Monograms Offers 2012 Vacations Close to Home in the United States and North America

It's true, some Americans prefer to stay near home when they vacation and let's face it, North America offers them a plethora of landscapes and experiences from sea to shining sea. And now, Monograms is making it easier than ever to get out and enjoy North America as a couple, a family, on a girlfriend getaway or alone with unparalleled vacation packages.

In 2012, Monograms is adding THREE new driving vacations to the Pacific Northwest, East Coast and sunny Florida as well as a rail vacation – America's Last Frontier by Rail – and Mexico getaway (Mysteries of the Mayan World) to a list of more than 35 North American getaways.

"Even staycationers are driven by wanderlust," said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer of the Globus family of brands. "Our inspired driving and rail vacations – through Alaska, the Historic East, Canadian Rockies or even America's National Parks – are perfect for people that want to have fun exploring America."

And, this year, as part of its offerings, Monograms is partnering with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America's national parks, to provide unique all-in-one packaged vacation experiences in these amazing national treasures. And, as part of this GoParks! partnership, when travelers book a Monograms US national parks vacation, the company will make a donation to the NPF at no additional cost to travelers.

"Our outdoor escapes – those vacations featuring America's natural landscapes – are among our most popular vacations," said Nisbet. "And now, with GoParks!, we're not only giving our travelers oases where postcard views meet life-altering experiences, we're helping ensure the ongoing conservation of our national parks."

Monograms' top North American Vacations that showcase the great outdoors are Canadian Rockies by Rail, America's National Parks, Oahu, Maui & Kauai, California Coast and Canyon Escape.

Also popular are the company's single- and multi-city packages. Travelers can spend a week in the city or region of their choice for an in-depth discovery or just a few nights for a mini-break. And, because Monograms arranges transportation between cities, it's easy to combine multiple destinations like Vancouver & Victoria; Oahu, Maui & Kauai; Boston, New York & Washington D.C. or Los Angeles & San Diego.

"We're passionate about experiencing and discovering all North America has to offer by making it easy to plan to perfect getaway and just go," said Nisbet.

As part of its all-in-one packaged vacation options, Monograms suggests and arranges activities for travelers such as biking the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), hooking a big one while Halibut fishing (Homer, AK), taking a flightseeing tour over the Pemberton Ice Cap (Whistler), enjoying a thrilling helicopter ride above the Canadian Rockies (Banff) or rafting down Snake River (Jackson). Travelers can pre-purchase these excursions (and more) prior to embarking on vacation or they can add to their getaway, on-trip.

Adding another personal touch to each domestic vacation Monograms also gives travelers access to on-site Local Hosts in several North American destinations. Upon arriving to a destination, the Local Host is on-hand to answer questions, arrange excursions and offer suggestions to ensure a one-of-a-kind vacation.

According to Nisbet, "Whether traveling to Paris or Prague, Shanghai or Sydney or staying a little closer to home, getting there – and getting around – has never been more simple or more fun, thanks to Monograms. And, because 'someday' too often means 'never,' there's no better time to go than today."

Sample 2012 North America Monograms Vacations:

New Orleans (4 days), priced from $289

Toronto (4 days), priced from $349

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

NEW! Treasures of the Pacific Northwest (10 days), priced from $649

All of the above listed prices are per person, land-only.
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.