LITTLETON, Colorado – September 16, 2008 – According to Monograms’ Independent Travel Study (conducted by Kelton Research), 75 percent of Americans feel pressure to make their vacation fun, not only for themselves but for those they’re traveling with.   Whether they’re interested in single- or multi-city getaways in Europe and the US, South America, South Pacific and Asia journeys or On the Road driving vacations in North America, Monograms provides travelers on-site and around-the-clock support to increase their fun-factor.  And, this independent travel arm of the Globus family of brands just increased its offerings, revealing more than 100 vacations – 30 percent of which are new – to every corner of the world for 2009.

“Monograms is dedicated to ensuring travelers get more vacation from their vacation,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing and customer care for the Globus family of brands.  “We take care of the details – before and on trip – with help from a group of dedicated customer service representatives and expert Local Hosts, so our travelers can focus on fun.”

Monograms’ Independent Travel Study also revealed that nearly 30 percent of travelers say choosing a bad hotel or place to stay is one of the worst vacation planning mistakes they can make.  And, nearly 60 percent admit that the biggest hole in their vacation planning abilities is finding places and activities that are unique, such as exploring interesting local hangouts and attractions that draw fewer tourists.

According to Born, these concerns can be prevented, when traveling with Monograms.  “We carefully select hotels that not only provide travelers the comfort they desire, but also are located in the heart of each destination.  And, by pairing travelers abroad with on-site Local Hosts in each destination, we point them in the right direction to ensure they’re experiencing local culture while exploring their passions and interests.”

Monograms 2009 vacation offerings provide travelers diversity in both length of stay – itineraries range from four to 20 days – and destinations, boasting getaways to Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Russia, South America, Asia, South Pacific and many cities and regions in North America.

2009 NEW Monograms Vacations Include:

• NEW Paris & London – Seven days; Priced from $1,219
• NEW Venice Getaway – Four days; Priced from $869
• NEW Sorrento Getaway – Four days; Priced from $929
• NEW Rome, Istanbul & Athens – 10 days; Priced from $3,799
• NEW Budapest, Vienna, Prague & Berlin – 13 days; Priced from $3,049
• NEW Vienna & Munich – Seven days; Priced from $1,729
• NEW Cruising the Galápagos – Nine days; Priced from $3,809
• NEW Patagonia & Chilean Fjords – 14 days; Priced from $6,979
• NEW Southeast Asia & Mekong River Cruise – 14 days; Priced from $2,839
• NEW Chicago – Four days; Priced from $509
• NEW New Orleans – Four days; Priced from $409
• NEW Boston & New York – Seven days; Priced from $1,299
• NEW Montreal & Quebec City – Seven days; Priced from $709
• NEW Vancouver & Victoria – Seven days; Priced from $879

NEW On the Road Driving Vacations Include:

• NEW British Columbia Explorer – Eight days; Priced from $919 (including mid-sized car rental)
• NEW Charleston & Savannah – Seven days; Priced from $679 (including mid-sized car rental)
• NEW New England Escape – Seven days; Priced from $649 (including mid-sized car rental)

The above prices are based on land- and/or cruise-only, including intra-air and rail transfers..  Air-inclusive pricing is also available, including hotel/airport transfers when Monograms issues tickets.

EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVES:  Travelers booking a 2009 Monograms South America vacation between now and October 31, 2008 can receive $200 off/person on the air-inclusive price.  The same discount applies to those booking a 2009 Monograms Hawaii or South Pacific vacation between now and September 30, 2008.  And, those interested in a 2009 Monograms Italy vacation can get $100 off/person the air-inclusive price when booking between now and October 7, 2008.  For details, visit www.monogramstravel.com or www.globusjourneys.com.

Monograms offers travelers packaged vacation options, enabling them to embark on getaways in cities around the world, without any pre-planning stress.  Monograms vacations come complete with on-site support from a Local Host or around-the-clock access to a personal resource who can help make dream vacations a reality.  With Monograms, travelers are assured their vacation details are taken care of, including hotel, 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 80 years of international travel expertise.

Consumers can book a Monograms vacation or request 2009 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.monogramstravel.com.

Travel agents can request Monograms 2009 brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.