Where ever you plan to travel in Europe, the Globus family of brands can take you there. Choose from Globus tours, Monograms independent travel packages or Avalon river cruises through Europe.

Europe Vacations

Italy Vacations
Step back in time and explore a country rich with historical treasures. From magnificent churches and marble monuments to medieval piazzas with awe-inspiring fountains, you’ll feel an ambiance reminiscent of times past while in Italy.
Italy Vacations

England, Scotland & Ireland Vacations
For a travel experience befitting royalty, there’s truly nothing better than a vacation to Britain & Ireland. Whether you’re off checking out a a 2,000-year-old castle or riding through the city streets on a double-decker bus, you’ll be left with a lifetime of incredible memories.
England, Scotland & Ireland Vacations

France Vacations
Ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy spectacular views of Paris or visit the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. France is filled with the world’s most eclectic collection of artwork, mouthwatering bakers’ delights, and abundantly colorful flower and fruit markets.
France Vacations

Germany, Austria & Switzerland Vacations
Enjoy the essence of Central Europe as you experience Germany, Austria & Switzerland. Enjoy beautiful architecture, interesting museums, a tasty beer garden and, of course, the opera and classical music concerts.
Germany, Austria & Switzerland Vacations

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 15, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

Traveling with Trafalgar in the spring offers you many advantages. Cities and attractions are less crowded, the temperatures are cooler, and the sights and landscapes of Europe take on a new radiance. Soak up the festive spirit of Europe when traveling on Trafalgar's highly inclusive, First Class itineraries which offer you the greatest value this spring! If you have a passion for picturesque scenery, amazing architecture, delicious regional cuisine, fantastic local shopping or simply exploring new and exciting destinations, Trafalgar has your perfect vacation experience.

Here are some "Last Minute Deals" on selected Spring departures available until February 28, 2010

The French Escapade April 1, 2010 starting from $1,639*
Britain & Ireland Experience April 3, 2010 starting from $1,845*
Traditional Europe May 15, 2010 starting from $3,935*
Italy & Sicily March 12, 2010 starting at $1,395*

The Trafalgar Difference

• Savings of up to 35% - when compared to traveling in summer
• First Class Itineraries - designed to truly highlight each destination
• Accommodations - high standards assured by Trafalgar's Quality Control Team
• Meals - a true taste of Europe, with breakfast daily, Highlight and Farewell Dinners, Local Specialties and Be My Guest highlights
• Tour Directors - their expertise and enthusiasm bring destinations to life
• Sightseeing - the perfect balance of fantastic inclusions and free time, plus unique Hidden Treasures
• Transportation - travel in complete safety and comfort, chauffeur-driven by professionals in the latest model coaches

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until February 28, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

We welcome you to research European Travel Package by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners. You’ll find a selection of tours, cruises, vacations and rail packages.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

Atlas Cruises & Tours| Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour |Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until February 15, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Europe & Britain Tours
 

USA & Canada Tours

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

General Travel Tips

• Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
• Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling.
• If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
• Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey.

Don't Forget

• Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go.
• Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters.
• Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
• Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap.

Click here for over 50 posts with helpful travel tips and advice.

Europe is a place of wonders, an intriguing past and timeless elegance.  Here, watch history come live as you explore the destinations of your choice.  Saver new foods and discover new passions.  Shop for exquisite fashion and wander bustling markets for the best bargains.  Let some of the most renowned theatres in the world excite and entertain you.  Discover lands where fairytale castles exist and real kings, queens and princess rule.  Europe is charming and positively magical, alluring, enchanting, enthralling and it's where Harry Potter, Shakespeare , Sherlock Holmes and "Angles & Demons" come to life.

Europe is defined in its thriving cities, breathtaking countryside, quaint pubs and the world's finest museums.  A day in Europe could be a day of sightseeing, romance or just a long afternoon sitting at a sidewalk cafe.

We welcome you to research your next European tour by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:
Atlas Cruises & Tours| Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour |Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:
Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Plus, Trafalgar is excited to announce two new First Class tours and one new CostSaver tour.

Ultimate France (First Class): 11 days from $2875*
Lyon, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco, Marseille, Arles, Paris
Wonders of the Ancient World (First Class): 18 days from $3385*
Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Cairo, Crete, Luxor, Giza
England & Scotland Heritage (CostSaver): 12 days from $1435*
London, Stonehenge, Lake District, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon

Trafalgar tours...Dream, pack and leave the rest to them!

The museum was built by Philippe-Auguste in the late 12th century, and began as a fortress on the edge of the city to protect Paris from Anglo-Norman invaders. It is home to 35,000 works of art drawn from eight departments, displayed in over 60,000 square meters of exhibition space. That's about 25 centuries of creative achievement and approximately 8 centuries worth of architectural history. It is home to the portrait of Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci as well as Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and near Eastern antiquities. There are rooms that opened in 1824 that are solely devoted to "modern" sculpture, which gradually became the Department of Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern Sculpture in the museum.

The hours of operation for the museum are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday and the following holidays: January 1st, May 1st, November 11 and December 25, 2009. The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions will close at 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009.  The museum is open until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Admission to the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of every month. However, we suggest you avoid it, as the lines can run around the building. The museum does not have enough staff to keep the entire museum open every day. Barring unforeseen circumstances (works, transport strikes, etc.), a yearly calendar lists which rooms are open and closed for each day of the week. The admission for the museum varies, according to the time and part of the museum you would like to visit.

You could spend days looking at the marvelous works of art, but unless you have been to Paris before, I recommend the ninety minute tour that is offered several times per day that takes you through all the major works of art.

8 Days from $3,490 per person double plus airfare
Culturious guests see, hear, touch, taste, feel and experience the inspirational magic of Provence for themselves as they enjoy...

• Two nights in Aix-en-Provence, at the boutique hotel Le Pigonnet featuring a visit to Cézanne’s studio and a hike to his beloved Inspiration Point
• A two-night stay in the Luberon, a picnic in a Provençal meadow and a visit to an ancient abbey
• Kayaking on the Sorgue River near Arles, a pub crawl with a local guide and a market visit and cooking lesson with a chef during a three-night stay in St-Remy-de-Provence

Maximum group size is 16.

Beaunne, is the wine capital of Burgundy, and an ideal base to explore the vineyards.  The burgundy region is known as the meeting place of civilizations. Located in the center of France, it is easily accessible via the high speed TGV trainand numerous highways winding throughout.

Europe & Britain Tours

Europe, Britain, & Eastern Mediterranean Tours

Tour Name	Promotion Code	Departure Date	Brochure Price WAS Twin Share PP	Price NOW Twin Share PP	Savings per couple
Mediterranean Fables A Grade	HOT57	20 Oct	$2450	$2199	$502
Mediterranean Fables B Grade	HOT58	20 Oct	$2150	$1935	$430
Mediterranean Fables C Grade	HOT59	20 Oct	$1899	$1699	$400
Winter Explorer	HOT60	29 Oct	$2699	$2425	$548
Amazing Morocco	HOT61	31 Oct	$1250	$1125	$250
Easy Pace France	HOT62	02 Oct	$3199	$2875	$648
Italian Escapade	HOT63	06 Oct	$3799	$3415	$768
Wonders of Turkey	HOT64	29 Oct	$1350	$1215	$270
Elegance of the Nile	HOT65	08 Oct	$4350	$3915	$870
Italian Intermezzo	HOT66	02 Oct	$2335	$2099	$472

I was lucky enough to see a preview and in addition to Bon Appetit, all I can say is Viva La France! The movie is partly based on Julia Child’s book “My Life in France.”

There is no way to see this marvelously entertaining movie without wanting to see Paris. Whether it’s a first trip or a tenth, the movie is a love song to the City of Lights and makes one want to be there tomorrow. The Eiffel Tower, a cruise down the Seine, the Place de La Concorde, Montmartre, you name it…

Julia and her husband Paul dine in restaurants that are so French they couldn’t possibly be anywhere else. There is a charming scene about Julia’s very first meal in France and it’s Sole Meuniere. It was love at first taste and several years later, we all were in love with Julia and her French Chef series.

Please check out the low airfares to Paris so you, too, can taste the Sole, Boeuf Bourguignon, a freshly baked baguette, or chocolate dessert baked by a French chocolatier. My first meal in Paris was in a small local café and it was just chicken and French Fries. Yummmmm...one of the best meals ever!

There are many different types of tour vacations for France that include Paris only, or perhaps combined with a trip to the Normandy Beaches, the Chateaux in the Loire Valley, Provence or Monte Carlo & Nice in the South of France. If buses are not your style, you can travel by train or by riverboat as well.

Written by: Laura U
laura@atlastravelweb.com

 
Europe & Britain Tours

USA & Canada Tours

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.

Written by: C. Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Monaco enjoys an almost perfect climate with mild winters and warm summers. There are more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Monaco has a dress code and appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas and jackets and ties should be worn by men in the casino.

- Receive up to a 12%* discount on your Shopping in France !
- Minimum spending amount (VAT included) = 175.01 €
- The VAT rate = 16.38 % 
- The refund amount is the VAT less an administration fee = around 12 %
- Maximum time from check being issued to validation by customs = 3 months

A refund in 3 easy steps

For most of goods, you pay a 16.38 % tax on the purchases you make. Some goods, such as books, have only 5.21 % taxes levied, and antiques have a special rate also. As a visitor residing outside the European Union, you are entitled to claim back the tax if you spend more than 175.01 Euros per day in the same shop and export the goods to your home country.

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers. Hopefully they will give you the information you need.

Who is entitled to Tax Free?
As a foreign visitor you can get a VAT/GST refund on purchases you export from the country you are visiting. To be entitled to a VAT refund within the European Union (EU), you have to reside outside of the Union more than six moths a year.

The following countries are members of the EU: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Do I always need to get my goods export validated?

Yes, in order to obtain refund on purchased goods you have to prove your exportation with a customs stamp on your Global Refund check. Show your purchases, receipts and Global Refund Check to customs officials before leaving the country, and have your form stamped. When travelling within the EU, show your purchases and documents to customs officials in the last EU country you visit before leaving Europe.

When leaving by train, road or sea, show your purchases and documents to customs officials at the border or when you board.

When should I arrive at the airport to have time to get my export validated?
2 hours before you board.

Where should I get my export validated if I leave European Union by car?
Contact customs at the last border point when leaving the EU. For example, atthe border between Poland and Belarus, or Finland/the Baltic states and Russia.

Where can I get my refund?
You will receive your refund in the way that is most convenient for you. We pay out in cash, directly credit a credit card, transfer money to a bank account, or send a bank check.
Cash is paid out immediately at the airport of departure or later by one of Global Refund Offices.

How do I know if the store provides Global Refund Tax-Free service?
Please look for our well known “TAX FREE” logo in the window or ask the staff in the store for help and information.

Don’t forget to have your Check stamped by Customs at the final point of departure from the European Union (EU)!

About Global Refund

Q.  I'm confused about luggage, specifically carry on. Is my purse considered a carry on item? How about my husband's camera case? My husband wants to bring his computer, it is slightly over the 12x11x6 Is this a problem?

A.  #1.  A purse or camera case is not considered a carry on. You can still have a separate carry-on bag.

#2.  As far as your husband's computer, carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motorcoaches and other transportation. If it is a very minimal difference, (1 inch,) then it should still fit in the overhead without a problem, but these measurements are given to ensure you will not have any issue while touring.

Services offered include services of 24/7 agent for any last minutes changes, pre-trip travel advice such as what vaccines are required, embassy contacts, weather and currency information.  They also offer assistance for last minute changes, such as cancelled or delayed flights, making hotel reservations or ground transportation reservations. Benefits include coverage in the event of cruise line, airline or tour operator default (financial default non applicable to all suppliers) Coverage for sickness, injury or death of immediate family member. Terrorist incident that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person

With a good policy, you receive 24 hours assistance replacing lost or stolen documents such as visas, passports or tickets. Cash advance for travel or medical emergencies. They can also help you locate English speaking medical specialists, facilities and assistance with medical evacuations anywhere in the world.

They will provide you with baggage and personal effects loss coverage, baggage delay coverage and luggage tracing services. They have a bilingual staff for telephone interpretation for medical or legal emergencies.

If you purchase your travel insurance within 15 days of making your initial deposit your coverage will include pre-existing conditions which applies to the first $25,000 of trip cost.

Whether a child gets the flu, or a close family member has a medical emergency, travel protection has a plan that will protect you before or during your vacation. The right kind of insurance is essential. It will provide you with peace of mind, medical evacuation in case of an emergency, baggage coverage, flight delay and flight cancellation coverage.

In addition to these services some insurance policies also provide a concierge service which is available to assist you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, tee time reservations and floral services.

This is only a brief description of some of the benefits and travel services provided. All policies and coverage may vary, and may not be available in all states. There are also expanded coverage plans that offer business related covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and other that let you cancel for any reason.

At times it is best to purchase the insurance with the tour operator or cruise line as part of your package, where on other occasions you can save money and get better coverage medical and evacuation coverage. An experience agent can explain your options to that you can purchase the best policy for your individual needs.

Good travel insurance isn't always expensive. We have negotiated excellent policies exclusive to Atlas, where rather than paying by age, which can add up for seniors, everyone is charged a flat amount base on the cost of the trip.

A bistro may offer a better value than a restaurant. A brasserie is also a less formal experience than a restaurant. Traditional rich and heavy French meals are no longer everybody's choice but modern French cuisine - light and healthy, in stylish bistros - is becoming more popular. There is also a fantastic selection of ethnic foods thanks to ex-colonial immigrants from Indochina, the Middle East, Caribbean and South Pacific. But best of all is taking your time over a simple petit déjeuner [breakfast] - a big cup of strong coffee and brandy with a perfect croissant.

Traditional French cuisine of the protein-covered-with-rich sauce kind has been top of the gastronomic world since Romans travelled there to eat wild boar with cranberries in 34AD. But it's finally out of fashion - too heavy, too fattening, too taste-limited, but the quality and variety of regional ingredients is still outstanding and simple seafood dishes are particularly exquisite, not only on the coast, but inland too.

Ethnic cuisines are also excellent, interesting and widely available, but the real pleasure of French food is the simple mid-trip picnic bought from a local market or shop - freshly baked baguettes with cheese, salami or paté, olives, salad and wine.

Steak-frites [steak with chips/ fries] is typical fast food in France, along with crêpes [pancakes with fillings], pizzas and baguettes [sandwiches] with various fillings - which can be found on streets everywhere, and make popular meals for Euro poor or time poor travellers. Vegetarian travellers can often have problems with fixed menus [menu fixe] as the French do love meat.

French cuisine is very varied, with the differences based on the produce and gastronomy of each region, a few are below;

PERIGORD/DORDOGNE: Some regard this as the best regional cuisine in France. This region is famous for truffles, foie gras (goose liver pate) and poultry. Walnut oil and goose fat are used in a lot of the cooking. Also popular is pork, duck, freshwater fish (which can all be stuffed with foie gras or cooked with truffles), crayfish, rabbit, beef. Keep a look out for desserts such as chestnut gateaux, tarts and flans with plums, quinces, grapes, cherries and pears,

PROVENCE: This region is sometimes called the “Garden of France” due to its fantastic range of spices, herbs, fruit and vegetables. The culinary term á la provençale relates to this region, you can guarantee that if you order a dish á la provençale, it will come with garlic and olive oil infused tomatoes. Other ingredients that frequently appear on menus are aubergines, zucchini, squash and onions, combine these ingredients with garlic and herbs and you get the all-time Provençal favourite, ratatouille. Aïoli is a sauce made by mixing olive oil made mayonnaise with plenty of fresh crushed garlic, which can be spread over asparagus or eggs and codfish. Provence’s most famous soup is bouillabaisse, which is made with at least 3 different kinds of fresh fish, onions, tomatoes, saffron, bay leaves, sage, and thyme.

Information provided by Peregrine Adventures

These select departures are only available until 15 July, 2009. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience the history of Europe’s cites or North America's wide open spaces this summer, all with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and now great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Europe & Britain Tours
 

USA & Canada Tours

Contact 1-800-942-331

Conditions: For new bookings only. Book between July 1 and July 15, 2009. Subject to availability. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure). This offer is combinable with all applicable Trafalgar discounts.

Weather:

Northern France enjoys a temperate summertime climate. In the Northeast, the Auvergne, Burgundy and Rhone Valley the climate is more ‘continental’, with warm summers and colder winters. The southern half of the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year round, with hot to very hot summers and mild winters. Very strong winds (such as the Mistral) can occur throughout the entire region. The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. The French slopes of the Pyrenees are warm and sunny in the height of spring to late summer.

Best Time to Travel:

France is at its best time in spring and autumn, weather-wise. Peak season is July and August, when many French citizens go on holidays to beach resorts in France and the rest of Europe, businesses close, including museums and restaurants during this period. 

Additional Tips:

An adaptor is recommended...plus with 2 round pins are the most common @ 220 volts.

You can get around in France by taxi, bicycle, train, and it is a great city for walking.

Email is easily found in Paris in various internet cafes and shops. In smaller towns throughout France, each post office has a terminal available to the public.

Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle is located 14 miles northest of Paris. Because of traffic, a taxi to the ity center will take around 45 minutes, and will cost approximately 32 Euro.

Bordeaux Airport is located 7.5 miles from Bordeaux. Over 50 taxis are always available at the airport. The airport can also be reached via shuttle bus. Jet Bus operates a service from Bordeaux city center to the airport (about 40 minutes with stops).

The International dialing code for France is +33

A GREAT VALUE FOR ALL SEASONS

• Fewer Crowds and Great Savings: Save up to 35% when compared to summer travel, plus Trafalgar always saves you up to 40% off the cost of traveling on your own.
• First Class Itineraries: Expertly designed, authentically local European vacations featuring exclusive Be My Guest dining highlights, special Family Experiences departures and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors.

Book your Fall, Winter & Spring European vacation today!  Offer expires July 31, 2009!

Itinerary:

Venice, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Athens (Piraeus), Greece, Santorini, Greece, Naples/Capri, Italy, Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Florence/Pisa(Livorno),italy, Nice (Villefranche), France, Barcelona, Spain

Before You Go

• Secure Your Home: Cancel all newspapers, pay bills and consider what to do about the mail. You can ask your Post Office to hold it while you’re away, or get someone to look after your house.  Put some lights and a radio or TV on a timer. If applicable, park a car in your driveway.
• Be prepared:  Bring an emergency contact list, including the telephone numbers of your insurance people, credit card issuers, and home numbers of close relatives or friends, in case of an emergency.
• Back up important information: Copy or scan your travel documents – passport, travelers, identity and vaccination card and credit cards – front and back. Make two sets of copies, leave one at home or with a trusted person, and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have all the information and phone numbers you need. If you choose to scan your documents, send them to your email address. In case of a problem, you can access them from any business center or cybercafe in the world.
• If you have a black or blue suitcase, you may want to wrap brightly colored electrical tape or ribbons around the handles of check luggage to make it easy to identify, OR use colored luggage tags.
• Just in case your luggage is lost, make sure you have your name, address and phone number on each piece, so that the airline can contact you. We suggest using a work address rathern than home whenever possible.
• Medications: Remember, all medications and vitamins must be in their original containers when traveling. You can ask your pharmacist to label small bottles with just enough medication in for your trip. Always carry these in your carry-on. Also, take a few days extra supply, in case you are delayed coming back.

Useful Items When Traveling

• Sun glasses
• Pen & small notepad
• Small retractable umbrella
• Sun block
• Chapstick
• Package of wipes or bottle of hand sanitzer
• Plastic bags. Take various size zip-lock bags – the heavier duty the better. They are great for packing things that might leak, like shampoo and lotions, and come in handy again for dirty clothes, the beach, etc.
• Camera with extra film or memory cards
• Chargers for any electronics you may be bringing (such as Ipod, camera, cell phone, labtops, etc.)
• Small bag packed into your suitcase. This can be used to carry souvenirs.
• Book or magazine
  

Fall in love with the romance of Paris and three European rivers!

Cruise highlights include:

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the lovely River Princess
• 2 nights in Paris at a superior first class Tour Eiffel Suffren Hotel (or similar) with breakfast
• All meals onboard
• Complimentary fine wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffee during your cruise
• 9 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking guides
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Complimentary use of bicycles during your cruise
• Exciting onboard entertainment and insightful lectures
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program 
• Captain's Welcome & Farewell Dinners
• An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• All transfers on arrival and departure days

Rendezvous in Paris—the most romantic city in the world with its charming sidewalk cafes, iconic Eiffel Tower, legendary Louvre, and alluring Notre Dame—before setting sail along three breathtaking rivers: the vineyard-rich Moselle, the castle-laden Rhine, and the meandering Main.

Visit the winemaker's villages of Bernkastel and Traben-Trarbach where you'll discover over 500 years of winemaking history, and get to taste the famous and delectable Riesling wines of the region. Walk the streets of medieval Miltenberg, a town that seems lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites while in Bamberg and Trier. Travel along the "Romantic Road" past extravagant baroque palaces and quaint medieval-walled towns to Rothenburg, with its half-timbered houses and imposing fortifications. Then spend time enjoying dynamic Frankfurt with its imposing skyline and historic Römer Square.

Many clients wonder what the differences are when traveling with a budget, first class or deluxe tour operator. As we have discussed in previous posts, a lot has to do with the type of accommodations used, the location of the hotels, the number of people on the tour and how much is included in the price (i.e. sightseeing, meals, etc.)

Today our focus is to explain the difference in meals.  In most cases, on a budget tour you will receive continental breakfast. This is a basic breakfast of usually consisting of cereals, pastries, juice and coffee. Once you take a first class tour and above, breakfast is normally buffet. This offers the widest choices, quickest service and as much or as little food as you desire.

Budget tours rarely include dinners, and when they do, it is normally in the hotel. First class tour operators offer a combination of both hotel dinners and some dining at local restaurants. However, there is usually a limited menu. It includes 3 to 5 courses with a more limited choice of appetizer, entrees and desserts. We are not suggesting the food is bad, on the contrary, frequently the limited menu includes the chef's freshest market specials of the day and takes less time to serve.

Dining is a delightful and integral part of the travel experience when traveling abroad. Deluxe and luxury operators select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit, and offer full choice of menu to include a starter course (hot & cold appetizer, soup or salad,) main course, dessert and beverage. You’ll savor a delectable assortment of classic dishes and regional specialties. Many meals include wine with dinner and at times entertainment.

Regardless of which tour you book, gratuities to the wait staff are included. For lunches and evenings that meals are not included, the knowledgeable tour directors can assist you in finding dining options based on your the type of food you want to have and your budget.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site that holds a list of outstanding cultural or natural universal value such as, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It could be a monument, building, mountain, forest, lake, desert, complex or city.

So how is a site selected?

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural & cultural heritage can submit nominations for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

A nominated property is independently evaluated by several Advisory Boards. Once a site has been nominated & evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision. One per year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage list.

The program aims to catalogue & preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.

There are currently 878 World Heritage Sites in 145 countries. These include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed properties.

You may have visited a place in the U.S. already, not realizing it was a UNESCO site such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Yellowstone or Olympic National Park.

Click here for a full list of site.

I have seen 20 sites in 9 countries, so only 858 to go, but I have to say that certain countries do not interest me AT ALL, so my goal would be to see at least half of the UNESCO sites while traveling the world.

How many UNESCO sites have you visited?

• Click here for Swine Flu talking points
• Click here for U.S. Travel's statement.
• Click here for the CDC website with more information on Swine Flu.

For all travelers, CDC recommends the following steps to help you stay healthy:

• Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to offer protection against swine flu viruses, but it can protect against seasonal influenza viruses which may still be circulating in Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere.
• Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. See Pack Smart in Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel for a list of what to include in your travel health kit.
• Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.
• Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.  Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.  For more information, see Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
• Remember that U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.

Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of swine flu

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.
  • Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.)
• It is important to follow the advice of local health and government authorities.  You may be asked to restrict your movement and stay in your home to contain the spread of swine flu.

If you have specific questions about the swine influenza cases see http://www.cdc.gov/contact/  or call 1-800-232-4636, which is 1-800-CDC-INFO.

To learn more about travel health, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

More information will be provided as the situation develops. Please continue to check our website on a regular basis for updates.

Planning to travel in a group?

•  Four color tri-fold brochures or Four color flyers which can be used as 
   hand-outs or mail-outs to prospective participants
•  Power Point Presentations for group level meetings to explain the
   program to possible participants
•  Presentation by a member of our group department to local South
    Florida organizations

There is so much to do in this part, you will have trouble deciding.

You can choose to spend your day in Paris, or visit other areas near Le Havre. Paris day trips will take an average of 10 hours.

The Normandy Cost is famous for its beauty and historic past, but more recently one of the main point of interest is the landing area of World Way II, the Beaches of Normandy. Day trips to D-Day Beaches & Bayeux Tapestry take about 11 hours.

Rouen is approximately 1 hour from Le Havre. Rouen is renowned as a treasury of medieval architecture.

Honfleur is a charming fishing port located along the "cote Fleurie," dating back to the 14th century, the village has a lively medieval atmosphere and has attracted many famous artist and writers over the years. Honfleur can be seen in about 4 hours.

Mount Saint Michel takes about 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Check back soon, as we have several blog articles planned on the Landing Beaches, Honfleur and Mont Saint Michel.

Should you bring a laptop while traveling?

This is a personal question that really depends on many things. What you’ll be doing, where you are going and how long will you be traveling?

I would like to share some guidelines that may help with your decision.

Reasons you should bring a laptop:

You can email your family and friends. Having your laptop, you can email your loved ones back home. This is something you could do at most internet cafes, which is a much nicer atmosphere than your hotel room. Most cafes around the world do offer free Wifi when you order something. Not all cafes have free Wifi; some do have a small charge. Newer cruise ships also offer Wifi, but make sure and purchase a package, as usage rates can be high.

You can download all your photos. You can download your digital photo right to your laptop. This will keep your camera’s memory stick free everyday. This will allow you to capture that favorite photo. If your memory stick is full, you would lose that favorite photo moment.

Keeping a journal of the cities you visited. Sometimes we see so much on our vacation that we tend to forget something. Keeping a journal along the way will allow you to never forget. It also allows you to post your travel blogs in writing.

Calling home for free (or very cheap) with Skype. For mere cents per minute you can make calls to landlines and cell phones from all over the world with Skype. It allows you to call from any web-enabled laptop. It’s a great way to keep in touch over the phone.

You can get lots of local information. Many laptops today have maps, directions, schedules and must-see sites for key cities. Maybe you would like get tickets to a play or need to get those directions to a restaurant. You can get all the information you need right from your laptop. Usually it’s much better than carrying around big guidebooks.

You can work. Even though we are on vacation, sometimes we still have our work on our minds. Maybe you have an on-line business and need to be kept informed. Having your laptop with you allows you to still work.  

Reasons you should keep your laptop home:

It could get lost, stolen or damaged. Where you are traveling really depends on the risks, which could range from mild to extreme. Getting your laptop insured by home or travel insurance is really not likely. Most insurance companies won’t cover you unless you pay a very high premium.

It’s extra weight to carry. If weight is an issue then you may want to keep it home. Depending on where you are traveling, you would need to bring your power adapter and any plug in devices to operate your laptop.

Surfing the internet. As we all know, the internet can be addicting. You could spend hours surfing the web, when we should be enjoying the experience of the city that you paid to see.

Checking in at the airport.  Our new airport regulations require us to open our carry bags to get through security. When you are traveling with your laptop, you will have to remove your laptop from the carry case for security inspection, so allow extra time for check-in.

You need to base your decision on where you are going. The more remote destinations you are traveling to, the less likely you will find a Wifi connection. Some remote islands will probably only have a dial up connection, which would probably be very slow.

The biggest consideration is whether you feel you actually need a laptop. Some people absolutely need to stay connected. If you decide to bring it, I would recommend a soft case to protect it. I would use a water-resistant case. Remember to never stow your computer in your luggage.

Contributed by: A Sternberg
angie@atlastravelweb.com

Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches
Combine time in France's splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region, and the poignant WWII landing beaches. Experience Van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny and Joan or Arc's historic Rouen.

Grand France
Cruisers will experience France at its scenic best with guided sightseeing in Paris, Rouen, Lyon, Avignon & more....see charming and historic cities along the Saône and Rhône Rivers through the heart of this beautiful country.

Castles on the Rhine to the City of Music
Four countries, three rivers and the masterful Main Danube Canal...start in Zurich, then enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Strasbourg, Wurzburg, Nuremberg and Vienna.

Taste of the Danube
Choose from a 5 day Vienna to Budapest cruise or a 6 day Budapest to Vienna cruise.  Great options for those with limited time to travel or who are interested in combining a river cruise with a land vacation.

Christmastime in Germany & Austria
See beautiful decorations, the festive lights and the special atmosphere that only a visit to a Christmas market on a cold, crisp winter's day can bring. See the highlights of the towns along the Main and Danube with a local expert, visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and more.

To celebrate their new itineraries, and to encourage travelers to book their 2010 river cruise vacation, Globus is offering early booking incentives. Guests receive $150 off per person on any Egypt, China, Galapagos or Taste of the Danube cruise and land only vacation and $300 off per person when booking any of these itineraries including airfare.

For European itineraries guests receive $250 off per person select Europe river cruises and land only vacations, or $500 off per person on air inclusive vacations. Bookings must be made, under deposit and discount applied between March 25th and June 30th for travel through Dec. 31, 2010. The offer applies to new 2010 bookings only and will not be applied to existing bookings.

About Avlon River Cruises: Chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in 2007, Avalon Waterways is the world’s fastest-growing small ship cruise company. Making waves in river and small ship cruising by offering travelers the newest, most luxurious ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos, Avalon Waterways’ ships feature state-of-the-art design and technology and house the largest staterooms, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-wining travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise.

The story had a nice ending, as Mr. Elliott was able to get the client a full refund, but not all stories end this way, and clients lose thousands of dollars for not asking the right questions prior to making a reservation.

Be aware of penalties! At Atlas, when we book reservations for our clients, not only do we provide them with a confirmation, but also the Terms and Conditions for each supplier, as cancellation penalties vary for each company. At times, there are 3 to 5 pages of "conditions" for the client to read over, but all of this is done prior to booking the reservation, so you have no surprises down the road.

Furthermore as the article mentions, if there is any chance you may have to cancel your trip, a consolidator is not the way to go when booking airline tickets, as their penalties are usually higher than booking with the airline or suppliers directly.

Final thoughts...no one can anticipate or predict the future. Be prepared and have piece of mind, by purchasing travel insurance for every trip! Suppliers such as Travel Guard & Access America offer add-ons to several of their plans that allow you to cancel for work reasons or even cancel for any reason, and receive up to 75% of your penalties back. Many cruise lines and tour operators offer their own version of cancel for any reason policies, but in some cases rather than money, you receive vouchers for future travel.

It can all be a bit confusing, so make sure to consult a travel professional to help you select the best coverage to protect your investment.

Click here to read the article published on CNN.

For more information on the pros & cons of booking airfare separately from a vacation, click here.

BURT WOLF CRUISES FOR 2009
For full trip details on all of the Burt Wolf 2009 cruises, please call us at 1-800-942-3301.

TULIP TIME CRUISE
March 28 to April 5, 2009
Holland & Belgium
Cruise priced from $2,859 to $3,378 pp (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
April 18 to 26, 2009
France, Germany, Holland
Cruise priced from $3,131 to $3,650 pp (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
May 24 to June 4, 2009
Nice to Paris, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,959 to $4,608 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
June 18 to July 1, 2009
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $4,179 to $4,828 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
July 11 to 22, 2009
Paris to Nice, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
July 29 to August 9, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
August 12 to 23, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
August 22 to 30, 2009
Holland, Germany, France
Cruise priced from $3,339 to $3,988 (plus airfare).

CRUISING CENTRAL EUROPE
October 15 to 27, 2009
France, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE
December 10 to 19, 2009
Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $2,934 to $3,490 (plus airfare).

In the past 45 days we have noticed that airlines have finally started to lower their fares. As we blogged earlier this month, British Airways is offering great rates to Europe in conjunction with Cosmos, Globus, Insight and Trafalgar tours. American Airlines has just announced a promotion.

Trying to decide where to go for your next vacation? Now is the time to plan and book a new trip with fares to fun and exciting international destinations starting as low as $75* each way, based on round-trip purchase. Purchase your flight by March 10, 2009, and travel by May 16, 2009, to Europe destinations, and by May 17, 2009, to save on all other international travel! All travel must be complete by May 20, 2009.

FARES ARE EACH WAY, BASED ON A ROUND-TRIP ECONOMY CLASS PURCHASE

Sample fares include:

Los Angeles – Los Cabos, Mexico: $75
Miami – Aruba: $135
Dallas/Fort Worth – Monterrey, Mexico: $142
Miami – St. Croix, U.S.V.I.: $156
New York Kennedy – London Heathrow, England: $196
Los Angeles – London Heathrow, England: $203
New York Kennedy – Brussels, Belgium: $210
Dallas/Fort Worth – Paris Charles de Gaulle, France: $277
Miami – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: $337
Miami – Sao Paulo, Brazil: $337
New York City – Buenos Aires, Argentina: $350
Chicago O’Hare – Shanghai, China: $351
New York Kennedy – Tokyo Narita, Japan: $425
Dallas/Fort Worth – Buenos Aires, Argentina: $497

Visit American Airlines website @ www.AA.com to search fares and read through the booking terms and conditions.

The Avalon Affinity will sail itineraries on the Rhine and Moselle rivers, as well as Christmas cruises on the Danube.

Avalon Affinity has four decks, including a sky deck with lounge chairs. There are two bars, an open-seating dining room, hairdresser and fitness center, as well as an elevator. Smoking is not permitted inside.

Staterooms (65), all outside, measure 172 square ft.; junior suites are 258 square ft. Cabins on the Royal and Sapphire Decks have "French balconies," sliding glass doors with a protective railing; remaining cabins have picture windows. 

Stateroom amenities include flat-screen satellite TV, radio, mini-bar, safe and hair dryers. Beds can be configured into two twins or one queen and come with high-quality pillows and duvets and Egyptian cotton linens. 

Consider sailing aboard the Affinity in July, on the Windmills, Vineyards & Paris cruise. Book by March 15th, and receive $350 off per person for July 19th & 28th departures.

Experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and Holland on this fantastic cruise vacation. See the city’s major highlights on a guided tour of Paris and travel between Paris and Metz via TGV high-speed train. Also enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and take pictures of the windmills at famous Kinderdijk. Visit Reichsburg Castle in Cochem and enjoy a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel. Guided sightseeing in Arnhem includes a visit to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, and you can sample the area’s famous Riesling wines in the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim.

Globus Tours

The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.  Take advantage of one of their special promotions.  

1.  Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands & British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of more than 50% off regular fares .** Availability is limited, so act now.

2.  Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a $200 per person discount on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.***

3.  Guaranteed Air:  As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered.

Some restrictions apply, visit www.escortedglobustours.com for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.

Don't forget to check the list of Globus tours at 10% off the land rate to combine the savings with this air promotion.

The island of Corsica has  steep, jagged coastlines, clear mountain streams, wild goats, orange groves, spectacular views, olive trees and flat sandy beaches characterize the island. Excellent sailing, mountain climbing (peaks reaching 7,843 ft/2,391 m), hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities are popular.

While in Ajaccio you may want to visit the Citadelle, the cathedral, the Palais Fesch and Musee (library, fine arts and the Imperial Chapel) and the Musee Napoleanien and Maison Bonaparte museums (relics of Napoleon).  If you enjoy walking, stroll down the twisting, narrow streets of Sartene, which lead to startling, dramatic views of the sea. 

Ajaccio is also known for it’s wine vineyards. The local red wines are light in color, peppery, with a tannic finish.  Most cruise ships offer an excursion to the vineyards.

Today we are going to highlight the July 11th - 22nd, 2209 trip:
River Cruising through France with Burt Wolf

Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on this Avalon Waterways’ Tour and River Cruise from Paris, France through Burgundy and Provence to Nice. Burt will be the onboard host throughout the trip. This is a unique opportunity to travel with Burt, see the sights, and experience the places where his television shows were filmed.

In addition to being your host throughout the entire cruise, Burt will conduct the following special events:

1. A Tasting of the Wines of the Region.
2. A Talk on Understanding and Buying the Wines of the Region.
3. A Talk on Understanding European Architecture.
4. A Talk on Pairing Food and Wine.
5. A Talk and Tasting of Pastis and Absinthe.
6. A Talk on How his Public Television Programs are Produced

• Prior to the cruise, Burt will mail each guest a packet of his research and background material about the tour locations, and a DVD of one of his programs that relates to the tour. These materials are his personal evaluation of the area – the history, art, architecture, what to eat, what to buy, and what to see. It will give you detailed background information on the places we are going to visit. It will also give you some ideas for things you might like to do in your free time.
• Onboard, Burt will present an overview of the area and give a number of talks about the importance of the locations we will be visiting.
• Cruising through France on the Sâone and Rhône Rivers is a perfect combination of cruising and touring with a pace you set yourself.
• Unlike ocean cruising, our river cruise docks right in the city centers and the old towns. You can tour close to the ship or venture further into town.
• The ship’s entire interior is non-smoking and all announcements are in English.  

With Burt as your host, the tour begins with two days of sightseeing in Paris, then a drive south into the Burgundy region for a tour and wine tasting in the city of Beaune. We continue on to the village of Chalon-sur-Sâone to board our boat. We cruise down the Sâone River with stops in the ancient towns of Tournus and Mâcon. Then two days in Lyon – France’s gastronomic center where we will enjoy the wines of the region. On the Rhône River, additional stops will include the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage (famous for their medieval architecture), Avignon (14th century residence of the Popes) where we will have a tasting of the wines and foods of the region, then on to Arles with its Roman Amphitheater and the sunlight that inspired Van Gogh. Our final stop will be in the Mediterranean city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur. Avalon Scenery’s English-speaking Captain, Cruise Director and crew are experienced professionals dedicated to your comfort.

One of the most popular aspects of a Burt Wolf River Cruise is the excellence of the food and free wine onboard. Each full day on board, there is a full breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a cocktail reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner --- one sitting with open seating arrangements (non-assigned). At dinner, each evening, there is a selection of a red wine and a white wine from Europe’s most-famous wine regions, which are served throughout the meal without charge.

Breakfast: 7:00am – 8:30am
A buffet table includes a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and fruit salad, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and other hot items can vary from day to day. The chef will prepare fresh omelets and other egg dishes to order.

Lunch: Usually served at 12:30pm depending on the cruise schedule
Buffet-style with appetizers, soups, sandwiches, cold cuts, breads, salad bar, two main courses (one of which may be a carving station), dessert table, cheese board, and fresh fruit.

Afternoon Tea:
Coffee, tea and cake will be served either in the lounge or on the Sun or Sky Deck.

Dinner: Usually served at 7:30pm depending on cruise schedule.
Dinner is traditionally four courses including a vegetarian selection. Choice of entrees with every dinner including complimentary red and white wines from the region.

On Days 3 and 4: Buffet breakfast will be offered at our Paris hotel.

On Day 12: Buffet breakfast will be offered at our Nice hotel.

The Land/Cruise cost (including hotels in Nice and Paris), per person (based on double occupancy):

Basic Cabin (category E)	$3,909
B-Level Cabin / Rear (category B)	$4,408
B-Level Cabin / Forward (category A)	$4,458
Top Deck Cabin (category P)	$4,558
Jr. Suite	$5,108

Cabins are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Expenses not included in the Land/Cruise cost include: roundtrip airfare, travel insurance, port tax (approximately $98.00); 2 lunches and 2 dinners in Paris (Days 2 and 3); 1 lunch in Beaune (Day 4); 1 lunch and 1 dinner in Nice (Day 11); miscellaneous expenses onboard (laundry, internet, telephone, minibar, liquor/food not on the regular menu, porters at airports, excess baggage fees, gratuities to your Cruise Director, guides and ship’s crew), passport, airport transfers in Europe (approximately $70.00 per person. If you book your air in conjunction with the cruise, the airport transfer fee is waived), and all other items of a personal nature.

ABOUT BURT WOLF
Since 1982, Burt Wolf has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 26 half hours for the Family Channel and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. During his 30 years as a journalist, he has written or edited more than 60 books and for a number of years authored a weekly column for The Washington Post. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with cultural history. Burt's shows have been translated into Russian, Polish, Mandarin and Korean and reach a worldwide audience in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Burt's relaxed and personal style makes both his programs and his role as "host" informative and entertaining.

We also realize that these are tough economic times,  so to show our appreciation for our success over the years, we are offering 10% off popular 2009 tour itineraries.

You still get all the benefits of booking with Atlas including working with 1 person throughout your entire reservation, access to discounted airfare, great rates and coverage on travel insurance (rates are non-age based), assistance with special needs, airline seating arrangements and more. 

You can book with confidence. Our knowledgeable agents are not “order takers.”  Our average employee has been with us for over 10 years, is certified and has been in the travel industry for over 17 years.

Atlas also offers destination specific web sites to make your vacation planning a more pleasant experience. Travel tips, reviews, photos and more are easily accessible.

We invite you to experience the Atlas Difference!

Before You Go:

Research:  Do your homework and find out what each area is known for and decide what items you'll look for. Find out what similar items sell for. If you are considering pictures or other items to decorate your home with your travel finds, take measurements, then pop your tape measure into your travel bag. Bring a fabric swatch if needed as well. If you plan on having garments custom-made in the Orient for example, pack a favorite item to copy. Also research customs, GST and VAT tax refunds, shipping large items, and other important rules. Thailand and China, for example, are known for antiques, but you'll need appropriate paperwork to bring them home. In Europe when you make a purchase you must fill out the tax refund form supplied by the ship. You pay the full price, but when you leave Europe there is usually an area in all major airports called 'VAT Refund' after you have cleared security. You take the tax forms to be stamped and drop them in a box. In one to two billing cycles you should see the tax refunded back onto your credit card. If you are traveling on an escorted tour, your tour manager can give you tips on the best places to shop. On a cruise, they normally hold presentations and replay them on the ship channel in the cabin, with shopping tips on each port as well.

Shopping Strategies:

Local markets offer a rich travel experience, and a treasure trove of shopping options. Here are some bargaining tips to make that a more rewarding experience:

Get the Lay of the Land - Be Strategic:  Stroll around, take in the colors and the smells of the market while checking around prices on similar items. Watch how merchants interact with their customers. In Italian markets you'll encounter a hard sell; merchants in Arab markets often bargain after you've shared a cup of tea.

The Art of the Deal: Start by offering half the quoted price. Your merchant will tout the value of his handicrafts and bring the price back to almost the original. Split the difference. By the 3rd round your price will likely be about 75% of the original. Instead of haggling again, count out your cash until you reach slightly less than his price. You should have a deal. If the merchant is aggressive, step away. Likewise there is no need to be rude to the merchants, as they are only try to make a living.

Consider Shipping Your Items Back Home: The most difficult part is waiting a few weeks for your items to arrive if you are overseas, but with airlines charging for additional baggage weight, shipping can save you money. Just make sure to insure the package if it is breakable.

In the end, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience and keep in mind, more important than the exact cost will be priceless travel memories derived from your new-found treasures.

We'd love to hear about some of your shopping strategies?

Contributed by: S Brage

Most people visit Europe to see the famous sights they’ve always heard about. But an equally important part of any travel experience is to savor the real flavor of a city or country. Stay where the Europeans stay, eat where the Europeans eat, and share the European view of Europe.

Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009, and you will save $100 per person on the land only price.*

$100 per person discount applies to Cosmos Europe, United States & Canada trips.

*Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation and receive $100 off per person on the land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2009 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Have more questions?  SkyMiles members can contact the Delta SkyMiles Center at 1-800-323-2323 or the number on the back of their membership cards. WorldPerks members should continue contacting the WorldPerks Service Center at 1-800-44-PERKS (or the number on the back of their membership cards).

Globus Tours

The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.  Take advantage of one of their special promotions.  

1.  Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands & British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of more than 50% off regular fares .** Availability is limited, so act now.

2.  Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a $200 per person discount on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.***

3.  Guaranteed Air:  As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered.

Some restrictions apply, visit www.escortedglobustours.com for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.

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.

Trafalgar tours has a promotion with British Airways where airfare is up to 56% off. Price from New York to Rome as low as $454 pp plus tax; LAX to Rome from $617 pp plus tax.

Insight Vacations also partnered with British Airways to offer buy one ticket and the 2nd person travels for just $199 plus tax.

Globus Journeys is offering $400 off per couple on air inclusive vacation packages. This applies to most major airlines.

There are some restrictions, so call for details. Offers can be combined with other discount available including early payment discounts as well as AARP.

Our agents are here to provide you the best rates, without compromising on your vacation experience. To make sure you are getting the most from your investment, speak to one or our travel professionals.

If you are looking for a smart investment, Globus gives you a world of return. A river cruise with Globus is a fantastic value, since the price includes accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals, and complimentary wine with dinner, greatly minimizing both on-shore and onboard costs. It’s clear that a journey with Globus is an investment in yourself, one amazing experience at a time.

For a limited time, Globus is offering the following promotion:

Save $400 off per stateroom on the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

Save $200 off per stateroom on the land/cruise only price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

Some restrictions apply, visit our Globus web site for more details.

River cruising is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. For more information, visit our web site dedicated to river cruises.

Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on one of these Avalon Waterways’ river cruises.

A message from Burt Wolf:

Dear Members of Ensemble Travel Group,

I would like to personally invite your valued clients to join me as we navigate the rivers of Europe in a series of 10 cruises aboard Avalon Waterways. Together we will visit my favorite places, have a beer or a glass of wine with friends who own unusual pubs and famous vineyards, taste the regional delicacies, and generally "hangout" with my pals.

Ensemble Travel Group has been given an exclusive opportunity to sell these outstanding European programs. This is a unique chance for your clients to travel with me, see the sights, and experience the places where my television shows were filmed.

And the best part: A significant donation will be made to help support your client's local Public Broadcasting Station.

BURT WOLF CRUISES FOR 2009
For full trip details on all of the Burt Wolf 2009 cruises, please call us at 1-800-942-3301.

TULIP TIME CRUISE
March 28 to April 5, 2009
Holland & Belgium
Cruise priced from $2,859 to $3,378 pp (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
April 18 to 26, 2009
France, Germany, Holland
Cruise priced from $3,131 to $3,650 pp (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
May 24 to June 4, 2009
Nice to Paris, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,959 to $4,608 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
June 18 to July 1, 2009
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $4,179 to $4,828 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
July 11 to 22, 2009
Paris to Nice, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
July 29 to August 9, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
August 12 to 23, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
August 22 to 30, 2009
Holland, Germany, France
Cruise priced from $3,339 to $3,988 (plus airfare).

CRUISING CENTRAL EUROPE
October 15 to 27, 2009
France, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE
December 10 to 19, 2009
Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $2,934 to $3,490 (plus airfare).

ABOUT BURT WOLF
Since 1982, Burt Wolf has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 26 half hours for the Family Channel and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. During his 30 years as a journalist, he has written or edited more than 60 books and for a number of years authored a weekly column for The Washington Post. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with cultural history.

Burt's shows have been translated into Russian, Polish, Mandarin and Korean and reach a worldwide audience in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Burt's relaxed and personal style make both his programs and his role as "host" informative and entertaining.

INQUIRIES
The Atlas Staff, as well as the team at Burt Wolf's office are there to answer any questions you may have prior to actually traveling on the cruise. They are equipped to answer all your questions, whether it concerns a passenger's mobility or food allergy or even bringing children along!

One of Paris' highlights, is certainly the Eiffel Tower. Engineered by Gusatave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1887 as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle, the World's Fair. What was considered an eyesore for the Parisians at the time of its construction, is now a monument linked to many historical events, and a structure that represents France to people around the world. It is a "must see" for anyone going to Paris.

The tower has three stories, with the first two accessible by stairs and elevator, while the top floor is accessible solely by elevator. The view is not all the Eiffel Tower offers though, there is a skating rink on the first floor during winters and the facility is free to use. Apart from the rink, there is the Altitude 95 on the first floor, a restaurant able to cater to up to 200 people. The second floor has a reservations only restaurant, with a private elevator. In addition, a post office, a photo studio, souvenir shops and beautiful gardens. The view from the top, as expected, is phenomenal. You cannot miss the Eiffel Tower at night. The "metal lady" is illuminated by 352 projectors of 1000 watts and twinkles every 30 minutes in the evening with 20.000 bulbs and 800 fairy lights.

With the popularity of the monument, you can expect to face long lines, but the end view from the top of the tower is a worthwhile experience. If you travel with a tour operator, you can typically skip the lines as they get preferred access. Packages include hotel accommodations, breakfast daily and a half day city tour with prices starting at $599 pp for 5 nights. If you don't like the idea of being on a motorcoach the entire time, there are not "city stays" that allow flexibility, while still having the essentials taken care of. You can also combine stays with surrounding cities such as London or Nice, take a cooking class, visit a wine vineyard, stay in a luxury resort, or take a river cruise.

For more information on France tours, cruisses & vacation packages, visit www.escortedfrancetours.com

The U.S. Tour Operators Association reported that for the 5th straight year, Italy placed first as the most popular international destination for vacation packages and tours. Modern Bride's annual "World Best Honeymoon" survey showed Italy has even beaten out Hawaii as the #1 honeymoon destination.  Recommend Magazine's Readers Choice awards also listed Italy as the #1 destination. Croatia and China were the hottest up-and-coming countries for tours and travel packages. We were surprised not to see Dubai on the list.

Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations: #1 U.S. with emphasis on National parks and Hawaii;  #2 Mexico, with an emphasis on Mexico City and the Pacific Coast; #3 Argentina; #4 Japan; #5 India & #6 Canada (tied);#7 Australia #8 China (tied);#9 Spain and #10 France.

Frommers recently released its top destinations for 2009, focusing on international destinations that are affordable and seeking the newest "hot spots".  Washington D.C.; Waiheke Island, New Zealand; Saqqara, Egypt; Lassen Volcanic National Park, California; Istanbul, Turkey; Civil Rights Trail, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; Cape Town, South Africa; Berlin, Germany;  Belfast, Northern Ireland; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada

According to TripAdvisor, the top three predicted hot spots for North America travel are Florida, North Carolina and Alaska.

At Atlas Cruises & Tours, we are seeing a number of trends. Italy continues to be very popular. Consumers are booking specialty travel packages including river cruises, cooking and wine vacations, as well as religious travel. Several dates for the 2010 Passion Play are already sold out. We have been doing several blogs about sustainable travel in the past 6 months, as we are finding consumers more concerned in traveling with suppliers that are environmentally conscious, as well as the desire to visit destinations threatened by climate change such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and South America are up, and we except a surge in Europe cruises, as air prices should be coming down considerably, and cruise lines are offering aggressive fares. For those staying close to home, National Parks, Canada & Hawaii are up as well.

Where are you planning to travel in 2009? We'd love to hear your top 3 list!

In order to be a good travel agent, you need education so that you can pass the information on to your clients. The Travel Institute has certifications that take about 6 years to complete, as you are not eligible to participate unless you have been in the business for a certain amount of time. Cruise Lines International has a 3 step certification process up to a ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) You have to be in the business a minimum of 10 years to participate in the program as well as conducting various ship inspections. There are also various destination & product specialists programs, seminars, conventions & trade shows throughout the year.  Our office has speakers from various preferred partners come in at least twice a month, to ensure we are up to date with new products or changes.

So the next time you book your vacation, keep in mind that travel agents are trained professionals with your best interest in mind, and there is no additional cost to you to book through an agent. In fact, agents will always save you time (& time is money!) and also in many cases, get you a better price or added amenities.

http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Beach-Gardens-FL/Atlas-Cruises-Tours/71872012232

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Common question asked by clients

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.

There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records.

Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is "always" the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 - this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

With US and Canada tours, day 1 is the day your tour begins.

With other exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Australia, please check with you agent, as there could be as many as 1 to 2 days for the flight over.

In most cases, booking your own airfare is fine, but I want to remind you to keep a few things in mind.

When you book airfare with the cruise or tour operator, transfers are included to & from the airport. When calculating how much money you are saving, make sure & factor in the additional cost for transfers.

Tours can cancel due to lack of participation. If you book your own air, we suggest booking a tour that is "guaranteed" to operate. Many suppliers have added hundreds of guaranteed departures on their popular tours.

If you experience a problem with your flight being cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, when you book your airfare along with your travel packages, you will have assistance in booking the next available flight to meet up with your trip. If you book your flights online, how difficult will it be to get someone on the phone to assist you in rebooking another flight?

Insurance is another consideration. If you book your own air, normally the cruise or tour operators insurance will not cover the value of your flights. Make sure to speak to an agent about outside insurance coverage so that your entire purchase is protected.

Book early & save. Many suppliers offer air promotions for bookings made well in advance.

On many occasions we do advise our clients to buy airfare separately, but make sure to take the time to discuss your options with an agent to ensure you are receiving the best value.

I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.

I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”

Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??

I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.

This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.

If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.

Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.