Monograms Asks Travelers to Stop Making Excuses and Simply "Go" in 2012

This year, Americans are planning to give back 226 million unused vacation days causing nearly 50 million of us to become vacation deprived. And, while some cite financial worries as the main contributing factor for their "no vacation" philosophies, many Americans blame "lack of planning" as the reason they find it hard to get away.* Regardless of the excuse, Monograms – the all-in-one packaged vacation travel company and member of the award-winning Globus family of brands – is helping travelers make going now not only possible, but also easy.

"This year, as we create New Year's resolutions, it's time to promise ourselves the dreaming will stop and the doing will begin," said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands. "Monograms is prepared to help. We have experts on hand to take care of planning, arranging and coordinating all-in-one vacation packages to every corner of the world. All want-to-be-travelers have to do is go."

In 2012, Monograms has unveiled a world of choices to travelers with nearly 150 all-in-one vacation packages to Europe, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, North and South America. "Travelers can spend a week in the city of their choice for an in-depth discovery or just four days for a relaxing mini-break," said Born. "With Monograms, it's also easy to combine multiple destinations like Paris and London or to explore North and South America. From the game reserves of Africa and the magical Australian Outback to the extravagant monuments of India, the world is waiting to be discovered and explored."

In addition to handling such vacation details as booking hotels and transportation between destinations, Monograms also provides travelers an on-site Local Host to act as a personal concierge arranging sightseeing and excursions in cities worldwide.

To showcase the importance and ease of not only planning – but actually going on vacation – Monograms has unveiled a new marketing video. Further, the company has created "starter guides" that provide helpful insight and tips for first-time travelers to Europe, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and South America.

"Someday too often means never when we talk about our vacation dreams," said Born. "Monograms is helping Americans understand there's no better time than now to walk the cobblestone streets of Italy, ride an elephant in Asia and have a pint to celebrate 2012 in a genuine pub in Ireland."

DEAL ALERT: Travelers booking a 2012 Monograms Europe vacation by February 14, 2012 can save $400 per couple.**

Sample 2012 Monograms Vacations:

Europe:

Venice Getaway (4 days), priced from $874

Dublin & London (7 days), priced from $1,282

Paris & Nice (7 days), priced from $1,966

NEW! Rome & Sicily (7 days), priced from $1,925

Barcelona & Madrid (7 days), priced from $1,792

NEW! London, Paris & Rome (10 days), priced from $2,687

North America:

New Orleans (4 days), priced from $289

NEW! Mysteries of the Mayan World (5 days), priced from $979

Sea to Sky, Vancouver & Whistler (7 days), priced from $449

Best of Alaska (8 days), priced from $1,059

Oahu & Maui (7 days), priced from $849

New York & Washington DC (7 days) priced from $1,029

Redwoods, Wine Country & Yosemite (9 days), priced from $749

South America:

Costa Rica Wonders (7 days), priced from $859

Galapagos Highlights (8 days), priced from $2,419

Brazil, Argentina & Chile (12 days), priced from$2,299

Asia:

Beijing & Shanghai (7 days), priced from $809

Tokyo & Kyoto (7 days), priced from $2,669

Best of Thailand (9 days), priced from $1,199

Flavors of Vietnam & Cambodia (11 days), priced from $1,489

Africa:

South Africa Sojourn (9 days), priced from $2,329

Best of Kenya (9 days), priced from $3,289

South Pacific:

Highlights of New Zealand (10 days) priced from $1,559

Australian Escape (10 days), priced from $1,829
All of the above listed prices are per person, land-only.

*Expedia 2011 Vacation Deprivation Study

** Book a 2012 Monograms Europe air-inclusive vacation of six or more nights to receive $200 off the air price per person. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between January 4 and February 14, 2012 for travel commencing by October 31, 2012. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Certain government-imposed taxes and fees of up to $375, including a September 11th Security fee of up to $10, are additional and must be paid by each traveler. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

ABOUT MONOGRAMS
With nearly 40 offices staffed with more than 200 travel experts that extend as far as Asia and as wide as Europe, Monograms has a rich reputation as a company travelers can depend on to help them simplify travel planning while creating special dream getaways. Monograms affords travelers the power to personalize their vacation without having to take care of planning details or logistics, thanks to the on-site support of a Local Host. With Monograms, travelers are assured their vacation details are taken care of, including hotel, transportation, sightseeing and more, so they can simply focus on having fun. Monograms is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-winning, travel industry leader with more than 80 years of international travel expertise. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).

Consumers can book a Monograms vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.800.250.7614. For more information, please visit www.monograms.com. "Like" us on Facebook.