  You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine.  Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees.  From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms.  The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

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We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

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]]> <![CDATA[Europe Language Tips]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Europe%5FLanguage%5FTips/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Europe%5FLanguage%5FTips/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:16 EST There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics.

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English French Spanish Italian German Greek Dutch
Good Morning Bonjour Buenos Dias Buongiorno Guten Morgen Kalimera Goedemorgen
Good Bye Au revoir Adios Arrivederci Auf Wiedersehen Yasou Tot ziens
Please S’il vous plait Por favor Perfavore Bitte Parakalo Alstublieft
Thank You Merci Gracias Grazie Danke Schon Effaristo Dank u
Yes Oui Si Si Ja Ne Ya
No Non No No Nein Oki Nee
Where is? Ou est? Donde ésta? Dové Wo ist? Poo eeneh? Waar is?
The toilet Les toilettes El lavabo Il gabinetto Die toilette To oahlehtes De toilet
The bank La banque Banco Banca Die bank Trapeze Bank
Post office La poste Correos Ufficio postale Die post Takedromeo Postkantoor
How much? Combine? Cunato? Quanto? Wieviel? Posso? hoeveel?
The bill L’addition La cuenta Il conto Die rechnung To loghariazmo rekening
Ladies Dames Enoras Donne Damen Yinekon Dames
Gents Messieurs Senores Uomini Herren Anthron Heren
Stamp Timbre Sello Francobollo Briefmarke Grammatesimo Stamp
One/two Un/deux Uno/due Uno/due Eins/zwei Ena/thio Een/twee
Three/four Trios/quatre Tres/cuarto Tre/Quattro Drei/vier Tria/tesera Drie/vier
Five/six Cinq/six Cinco/seis Cinque/sei Funf/sechs Pende/eksi Vijf/zes
Seven/eight Sept/huit Siete/ocho Sette/otto Sieben/acht Epta/okta Zeven/acht
Nine/ten Neuf/dix Nueve/diez Nove/dieci Neun/zehn Enea/theka Negen/tien
Open Overt Abierto Aperto Geoffnet Anikton Open
Closed Fermé Cerrado Chiuso Geschlossen Kilson Gesloten
Hot Chaud Caliente Caldo Heiss Zesto Hete
Cold Froid Frio Freddo Kalt Krio Koude
Water Eau Agua Acqua Wasser Nero Water
Tea Thé Té Té Tee Chai Thee
Coffee Café Café Caffé Kaffee Kafe Koffie
Beer Biére Cerveza Birra Bier Bira Bier
Wine Vin Vino Vino Wein Krasi Wijn
Excuse me (sorry) Excusez-moi Perdon Scusi Entschuldigung Sygnomi Sorry
Cheers Santé Salut Saluté Prost Yamus Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

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We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

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]]> <![CDATA[Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Independent%5FVacation%5F2010%5FPrices%5FDown%5F10%5FPercent%5FWorldwide/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Independent%5FVacation%5F2010%5FPrices%5FDown%5F10%5FPercent%5FWorldwide/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Sat, 2 Jan 2010 08:43 EST 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.

]]> <![CDATA[MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/MAKING%5FTHE%5FMOST%5FOF%5FA%5F%E2%80%9CMINI%E2%80%9D%3A%5F%5FPACK%5FFUN%5FINTO%5FQUICK%5FGETAWAYS%5FWITH%5FMONOGRAMS/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/MAKING%5FTHE%5FMOST%5FOF%5FA%5F%E2%80%9CMINI%E2%80%9D%3A%5F%5FPACK%5FFUN%5FINTO%5FQUICK%5FGETAWAYS%5FWITH%5FMONOGRAMS/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Sat, 2 Jan 2010 08:06 EST 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.]]> <![CDATA[Spain in a Word :: Passionate]]> http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Spain%5Fin%5Fa%5FWord%5F%3A%3A%5FPassionate/ http://www.escortedspaintour.com/Article/Spain%5Fin%5Fa%5FWord%5F%3A%3A%5FPassionate/ tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:43 EST Spain in a word, is passionate, and it's people live life to the fullest. Visitors sense its vibrant lifestyle, from the lively flamenco to the bullfights to the unique flavor of each region's cuisine.

Sample Spain as you would it's tapas. Discover the diverse regions and cities. From the pointed spires of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia to the pointed horns of the bull facing the matador; from the white sand beaches of Costa del Sol to the white stone walls of Madrid's Prado Museum, Spain offers a delectable spread of sights and activities.

In Portugal, witness it's history as a colonial power, a benefit of its enviable coastal location. As a result, its riches are apparent in the architectural remnants of its esteemed past, with stately palaces, imposing castles, tranquil monasteries and quaint fishing villages.

No visa is required for US passport holders. Average rainfall is higher in July and August. Best time to travel is May, September and October due to less crowds and lower temperatures.

Insight Vacations' Highlights of Spain is a popular package each year. You can visit Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, Seville & Cordoba in 10 days. Prices start at just $2,150 pp.

For more Spain Tours visit EscortedSpainTours.com

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