Jetsettersblog

Cosmos, the budget line of tours offered by the Globus family of brands, released its offerings for 2012, with 75 percent of the program focused on North America’s scenery and national parks. “National parks are idyllic vacation hot spots perfect for relaxation and introspection, wild life exploration or adventure, depending on each traveler’s interests,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO of the Globus family of brands.

“And it’s because of the experiences these parks provide that bookings for our North American national park tour sales have witnessed an increase in the last year. In 2012, our GoParks! Tours partnership will give Cosmos travelers the chance to give back and preserve these parks for the future.”

This year Cosmos is partnering with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks, to provide unique tour experiences in the national parks. As part of the GoParks! Tours partnership, the company will make a donation to the NPF for each client at no cost to the clients.

The North America selection has 15 vacations, including Highlights of the Canyonlands (eight days), priced from $1,089; Western Wonders (11 days), priced from $1,399; Enchanted Southwest (12 days), priced from $1,679; National Parks & Canyon Country (13 days), priced from $1,489; Splendors of the Hawaiian Islands (13 days), priced from $1,889; and Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains (14 days) priced from $1,899.

New offerings for 2012 include the 10-day Wildlife of British Columbia vacation and 13 Special Departure vacations centered around events, including Western Canada & Rocky Mountaineer Calgary Stampede (July 8, 2012, departure); Dixieland & Rhythms New Orleans Jazz Fest (April 18 and 25, 2012, departures); Route 66 Revisited: International Route 66 Mother Road Festival & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (Sept. 16, 2012, departure); Elvis & the Southern Sounds 35th Anniversary Memorial Tour (Aug. 12, 2012, departure); and The Old South & Florida Halloween (Oct. 25, 2012, departure). Clients who book a North American Cosmos trip early can get $50 off.

For 50 years, Cosmos has refined the concept of low-cost travel packages in more than 30 countries around the world, earning Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine’s official recommendation, year after year. When vacationing with Cosmos, travelers can enjoy the expert knowledge of tour directors while taking free time to explore on their own. Cosmos is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-winning, travel industry leader with more than 80 years of international travel expertise. Littleton, Colo.-based Group Voyagers is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States, including Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways. Established more than 80 years ago, Globus offers escorted and independent travel and river cruising programs in seven continents.

For information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.cosmos.com , www.globusjourneys.com  or www.globusfamilypartner.com

African Travel launched its 2012 brochure with a brand new look and logo designed to emphasize the slogan “We Know Africa,” based on the company’s 35-year history of selling travel to Africa.

The slogan was coined by Jim Holden, the company president who was born and raised in Zambia, and it also applies to the expert safari consultants, to African Travel’s ground partners in Africa.

The new lineup includes four new programs for 2012. Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa is a 10-day program including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

It’s priced from $4,595 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Johannesburg, two nights in Victoria Falls, three nights in Hwange National Park and three nights in Chobe National Park.

Kenyan Horizons includes eight days in Kenya, taking in wildlife, scenery and culture, staying in comfortable cottages and traditional tented camps in prime areas. It’s priced from $4,295 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Nairobi, two nights in Lake Nakuru, two nights in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and two nights in Masai Mara.

The Pearl Of Africa includes eight days in Uganda and Rwanda, seeing wildlife in the Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi (The Impenetrable Forest).

The country is home to 13 different species of primate, including the mountain gorilla.

The region around Ishasha is noted for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in old fig trees. The photographic opportunities are plentiful as you experience a country that is also the source of the Nile River.

It’s priced from $4,995 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Entebbe, two nights in Kibale Forest, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Family Pride Safari includes 11 days in South Africa featuring hotels from the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, exploring cultural heritage, landscapes and wildlife conservation of South Africa.

Priced from $8,595 per person double occupancy land only, it includes three nights in Cape Town, Twelve Apostles; two nights in Clanwilliam, Bushmans Kloof; two nights in Durban, The Oyster Box; and three nights in Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve. African Travel offers custom wildlife adventures to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai.

African Travel is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. For information, visit www.africantravelinc.com  Read Jetsetters Magazine South African Adventures.

Sceptre Tours introduced its 2012 product, which includes chauffeur-drive vacations in Ireland and Britain, early booking discounts on select tours, and a variety of new escorted tours for Ireland and Italy.

The new line includes the chauffeur-drive vacations in Ireland and Britain, with Italy soon to follow.

“This is a great way for independent travelers to take their vacation to the next level,” said Chris Accomando, president. “Our chauffeur-drive tours are affordable and provide clients with the opportunity to customize a vacation for their own tastes while still leaving the driving to someone else.

It is also great for older clients or those who may not feel comfortable driving on the other side of the road.”

Sceptre offers a variety of itineraries or clients can completely design their own including incorporation a variety of accommodation options and activities like golf.

Additionally, Sceptre’s new European Winter Vacations brochure offers incredible savings on both escorted and independent vacations in Ireland and Italy for travel through March 31, 2012.

Also new for 2012 is Sceptre Tours’ early booking discounts whereby clients can pay in full between now and Dec. 1, 2011, and save $700 per couple ($350 per person) on tours of 12 days or longer, and $500 per couple ($250 per person) on tours of 11 days or shorter.

Also, on select tours, travelers who book and pay in full nine months prior will save 10 percent off the land price and there are discounts for groups who must pay nine months prior to departure.

The three new escorted tours for 2012 include The Irish Jaunt — five days from $735 (land only), including Dublin, Cork, Kerry and Bunratty; Glimpse of Ireland — eight days from $1,299 land only, including Dublin, a trip through the midlands and stop at Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum, Connemara, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher on your way to Killarney and the Ring of Kerry; Castles & Manors — 10 days from $3,285 land only, features stays in some of Ireland’s finest castle hotels and manors, including Lough Eske and Ballynahinch Castle Hotels and Lyrath Estate; Italian Tapestry — nine days from $2,599 land only, with two nights each in Venice, Rome, and Sorrento.

Based in Lynbrook, N. Y., and founded in 1981, Sceptre Tours offers travel programs for Ireland, Britain, Italy, as well as river cruising.

For more information, call 800-221-0924 or visit www.sceptretours.com

Hurtigruten is offering early-booking savings of up to 20 percent off on five 10- to 19-day Antarctic voyages when booked by Dec. 31.

Reduced pricing for the cruises, which operate from November 2012 through February 2013, range from $5,567 to $13,719 per person, double, and includes accommodation in cabin or suite of choice, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Ushuaia transfers, all meals onboard, guides and lecturers, wind and water-resistant coat, and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings.

The 17-day “Christmas Expedition” celebrates the season during a roundtrip voyage from Buenos Aires to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and several ports in Antarctica.

Prices for the Dec. 17 departure range from $8,257 to $13,719 with savings.

The 13-day “Polar Circle Expedition” and the 10-day “Classic Expedition” focus solely on Antarctica.

The “Polar Circle Expedition” spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle, departing Feb. 1, 2013, with discounted prices of $7,366 to $12,743.

Reduced rates for the “Classic Expedition” range from $5,567 to $9,814 for five departures between Nov. 29, 2012, and Jan. 11, 2013.

The 13-day “Weddell Sea Expedition” follows the path forged by British Capt. James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823. The Jan. 20 sailing is $7,366 to $12,743.

The 19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers” explores the same areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton.

In addition to Antarctica, the voyage includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, home to the largest king penguin colony in the world. The Feb. 22 departure is priced from $5,940 to $11,618.

The cruises are operated by the Fram, which normally accommodates 318 guests, but limits capacity at 200 passengers for the Antarctica sailings. For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

Windstar Cruises is offering savings of up to $1,500 per person and $200 shipboard credit on 2012 voyages in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Caribbean booked by Dec. 31.

A seven-day cruise from Athens to Istanbul is priced from $2,499 per person, double occupancy, a savings of $1,500.

The cruise visits Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes, Greece; and Bodrum and Kusadsasi, Turkey.

A six-day Italian and French Riviera sailing from Rome to Barcelona is priced from $1,799, a savings of $700.

The cruise visits St. Tropez and Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portovenere and Portoferraio, Italy.

Seven-day voyages roundtrip from Barbados visit Bequia, Tobago Keys, Mayreau and Grenada.

Cruise fares start at $1,399, a savings of $1,000.

A seven-day roundtrip from St. Maarten is priced from $1,599, a savings of $700.

The cruise visits Tortola, Jost van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe and St. Barthelemy.

For more information, call 800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com

G Adventures released its roster of tours for 2012, which Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures’ founder, said, “embody our commitment to offering life-changing, innovative and authentic travel experiences.

“Echoing our dedication to leading with service, a variety of itineraries worldwide were developed based on feedback from our customers — many of which feature unique and industry-leading experiences very few or no other tour operators offer.”

Expanding on the idea of a homestay, the tour operator introduced a new program called Local Living, which is designed to bring travelers close to the land and its people by embedding them in local life with stays in one place.

On the Northern Tuscany Local Living trip, travelers stay in an authentic agriturismo (farm house) and journey each day into the Garfagnana region.

Depending on the season, activities include collecting porcini mushrooms or black currents, harvesting grapes and faro, and making percorino cheese or wild boar sausage.

In Patagonia, travelers live at an organic local farm, learn about sustainable farming and hike and bike Patagonian trails, while the Guatemala Local Living program immerses travelers into the Mayan life on Lake Atitlán, a region ringed by volcanoes, learning about day-to-day agricultural and artisan trades.

Local Living tours are also offered in the Amalfi Coast, Dolomites, and Southern Tuscany.

In Asia, G Adventures introduces the Philippines Adventure, exploring Manila, rice terraces, waterfalls and beaches, with an opportunity to spot some of the region’s whale sharks.

The Classic Burma Adventure includes Inle Lake’s floating gardens, imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, palaces of Mandalay and forests throughout the southeast Asian country.

In India, travelers have the chance to sail in the Ganges on select adventures, a rare experience offered by very few other tour operators. In Europe, the new YOLO Europe Encompassed loop allows travelers to focus on one region, a whole country or the entire continent.

Designed for clients aged 18 to 30, the 24-day circuit starts and finishes in London.

It is made up of five smaller routes, which can be selected individually to create a custom itinerary.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, G Adventures now guarantees departures on all Overland trips. Responding to consumer demand, the company also expanded its portfolio of tours in the region to include more Comfort style trips, designed for travelers who want to experience adventure, unique cultures and wildlife in comfort.

In South America, the tour operator is introducing the G Lodge Amazon, which is exclusive to G Adventures and located within the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

Guests stay in cozy bungalows equipped with private terraces, en suite bathrooms and 24-hour hot water — a rare treat in this neck of the woods. New this year is the Peru Multisport tour, providing active travelers with an opportunity to kayak on Lake Titicaca. And with G Adventures Inca Trail permit guarantee, travelers can be safe in the knowledge that once a permit is confirmed their space on the Inca Trail is guaranteed.

G Adventures offers small group adventures to more than 100 countries on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The trips focus on culture, nature and active travel. G Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited.

For more information, call 800-465-5600 or visit www.gadventures.com  or www.planeterra.org

Cunard Line has scheduled a dry-dock refit of the Queen Mary 2 at Blohm + Voss Shipyards in Hamburg, Germany, from Nov. 24 through Dec. 7.

All 1,310 staterooms will receive new carpeting, curtains and beddings, and some will receive new furniture.

The Golden Lion Pub will be redesigned to add an American country club feel to the British pub atmosphere. Upgraded television screens will also be installed.

An extensive refurbishment of the Canyon Ranch SpaClub will include the teak surrounds of the hydrotherapy pool and adjacent wet areas, and a general upgrade of all the facilities.

In addition, new exercise machines in the fitness center will be installed.

` The Commodore Club will get a new carpet and additional white leather chairs, sofas and bar stools. The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Sir Samuel’s will get new carpets and soft furnishings. The Play Zone/Kids’ Zone will undergo a complete refurbishment, including new soft play areas and new electronic gaming.

The project also includes carpeting in public areas, central walkways and landings on Decks 2 and 3.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is asking customers to participate in its new “Thank You” Facebook contest by sharing stories and photos of positive customer service rental car experiences. By entering the contest, customers can claim the title of Enterprise’s “Most Passionate Fan” for a chance to win a weekend getaway every month for a year that includes free car rental and hotel accommodations.

Enterprise launched the contest in response to customers who contacted Enterprise to express interest in sharing their stories.

To enter the contest, Facebook users can click the “Thank You” tab in the left column of the Enterprise page. Once fans “Like” the page, they will have the opportunity to submit a story and photos about why they are passionate about Enterprise.

Customers can enter once per round during the first five rounds of the contest. Each round lasts one week.

Enterprise officials will select one entry each round to advance to the final round. In the sixth week, visitors to Enterprise’s Facebook page will be able to view and vote for their favorite among the top five stories to help determine the winner.

The grand prize winner will be announced on or about Dec. 14, 2011.The grand prize winner will win 12 Enterprise Rent-A-Car gift certificates that can each be redeemed to cover the base rental rate for a consecutive three-day period at participating locations, and 200,000 Hilton HHonors,Points. The five finalists will each receive a $100 Enterprise Visa Prepaid Card.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Enterprise-Rent-A-Car/17003167554?sk=app_139423409487548.  For more information, visit www.enterprise.com

Gray Line of Alaska released its 2012 Alaska and the Yukon brochure including a selection of two- to 10-day itineraries throughout Alaska and the Yukon. The programs range from Explorer Tours and rail trips focusing on Denali National Park and Preserve, to highway tours and fully escorted packages throughout the two regions.

A new, eight-day Escorted National Parks itinerary has been added to the 2012 lineup, which takes guests to three of the state’s most popular national treasures — Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

In 2012, Gray Line will feature a total of 10 package tours, over 20 variations of Denali rail tours, and sightseeing options from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

All package tours include a visit to Alaska’s top-rated inland destination, Denali National Park and Preserve. A visit to Denali offers the opportunity to see Alaska’s famed wildlife, wilderness and spectacular Mount McKinley.

Gray Line of Alaska tour highlights in 2012 include Denali Rail Tours, two- to five-day tours are available roundtrip or one way from Anchorage, Fairbanks or Seward.

Fares start at $259 per person.

Gray Line’s most popular tours focus on the Denali corridor, with six- and seven-day itineraries. Guests can opt for the seven-day Denali-Kenai Explorer, Gray Line’s Best of Alaska tour that combines Denali National Park and Preserve with highlights in Seward, Alaska, including a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Other Explorer packages allow travelers to combine a visit to Denali with a cruise on Prince William Sound, or experience the remote Denali Backcountry Lodge. Fares start at $1,279 per person.

Longer vacation packages cover both Alaska and Yukon, Canada. Guests can choose a nine-day option that features Beaver Creek, Yukon, or a 10-day itinerary with stops in Tok, Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon.

Both include stays in Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Skagway and Juneau.

Guests travel via the Alaska Railroad and deluxe motorcoach, with a unique trip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad into Skagway. Fares start at $2,349 per person.

For travelers who prefer to explore Alaska while enjoying the camaraderie of a group, Gray Line offers three, eight-day escorted itineraries.

Guests enjoy the convenience of an accompanying tour guide to handle logistics and provide information while traveling in a private, glass-domed railcar, boat and deluxe motor coach, with many meals included.

New in 2012 is the Escorted National Parks itinerary, which travels roundtrip from Anchorage with stops at Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve — America’s largest national park.

Fares start at $2,449 per person. Gray Line offers sightseeing and day tours in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. Tour options include city tours, Alaska Native culture, a riverboat cruise, gold panning and a glacier cruise to Portage Glacier on the MV Ptarmigan.

Gray Line plans custom tours for groups of 15 people or more. A group may wish to add a trip to Denali following their cruise, or take an extensive tour of Interior Alaska and the Yukon. Gray Line can customize trips with the addition of sightseeing tours, transportation and lodging. Itineraries can be tailored to fit group needs and preferences, including flexible departure times and routes. Gray Line of Alaska has been a tour operator in Alaska for 65 years. For more information, call 800-544-2206 or visit www.graylinealaska.com

Abercrombie & Kent introduced 36 new Tailor Made Elements, “curated experiences” that showcase the highlights of Europe’s most delightful cities in easily-combinable modules. According to Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA,

“The Internet is making for a more informed traveler.

Clients are doing extensive research online and have a better idea of the kinds of experiences they want, requiring more customization and knowledge than ever before But when it comes to making the final decision, they want the peace of mind that comes from knowing their itinerary has been planned by a specialist, someone with first-hand knowledge and local contacts.

A&K’s new Tailor Made Elements provide the building blocks to create an inspiring journey.”

Tailor Made Elements are pre-planned, three-night/four-day itineraries that can be combined to create a personalized dream vacation.

Clients can combine Tailor Made Elements London, Edinburgh and Dublin to create a grand tour of the British Isles.

On a private tour, clients spend as much or as little time as they like in each place — the guide is theirs for the day. Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is a luxury travel company that began as a safari outfitter in Kenya in 1962. The company now has a network of more than 60 local destination management offices around the world. For more information, call 800-554-7094 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com