LITTLETON, Colorado – August 13, 2008 – Interest in travel to the Asia Pacific region of the world has increased with America’s hopes of bringing home Olympic Gold, as well as travelers’ growing interest in soft adventure vacations.  Whether they list China, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Singapore on their “must-see” lists for 2009, the Globus family of brands has unveiled a deep offering of vacations designed to enhance the lives of Americans venturing abroad to these exotic destinations.

As part of its 2009 vacation offerings, Globus has unveiled two new itineraries: Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise and Essential Thailand, as well as increased opportunities to travel independently through the Asia Pacific region byway of Monograms.

“We are not only revealing new vacation itineraries in both China and Thailand, our vacation styles in this region of the world have increased,” said Scott Nisbet, chief operating officer for the Globus family of brands.  “We’re offering travelers everything from special event vacations, including celebrating the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, to River Cruise getaways.  We have also enhanced our collection of independent travel vacations to nearly 10 Asian countries, ensuring the perfect exotic journey for every traveler.  When traveling with us, Americans can turn foreign destinations into familiar harbors thanks to unparalleled and in-depth sightseeing and storytelling opportunities.”

In addition, the company is providing travelers $500 off/person on the air-inclusive price of its 2009 Treasures of Japan & China vacation, if they book between now and September 30, 2008.*   Visit www.globusjourneys.com or www.EscapetoChina.com for more information.

2009  Vacation Highlights:

• NEW Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise (18 Days) - Travelers will discover the wonders of China and Mongolia on this incredible, exotic vacation that includes a four-night cruise along the magnificent Yangtze.  They’ll visit the fabulous Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai, see the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and encounter the unspoiled splendor of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert (including a stay in a traditional ger).  Priced from $5,709 (cruise/land-only, including intra-tour flights).
• NEW Essential Thailand (12 Days) – Travelers begin this journey in Bangkok with a boat ride through the klongs, a visit to the Temple of the Dawn, Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple.  From there, the adventure continues with guided sightseeing in Kanchanaburi, a ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway, visits to Wat Phra Sri San Phet and Wat Mongkol Bophit in Ayutthaya, the chance to participate in a traditional Almsgiving Ceremony in Chiang Mai, as well as the opportunity to visit Thailand’s Hill Tribes where travelers will witness life in a small village and visit a local school.   Then, it’s on to Ban Thaton to visit a Kayan village with long-necked women and a boat ride on the Kok River.  Priced from $1,969 (land-only, including intra-tour flight).
• DEAL: Save $500/person on Treasures of Japan & China  (15 Days) - This incredible journey begins in Tokyo with wonders that include the Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace Plaza and Asakusa Kannon Temple.  Then, travelers will head south for Hakone and a cable car ride with panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji as well as a thrilling bullet train ride that delivers them to Kyoto.  From there, they’ll fly to Shanghai and will go on to Guilin for a leisurely Li River cruise.  In Xi’an, they’ll enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” dinner show and see the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor.  On to Beijing, the sightseeing continues with visits to the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, the Beijing Zoo and more.  Priced from $5,229 (Land-only, including intra-tour flights).
• Monograms’ Hong Kong, Bangkok & Singapore (10 Days) – Travelers now have a chance to experience the three gems of Asia in one journey.  They’ll start in Hong Kong and take a cable car up Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city as well as enjoy a sampan ride on the harbor.  Then, it’s free time galore to visit the giant Buddha on Lantau Island or perhaps relish in the traditional British “High Tea” at the Peninsula Hotel.  From Hong Kong, travelers will fly to Bangkok where sightseeing will cover the highlights, leaving time for personal discoveries.  The final stop is Singapore where East meets West.  After a sightseeing tour, travelers might want to sample local cuisine at Lau Pa Sat food court or visit the nearby island resort of Sentosa.  Priced from $1,919 land only; including intra-vacation flights
  

*Book a 2009 Globus “Treasures of Japan & China” air-inclusive vacation to receive the $500 per person discount.  Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 13 and September 30, 2008 for travel commencing through December 31, 2009.  Offers not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 Asia bookings only.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.



ABOUT THE GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States.  Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river and small ship cruise options.  Considered the world’s largest tour operator, with 80 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value.  

Consumers can book a Globus family of brands vacation or request 2009 brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.866.313.2855.  For more information, please visit www.globusfamily.com.
 
Travel agents can request any Globus family of brands 2009 brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.