Atlas Travel Blog for www.escortedgrouptours.com

Understanding Escorted Tour Itineraries

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00 EST

Thinking about taking an escorted tour? Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:

Visit - Your coach will stop and you'll get to visit a specific site.
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
See - Your Insight coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own.
A day to relax - No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.

Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

Travel in 2011

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 1 Feb 2011 00:00 EST

Travel is journey...one that dreams are made of. An adventure...perhaps across the hemisphere and around the globe, and there is truly nothing on earth quite like it. Explore the world's greatest cities, from marquee metropolises like Beijing to boutique ports such as Italy's quaint Portofino. Venture inland to icons like the pyramids of Giza. Tour the legendary vineyards in the south of France. Rekindle your spirit of adventure as you journeys to exotic lands that transcend time. Follow the routes of ancient explorers and become a global wandered along the way.

Spain Travel: Tapas! Authentic Spanish Cuisine

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00 EST

Tapas are canapes served day in & day out in every bar & cafe in Spain. They can be served cold or warm. You can have them as appetizers, or combine them for a full meal. Popular items for tapas are cheese, omlettes, ham, sausage, meatballs, seafood, veggies & bread.

Tapas is a tradition that is believed to have begun in the 19th century in Andalusia, where single slices of cheese or ham were used to "cover" glasses of sherry to deter flies (Spanish verb Tapar means to cover). After finishing their drink people would eat the ham or cheese. Tapas are so much a part of the culture & social scene in Spain, that they invented the verb tapear which means to go & eat tapas!

Want to experience authentic tapas in Spain? Take a look at our wonderful selection of Spain tours.

Atlas...Group Travel Experience You Can Trust

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00 EST

The Atlas Cruises & Tours Groups Department goes beyond your travel expectations with flawless service and caring from our first discussion until the group returns safely home.

We specialize in all types of groups: Family Reunions, Church travel in the Lands of the Bible, Club Members traveling together to enjoy one another’s companionship and comraderie; Promotional Groups sponsored by DJs and or celebrities.

We guide you through the selection process. We present you with a Proposal and Quotation. Once agreed upon we help you market with an E-brochure that you can email to your prospects. The E-brochure has a Reservation Application for the prospect’s ease of booking and reserving their space in the group. We can produce a Power Point presentation that you can use to spark interest in your group members interest in traveling together whether it be a cruise or Escorted Tour.

We work to make a payment plan meet the group’s needs. We only release deposits to our supplier when the group has formed and we have met the minimum number of participants. We communicate with each person individually and answer all their questions as well as instilling confidence in the group and the tour or cruise.

We can also arrange local transportation to airports or piers so the experience is seamless.

Once documents are delivered we answer any and all questions that arise. We instill confidence into the occasional traveler. We only use preferred suppliers who will deliver an enjoyable travel experience.

Group Leaders can earn free travel or take the Credit Earned based on the number of travelers and divide it equally amongst the participants.

No group is to small or to large to receive exceptional service and attention.

For information concerning group travel feel free to email our Groups Manager, John Unger at john@atlastravelservice.com or Toll Free 866-503-6429.

Top Ten Reasons to Take A Cruise

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00 EST

Top Ten Reasons to Choose to Cruise

   1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
   2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.
   3. Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
   4. Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 150 distinctive ships, 1800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
   5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.
   6. Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
   7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
   8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.
   9. Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
  10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Call 1-866-475-7023 to start planning your group cruise

Italy Tour Video

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00 EST

Globus is one of our best travel partners, and you will find their itineraries throughout our 40 websites. We spend a lot of time in our blogs telling you about Globus and their promotions, but for those of you who have never taken a tour, you may find it hard to visualize.

Here is a video of Italy reviewing Globus' various travel options to this amazing country.

We also invite you to visit our Flickr account where you can find numerous photos of some of our favorite places in Italy: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Florence and Pisa.

Speak with an Italy travel specialist to help you select the best Italy trip for your next vacation.

Incentive Travel

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00 EST

Why offer the incentive of travel? To motivate, reward, or promote.

For sales incentives, performance improvement purchases, loyalty programs, sweepstakes, contests and drawings there is no better, more memorable and desirable award than travel. Besides being creative in developing your group program, we provide a wide range of services, including destination selections, itinerary planning, supplier negotiation, pre trip communications, on-site operations (as needed), post program participant feedback...all within your budget.

Sports Incentives
Individual & Small groups as well as Corporate Incentive Programs Attend the most exclusive and high profile sports events in the world. Atlas will provide you personalized services expected on the corporate and incentive level. The Sports tour industry offers unparalleled entertainment opportunities to provide as an incentive to your top performers or a way to reward your best clients. Our group department will work closely with you to build an experience that is the perfect opportunity for you to build those relationships that are key to your business.

Corporate Incentive Program
We work with a wide variety of sports companies to get you the best price for your dollar. There are a wide range of ticket options for each event, as well as a variety of VIP Events that you would not normally have access to. We understand that to increase the long term success of your business you must first invest in your key employees as well as your customers. We will work with you to create a unique and exciting incentive that fits within your budget and guidelines.

Individual & Small Group Programs
We create and book deluxe sports travel packages for individuals and small groups all over the world. There are a wide range of ticket options for each event, as well as a variety of VIP Events that you would not normally have access to. So whether you want to take a small group of clients to a race or get the sports fan in your life tickets to the Super bowl for their birthday we can help you!

Start building your custom sports incentive package today with one of our group travel specialists 1-866-475-7023.

Tips for Securing your Home Before Travel

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00 EST

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

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.

Cruise Ship Wedding

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00 EST

Wedding Cruises

Getting married is a joyous occasion or at least it should be. Will all the arrangements that have to be made and the coordination it involves, it's enough to drive any bride crazy long before the big event!?

Without a doubt Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember forever. Most cruise lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne breakfast in bed.

Cruising is one of the best vacation values available! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment. Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional on-shore excursions, and personal services such as a massage or hairstyling. Essentially a cruise ship is a floating resort, with all things a fine resort has to offer and more.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

The perfect destination Wedding! Why not get married at sea! All the major cruise lines now have wedding coordinators on board ready to help you plan that special day. From the license to your bouquet...everything is available through the cruise line. Either celebrate your day with just the two of you or invite your whole family! What better way to start a new life together! Prices begin at $1000 per couple.

Are you interested in getting married onboard?

Call us so that our cruise ship wedding department can assist you in sorting through the following packages.

* Disney Cruise & Honeymoon packages

* Princess Cruise Line Wedding Packages

* Carnival Cruise Line Wedding Packages

* Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages

* Norwegian Cruise Line Wedding Packages

Here is a list of all the Cruise Lines and some of the features they offer.

Information provided by CLIA

Carnival Cruise: Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremonies available. Limited Tables of Two available. Sunday departures available.
Celebrity: Honeymoon Package available (flowers, bathrobes, champagne, etc). Sunday departures available. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
Costa Cruise Line: Honeymoon Package available. Wedding Program, cabin decorations, honeymooner party certificate. Special Honeymoon/ Anniversary packages available.
Crystal Cruises :Crystal Honeymoon, Anniversary and Renewal of Vows at Sea packages available.
Cunard Line: Table for two available. Flowers. Limited Sundays departures
Disney Cruise: Special Romantic Escape packages available. Sunday departures available. Complimentary Champagne reception available.
Holland America: Honeymoon Package available. Vows Renewal Package. Weddings On-Board. Sunday departures available. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Certificate, Photo & Cocktail Party. Weddings On-Board, special Honeymoon packages available. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
Orient Lines: Honeymoon/Anniversary Gift Package available. Complimentary Champagne reception available.
Princess Cruises: Wedding Anniversary, Vow-Renewal or Honeymoon Packages. Wedding at Sea packages available aboard Grand Princess and Golden Princess. Sunday departures available. Complimentary Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
Regent Seven Seas: Champagne. Special complimentary honeymoon package available on Paul Gauguin in Tahiti. Sunday departures available. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
Royal Caribbean: Wedding, Vow Renewal & Romance Packages available. Honeymooner party. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Sunday departures.
SeaBourn: Certificate, Photo. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Table for two available upon request.
SilverSea: All-inclusive luxury. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Sunday departures.
Windstar: Honeymooners' Cocktail Party with Captain or Senior Officer on all ships. Gifts for purchase are available. Complimentary Champagne reception & Cake available. Sunday departures.

Travel Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00 EST

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.

Group Travel for Sporting Events

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00 EST

Corporate services include:

    * Negotiating contracts
    * Developing comprehensive budgets
    * Planning and implementing special events
    * Creating and producing theme parties

Please have the following information handy when you call so that we can provide you the most accurate quote:

    *Size of your group
    *Estimated Budget
    *Preferred Arrival and Departure Dates
    *Level of Accommodation (Example: Ritz Carlton, Hilton or Holiday Inn)
    *Transportation Level (Van, Towncar, Limo or Motorcoach)
    *Required Food and Beverage Functions (if applicable)
    *Grade of Event ticket (i.e.: ROH Upper Endzone, or Premium sections)
    *Optional Tours or Activities Required
    *Proposal Deadline

Your travel specialist will be asking the questions that are listed above so once you have a general idea of the basics of your call our travel specialists
1-866-475-7023 to begin getting prices and discuss the particulars. As an extra service we will even provide you with planning materials, a web page dedicated to your group to get the word out, and any other informational flyers or promotions materials you may need.

We hope that these suggestions have been helpful to you. When you are ready to start planning it please call our group department 1-866-475-7023.

Royal Caribbean Family Reunion cruise

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 EST

Why is a Royal Caribbean cruise the perfect place for your next reunion? Because there's truly something for everyone. For instance, we offer programs for children ages 3 through 17, a teen-only nightclub, unrivaled spa services, spectacular nighttime theatre entertainment and countless onboard adventures, like our rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink.

But the best part of having your reunion with Royal Caribbean is that you can add on one of our fantastic Royal Reunions Packages.

If you are celebrating something special, like an anniversary or wedding, we can also help you plan that. And to make it easy for everyone, we can arrange for your group's travel, including flights and ground transportation to and from the airport.

I HAVE A GROUP "WHAT NEXT?"

Now that you have your group, schedule a group meeting. Make it a social event by having everyone bring snacks and drinks. You are the group coordinator so be ready for the many details you will be faced with. The following are some ideas that you will want to discuss with your group:

How long do you want your cruise to last? Examples: 3, 5, 7 days or longer.
What dates are possible cruise dates? It is wise to have more than one date available.
The itinerary — where do you want to cruise? Examples: Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, or Eastern U.S. and Canada
What cruise lines are you interested in?
What type of cabins are the group interested in: inside (the least expensive), outside, or suites (the most expensive).
How many people are interested? Do you expect to have more people than showed up for the first meeting?
How many in the group will be bringing children?
Does anyone in the group need a handicapped cabin or have any special needs.
Does anyone require air travel and if so from where?
Do you have anyone who is not an U. S. citizen?
Will anyone be traveling as a single?

Now that you have discussed the basics with your group, it is time to call your our Cruise Specialist to begin getting prices and discuss the particulars that your group will require.

Your cruise specialist will be asking the questions that we have listed above. She or he will work with you on prices and the planning materials that will make your job easier. If you feel it necessary, your cruise specialist will be able to supply you with informational flyers to pass out at your next meeting. At this meeting it will be time to pass out the registration forms for those that are interested. This form will have space for the names of the passengers, their address, phone number, choice of cabin type, place for special needs, meal sitting choice, who they want to be cross referenced with (for meal seating purposes), and whether or not they want travel insurance.

Your cruise is a vacation investment and we highly suggest the protection of travel insurance.

After the forms are filled out your cruise specialist will then begin booking your group. You will have an experienced group specialist working with you from day you book your group, to the day you travel to make sure you have a worry-free experience, so you will be free to dream about your upcoming cruise vacation.

We hope that these suggestions have been helpful to you. When your group is ready to cruise, please call our group department toll-free 1-866-475-7023.

European Tours

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 EST

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.

Corporate Cruises with NCL

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00 EST

Your Top Achievers are One-of-a-Kind
From business meetings to awards ceremonies, cocktail receptions, shore tours and theme parties, we can customize every detail. Gift items such as shirts, caps or sunglasses imprinted with the Company's name; signature cocktail napkins, menus, and daily newsletters; brass nameplates on everyone's stateroom door; ice sculptures in the form of a logo; corporate ideas played over closed-circuit TV, "Welcome Aboard" notes from the ship's Captain . . . unlimited opportunities to customize your incentive cruise. And you can count on us to deliver.

Individual Incentives
Perhaps you want to reward your top individuals, one at a time. After all, there's no motivation more powerful than being singled out. With an individual incentive cruise program, your participants can have a say in when they'll cruise, or even where they will go. Or perhaps you want to use individual incentive cruises as on-the-spot bonuses for exceptional performance, or create a multi-tiered incentive program with varying award levels. Depending on performance, you might offer winners a 3-day Caribbean getaway, a 7-day Bermuda cruise or a 12-day Europe cruise. Nothing can increase motivation and productivity more than an individual incentive the ultimate reward. Let us customize a program tailor-made for you.

Group Incentives
An NCL cruise is like giving your group two vacations in one: the first-class treatment and facilities of a luxury resort, combined with the excitement of travel to exotic destinations. From cocktail parties to award ceremonies, a cruise is a great way to bring colleagues closer together, while everyone still has time to themselves. What's more, we've been in the business of planning incentive cruises longer than any other cruise line, so relax: You're in the hands of experts here.

Meeting Incentives
No deadlines, no sales calls, no e-mails, no memos. Is this any way to conduct business? Well - actually, yes. Think of our ships as floating conference centers complete with video and overhead sound and light capabilities, multi-image shows, theatrical special effects and more. We have rooms that accommodate large sessions, breakout rooms and hospitality suites of all sizes. And since your associates can't stray too far when they're aboard ship, you can keep attendance higher and be more productive.

Full Ship Charter
For large groups, nothing is more impressive than a privately chartered ship. Since you "own" the ship, virtually every aspect of the cruise can be customized for your group. You can decide which ports the ship will call on, what dishes will be offered on the menu, and which shore excursions will be available. Choreographed stage shows can be customized for the company, or the ship can be renamed in the company's honor. The ship's Captain can even promote the company's chairman to the rank of Honorary Admiral in a full-dress ceremony. It's like having your own corporate yacht to do as you please, only better. Because aboard the ships of NCL, there's so much more to do.

Military Reunions

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00 EST

Military Reunions

Why not have a celebration the celebrate the commitment of the time you served for your country? Our goal is to organize a reunion where the members can gather and enjoy the camaraderie that makes serving in the military so unique.

I Have a Group "What Next"?

* How long do you want you tour, cruise or vacation to last?

* What dates are possible travel dates? It is wise to have more than one date available.

* The Itinerary - where do you want to visit, what countries?

* What is your budget?

* How many people are interested? How many children?

* Does anyone in the group need a handicapped arrangements?

* Do you have anyone in the group that is not a U.S. citizen?

* Will anyone be traveling as a single?

Your travel specialist will be asking the questions that are listed above so once you have a general idea of the basics of your call our travel specialists

1-866-475-7023 to begin getting prices and discuss the particulars. As an extra service we will even provide you with planning materials, a web page dedicated to your group to get the word out, and any other informational flyers or promotions materials you may need.

We hope that these suggestions have been helpful to you. When you are ready to start planning it please call our group department 1-866-475-7023.

A military locator and reunion service can take all the planning stress away and leave you free to concentrate on what's really important--seeing your old team again. There is usually a registration fee for all attendees, and the right service will provide a memorable event for everyone. Just do a Google search on the phrase "military locator and reunion service" and you'll soon find the right company for your needs.

Military Connections is a registry-based site designed to help present and past military personnel and their families find each other and keep in touch. The site is free to members and offers an array of resources to help past and present military personnel take advantage of their hard-earned military benefits.

Fund Raising Cruises

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00 EST

CRUISE GROUP FOR CHARITY

Ever wish you could plan a fundraising even that is guaranteed to get attention, increase your media exposure, generate donation dollars and offer attendees a really great time, all without having to lift a finger?

You can! Raise money, make a lasting impression and build personal relationships with donors- all in comfortable Caribbean clothing.

We will work directly with you to help plan, sell and organize your fundraising cruise program at the best cruise rates. We’ll assist with promoting your event through customized flyers, promotional collateral, email artwork and more! These cruises sell themselves and your organization will reap the benefits through applicable Royal Caribbean donation dollars! Your guests will enjoy endless onboard activities like: rock climbing, ice skating, mini-golf, specialized kids and teen programming, stunning stage shows, an array of dining options and much, much more. Now that’s entertainment value!!

To make your fundraising cruise extra special
We can customize your groups experience with these additional options and amenities:
· Specialty Group Dining	· Convenient Meeting Spaces
· Group Shore Excursions	· Internet Access
· Silent Auctions	· Dedicated Onboard Coordinator
· Thank You Cocktail Party	· Nighttime Activites
· Group Entertainment Options	· Group Contests
· Spa Activities and Services	· Interactive Events
· State of the Art Conferencing	· Team Building Activities
· Business Centers	· Networking Opportunities
· Audio/Visual Equipment	· And so much more!!!

Creative Packing Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00 EST

Please share some of your unique ideas!

Bring an extra bag for souvenirs. It’s always handy to pack an empty collapsible suitcase or duffel bag with you. It doesn't take up much room and when returning home you can fill it with souvenirs and even dirty laundry.

One color scheme: When packing to travel, it's helpful to use one color scheme, like black or brown, and maybe just one accent color. It’s much easier to coordinate your wardrobe this way.

Preventing Wrinkles: Place individual items of clothing in dry cleaners’ plastic bags. Your clothes won’t wrinkle! It sounds too easy but it really works. If you’re using a hanging garment bag, prevent creasing of suits and garments on hangers by placing a small rolled-up towel on the inside, where the garments fold. This will prevent the horizontal crease caused by the fold.

Save Space: To keep shoes and boots in shape, fill them with socks. Ladies, consider putting your shoes inside your husband's shoes. They'll be protected and won't take up more space.

A dryer fabric softener sheet in your suitcase will keep your clothes smelling fresh while you travel. Slide a dry fabric softener sheet over your hair to calm down static-electric flyaway hair.

Beauty products that are good for 2 or more uses are great. Elizabeth Arden's 8-hour cream works as a facial moisturizer, lip balm, hair tamer, and sunburn soother all in one. Shampoo can double up as travel wash, and those chubby make up pencils from Clinique can multi-task for lipstick, eye color, and blush. Oil of Olay Daily Facials cleansing cloths are dry, and they remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize without taking products.

Make-up tricks: Use a stick foundation instead of a liquid. The texture is light, and many of the new sticks are oil-free. The foundation can also double as a concealer and an eyeshadow base. Look for perfume in a solid form as well. The containers are small enough to fit in a purse, yet smell strong. Kiss my Face makes shave lather in a tube – no aerosol cans. Invest in a good lipstick palette with a variety of colors. The palettes are small, and give you a good variety of colors for all skin tones, and cut down on the number of bulky tubes.

Earrings: To bring a selection of earrings on your trip, get an inexpensive felt square at a fabric store (they sell them pre-cut) and simply fasten earrings through the felt and fold. Fasten the roll with a rubber band.

Necklaces: When packing your necklaces, place each one in a straw, by threading one end of the necklace through, and clasping it closed. This prevents the necklace from tangling up. (Use longer straws for longer necklaces, and cut the straw to exactly half the length of the necklace, for shorter ones.)

Creative packing tips from Perillo.

8 Steps to Successful Group Travel Planning

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00 EST

1. Determine a destination based on the preferences of the group

     a. Do they want to travel domestically or internationally?
     b. Are they adventurous?
     c. Do they want a warm climate?
     d. How long do they have to travel?
     e. How much are they looking to spend?
     f.   Would they prefer a land tour, cruise or a land/cruise combination?
     g. What kind of pace would be most appropriate?
     h. Are they interested in nature & wildlife?
     i.   Are they interested in history & culture?

2. Confirm trip details & return your contract

3. Have flyers, and if needed, a power point presentation created by your
     group manager

4. Promote your trip by mail, telephone & email

5. Collect deposits & send in to secure space

6. Collect final payments

7. Host a documents party about 2 weeks before your group departs

Family Travel

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 5 Sep 2009 00:00 EST

Has anyone heard of "togethering?"

"Getting together" travel has many different categories. One that is becoming increasingly popular in these days is called "togethering". Togethering is defined as: families and friends making collective plans to vacation in an affordable yet fun and casual setting. This is especially popular when loved ones live far away. The trend includes travelers choosing vacation rentals or villas for a better value along with spacious comfort for all under one roof. Different properties include different amenities but all give greater flexibily and a relaxed atmosphere to fit diverse travelers in one group.

Here are just a few of the most popular places where others have been "togethering":

Hawaiian Islands
National Parks
Galapagos
Beaches Resorts
Alaska
Orlando Florida
Costa Rica

Take advantage of discounts and even free travel, when you put together a travel group.

Group Travel

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00 EST

What is your first thought when you hear "group travel"? Are you thinking older folks hopping on a bus tour? Or college kids flying south for spring break? Sure, those are groups but they are not the only definition of group travel. As long as you have the same itinerary, the airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and tour companies consider you a group. Groups could mean a destination wedding or family reunion, you and your couple friends taking an island getaway, a bachelor or bachelorette party in Las Vegas, or attending a sporting event. So, if you are planning a trip with others, take a head count and see if you have enough people to qualify for a group discount. Remember the more people the better the deals.

Group Travel Planning

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00 EST

At Atlas, we book travel for all types of groups including family reunions, fund raisers, special interest, universities, religious and corporate/incentive groups just to name a few.

Our group department managers and agents will work with you on existing itineraries, or custom group travel programs. We can reserve cruises and tours, as well as resorts. Additional services include arranging special events such as cocktail parties, meeting rooms or whatever is needed by each group.

We offer competitive pricing, and can accommodate any budget. We also provide you with marketing support to promote you group. With 10+ years of experience per specialist, you can feel secure with our team.

Our goal at Atlas is to provide you with the highest quality of service and value without compromising on your travel experience.

Luggage Restrictions On Bus Tours

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00 EST

We just received this question from a client, and thought it was worth posting, as many travelers have similar concerns.

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.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00 EST

An unexpected emergency or mishap can turn a dream of a lifetime vacation into a travel nightmare. Travel insurance is purchased to give you piece of mind. The purpose is to save you money, protect your vacation and make your trip memorable for you and your family.

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.

Did you know that it is easy to cruise for free???

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00 EST

I recently had a friend that booked a sailing for herself and husband. Her family members heard that they were going on a Caribbean cruise and it turned out to be a great family reunion. To her surprise she earned free travel! If you have at least 15 full fare paying passengers, the 16^th is free. She had the decision of sailing for free (plus port taxes and government fees) or dividing the money amongst all of the passengers. What a great bonus for all the family!

Written by: Lynn H
lynn@atlastravelweb.com

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00 EST

Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place from August 6-28, 2010. The 2010 Edinburg Military Tattoo will celebrate its 61^st season, while paying tribute to the 250^th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bar, Robert Burns, set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

This has been an international favorite. The performers come from over 40 countries and around 35% of the 217,000 audience each year are from overseas. If you can’t make it no worries! Its televised in 30 countries. An annual television audience of 100 million watches the coverage worldwide.

Several operators include tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on select itineraries:

Globus Britain Sampler
Globus Essential Britain
Globus Bonnie Scotland
Globus London to the Highlights of Scotland
Cosmos Scottish Highlights
Cosmos British Panorama
Cosmos England, Scotland & Wales
Trafalgar Best of Scotland
Trafalgar Amazing Britain
Trafalgar Britian & Ireland Highlights
Insight Focus on Britain
Insight Highlights of Britain
Insight Britain & Ireland Discovery

General Travel Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 EST

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

Meals While Touring

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00 EST

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.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00 EST

For those that are new to travel, you may be wondering when reading through an itinerary what is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

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?

Swine Flu Update for Travelers

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00 EST

As you know, the swine flu situation has led a few countries to discourage travel to Mexico and the United States. The U.S. Travel Association will take a lead role in addressing this challenge. While it is important not to minimize the seriousness of the threat, it is critical to be prepared, but not panicked.

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.

Atlas Group Marketing Services

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00 EST

Planning to travel in a group?

We'd like to share with you the Atlas difference.

All our group services demonstrate an excellence of service whether your first in the planning stages, marketing to your group, making bookings and or finalizing before you go.

Each Proposal and Quotation is individually prepared to meet the group's requirements and is emailed to the group organizer/leader in a 4 color PDF file format that can be shared with others on the decision making committee.

A Group Contract is executed by both parties stating the outline of our agreements and are in concert with the policies of the tour operator or cruise line.

Marketing Assistance is given as required and can take the form of:

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

Booking and Reservation Assistance is handle by professionally trained Travel Agents with years of experience in selling travel, making reservations and servicing our clients with extraordinary Customer Service.

Reports are prepared each Friday during the hectic initial booking cycle and emailed to the group organizer/leader for their review.

Groups are finalized and documents are disbursed to the participants as agreed upon in the Group Contract.

For local South Florida groups a meeting is held approximately 3 weeks prior to travel to hand-out documents and answer any and all questions participants have.

Upon return, a complete follow-up of the groups trip is reviewed with the group organizer/leader to resolve any supplier issues and to plan a subsequent group.

Our Customer Service Agents help participants with any Insurance claims that need to be filed.

From planning to execution Atlas Cruises and Tours dedicated Groups Department "Goes beyond your Travel Expectations."

John Unger

V.P. Group Marketing
866-503-6429
john@atlastravelweb.com

Traveling with a Laptop

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00 EST

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

Travel Advice: Read the Fine Print!

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00 EST

I just read an article on CNN written by Christopher Elliott regarding a family that has asked for help in waiving an airline/consolidator penalty of $535 each ($2,675 total for 5).

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.

Group Travel with Globus

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00 EST

We know what you’re thinking, “Aren’t I already traveling with a group when I choose an escorted vacation?” Well, in fact, you are. But you may be looking to travel with a special group of people on an escorted vacation, in which case we’d like to give you a little extra attention, and when applicable, a discount.

Escorted vacations are ideal for group travel. Planning a family reunion? Putting together a trip for your school? Is your church organizing a religious or secular journey? The types of groups we can cater to are as varied as our vacations.

Let Globus take extra special care of your group. Not only will we make it easier on you, the vacation coordinator, but our vacations guarantee your group will come away with lasting memories. Your group will be talking about their trip for years to come.

Group Travel Is Easy – Why should your group travel with Globus?

Travel is responsible for some of life’s most memorable moments. Celebrating a life milestone or simply enjoying the vacation of a lifetime are just a few of the reasons people crave to travel. And when people can share those experiences with friends and loved ones, those memories last forever. Group travel is fun, rewarding and sometimes even life changing. So gather some of your closest confidants and plan a group vacation with Globus.

Discounts for group travelers – It only takes eight people to form a group for any of our land-based escorted vacations, and the eighth traveler saves 50% on the land price of the vacation. Plus the 16th traveler travels for free (land only). The discount can be used to save everyone a little on the price of their vacation or to treat a special person in your group, such as your mother as a surprise for her 60th birthday.

Trust – With more than 80 years experience, coupled with our $11 million consumer protection plan, means you can rest assured that your group is traveling with a credible, safe and longstanding company. Our worldwide offices and operations ensure that no matter where your group travels, their experiences will be safe, seamless and of superior quality.

Start Planning Today! If you have a special group vacation in mind, don’t delay in planning, as many of the popular vacations and departures can fill up quickly.

Specialized Group Department – If you have questions or are ready to book, we have a specialized group department who are ready to serve you. Whether it’s a small family reunion or a large affinity trip, our group department can work with you to put together the perfect vacation. They understand the uniqueness of group travel and will ensure that your booking process is smooth and effortless. We can assist with flyers, power point presentations and more, at not additional cost to you.

Please call 866.475.7023 for more information.

Holland America Line's Charity Group Program

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00 EST

What charitable organization isn't always on the lookout for fresh new fundraising ideas? Why not consider a Holland America cruise?

Holland America Line's Charity Group Program allows you to earn up to $100 for every stateroom you book. We at Atlas, also add other amenities to the group which could include additional fundraising dollars or ship board credits to passengers. All you need to get started is 6 or more staterooms.

A donation of $50 per double occupancy cabin for 4 to 7 night cruises, and a donation of $100 per double occupancy stateroom on cruises of 8 days or longer, as well as cruisetours.

Earn 1 tour conductor credit with 10 full-fare guests, additional tour conductor credits at 1:15. These tour conductors can be used for free travel, or for an additional donation to the organization to maximize fundraising. Each booking also includes a special gift of a private reception or bottle of wine in each stateroom.

In order to be eligible for the Charity Program, your charity must: qualify as a nonprofit organization; support environmental, health-related, cultural arts, educations or maritime causes; state the charity's 501 organization number.

Call our group department for more details!

Jewish Heritage River Cruise

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00 EST

Atlas is hosting a special one time sailing, river cruise along the Legendary Danube on August 19th - 30th, 2009 aboard Avalon Waterway's Tapestry.

Rates include:

Arrival & departure transfers

4 Jewish Heritage Excursions

Included sightseeing in Prague, Nuremburg, Regensburt, Passau, Melk, Vienna & Budapest

Cruise accommodations in large cabin with floor to ceiling windows & French balcony

3 Gourmet meals per day

Unlimited wine with dinner

All taxes

First class accommodations in Prague with breakfast
Land/Cruise rate from $3,649 pp Call for air rates from all major US Cities.

For more information, call Laura Unger at 866-503-6427

Prague’s Jewish Heritage – The Important Jewish Sites in Prague’s History
Located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, Prague's Jewish Quarter (known as Josefov) was once one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, with a rich and varied history dating back to the 10th century. The circumstances leading to WW II and the country's post-war Communist regime did little to revive the hopes and religious rights (or indeed living standards) of those who survived, with many deciding to emigrate to the U.S., Western Europe or Israel. Today, with only 1,500 or so Orthodox Jews living in what remains of the traditional Jewish Quarter, it has once again become a thriving – and fascinating - part of Prague. Our local expert will take us on a tour to the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Cemetery and the Synagogues --- an insider’s view of Jewish Life in the past and today.

Jewish Budapest
The success of modern Budapest was due in great part to the diligence and organizational skills of Jewish industrialists and there are still many memories of the period. The Jewish Museum presents the community’s religious traditions, while the Holocaust Centre, which opened in 2004, reminds us of the terror. Starting in 1990, a major renaissance of Jewish culture took place in Budapest. The city has the most populous and active Jewish community in Central Europe. They cherish their religious, artistic and historical heritage. Our local expert will explain the history and take you to visit the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Jewish Museum.

Benefits of Cruise Groups

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00 EST

Benefits of putting together a Cruise Group:

Cruising has always been an excellent value, but 2009 is offering prices we have not seen in over 8 years. Combine these great rates with special group amenities & your savings is even great. And, as Group Leader, you may be able to cruise for free.

A cruise is perfect choice for a group, as there are plentyof activities for all ages.

Everyone you know is part of a group. Some ideas include friends, family reunions, school reunions, religion organizations, hobby groups, fund raising, special themes, clubs and corporate incentive travel. For fund raising groups, a donation can be made per cabin booked. We find this a very popular choice with Church and Temple groups.

The benefits of booking a group cruise are unmistakable. Not only does your group receive special pricing, your group call also receive added benefits such as shipboard credits, a cocktail party, group photo, wine or chocolates.

Our group department can provide you with brochures, flyers and even power point presentations to help you promote the group, at no charge to you.

Want to learn more? Call our group department manager, John Unger, at 866-475-7023

Shopping Tips When Traveling

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00 EST

One of the joys of travel is finding special treasures that evoke vacation memories. But unfamiliar customs, currency and language can dampen the fun. Some pre-travel preparation and shopping strategies will help you return home with wonderful items that remind you of your travels.

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

Trafalgar Tours: Journeys of Faith

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00 EST

Trafalgar launched its 2009 Religious Tour series with the release of a new brochure, Journeys of Faith and Spirituality, detailing five new itineraries visiting the most inspirational and holy sites in Israel, Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain and Poland. Each journey to these religiously significant destinations will be escorted by a professional tour director specially chosen for their knowledge and expertise in the religious, historic and cultural aspects of the areas being visited. Founded in 1947, Trafalgar Tours offers trips on 6 continents.

Europe Tours Early Booking Specials

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00 EST

There is still time to take advantage of some great specials on Europe vacations. Globus and Trafalgar currently have the best offer available. Both companies are offering $500 off per couple on air-inclusive bookings. Atlas is also offering an additional 5% off of the land for early bookings.

These special offers have been extended for new bookings made by December 15, 2008. Remember, a deposit secures your tour space, and then final payment is not due until 45 day prior to travel.

Globus Food, Wine and Music Vacations

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00 EST

Globus just released their 2009 brochure for their Food & Wine vacations. With more than 80 years of experience, Globus can make your trip delicious. We will take you to the vineyards of Tuscany, arrange for a tasting of the cheeses of France, explain the story behind the baked beans of Boston, the sourdough breads of San Francisco, the sweets of Austria, and the lobsters of New England.

On a Food & Wine vacation, you’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on experiences. Take a cooking lesson that reveals the secrets of Italy’s timehonored dishes. Learn about the climate, soils, and grape varieties in France’s celebrated Bordeaux region. Indulge your senses at the Biarritz Museum of Chocolate, tour a maple sugarworks in Vermont, or find out what makes California’s sparkling wines bubble— and that’s just the beginning!

How Fast Can You Get a Passport?

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00 EST

There are over 8.8 million applicants for US passports each year. For that reason, there are around 7,000 passport offices in the country. Generally it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get a passport. But what if you need to travel soon? If you have 2 weeks, you can usually get an appointment at one of the 13 regional passport offices and get the passport sooner.

Need it even faster? Perhaps "immediately" like one of our clients who arrived at the airport only to realize his passport had expired? You can use ItsEasypassport.com who can usually get you a passport the same day, or within 24 hours. They work in conjunction with US Passport offices in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Houston and other major U.S. cities & even have an office at the JFK airport. The fee for same-day service for a new passport or renewal, is currently from $249 plus standard government passport fees.

Follow us in Twitter, Facebook

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:00 EST

Atlas Cruises and Tours has officially joined the world of blogging and social media!

Here are all the ways you can follow us !

http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb

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

http://www.youtube.com/atlastravelweb

Travel Tips: Packing

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00 EST

Common question asked by clients:

How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs & one carry-on?

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.

Be Flexible - it will save you money!

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00 EST

I would advise clients to try to be a little flexible in their planning a trip. Sometimes by simply shifting a departure date we can find special promotions that offer additional benefits. We can also look at comparable suppliers for a similar itinerary to see if there is additional value added.

When will I receive my tour documents ?

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00 EST

Clients often ask when they will get "more" information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel, and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim.

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.

What day does my tour start ?

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00 EST

Just thought of another confusing question among clients. What day does the tour begin?

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.

Oberammergau Passion Play 2010

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00 EST

Witness this once in a lifetime event

Ok so the single biggest question we are getting is WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO BOOK. That's a good question. There is a 4 day package, river cruises and select itineraries that can now be booked. Groups can also block space. All suppliers promise to have final dates and prices by October 31, 2008. Even these companies however, allow you to book now to secure the space and will advise of final pricing by 10/31. We have a dedicated website for all the tours available for the Oberammergau Passion Play.

Booking Airfare with Cruise & Tour Travel

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00 EST

Over the past several years, we have found a consistent trend where customers can find better prices by booking their airfare separately on-line, & just purchase the cruise or land tour from the supplier.

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.

Don't forget to tell your agent...

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 00:00 EST

A client called today to find out when her documents would arrive. They had just arrived from the supplier, approximately 3 weeks prior to tour start date, which is the normal delivery time. They were mailed out the same day.

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.