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    <title>Atlas Travel Blog for www.escortedirelandtours.com</title>
    <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/blog.asp</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Weve brought together the leading tour operators & cruise lines, each with an average of 50 years experience in the industry, and combined them with the most popular travel destinations to offer you the most complete network of travel sites available on the internet.]]></description>
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      <title>Atlas Travel Blog for www.escortedirelandtours.com</title>
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			<link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/blog.asp</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Red Hot Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Red%5FHot%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Red%5FHot%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="5" face=""><strong>Insights Red Hot Deals</strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><strong><font color="#000000" face="Arial">Europe, Britain, &amp; Eastern Mediterranean Tours</font></strong></p><strong><font face="Arial">
<p align="justify">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" width="99%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="227">
<p align="center"><strong>Tour Name</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong>Promotion <br />Code</strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong>Departure </strong><strong><br /><strong>Date</strong></strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong>Brochure <br />Price WAS<br /><span class="mytextgray1">Twin Share PP</span></strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong>Price NOW <br /><span class="mytextgray1">Twin Share PP </span></strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong>Savings <br />per couple </strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/Country_Roads_of_Ireland/B909/"><font color="#800080">Country Roads of Ireland</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT112</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">18 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2525</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2270</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$510</p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/Britain_and_Ireland_Discovery/B959/"><font color="#800080">Britain</font></a><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/Britain_and_Ireland_Discovery/B959/"><font color="#800080"> and Ireland Discovery</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT113</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">18 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$4835</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$4350</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$970</p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/Best_of_Spain_and_Portugal/E932/"><font color="#800080">Best of Spain &amp; Portugal</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT114</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">9 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$3199</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2875</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$648</p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/European_Breakaway/E920/"><font color="#800080">European Breakaway</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT116</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">1 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2475</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2225</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$500</p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/Best_of_Italy/E922/"><font color="#800080">Best of Italy</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT117</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">14 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2825</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$2540</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$570</p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/Tours/European_Explorer/E913/"><font color="#800080">European Explorer</font></a> </strong></p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">HOT118</p></td>
<td noWrap>
<p align="center">15 Apr 2010 </p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$5750</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$5175</p></td>
<td>
<p align="center">$115</p></td></tr></tbody></table></p></font></strong><br /><br />
<p><strong><font size="1">Conditions: </font></strong></p>
<ul type="square">
<li><font size="1">*Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Single supplements apply. Deposit required within 7 days of booking or if made within 45 days, full payment is required. </font></li>
<li><font size="1">Offer applies to new bookings made from&nbsp;15 February&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;28&nbsp;February 2010 only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice.&nbsp;</font> </li>
<li><font size="1">^Please quote promotional code when booking with your favorite Travel Agent.<br /></font></li></ul>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Trafalgars Last Minute Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.trafalgar.com/upload/images/LastMinuteDeals_Header_Oct09_679x190pxl.jpg" width="416" height="153" /></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American&nbsp;award-winning vacations. </strong></p>
<p align="center">These selected departures are only available until<strong>&nbsp;February 28, 2010</strong>. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America&nbsp;with Trafalgar&rsquo;s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Please note:</strong> To get these special rates, please reference the tour&rsquo;s &lsquo;PROMO CODE&rsquo; at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process</p>
<p align="center"><br /><strong>Europe &amp; Britain Tours</p>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="418">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>TOUR NAME</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>DEPARTING</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center"><strong>WAS*</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center"><strong>NOW*</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center"><strong>SAVINGS*</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>PROMO CODE</strong><strong></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Italy_and_Sicily_(Winter_20092010)/TT-WITA-2010/">Italy &amp; Sicily</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">12-Mar&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$1,550</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,395</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$155</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD142</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/London_and_Paris_(Winter_20092010)/TT-WLLP-2010/"><strong>London</strong><strong> &amp; Paris</strong></a></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">19-Mar&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$1,225</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,105</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$120</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD143</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/The_French_Escapade_(Winter_20092010)/TT-WFES-2010/">The French Escapade</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">01-Apr&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$1,825</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,639</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$186</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD144</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Britain_and_Ireland_Experience_2010/TT-BIEX-2010/"><strong>Britain</strong><strong> &amp; Ireland Experience</strong></a></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">03-Apr&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$2,050</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,845</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$205</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD145</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Traditional_Europe_2010_(end_London)/TT-ETRA-2010/">Traditional Europe</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">15-May&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$4,375</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,935</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$440</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD146</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/European_Cavalcade_with_2010_Passion_Play/ECPP20-2010/">European Cavalcade with Oberammergau</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">21-May&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$4,000</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,720</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$280</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD147</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/European_Experience_with_Passion_Play_2010/EEPP16-2010/">European Experience with Oberammergau</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">23-May&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$3,225</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,999</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$226</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD148</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/The_Grand_Alpine_Tour_Passion_Play_2010/GATPP16/">The Grand Alpine Tour with Oberammergau</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">27-May&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$4,099</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,812</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$287</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD149</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/European_Whirl_Passion_Play_2010/EWPP15/">European Whirl with Oberammergau</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">30-May&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$3,949</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,751</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$198</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD150</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/European_Spree_Passion_Play_2010/ESPP10/">European Spree with Oberammergau</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center">02-Jun&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="42">
<p align="center">$3,015</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,864</p></td>
<td width="64">
<p align="center">$151</p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD149</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<div align="center">&nbsp;</div>
<div align="center"><br /><font face="Arial">USA &amp; Canada Tours</font></div>
<div align="center"><font face="Arial"><br />
<div align="center">
<table style="WIDTH: 541px; HEIGHT: 120px" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="541">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="86">
<p align="center"><strong>TOUR NAME</strong></p></td>
<td width="56">
<p align="center"><strong>DEPARTING</strong></p></td>
<td width="37">
<p align="center"><strong>WAS*</strong></p></td>
<td width="39">
<p align="center"><strong>NOW*</strong></p></td>
<td width="57">
<p align="center"><strong>SAVINGS*</strong></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><strong>PROMO CODE</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="86">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/The_Trailblazer_20092010/TT-DTRA-2009/">The Trailblazer</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="56">
<p align="center">07-Mar&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="37">
<p align="center">$1,315</p></td>
<td width="39">
<p align="center">$1,184</p></td>
<td width="57">
<p align="center">$131</p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><strong>LMDUSA142</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="86">
<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/The_Californian_20092010/TT-DCLN-2009/">Californian</a></strong></p></td>
<td width="56">
<p align="center">20-Mar&nbsp;10</p></td>
<td width="37">
<p align="center">$1,775</p></td>
<td width="39">
<p align="center">$1,599</p></td>
<td width="57">
<p align="center">$176</p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><strong>LMDUSA143</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></font></strong><br /><br /><font size="5" face="Avenir-Heavy"><font size="2" face="Avenir-Heavy">
<p align="left">Conditions</p></font></font><font face="Avenir-Light"><font face="Avenir-Light">
<p align="left">• This offer is combinable with all applicable Trafalgar</p></font></font><font face="Avenir-Light"><font face="Avenir-Light">
<p align="left">discounts except Early Payment Discount</p></font></font><font size="3" face="Avenir-Light"><font size="3" face="Avenir-Light">
<p align="left"><font size="2">• Applies to new bookings only &amp; subject to availability</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2">• Book between Feb 16 and Feb 28, 2010</font></p>
<p><font size="2">• Definite Departures&mdash;these are guaranteed to run<br /><br /></font></p></font></font>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[European Travel]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/European%5FTravel/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/European%5FTravel/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Discover the places you&rsquo;ve always longed to see. Marvel at each country&rsquo;s historic icons and scenic panoramas.&nbsp; England, Ireland and Northern Ireland, while home to perhaps the most trend-setting and international of European cities, also have some of the most beautiful countryside on earth.&nbsp; In Italy, you can see more than 2,000 years of history within one city, witness the genius of Michelangelo and DaVinci or visit an enchanting island city that defies reason.&nbsp; France shares with us the pleasures of life: excellent wines, awe-inspiring art and sumptuous food. Germany zooms ahead along its Autobahn, but stops long enough to raise a stein, sing a song and welcome the world.&nbsp; The Netherlands, with one wooden shoe in its charming past and the other in the innovative future, continues to enchant visitors with its iconic windmills, tulips and canals.</p>
<p><strong>We welcome&nbsp;you to research European Travel Package by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners. You&rsquo;ll find a selection of tours, cruises, vacations and rail packages.</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Here is our network of&nbsp;Europe travel destination sites:</font></span></strong><a href="http://www.escortedafricatours.com/" rel="tag"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Atlas Cruises &amp; Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">| </font></span><a href="http://www.christmasmarkettours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Christmas Market Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedbritaintours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">England Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedfamilyvacations.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Escorted Family Vacations</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedfrancetours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">France Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedgreecetours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Greece Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">| </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #0066cc"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Ireland Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escorteditalytours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Italy Tours </font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">| </font></span><a href="http://www.luxurytour.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #0066cc"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Luxury Tour</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> |</font></span><a href="http://www.passionplaytours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #0066cc"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Oberammergau</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.rivercruisetours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">River Cruise</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedrussiantours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Russia Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedscandinaviatours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #0066cc"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Scandinavia Tours</font></span></a><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> | </font></span><a href="http://www.escortedspaintours.com/" rel="tag"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; COLOR: #b85b5a"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Spain Tours</font></span></a></p>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Tips for Securing your Home Before Travel]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Tips%5Ffor%5FSecuring%5Fyour%5FHome%5FBefore%5FTravel/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Tips%5Ffor%5FSecuring%5Fyour%5FHome%5FBefore%5FTravel/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>As you get ready to travel? <br /><br />Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts. </p>
<ul>
<li><img alt="EZine" src="http://www.clientbasemarketing.com/cbms/imageutil/promo/6833/security.jpg" align="right" vspace="6" width="160" height="131" hspace="6" />Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period. </li>
<li>The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away. </li>
<li>Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers. </li>
<li>Move any valuables from plain sight. </li>
<li>Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels. </li>
<li>Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.</li></ul>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Travel Tips]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FTips/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FTips/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/knowb4ugo.jpg" />General Travel Tips</strong> <br /></p>
<ul class="sub_content">
<li>Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period. </li>
<li>Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen. </li>
<li>Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling. </li>
<li>If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs. </li>
<li>Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey. </li></ul>
<p><strong>Don't Forget</strong> <br /></p>
<ul class="sub_content">
<li>Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go. </li>
<li>Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters. </li>
<li>Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken. </li>
<li>Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes. </li>
<li>Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap. </li></ul>
<p><a href="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/category/travel-advice/">Click here</a> for&nbsp;over 50 posts&nbsp;with helpful travel tips and advice.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[European Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/European%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/European%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span class="484091820-05112009"><font face="Garamond"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><img alt="" src="http://www.assemblynetworks.com/AgentGallery/Documents//Assets/Thumbnail/Greece_Parthenon.jpg" border="0" hspace="0" align="right" />Europe is a place of wonders, an intriguing past and timeless elegance.&nbsp; Here, watch history come live as you explore the destinations of your choice.&nbsp; Saver new foods and discover new passions.&nbsp; Shop for exquisite fashion and&nbsp;wander bustling markets for the best bargains.&nbsp; Let some of the most renowned theatres in the world excite and entertain you.&nbsp; Discover lands where fairytale castles exist and real kings, queens and princess rule.&nbsp; Europe is charming and positively magical, alluring, enchanting, enthralling and it's where Harry Potter, Shakespeare , Sherlock Holmes and "Angles &amp; Demons" come to life. <br /><br />Europe is defined in its thriving cities, breathtaking countryside, quaint pubs and the world's finest museums.&nbsp; A day in Europe could be a day of sightseeing, romance or just a long afternoon sitting at a sidewalk cafe.</font><br /><br /></font></span></p>
<p><strong><font face="Garamond">We welcome&nbsp;<span class="484091820-05112009">you to research your next European tour by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners.</span></font></strong></p>
<p><strong><font face="Garamond">Here is our network of&nbsp;<span class="484091820-05112009">Europe </span>travel destination sites<span class="484091820-05112009">:</span></font></strong><a href="http://www.escortedafricatours.com/" rel="tag"><br /></a><a href="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Atlas Cruises &amp; Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond">| </font><a href="http://www.christmasmarkettours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Christmas Market Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedbritaintours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">England Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedfamilyvacations.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Escorted Family Vacations</font></a><font face="Garamond"> |&nbsp;</font><a href="http://www.escortedfrancetours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">France Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedgreecetours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Greece Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond">| </font><a href="http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#0066cc" face="Garamond">Ireland Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escorteditalytours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Italy Tours </font></a><font face="Garamond">| </font><a href="http://www.luxurytour.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#0066cc" face="Garamond">Luxury Tour</font></a><font face="Garamond"> |</font><a href="http://www.passionplaytours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#0066cc" face="Garamond">Oberammergau</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.rivercruisetours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">River Cruise</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedrussiantours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Russia Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedscandinaviatours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#0066cc" face="Garamond">Scandinavia Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> |&nbsp;</font><a href="http://www.escortedspaintours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Spain Tours</font></a></p>
<p><strong><font face="Garamond">We also have specialty&nbsp;<span class="484091820-05112009">European Tour </span>Operators sites<span class="484091820-05112009">:</span></font></strong><a href="http://www.escortedcollettetours.com/" rel="tag"><br /></a><a href="http://www.escortedcontikitours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#0066cc" face="Garamond">Contiki Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedcosmostours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Cosmos Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedgeneraltours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">General Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Globus Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Insight Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escorteddeluxetours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Tauck Tours</font></a><font face="Garamond"> | </font><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/" rel="tag"><font color="#b85b5a" face="Garamond">Trafalgar Tours</font></a></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[What New for 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/What%5FNew%5Ffor%5F2010/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/What%5FNew%5Ffor%5F2010/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The&nbsp;<strong>Be My Guest</strong> authentic dining experiences added last year were so popular with travelers,&nbsp;Trafalgar has&nbsp;expanded this feature for 2010 and included it in two of our their Irish tours - </font></font></font><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=70&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Best_of_Ireland_2010/TT-IRBO-2010/"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Best of Ireland</font></a><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> and </font><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=71&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Irish_Experience_2010/TT-IREX-2010/"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Irish Experience</font></a><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">. <br /><br />Be My Guest provides travelers the opportunity to share genuine family meals with local people in their homes, farms and chateaux, adding a new dimension to your clients' vacations. </font></font><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=72&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/category/trafalgar-tours/"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Read more&gt;&gt;</font></a></strong></font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Plus,&nbsp;Trafalgar is&nbsp;excited to announce two new First Class tours and one new CostSaver tour. <br /><br /><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=73&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Ultimate_France_2010/TT-FFUL-2010/">Ultimate France (First Class):</a> 11 days from $2875*</font><br /><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Lyon, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco, Marseille, Arles, Paris<br /></font><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=74&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/Wonders_of_the_Ancient_World_(Superior)_2010/TT-AWWO-2010/">Wonders of the Ancient World (First Class):</a></font><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> 18 days from $3385*</font><br /><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Cairo, Crete, Luxor, Giza<br /></font><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><a title="http://email.trafalgartours.com/trafalgartoursuklz//lz.aspx?p1=0579585S91&amp;CC=&amp;w=75&amp;cID=0&amp;cValue=1" href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/Tours/England_and_Scotland_Heritage_2010/TT-BEAI-2010/">England &amp; Scotland Heritage (CostSaver):</a></font><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> 12 days from $1435*</font><br /><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">London, Stonehenge, Lake District, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon<br /><br />Trafalgar tours...Dream, pack and leave the rest to them!</font></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Britain and Ireland Tours Vacations]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Britain%5Fand%5FIreland%5FTours%5FVacations/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Britain%5Fand%5FIreland%5FTours%5FVacations/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Combine a trip to Britain and Ireland and you will see the Magnificent Tower Bridge, breathtaking Irish landscapes and mysterious Stonehenge… tour vacation packages to the UK and Ireland visit some of the most renowned and picturesque highlights in all of Europe. </p>
<p>Enjoy a hassle-free tour with enough time for you to relax, shop and explore on your own. Trafalgar&rsquo;s experienced Tour Directors have the local knowledge, will be there to answer your questions, show you the main and less-visited attractions and help you organize your vacation &ndash; travelling in the UK and Ireland has never been easier.</p>
<p>The eclectic mix of history, tradition, culture and sightseeing attractions make a vacation to the UK and Ireland truly exceptional. With Trafalgar, all you need to do is decide on where, when and for how long.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cork Ireland]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cork%5FIreland/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cork%5FIreland/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Cork City is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. Today the river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall, you will see large gateways at street level, under steps leading to a higher main door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their warehouses by water. As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish. St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint. He founded a monastery in the seventh century where St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands, and it grew into an extensive and wealthy establishment. </p>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Creative Packing Tips]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Creative%5FPacking%5FTips/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Creative%5FPacking%5FTips/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Please share some of your unique ideas!</strong></p>
<li>Bring an extra bag for souvenirs.&nbsp;&nbsp; It&rsquo;s always handy to pack an empty collapsible suitcase or duffel bag with you. It doesn't take up much room and when returning home you can fill it with souvenirs and even dirty laundry. <br /><br /></li>
<li>One color scheme:&nbsp; When packing to travel, it's helpful to use one color scheme, like black or brown, and maybe just one accent color.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s much easier to coordinate your wardrobe this way. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Preventing Wrinkles: Place individual items of clothing in dry cleaners&rsquo; plastic bags. Your clothes won&rsquo;t wrinkle! It sounds too easy but it really works. If you&rsquo;re using a hanging garment bag, prevent creasing of suits and garments on hangers by placing a small rolled-up towel on the inside, where the garments fold. This will prevent the horizontal crease caused by the fold. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Save Space: To keep shoes and boots in shape, fill them with socks. Ladies, consider putting your shoes inside your husband's shoes. They'll be protected and won't take up more space. <br /><br /></li>
<li>A dryer fabric softener sheet in your suitcase will keep your clothes smelling fresh while you travel.&nbsp; Slide a dry fabric softener sheet over your hair to calm down static-electric flyaway hair. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Beauty products that are good for 2 or more uses are great. Elizabeth Arden's 8-hour cream works as a facial moisturizer, lip balm, hair tamer, and sunburn soother all in one. Shampoo can double up as travel wash, and those chubby make up pencils from Clinique can multi-task for lipstick, eye color, and blush. Oil of Olay Daily Facials cleansing cloths are dry, and they remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize without taking products. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Make-up tricks: Use a stick foundation instead of a liquid. The texture is light, and many of the new sticks are oil-free. The foundation can also double as a concealer and an eyeshadow base. Look for perfume in a solid form as well. The containers are small enough to fit in a purse, yet smell strong. Kiss my Face makes shave lather in a tube &ndash; no aerosol cans. Invest in a good lipstick palette with a variety of colors. The palettes are small, and give you a good variety of colors for all skin tones, and cut down on the number of bulky tubes. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Earrings: To bring a selection of earrings on your trip, get an inexpensive felt square at a fabric store (they sell them pre-cut) and simply fasten earrings through the felt and fold. Fasten the roll with a rubber band. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Necklaces: When packing your necklaces, place each one in a straw, by threading one end of the necklace through, and clasping it closed. This prevents the necklace from tangling up. (Use longer straws for longer necklaces, and cut the straw to exactly half the length of the necklace, for shorter ones.) 
<p><font size="1"><em><strong>Creative packing tips&nbsp;from Perillo.</strong></em></font>&nbsp;</p></li>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Trafalgars Last Minute Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img height="82" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/trafalgarlastminute.jpg" width="500" align="baseline" border="0" /></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Europe &amp; Britain Tours<br /><br /></p>
<div align="left">
<table style="WIDTH: 383px; HEIGHT: 494px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="383" align="center" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>TOUR NAME</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left"><strong>DEPARTING</strong></p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left"><strong>WAS</strong></p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left"><strong>NOW</strong></p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left"><strong>SAVINGS</strong></p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>PROMO CODE</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>European Accent</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">01-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,365</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,125</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$240</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD71</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>European Dream</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">08-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,450</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,199</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$251</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD72</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Sound of Music</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">09-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,925</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,729</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$196</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD73</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Best of Italy</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">10-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$3,350</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$3,015</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$335</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD74</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Taste of Britain</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">15-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,175</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,059</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$116</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD75</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Irish Highlights</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">17-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,550</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,395</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$155</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD76</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Moderate)</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">20-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,799</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,620</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$179</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD77M</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Superior)</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">20-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,075</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$1,875</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$200</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD77S</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Premier)</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">20-Oct 09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,499</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,250</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$249</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD77P</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>Best of Spain</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">24-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,825</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,539</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$286</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD78</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="left"><strong>European Experience</strong></p></td>
<td width="89">
<p align="left">31-Oct&nbsp;09</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,299</p></td>
<td width="43">
<p align="left">$2,069</p></td>
<td width="69">
<p align="left">$230</p></td>
<td width="58">
<p align="left"><strong>LMD79</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<div align="left"><br />These selected departures are only available until&nbsp;September 30, 2009. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience the history of Europe&rsquo;s cities or North America's wide open spaces, all with Trafalgar&rsquo;s unbeatable services, tremendous value and now great savings.<br /></div></strong>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Best Time to Visit Ireland]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Best%5FTime%5Fto%5FVisit%5FIreland/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Best%5FTime%5Fto%5FVisit%5FIreland/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>You can take an Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don't mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds&nbsp;and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewelry,&nbsp;handmade sweaters&nbsp;and more.</p>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Tour]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>A tour of all the major cities in Ireland would take 12 to 14 days, however keep in mind that this is just an overview of the sites. You will find that&nbsp;these itineraries&nbsp;typically spend only one or two nights&nbsp;in the larger cities, and are on the move the rest of the time getting from place to place. This is why many travelers choose to focus on a specific region of Ireland,&nbsp;to ensure they can take everything in.</p>
<p>The shorter tours&nbsp;typically allow you to spend at least two&nbsp;nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from&nbsp;budget hotels&nbsp;and inns, to&nbsp;five star hotels and overnight castle stays.&nbsp;Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price.&nbsp;Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is&nbsp;included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are&nbsp;included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a&nbsp;little more up front,&nbsp;is a better value in the end to&nbsp;ensure you are getting&nbsp;the most from your visit.</p>
<p>In&nbsp;8 to&nbsp;10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include&nbsp;highlights and&nbsp;visits to such&nbsp;places as&nbsp;the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney&nbsp;kissing stone and Waterford Crystal&nbsp;Factory.</p>
<p>On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.&nbsp; The&nbsp;drive from the&nbsp;west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty&nbsp;as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include&nbsp;Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's&nbsp;Green.&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Trafalgars Last Minute Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgars%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img style="WIDTH: 464px; HEIGHT: 80px" border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="baseline" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/trafalgarlastminute.jpg" width="520" height="40" /><br /><br /><strong>Europe &amp; Britain Tours</strong></p>
<div align="center">&nbsp;</div>
<div align="center">
<table style="WIDTH: 517px; HEIGHT: 766px" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="517">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>TOUR NAME</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center"><strong>DEPARTING</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center"><strong>WAS</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center"><strong>NOW</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center"><strong>SAVINGS</strong><strong></strong></p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>PROMO CODE</strong><strong></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Best of Italy &amp; Greece</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">19-Sep-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,775</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$3,400</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$375</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD61</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>European Magic</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">20-Sep-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,425</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$2,180</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$245</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD62</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Italian Glory</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">23-Sep-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$3,525</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$3,175</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$350</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD63</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Imperial Europe</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">24-Sep-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,450</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$2,200</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$250</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD64</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Highlights of Spain, Morocco and Portugal</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">26-Sep-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,125</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,920</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$205</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD65</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Best of The North of Ireland and Dublin</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">3-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,675</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,500</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$175</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD66</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Best of Portugal</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">6-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,950</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,750</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$200</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD67</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Best of Germany and Austria</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">10-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,850</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$2,570</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$280</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD68</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Gladiators, Gondolas and Mountains</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">11-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,190</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,970</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$220</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD69</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Moderate)</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">20-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$1,799</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,620</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$179</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD70M</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Superior)</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">20-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,075</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$1,875</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$200</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD70S</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong>Aegean Odyssey (Premier)</strong></p></td>
<td width="96">
<p align="center">20-Oct-09</p></td>
<td width="46">
<p align="center">$2,499</p></td>
<td width="47">
<p align="center">$2,250</p></td>
<td width="74">
<p align="center">$249</p></td>
<td width="67">
<p align="center"><strong>LMD70P</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Trip]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTrip/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTrip/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Planning a trip to Ireland? Here's a quick overview of some of the things you can see and do.<br /><br />The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique style with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.</p>
<p>Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland,&nbsp;is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.</p>
<p>Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are&nbsp;Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks.&nbsp;Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.</p>
<p>Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.</p>
<p>The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon,&nbsp;is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area. &nbsp; Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills&nbsp;and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.</p>
<p>Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.&nbsp; See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle.&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Adventures by Disney 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Adventures%5Fby%5FDisney%5F2010/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Adventures%5Fby%5FDisney%5F2010/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010</strong> </font>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether floating down the Colorado River or climbing the Great Wall of China, families participating in <em>Adventures by Disney</em> vacations will connect with the world - and with each other - during a variety of guided group travel experiences spanning six continents in 2010. Created specifically for families, <em>Adventures by Disney </em>itineraries lead guests through the history and culture of each destination while providing unique experiences and exclusive access along the way. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Entering its fifth year, <em>Adventures by Disney </em>designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally<strong>-</strong>enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">"We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests," said Don Gross, Vice President, <em>Adventures by Disney.</em> "Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure." </font></p>
<p><u><strong><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Disney Difference</font></strong></u></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe's classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called "the Disney difference" . . . </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em><strong>Adventure Guide</strong></em>: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney's highly<strong>-</strong>trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.</font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em><strong>Junior Adventurers</strong></em>: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers - seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren't always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em><strong>Local Experts</strong></em>: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master - these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every <em>Adventures by Disney</em> vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an "insider's</font>" perspective to each destination. </p>
<p><em><strong>VIP Access</strong>:</em> Travelers vacationing with <em>Adventures by Disney</em> receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like "The Lion King<em>"</em> in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination. </p>
<p><strong><em>Adventures by Disney's </em>2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries</strong>: </p>
<p><strong>Asia &amp; Pacific </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Enchanted </em><em>China</em><em> </em>- China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong </li>
<li><em>Safari to </em><em>South Africa</em><em> </em>- South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve </li>
<li><em>Discovery Down Under </em>- Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney<br /></li></ul>
<p><strong>British Isles &amp; Europe </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Cities of Knights and Lights - </em>England and France: London and Paris </li>
<li><em>The Emerald Isle - </em>Ireland:<em> </em>Dublin, Killarney and Shannon </li>
<li><em>Once Upon a Fairytale - </em>Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich </li>
<li><em>Alpine Magic -</em> Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne </li>
<li><em>Viva Italia -</em> Italy:<em> </em>Rome, Tuscany and Venice </li>
<li><em>Bella Italia - </em>Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence <br /></li></ul>
<p><strong>Latin America</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Path to Pura Vida - </em>Costa Rica:<em> </em>San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park </li>
<li><em>Treasures of the Galapagos </em>- Ecuador and Galapagos Islands </li>
<li><em>Sacred Valleys and </em><em>Incan</em><em> </em><em>Cities</em><em> - </em>Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco<br /></li></ul>
<p><strong>North America</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Spirit of </em><em>America</em><em> -</em>Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va. </li>
<li><em>Quest for the West - </em>Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks </li>
<li><em>Southwest Splendors - </em>Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab </li>
<li><em>Backstage Magic - </em>Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort </li>
<li><em>Golden Path to Yosemite</em> - Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco </li>
<li><em>Taming the Last Frontier</em> - Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula </li>
<li><em>Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales </em>- Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park</li></ul>
<p>For more on Adventure by Disney, visit <a href="http://www.luxurytour.com">www.luxurytour.com</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p><a title="Blog Directory" href="http://www.bloggapedia.com/"><img border="0" alt="Blog Directory" src="http://www.bloggapedia.com/bp_small_images/blog-gapedia9.png" /></a>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Bus Tour]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FBus%5FTour/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FBus%5FTour/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>A tour of all the major cities in Ireland would take 12 to 14 days, however keep in mind that this is just an overview of the sites. You will find that&nbsp;these itineraries&nbsp;typically spend only one or two nights&nbsp;in the larger cities, and are on the move the rest of the time getting from place to place. This is why many travelers choose to focus on a specific region of Ireland,&nbsp;to ensure they can take everything in.</p>
<p>The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique style with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.</p>
<p>Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland,&nbsp;is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.</p>
<p>Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are&nbsp;Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks.&nbsp;Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.</p>
<p>Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.</p>
<p>The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon,&nbsp;is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area. &nbsp; Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills&nbsp;and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.</p>
<p>Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.&nbsp; See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The shorter tours&nbsp;typically allow you to spend at least two&nbsp;nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from&nbsp;budget hotels&nbsp;and inns, to&nbsp;five star hotels and overnight castle stays.&nbsp;Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price.&nbsp;Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is&nbsp;included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are&nbsp;included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a&nbsp;little more up front,&nbsp;is a better value in the end to&nbsp;ensure you are getting&nbsp;the most from your visit.</p>
<p>In&nbsp;8 to&nbsp;10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include&nbsp;highlights and&nbsp;visits to such&nbsp;places as&nbsp;the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney&nbsp;kissing stone and Waterford Crystal&nbsp;Factory.</p>
<p>On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.&nbsp; The&nbsp;drive from the&nbsp;west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty&nbsp;as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include&nbsp;Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's&nbsp;Green.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can take an Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don't mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds&nbsp;and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewely,&nbsp;handmade sweaters&nbsp;and more.</p>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Europe Winter Season Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Europe%5FWinter%5FSeason%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Europe%5FWinter%5FSeason%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 8 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<font size="2">
<p><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/winter_in_europe-300x64.jpg" />We invite you to experience the traditional magic of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in the months of November through April. This is the perfect time of year to vsit. The climate is surprisingly often mild and the cities are less crowded than in the summer months, and prices are 30 to 40% lower than traveling during peak season.<br /><br />Shop in the glittering Christmas Markets and Bazaars. Explore and soak up the atmosphere of Old World Charm. Our tours are priced much lower than during the summer season and the airlines are advertising some of the lowest airfares of the year. Now is the time to make your reservations. <br /><br />Italy is still the leader of destinations and Spain is not far behind, but don&rsquo;t discount Egypt. Egypt is an awesome destination for the winter season. Temperatures are more bearable than the hot, hot summer season. For Christmas Markets, Vienna Prague and Budapest are still most popular. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed in our winter seasons magical tour destinations.<br /><br /><em>Written by: C. Kennedy<br /></em><a href="mailto:kennedy@atlastravelweb.com">kennedy@atlastravelweb.com</a><br /></p></font>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Belfast, Ireland]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Belfast%2C%5FIreland/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Belfast%2C%5FIreland/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Hundreds of years of shipping and industry have created the wealth to fund Belfast&rsquo;s handsome architecture and has fuelled the passion of its people. Presently undergoing a renaissance, the city&rsquo;s 19th century aesthetics merge with the beauty of contemporary design and culture.</p>
<p>The city is small enough to explore on foot but large enough to keep you captivated - situated on Cave Hill are the scenic gardens of Belfast Castle, in the city centre is the pomp of City Hall, around the corner is the Grand Opera house. A city improving day-by-day, gorgeous Belfast is any traveller&rsquo;s must!<br /><br /><strong>Popular Sites:</strong></p>
<div class="containerSpace">
<div class="txt1">
<p><strong>Ulster Hall</strong> - Ulster Hall was built in 1862 and features the Mulholland organ, one of the oldest and most valuable classical English organs in the world. The historical paintings, wrought ironwork, yellow-bricked balcony and tilting frame combine to make the building aesthetically interesting. <br /><br /><strong>Belfast Castle</strong> - This striking castle overlooks Belfast Lough from a height of 400 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views. Belfast Castle's long and complex history has played an important role in the development of the city.<br /><br /><strong>City Hall</strong> - The seat of Northern Irish government - the beautiful neo-classical City Hall features a magnificent dome with a whispering gallery, as well as the opulent Grand Staircase.<br /><br /><strong>Botanic Gardens</strong> - Take in the picturesque views of these immaculate gardens and be sure to visit the cast-iron and glass Palm House.<br /><br /><strong>Food:</strong>&nbsp; The traditional dishes of Northern Ireland are based on bread and potatoes - the renowned fried breakfast, Ulster Fry, consists of bacon, egg, sausage, soda farls (fried or toasted bread) and potato bread. Other dishes include Dulse (salty, dried red seaweed) and the wonderful Irish Stews, traditionally made with lamb or mutton. Belfast's variety of restaurants and pub dishes make for an excellent dining experience. </p></div></div>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Travel Tips and Information]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTravel%5FTips%5Fand%5FInformation/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTravel%5FTips%5Fand%5FInformation/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Famous for: St. Patrick, Leprechauns &amp; Guinness<br /><br />Language:&nbsp; English &amp; Irish</p>
<p>The currency used is the Euro.<br /><br /><strong>Geogrpahy</strong>:&nbsp; <font size="2" face="Formata-Light">Mostly level to a rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; there are sea cliffs on the west coast. Over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin.<br /><br /><strong>Climate &amp; Clothing:</strong>&nbsp; <font size="2" face="Formata-Light">Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 60&ordm;F to 70&ordm;F (15&ordm;C to 21&ordm;C), July being the warmest month. Average winter temperatures range from 40&ordm;F to 46&ordm;F (5&ordm;C to 8&ordm;C). The most useful clothes are casuals, lightweight wools, sweaters for cold spells, comfortable walking shoes and a light raincoat.</font></font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Formata-Light"><font size="2" face="Formata-Light"><font size="2" face="Formata-Light"><font size="2" face="Formata-Light"><strong>Food &amp; Clothes:</strong>&nbsp; <font size="2" face="Formata-Light"><font size="2" face="Formata-Light"></p>
<p align="left">In the last decade, Ireland has made a giant gastronomic leap. Common foods include smoked salmon, soda bread, and a variety of seafood, and game when in season. Traditional dishes consist of Irish stew, boxty (potato pancake) and coddle (boiled pork sausages). The country is best known for its stout and beer, the most famous being Guinness. However other, popular brands include Murphy&rsquo;s Irish Stout, Beamish, and Kilkenny beer. Whiskey is also renowned with the most famous distilleries being the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills Distillery in Antrim. Water across the Republic of Ireland is safe to drink.<br /><br /><strong>Best Buys</strong>:&nbsp; <font size="2" face="Formata-Light">Tweed clothing, traditional Aran knitwear from the Aran Islands (once handmade by fishermen featuring family patterns), Irish music, linen, <font size="2" face="Formata-Light">pottery, Waterford crystal, Irish whiskey and basketry.<br /><br /><font size="2" face="Formata-Light">The gender signs on the doors in the republic may be printed in Gaelic, not<br />English. &lsquo;Mna&rsquo; is Gaelic for Ladies and &lsquo;Fir&rsquo; means gentlemen.</p></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Luggage Restrictions On Bus Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Luggage%5FRestrictions%5FOn%5FBus%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Luggage%5FRestrictions%5FOn%5FBus%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>We just received this question from a client, and thought it was worth posting, as many travelers have&nbsp;similar concerns.</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.</strong>&nbsp; I'm confused about luggage, specifically carry on. Is my purse considered a carry on item? How about my husband's camera case? My husband wants to bring his computer, it is slightly over the 12x11x6 Is this a problem?</p>  <p><strong>A.</strong>&nbsp; #1.&nbsp; A purse or camera case is not considered a carry on. You can still have a separate carry-on bag.<br /> <br /> #2.&nbsp; As far as your husband's computer,&nbsp;carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motorcoaches and other transportation. If it is a very minimal difference, (1 inch,) then it should still fit in the overhead without a problem, but these measurements are given to ensure you will not have any issue while touring.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Importance of Travel Insurance]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/The%5FImportance%5Fof%5FTravel%5FInsurance/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/The%5FImportance%5Fof%5FTravel%5FInsurance/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">An unexpected emergency or mishap can turn a dream of a lifetime vacation into a travel nightmare. Travel insurance is purchased to give you piece of mind. The purpose is to save you money, protect your vacation and make your trip memorable for you and your family. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Services offered include services of 24/7 agent for any last minutes changes, pre-trip travel advice such as what vaccines are required, embassy contacts, weather and currency information.&nbsp; They also offer assistance for last minute changes, such as cancelled or delayed flights, making hotel reservations or ground transportation reservations. Benefits include coverage in the event of cruise line, airline or tour operator default (financial default non applicable to all suppliers) Coverage for sickness, injury or death of immediate family member. Terrorist incident that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">With a good policy, you receive 24 hours&nbsp;assistance replacing lost or stolen documents such as visas, passports or tickets. Cash advance for travel or medical emergencies. They can also help you locate English speaking medical specialists, facilities and assistance with medical evacuations anywhere in the world. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">They will provide you with baggage and personal effects loss coverage, baggage delay coverage and luggage tracing services. They have a bilingual staff for telephone interpretation for medical or legal emergencies. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">If you purchase your travel insurance within 15 days of making your initial deposit your coverage will include pre-existing conditions which applies to the first $25,000 of trip cost. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Whether a child gets the flu, or a close family member has a medical emergency, travel protection has a plan that will protect you before or during your vacation. The right kind of insurance is essential. It will provide you with peace of mind, medical evacuation in case of an emergency, baggage coverage, flight delay and flight cancellation coverage. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">In addition to these services some insurance policies also provide a concierge service which is available to assist you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, tee time reservations and floral services.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">This is only a brief description of some of the benefits and travel services provided. All&nbsp;policies and coverage&nbsp;may vary, and may not be available in all states. There are also expanded coverage plans that offer business related covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and other that let you cancel for any reason.<br /><br />At times it is best to purchase the insurance with&nbsp;the tour operator or cruise line as part of your package, where on other occasions you can save money and get better coverage medical and evacuation coverage.&nbsp;An experience agent can explain your options to that you can purchase the best policy for your individual needs.<br /><br />Good travel insurance isn't&nbsp;always&nbsp;expensive. We have negotiated excellent policies exclusive to Atlas, where rather than paying by age, which can add up for seniors, everyone is charged a flat amount base on the cost of the trip.</font> </font></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Trafalgar Last Minute Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgar%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgar%5FLast%5FMinute%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img style="WIDTH: 521px; HEIGHT: 82px" border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/trafalgarlastminute.jpg" width="587" height="82" /></p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center">These select departures are only available until<strong> 15 July, 2009</strong>. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience the history of Europe&rsquo;s cites or North America's wide open spaces this summer, all with Trafalgar&rsquo;s unbeatable services, tremendous value and now great savings.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Please note:</strong> To get these special rates, please reference the tour&rsquo;s &lsquo;PROMO CODE&rsquo; at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>Europe &amp; Britain Tours</strong><strong><br /><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong></strong></strong></p>
<div align="center">
<table style="WIDTH: 517px; HEIGHT: 249px" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="517" height="249">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">TOUR NAME</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">DEPARTING</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">WAS</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">NOW</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">SAVINGS</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">PROMO </font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Wonders of Britain &amp; Ireland</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 17</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,030</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,725</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$305</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD21</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of Ireland &amp; Scotland</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,999</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,699</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$300</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD22</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Dalmatian Sunshine</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,350</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,115</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$235</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD23</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of Italy &amp; Sicily</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,525</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,170</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$355</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD24</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Treasures of France</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,925</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,735</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$190</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD25</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Irish Experience</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 22</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,290</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,060</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$230</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD26</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Scenic Scandinavia &amp; Its Fjords</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 22</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,699</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,325</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$374</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD27</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of Portugal</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 25</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,950</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,759</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$191</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD28</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Wonderful France</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 28</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,099</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,889</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$210</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD29</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="187">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">The Grand Alpine Tour</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 29</font></p></td>
<td width="60">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,025</font></p></td>
<td width="66">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,720</font></p></td>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$305</font></p></td>
<td width="106">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMD30</font></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<p align="center"><strong>USA</strong><strong> &amp; Canada Tours</strong></p>
<div align="center">
<table style="WIDTH: 518px; HEIGHT: 494px" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="518" height="494">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">TOUR NAME</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">DEPARTING</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">WAS</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">NOW</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">SAVINGS</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">PROMO </font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Scenic Parks Explorer</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Jul 21</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,765</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,485</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$280</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA21</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184"></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 27</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,765</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,485</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$280</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA21</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of the Canyonlands</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 1</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,199</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,079</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$120</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA22</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of Canada&rsquo;s West</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 4</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,320</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,980</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$340</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA23</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184"></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 11</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,320</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,980</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$340</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA23</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Best of Eastern Canada</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 7</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,365</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,125</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$240</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA24</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Hawaii Four Island Adventure - Moderate</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 7</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,380</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,020</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$360</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25M</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184"></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,380</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,020</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$360</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25M</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Hawaii Four Island Adventure - First Class</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 7</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,570</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,210</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$360</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25F</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184"></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,570</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,210</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$360</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25F</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Hawaii Four Island Adventure - Premier</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 7</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$4,135</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,715</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$420</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25P</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184"></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 21</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$4,135</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,715</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$420</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA25P</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Canada&rsquo;s Rockies</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 10</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,050</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,845</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$205</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA26</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">The Trailblazer</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 16</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,465</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,315</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$150</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA27</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">East Coast USA &amp; Canada</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Aug 28</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$3,165</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$2,845</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$320</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA29</font></strong></p></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="184">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Historic Highlights</font></strong></p></td>
<td width="81">
<p align="center"><font size="2">Sep 5</font></p></td>
<td width="65">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,675</font></p></td>
<td width="68">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$1,505</font></p></td>
<td width="75">
<p align="center"><font size="2">$170</font></p></td>
<td width="102">
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2">LMDUSA30</font></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3 align="center">Contact 1-800-942-331</h3>
<div align="center">
<hr />
</div>
<p align="center">Conditions: For new bookings only. Book between July 1 and July 15, 2009. Subject to availability. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure). This offer is combinable with all applicable Trafalgar discounts.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Trafalgar Winter Breaks]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgar%5FWinter%5FBreaks/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Trafalgar%5FWinter%5FBreaks/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<div align="center"><strong><em>The Magic of Fall, Winter &amp; Spring In Europe<br />Companions Fly for $99*</em></strong></div>
<div align="left">
<hr />
Book yourself and a companion on an air-inclusive First Class Trafalgar European vacation for travel from November 2009 to March 2010, and your companion flies for $99* (plus taxes of up to $160)!</div>
<p><strong>A GREAT VALUE FOR ALL SEASONS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fewer Crowds and Great Savings</strong>: Save up to 35% when compared to summer travel, plus Trafalgar always saves you up to 40% off the cost of traveling on your own. </li>
<li><strong>First Class Itineraries</strong>: Expertly designed, authentically local European vacations featuring exclusive<strong> Be My Guest</strong> dining highlights, special <strong>Family Experiences</strong> departures and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar's professional <strong>Tour Directors</strong>.</li></ul>
<p><em>Book your Fall, Winter &amp; Spring European vacation today!&nbsp; Offer expires July 31, 2009!</em></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Tahitian Princess Review]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Tahitian%5FPrincess%5FReview/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Tahitian%5FPrincess%5FReview/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<font size="2">
<p><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3409144923_07ea74a403_s.jpg" />We love small ship cruising, and the Tahitian Princess carries approximately 700 passengers. We chose this itinerary for the small ship and the ports. Russia has been on the top of my list for quite a while</p>
<p><strong>24 May</strong> -arrived in Dublin - First thought- "even the airport is green!!!" - shuttle from airport to ship- so nice to have a smiling face to greet us at the airport. Boarded 4pm - the shower felt so good after an overnight flight - Did tour of ship and remembered our last cruise on the Azamara Quest, an identical ship</p>
<p>The dining room was open seating for the first night - discovered I can live on shrimp cocktail, caesar salad, and salmon, which is offered every evening along with many other choices - our welcome to Dublin was Irish Folklore entertainment</p>
<p><strong>25 May</strong> - took advantage of the shuttle offered from the ship into the heart of the city - Sunny - No rain - Amazing for Ireland - Rode the Hop-on, Hop-Off bus around the city-wanted to visit the Guiness Brewery, but didn't have time. The ship was scheduled to depart at 230pm. We walked and found ourselves lost in Dublin, which I found out from others, is easy to do in Dublin. It was getting late, so we took a taxi back to the ship. Everyone is so friendly in Dublin. The taxi driver told us we walked right off the map, which was true. We didn't find any street signs matching the map. The sail away party had to move inside do to rain. Now…this is typical Irish weather!</p>
<p>The Tahitian Princess has quite a bit to offer for a small ship:</p>
<p>Complimentary wine tasting<br />Afternoon tea<br />Fitness center with aerobic classes<br />Internet Caf&eacute;</p>
<p>The comedian was really funny that evening and kept us laughing late enough to watch the ship go through the locks on the way to Barrow.</p>
<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3629443573_b979e98d3d_m.jpg" />26 May</strong> - Barrow - Visited the Dock Museum and returned to ship. Much to my husband's joy, the market was closed on Tuesday. Weather turning cold and windy</p>
<p>We had dinner at one of the 2 alternative restaurants, The Grill, which is a wonderful steakhouse with fantastic service and only an additional $15 per person.</p>
<p>The ship rocked and rolled all night. I laid in bed listening to things crashing to the floor all around the ship while my husband snored like a baby. Our little ship took the rough seas amazingly well.</p>
<p><strong>27 May</strong> - A Day at Sea - The seas calmed down and it was smooth sailing. There were so many activities offered that it was hard to decide which ones to partake in</p>
<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3629441261_0fe63e9bea_m.jpg" />28 May</strong> - Rosyth - Edinburgh, Scotland - We toured the Edinburgh Castle, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and the Brittania (the Royal Families Yacht). Our wonderful tour guide greeted us in Kilts. Lunch was servedata Thistle Hotel. The Scotch serve boiled potatoes, just like the Irish!!</p>
<p><strong>29 May</strong> - Another sea day - nice to relax after a full day of touring yesterday. I went to a "Fat Burning" seminar, not condusive to the wonderful meals I have been devoring on board. Lost of passengers were on deck. The day was cold but sunny and the hot tub was bubbling with bodies. This evening the dining room had an Italian Theme and then a 50's &amp; 60's sock hop upstairs in the lounge.</p>
<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3630257224_832dc267cc_m.jpg" />30 May</strong> - Copenhagen - What a beautiful day! We left the ship and walked to the Canal Boat Cruise Dock for our narrated canal cruise. We took the shuttle back to the ship and after lunch took the shuttle back to the center of town to get our bearings. From there we walked to the Rosenborg Castle, more crown jewels,,WOW.</p>
<p><strong>31 May</strong> - A Day at Sea - Took the galley tour and a culinary demonstration - our days at sea are never boring. The ship presented a 5K Walk to benefit breast cancer. We had 12 participants. What a good feeling upon completion!</p>
<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3629442843_790c41dba3_m.jpg" />01 June</strong> - Up at 5am for our Tallin, Estonia walking tour, a quaint litte town with many churches and cobblestone streets. The highlight of our tour was a concert at a monastery and walking through the market, with wonderful hand made goods</p>
<p><strong>02 June</strong> - Finally ……Russia……The first day of our 2 day tour, we visited the Peterhof palace and had lunch serenaded by Russian singers and dancers. Pinch me, am I really here? The eveing's entertainment was a Russian folklore show with more singing and dancing. The Russians serve vodka and champagne with their meals. The vodka tasted like cough syrup, but the champagne was excellent.</p>
<p><strong><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3629444291_c0800a5121_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" />03 June</strong> - The 2nd day of our St. Petersburg tour took us to the Hermitage. I wished we could have had more time there. I don't think you can get through this wonderful museum in one day's time…so much to see. It rained and turned much colder the 2nd day, but we were lucky to have many good days in this part of the world.</p>
<p><strong>04 June</strong>- Helsinki, Finland - Did you know hello in Finnish is "hey" and goodbye is "hey hey"??? I love Helsinki. This fabulous city is so clean.</p>
<p>You can send your college bound students to University in Helsinki without tuition. You just pay for books and meals. They start with English speaking classes and once they master Finnish or Swedish, they can go on to classes I the local languages. We booked a walking tour and it poured. Our tour guide had written on the back of her raincoat "sorry it's raining", so I guess this is normal weather for Helsinki. We walked for 2 hours and stoppedata pastry shop to get wam and dry. The hot tea was a treat and the pastry so light and flaky. I wished I could have brought some home.</p>
<p><strong>05 June</strong> - Stockholm - We didn't get to see much of Stockholm due to our flight leaving at 1pm, but what we did see was beautiful rolling hills and farmland with horses and cows. It was too bad we couldn't have stayed overnight,</p>
<p>Now we have fond memories of our trip and loads of pictures.</p>
<p>Until the next one………..<br /><br />Written by:&nbsp; C Kennedy<br /><a href="mailto:kennedy@atlastravelweb.com">kennedy@atlastravelweb.com</a></p></font>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[General Travel Tips]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/General%5FTravel%5FTips/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/General%5FTravel%5FTips/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><img alt="" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/knowb4ugo.jpg" border="0" hspace="0" align="right" />Before You Go</strong></p>
   
<ul> <li>Secure Your Home: Cancel all newspapers, pay bills and consider what to do about the mail. You can ask your Post Office to hold it while you&rsquo;re away, or get someone to look after your house.&nbsp; Put some lights and a radio or TV on a timer. If applicable, park a car in your driveway. </li>
  <li>Be prepared:&nbsp; Bring an emergency contact list, including the telephone numbers of your insurance people, credit card issuers, and home numbers of close relatives or friends, in case of an emergency. </li>
  <li>Back up important information: Copy or scan your travel documents &ndash; passport, travelers, identity and vaccination card and credit cards &ndash; front and back. Make two sets of copies, leave one at home or with a trusted person, and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have all the information and phone numbers you need. If you choose to scan your documents, send them to your email address. In case of a problem, you can access them from any business center or cybercafe in the world. </li>
  <li>If you have a black or blue suitcase, you may want to wrap brightly colored electrical tape or ribbons around the handles of check luggage to make it easy to identify, OR use colored luggage tags. </li>
  <li>Just in case your luggage is lost, make sure you have your name, address and phone number on each piece, so that the airline can contact you. We suggest using a work address rathern than home whenever possible. </li>
  <li>Medications: Remember, all medications and vitamins must be in their original containers when traveling. You can ask your pharmacist to label small bottles with just enough medication in for your trip. Always carry these in your carry-on. Also, take a few days extra supply, in case you are delayed coming back.</li>
 </ul>
  <p><strong>Useful Items When Traveling</strong></p>
  <ul><li>Sun glasses </li>
  <li>Pen &amp; small notepad </li>
  <li>Small retractable umbrella </li>
  <li>Sun block </li>
  <li>Chapstick </li>
  <li>Package of wipes or bottle of hand sanitzer </li>
  <li>Plastic bags. Take various size zip-lock bags &ndash; the heavier duty the better. They are great for packing things that might leak, like shampoo and lotions, and come in handy again for dirty clothes, the beach, etc. </li>
  <li>Camera with extra film or memory cards </li>
  <li>Chargers for any electronics you may be bringing (such as Ipod, camera, cell phone, labtops, etc.) </li>
  <li>Small bag packed into your suitcase. This can be used to carry souvenirs. </li>
  <li>Book or magazine<br />
 </li></ul>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Meals While Touring]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Meals%5FWhile%5FTouring/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Meals%5FWhile%5FTouring/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><img style="width: 216px; height: 164px;" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3356682348_16f10c64c4.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" height="258" hspace="0" align="right" />Many clients wonder what the differences are when traveling with a budget, first class or deluxe tour operator. As we have discussed in previous posts, a lot has to do with the type of accommodations used, the location of the hotels, the number of people on the tour and how much is included in the price (i.e. sightseeing, meals, etc.)<br /><br />Today our focus is to explain the difference in meals.&nbsp; In most cases, on a budget tour you will receive continental breakfast. This is a basic breakfast of usually consisting of cereals, pastries, juice and coffee. Once you take a first class tour and above, breakfast is normally buffet. This offers the widest choices, quickest service and as much or as little food as you desire.</font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Budget tours rarely include dinners, and when they do, it is normally in the hotel. First class tour operators offer a combination of both hotel dinners and some dining at local restaurants. However, there is usually a limited menu. It includes 3 to 5 courses with a more limited choice of appetizer, entrees and desserts. We are not suggesting the food is bad, on the contrary,<span class="593160421-03062009"> frequently the limited menu includes the chef's freshest market specials of the day and takes less time to serve. </span></font></p>
<p><span class="593160421-03062009"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Dining is a delightful and integral part of the travel experience when traveling abroad. Deluxe and luxury operators&nbsp;select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit, and offer&nbsp;full choice of menu to include a starter course (hot &amp; cold appetizer, soup or salad,) main course, dessert and beverage. You&rsquo;ll savor a delectable assortment of classic dishes and regional specialties. Many meals include wine with dinner and at times entertainment.<br /><br />Regardless of which tour you book, gratuities to the wait staff are included. For lunches and evenings that meals are not included, the knowledgeable tour directors can assist you in finding dining options based on your the type of food you want to have and your&nbsp;budget.</font></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/UNESCO%5FWorld%5FHeritage%5FSites/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/UNESCO%5FWorld%5FHeritage%5FSites/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>For those that are new to travel, you may be wondering when reading through an itinerary what is a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site?</strong></p>
<p>A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site that holds a list of outstanding cultural or natural universal value such as, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.&nbsp;It could be a&nbsp;monument, building, mountain, forest, lake, desert, complex or city.</p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><strong>So how is&nbsp;a site&nbsp;selected?</strong></span></p>
<p>Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural&nbsp;&amp; cultural heritage can submit nominations for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO&rsquo;s World Heritage list.</p>
<p>A nominated property is independently evaluated by several Advisory Boards. Once a site has been nominated &amp; evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision. One per year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage list.</p>
<p>The program aims to catalogue&nbsp;&amp; preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.</p>
<p>There are currently <strong>878 World Heritage Sites in 145 countries</strong>. These include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed properties.</p>
<p>You may have visited a&nbsp;place in the U.S. already, not realizing it was a UNESCO site such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Yellowstone or Olympic National Park.</p>
<p><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list" target="_blank"><strong><em>Click here</em></strong></a><strong><em> for a full list of site.</em></strong></p>
<p>I have seen&nbsp;20 sites in&nbsp;9 countries, so only&nbsp;858 to go, but I have to say that certain countries do not interest me <strong>AT ALL</strong>, so my goal would be to see at least half of the UNESCO sites while traveling the world.</p>
<p><strong><em>How many UNESCO sites have you visited?</em></strong></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Swine Flu Update for Travelers]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Swine%5FFlu%5FUpdate%5Ffor%5FTravelers/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Swine%5FFlu%5FUpdate%5Ffor%5FTravelers/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>As you know, the swine flu situation has led a few countries to discourage travel to Mexico and the United States. The U.S. Travel Association will take a lead role in addressing this challenge. While it is important not to minimize the seriousness of the threat, it is critical to be prepared, but not panicked.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ustravel.org/resources/Public_Affairs/Swine_Flu/Swine_Flu_Talking_Points4_27_2009.pdf" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.ustravel.org/resources/Public_Affairs/Swine_Flu/Swine_Flu_Talking_Points4_27_2009.pdf"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for Swine Flu talking points </li>
<li><a href="http://www.ustravel.org/pressmedia/pressrec.asp?Item=961" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.ustravel.org/pressmedia/pressrec.asp?Item=961"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for U.S. Travel's statement. </li>
<li><a href="http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for the CDC website with more information on Swine Flu.</li></ul>
<p>For all travelers, CDC recommends the following steps to help you stay healthy:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to offer protection against swine flu viruses, but it can protect against seasonal influenza viruses which may still be circulating in Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere. </li>
<li>Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. See <a href="http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentPackSmart.aspx"><font color="#0a29a5">Pack Smart</font></a> in <a href="http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSurvivalGuide.aspx"><font color="#0a29a5">Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel</font></a> for a list of what to include in your travel health kit. </li>
<li>Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting. </li>
<li>Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.&nbsp; Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.&nbsp; For more information, see <a title="Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad" href="http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/forward.aspx?t=aHR0cDovL3RyYXZlbC5zdGF0ZS5nb3YvdHJhdmVsL3RpcHMvYnJvY2h1cmVzL2Jyb2NodXJlc18xMjE1Lmh0bWw%3d-2hqC1XJXRTI%3d"><font color="#0a29a5">Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad</font></a> from the U.S. Department of State. </li>
<li>Remember that U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.</li></ul>
<h5>Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of swine flu</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wash your hands often with soap and water.&nbsp; This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading. 
<ul>
<li>Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.</li></ul></li>
<li>Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket. </li>
<li>If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. </li>
<li>Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available. </li>
<li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way. </li>
<li>Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.) </li>
<li>It is important to follow the advice of local health and government authorities.&nbsp; You may be asked to restrict your movement and stay in your home to contain the spread of swine flu.</li></ul>
<p>If you have specific questions about the swine influenza cases see <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/contact/"><font color="#0a29a5">http://www.cdc.gov/contact/</font></a> &nbsp;or call 1-800-232-4636, which is 1-800-CDC-INFO.</p>
<p>To learn more about travel health, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/travel"><font color="#0a29a5">www.cdc.gov/travel</font></a>.</p>
<p>More information will be provided as the situation develops. Please continue to check&nbsp;our website&nbsp;on a regular basis for updates.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Atlas Group Marketing Services]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Atlas%5FGroup%5FMarketing%5FServices/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Atlas%5FGroup%5FMarketing%5FServices/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.royalincentives.com/images/content/large_meetings.jpg" width="269" border="0" height="150" hspace="0" align="right" />Planning to travel in a group?</strong> </font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">We'd like to share with you the Atlas difference.</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">All our group services demonstrate an excellence of service whether your first in the planning stages, marketing to your group, making bookings and or finalizing before you go.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Each Proposal and Quotation is <strong><em>individually prepared</em></strong> to meet the group's requirements and is emailed to the group organizer/leader in a <strong><em>4 color PDF file format</em></strong> that can be shared with others on the decision making committee.</font></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">A Group Contract is executed by both parties stating the outline of our agreements and are in concert with the policies of the tour operator or cruise line.</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Marketing Assistance is given as required and can take the form of</strong>:</font></span></div>
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<div align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">&nbsp;Four color tri-fold brochures or&nbsp;Four color flyers&nbsp;which can be used as&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;hand-outs or mail-outs to prospective participants</font></span></div></li>
<li>
<div align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">&nbsp;Power Point Presentations for group level meetings to explain the <br />&nbsp;program to possible participants</font></span></div></li>
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<div align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">&nbsp;Presentation by a member of our group department to local South <br />&nbsp; Florida organizations</font></span></div></li></ul>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Booking and Reservation Assistance is handle by professionally trained Travel Agents with years of experience in selling travel, making reservations and servicing our clients with extraordinary Customer Service.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Reports are prepared each Friday during the hectic initial booking cycle and emailed to the group organizer/leader for their review.</font></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Groups are finalized and documents are disbursed to the participants as agreed upon in the Group Contract.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For local South Florida groups a meeting is held approximately 3 weeks prior to travel to hand-out documents and answer any and all questions participants have.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Upon return, a complete follow-up of the groups trip is reviewed with the group organizer/leader to resolve any supplier issues and to plan a subsequent group.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Our Customer Service Agents help participants with any Insurance claims that need to be filed.</font></span><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />&nbsp;</font></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left"><span class="515014319-20042009"><font color="#000000" face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">From planning to execution Atlas Cruises and Tours dedicated Groups Department "Goes beyond your Travel Expectations."</font></span></div>&nbsp; 
<div align="left"><font color="#0000ff" face="Rage Italic" size="5">John Unger</font></div>
<div align="left"><font color="#0000ff" face="Rage Italic" size="5">V.P. Group Marketing<br /><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">866-503-6429<br /></font><a href="mailto:john@atlastravelweb.com"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">john@atlastravelweb.com</font></a></font></div>
<div align="left">&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Traveling with a Laptop]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Traveling%5Fwith%5Fa%5FLaptop/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Traveling%5Fwith%5Fa%5FLaptop/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><font face="Arial"><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rccllaptop.jpg" />Should <em>you </em>bring a laptop while traveling?</font></strong></p>
<p>This is a personal question that really depends on many things. What you&rsquo;ll be doing, where you are going and how long will you be traveling?</p>
<p><strong>I would like to share some guidelines that may help with your decision.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Reasons you should bring a laptop:</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>You can email your family and friends</em></strong><strong>.</strong> Having your laptop, you can email your loved ones back home. This is something you could do at most internet cafes, which is a much nicer atmosphere than your hotel room. Most cafes around the world do offer free&nbsp;Wifi when you order something. Not all cafes have free&nbsp;Wifi; some&nbsp;do have a small charge. Newer cruise ships also offer Wifi, but make sure and purchase a package, as usage rates can be high.</p>
<p><strong><em>You can download all your photos</em></strong><strong>. </strong>You can download your digital photo right to your laptop. This will keep your camera&rsquo;s memory stick free everyday. This will allow you to capture that favorite photo. If your memory stick is full, you would lose that favorite photo moment.</p>
<p><strong><em>Keeping a journal of the cities you visited</em></strong><strong>. </strong>Sometimes we see so much on our vacation that we tend to forget something. Keeping a journal along the way will allow you to never forget. It also allows you to post your travel blogs in writing. </p>
<p><strong><em>Calling home for free (or very cheap) with Skype</em></strong>. For mere cents per minute you can make calls to landlines and cell phones from all over the world with Skype. It allows you to call from any web-enabled laptop. It&rsquo;s a great way to keep in touch over the phone. </p>
<p><strong><em>You can get lots of local information</em></strong><strong>. </strong>Many laptops today have maps, directions, schedules and must-see sites for key cities. Maybe you would like get tickets to a play or need to get those directions to a restaurant. You can get all the information you need right from your laptop. Usually it&rsquo;s much better than carrying around big guidebooks. </p>
<p><strong><em>You can work</em></strong><strong>. </strong>Even though we are on vacation, sometimes we still have our work on our minds. Maybe you have an on-line business and need to be kept informed. Having your laptop with you allows you to still work. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reasons you should keep your laptop home:</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>It could get lost, stolen or damaged</em></strong><strong>. </strong>Where you are traveling really depends on the risks, which could range from mild to extreme. Getting your laptop insured by home or travel insurance is really not likely. Most insurance companies won&rsquo;t cover you unless you pay a very high premium.</p>
<p><strong><em>It&rsquo;s extra weight to carry</em></strong><strong>. </strong>If weight is an issue then you may want to keep it home. Depending on where you are traveling, you would need to bring your power adapter and any plug in devices to operate your laptop. </p>
<p><strong><em>Surfing the internet</em></strong><strong>. </strong>As we all know, the internet can be addicting. You could spend hours surfing the web, when we should be enjoying the experience of the city that you paid to see. </p>
<p><strong><em>Checking in at the airport.&nbsp; </em></strong>Our new airport regulations require us to open our carry bags to get through security. When you are traveling with your laptop, you will have to remove your laptop from the carry case for security inspection, so allow extra time for check-in. </p>
<p>You need to base your decision on where you are going. The more remote destinations you are traveling to, the less likely you will find a Wifi&nbsp;connection. Some remote islands will probably only have a dial up connection, which would probably be very slow. </p>
<p>The biggest consideration is whether you feel you actually need a laptop. Some people absolutely need to stay connected. If you decide to bring it, I would recommend a soft case to protect it. I would use a water-resistant case. Remember to never stow your computer in your luggage. </p>
<p><strong>Contributed by</strong>: A Sternberg<br /><a href="mailto:angie@atlastravelweb.com">angie@atlastravelweb.com</a></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Travel Advice: Read the Fine Print!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FAdvice%3A%5FRead%5Fthe%5FFine%5FPrint%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FAdvice%3A%5FRead%5Fthe%5FFine%5FPrint%21/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>I just read an article on CNN written by Christopher Elliott regarding a family that has asked for help in waiving an airline/consolidator penalty of $535 each ($2,675 total for 5).</p>
<p>The story had a nice ending, as Mr. Elliott was able to get the client a full refund, but not all stories end this way, and clients lose thousands of dollars for not asking the right questions prior to making a reservation. </p>
<p><strong><em>Be&nbsp;aware of penalties!</em></strong> At Atlas, when we book reservations for our clients, not only do we provide them with a confirmation, but also the Terms and Conditions for each supplier, as cancellation penalties vary for each company. At times, there are&nbsp;3 to 5 pages&nbsp;of "conditions"&nbsp;for the client to read over, but all of this is done prior to booking the reservation, so you have no surprises down the road.</p>
<p>Furthermore as the article mentions, if there is any chance you may have to cancel your trip, a consolidator is not the way to go when booking airline tickets, as their penalties are usually higher than booking with the airline or suppliers directly.</p>
<p>Final thoughts...no one can anticipate or predict the future. Be prepared and have piece of mind, by purchasing travel insurance for every trip! Suppliers such as Travel Guard &amp; Access America offer&nbsp;add-ons to several of their plans that allow you to <strong><em>cancel for work reasons</em></strong> or even <strong><em>cancel for any reason, </em></strong>and receive up to 75% of your penalties back.&nbsp;Many cruise lines and tour operators offer their own version of cancel for any reason policies, but in some cases rather than money, you receive vouchers for future travel.<br /><br />It can all be a bit confusing, so make sure&nbsp;to consult a&nbsp;travel professional&nbsp;to help you select the&nbsp;best coverage to protect your investment.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/24/change.fee.airline/index.html" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/24/change.fee.airline/index.html">Click here</a> to read the article published on CNN.<br /><br />For more information on the pros &amp; cons of booking airfare separately from a vacation, <a href="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com">click here</a>.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Dublin, Ireland]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Dublin%2C%5FIreland/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Dublin%2C%5FIreland/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 7 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Ireland's vibrant and ever-changing capital is one of the top destinations in Europe. Yet despite its fast growing popularity and prosperity, Dublin remains one of Europe's friendliest, most down-to-earth, and accessible cities. Dublin is divided by the River Liffey and is a city that lends itself to walking tours. The prosperous, popular side of Dublin is south of the Liffey and features top hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops including the trendy riverside area of Temple Bar, and the hot shopping district "Old City." The city also has one of the best pub and club scenes in Europe ranging from trendy modern cafe bars to historic pubs. Throughout the year, Dublin is host to a variety of musical, sporting and cultural events including the world's largest St. Patrick's Day Festival.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Globus British Airways Promotion]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FBritish%5FAirways%5FPromotion/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FBritish%5FAirways%5FPromotion/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><img alt="" hspace="0" src="http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/69/69499/images/logos/logo.gif" align="right" border="0" />Globus Tours</strong> just extended their British Airways promotion until April 30, 2009.</p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take advantage of one of their special promotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands &amp; British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of <strong><em>more than&nbsp;50% off regular fares .</em></strong>** Availability is limited, so act now.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a&nbsp;<strong><em>$200 per person discount</em></strong> on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.*** </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Guaranteed Air:&nbsp;&nbsp;As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered. </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">Some restrictions apply, visit <a href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/" mce_href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com">www.escortedglobustours.com</a> for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.<br /><br />Don't forget to check the <a href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/">list of Globus tours at 10% off the land rate</a> to combine the savings with this air promotion.</span></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Globus Tour Discounts]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FTour%5FDiscounts/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FTour%5FDiscounts/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" hspace="0" src="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/images/Atlas_Logo.jpg" align="right" border="0" />For the first time in 18 years, Atlas is offering a discount of&nbsp;10% off select Globus tours.&nbsp; We have been one of Globus&rsquo; top producers for many years, but not&nbsp;from discounting, but rather due to our business model that puts <strong><font color="#990033">customer service</font></strong> as our main objective.</p>
<p>We also realize that these are tough economic times,&nbsp; so to show our appreciation for our success over the years, we are offering <strong>10% off popular 2009 tour itineraries</strong>.</p>
<p>You still get all the benefits of booking with Atlas including working with 1&nbsp;person throughout your entire reservation, access to discounted airfare, great rates and coverage on travel insurance (rates are non-age based), assistance with special needs, airline seating arrangements and more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can book with confidence. Our knowledgeable agents are not &ldquo;order takers.&rdquo;&nbsp; Our average employee has been with us for over 10 years,&nbsp;is certified and has been in the travel industry for over 17 years.</p>
<p>Atlas also offers destination specific web sites to make your vacation planning a more pleasant experience. Travel tips, reviews, photos and more are easily accessible.</p>
<p><strong><font color="#000066">We invite you to experience the Atlas Difference!</font></strong></p>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/HIGHLIGHTS_OF_PORTUGAL_and_SPAIN_(ZV2009)/"><font color="#000033">Highlights of Portugal &amp; Spain</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/SPANISH_FIESTA_(ZX2009)/"><font color="#000033">Spanish Fiesta</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/SPECTACULAR_SPAIN_(ZY2009)/"><font color="#000033">Spectacular Spain</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/MUNICH,_SALZBURG_and_VIENNA_(RT2009)/"><font color="#000033">Munich, Salzburg &amp; Vienna</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/THE_BEST_OF_EASTERN_EUROPE_(RO2009)/"><font color="#000033">Best of Eastern Europe</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/THE_BEST_OF_THE_BALKANS_(RE2009)/"><font color="#000033">Best of the Balkans</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/SWITZERLAND_AT_LEISURE_(LZ2009)/"><font color="#000033">Switzerland at Leisure</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/THE_HIGHLIGHTS_OF_SICILY_and_SOUTHERN_ITALY_(ZM2009)/"><font color="#000033">Highlights of Sicily &amp; S Italy</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/THE_BEST_OF_ITALY_and_GREECE_(ZA2009)/"><font color="#000033">Best of Italy &amp; Greece</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/THE_BEST_OF_ITALY_and_SICILY_(ZL2009)/"><font color="#000033">Best of Italy &amp; Sicily</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/SCENIC_NORWAY_(ZQ2009)/"><font color="#000033">Scenic Norway</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/RUSSIA_and_NORTHERN_EUROPE_(RR2009)/"><font color="#000033">Russia &amp; Northern Europe</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/EUROPEAN_TAPESTRY_(HA2009)/"><font color="#000033">European Tapestry</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/EUROPE_IN_DEPTH_(KM2009)/"><font color="#000033">Europe in Depth</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/LEISURELY_IRELAND_(LE2009)/"><font color="#000033">Leisurely Ireland</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/BORDEAUX_WINE_COUNTRY_LOURDES_and_PROVENCE_(RB2009)/"><font color="#000033">Bordeaux, Lourdes &amp; Provence</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/IMPERIAL_SPLENDORS_(RS2009)/"><font color="#000033">Imperial Splendors</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/SPECTACULAR_SPAIN_(ZY2009)/"><font color="#000033">Spectacular Spain</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/ITALY_AT_LEISURE_(ZZ2009)/"><font color="#000033">Italy at Leisure</font></a> </li>
<li class="TextRightFeatureBody"><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.escortedglobustours.com');" href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/TourDetail/ITALIAN_MOSAIC_(ZI2009)/"><font color="#000033">Italian Mosaic</font></a> <br /></li>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Shopping Tips When Traveling]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Shopping%5FTips%5FWhen%5FTraveling/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Shopping%5FTips%5FWhen%5FTraveling/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img style="WIDTH: 131px; HEIGHT: 167px" border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/shoppingbag.jpg" width="167" height="178" />One of the joys of travel is finding special treasures that evoke vacation memories. But unfamiliar customs, currency and language can dampen the fun. Some pre-travel preparation and shopping strategies will help you return home with wonderful items that remind you of your travels.</p>
<p><strong><u>Before You Go</u></strong>:<br /><br /><strong><em>Research</em></strong>:&nbsp; Do your homework and find out what each area is known for and decide what items you'll look for. Find out what similar items sell for. If you are considering pictures or other items to decorate your home with your travel finds, take measurements, then pop your tape measure into your travel bag. Bring a fabric swatch if needed as well. If you plan on having garments custom-made in the Orient for example, pack a favorite item to copy. Also research customs, GST and VAT tax refunds, shipping large items, and other important rules. Thailand and China, for example, are known for antiques, but you'll need appropriate paperwork to bring them home. In Europe when you make a purchase you must fill out the tax refund form supplied by the ship. You pay the full price, but when you leave Europe there is usually an area in all major airports called 'VAT Refund' after you have cleared security. You take the tax forms to be stamped and drop them in a box. In one to two billing cycles you should see the tax refunded back onto your credit card. If you are traveling on an escorted tour, your tour manager can give you tips on the best places to shop. On a cruise, they normally hold presentations and&nbsp;replay them&nbsp;on the ship channel in the cabin, with shopping tips on each port as well.<br /><br /><strong>Shopping Strategies</strong>:<br /><br />Local markets offer a rich travel experience, and a treasure trove of shopping options. Here are some bargaining tips to make that a more rewarding experience:<br /><br /><strong>Get the Lay of the Land - Be Strategic</strong>:&nbsp; Stroll around, take in the colors and the smells of the market&nbsp;while checking around prices on similar items. Watch how merchants interact with their customers. In Italian markets you'll encounter a hard sell; merchants in Arab markets often bargain after you've shared a cup of tea.<br /><br /><strong>The Art of the Deal</strong>: Start by offering half the quoted price. Your merchant will tout the value of his handicrafts and bring the price back to almost the original. Split the difference. By the 3rd round your price will likely be about 75% of the original. Instead of haggling again, count out your cash until you reach slightly less than his price. You should have a deal. If the merchant is aggressive, step away. Likewise there is no need to be&nbsp;rude to the merchants, as they are only try to make a living.<br /><br /><strong>Consider Shipping Your Items Back Home</strong>: The most difficult part is waiting a few weeks for your items to arrive if you are overseas, but with airlines charging for additional baggage weight, shipping can save you money. Just make sure to insure the package if it is breakable. <br /><br />In the end, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience and keep in mind, more important than the exact cost will be priceless travel memories derived from your new-found treasures.</p>
<p><strong>We'd love to hear about&nbsp;some of your shopping strategies?<br /><br />Contributed by:</strong> S Brage</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Tour Deals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour%5FDeals/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour%5FDeals/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 8 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: small; COLOR: #008000; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:small;color:#008000;font-family:Verdana;" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: green; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-weight:bold;font-size:12pt;color:green;font-family:Verdana;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1453" title="ireland" height="127" alt="ireland" hspace="0" src="http://atlastravelweb.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/ireland.jpg" width="186" align="right" border="0" mce_src="http://atlastravelweb.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/ireland.jpg" />CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK'S DAY IN IRELAND!</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #808080; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:x-small;color:#808080;font-family:Verdana;" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: gray; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-weight:bold;font-size:10pt;color:gray;font-family:Verdana;">Departing March 15, 2009<br />9 Day Irish Pub &amp; Folk All Inclusive Tour<br />$1420 Land &amp; Air </span></strong><strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #808080; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:x-small;color:#808080;font-family:Verdana;" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: gray; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:10pt;color:gray;font-family:Verdana;">This year celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland. With great airfares and savings of $150 per person on the land package, you can spend 9 days exploring Ireland from only $1420 land and air, per person. Stay in the heart of Dublin in the famous Temple Bar with a fun dinner and a show at the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin. After exploring Dublin, and sampling a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, head out to the countryside and experience Ireland at its best.</span><strong><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #008000; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:x-small;color:#008000;font-family:Verdana;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: green; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:10pt;color:green;font-family:Verdana;"></p>
<p>The grass is green, the daffodils will be blooming, and there's no time like the present.</span></span></strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #808080; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:x-small;color:#808080;font-family:Verdana;" style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: gray; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:8pt;color:gray;font-family:Verdana;">Must book either flights or travel insurance to receive the discount of $150 per room on this departure only. This offer is valid for new bookings only and not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. This promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires March 7. </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #808080; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:x-small;color:#808080;font-family:Verdana;" style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: gray; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" mce_style="font-size:8pt;color:gray;font-family:Verdana;">Offer Code 030709PUB</span></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cosmos Tour Discount]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cosmos%5FTour%5FDiscount/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cosmos%5FTour%5FDiscount/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 1 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img style="WIDTH: 87px; HEIGHT: 107px" height="97" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://www.cosmos.com/user/images/specials/cosmos-europe-brochure.jpg" width="93" align="right" border="0" /></p>
<p>Most people visit Europe to see the famous sights they&rsquo;ve always heard about. But an equally important part of any travel experience is to savor the real flavor of a city or country. Stay where the Europeans stay, eat where the Europeans eat, and share the European view of Europe. </p>
<p><strong>Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009, and you will save $100 per person on the land only price.* </strong></p>
<p><strong>$100 per person discount applies to Cosmos Europe, United States &amp; Canada trips.</strong></p>
<p><span class="disclaimer"><font size="1">*Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation and receive $100 off per person on the land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2009 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.</font> </span></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Frequent Flyer Update]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Frequent%5FFlyer%5FUpdate/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Frequent%5FFlyer%5FUpdate/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/travelkey1.jpg" />Customers of Delta and Northwest Airlines can now merge their frequent flyer accounts and transfers miles between the 2 programs. If you do this before March 15, 2009, you will earn <strong><em>500 bonus miles</em></strong>. Visit <a href="http://www.delta.com/">www.delta.com</a> or <a href="http://www.nwa.com/">www.nwa.com</a> to link your accounts.&nbsp; The programs have not completely merged however. During the transition period, SkyMiles and WorldPerks will remain separate and active programs. Flight mileage will be applied to the frequent flyer program account number saved within your reservation.</p>
<p><strong><em>Have more questions?</em></strong>&nbsp; SkyMiles members can contact the Delta SkyMiles Center at 1-800-323-2323 or the number on the back of their membership cards. WorldPerks members should continue contacting the WorldPerks Service Center at 1-800-44-PERKS (or the number on the back of their membership cards).</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Globus Tour Discounts]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FTour%5FDiscounts/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Globus%5FTour%5FDiscounts/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p class="style10"><strong><img class="alignright" height="48" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/69/69499/images/logos/logo.gif" width="174" align="right" border="0" mce_src="http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/69/69499/images/logos/logo.gif" />Globus Tours</strong> just announces a new promotion..."Now is the Time to Travel to Europe Sale."</p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take advantage of one of their special promotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands &amp; British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of <strong><em>more than&nbsp;50% off regular fares .</em></strong>** Availability is limited, so act now.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a&nbsp;<strong><em>$200 per person discount</em></strong> on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.*** </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Guaranteed Air:&nbsp;&nbsp;As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered. </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12px" mce_style="font-size:12px;">Some restrictions apply, visit <a href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/" mce_href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com">www.escortedglobustours.com</a> for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.</span></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cosmos Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cosmos%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Cosmos%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img style="WIDTH: 88px; HEIGHT: 110px" height="97" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://www.cosmos.com/user/images/specials/cosmos-europe-brochure.jpg" width="103" align="right" border="0" /><a href="http://www.escortedcosmostours.com/" target="_blank">Cosmos tours</a> has offered budget vacations for more than 40 years. Traveling with Cosmos is far easier than going it alone, but you still get plenty of free time to do what you want.&nbsp;Cosmos has refined&nbsp;their itineraries over the years to combine the must-see sights with significant time on your own.&nbsp;They&nbsp;now offer&nbsp;more choice of activities,&nbsp;and longer stays in key cities for more flexibility.&nbsp;You can book&nbsp; a complete package including&nbsp;airfare, accommodations, transportation and the services of a knowledgeable Tour Director for much less than if you booked them individually on your own. You can also choose to book your packages land only if you are planning to use mileage points of find a better air quote online.</p>
<h1 class="PageTitle"><font size="4">Why Cosmos tours?</font></h1>
<ul>
<li>Great&nbsp;value: complete <a href="http://www.escortedcosmostours.com/" target="_blank"><span style="COLOR: #bc0b00">travel packages</span></a> including hotel, transportation, sightseeing, and a professional Tour Director for as low as $75 a day. </li>
<li>Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price. </li>
<li>Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations. </li>
<li>Well chosen, pre-selected hotels so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment. </li>
<li>Optional excursions at an unbeatable value&mdash;diverse enough for unique interests, and all reasonably priced. </li>
<li>A dynamic blend of transportation including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise&mdash;we make getting there part of the fun. </li>
<li>Many meals included in the package price for a great value, plus the freedom to experience the local fare as you wish. </li>
<li>Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or sit back and take it all in. </li>
<li>More than 45 years experience showing people the world. </li>
<li>Portage included&mdash;not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on vacation. </li>
<li>Cosmos vacations are recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer. </li>
<li>Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93 percent satisfaction rating on our customers&rsquo; post-vacation surveys. </li></ul>
<p>Here is a <a href="http://www.judymbergman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">wonderful blog</a> and review from one of our clients who recently experienced&nbsp;a Cosmos tour.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Best Time to Book Europe Travel]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Best%5FTime%5Fto%5FBook%5FEurope%5FTravel/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Best%5FTime%5Fto%5FBook%5FEurope%5FTravel/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>There is no better time to book Europe tours!&nbsp; Some airlines have finally gotten the picture to lower their rates. In partnership with some of the world's leading travel companies, Europe just became a lot more affordable!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com/">Trafalgar tours</a> has a promotion with British Airways where airfare is up to 56% off. Price from New York to Rome as low as $454 pp plus tax; LAX to Rome from $617 pp plus tax. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.escortedinsighttours.com/">Insight Vacations</a> also partnered with British Airways to offer buy one ticket and the 2nd person travels for just $199 plus tax. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.escortedglobustours.com/">Globus Journeys</a> is offering $400 off per couple on air inclusive vacation packages. This applies to most major airlines.</p>
<p>There are some restrictions, so call for details. Offers can be combined with other discount available including early payment discounts as well as AARP. <br /><br />Our agents are here to provide you the best rates, without compromising on your vacation experience. To make sure you are getting the most from your investment, speak to one or our travel professionals. </p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Tour Packages]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour%5FPackages/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FTour%5FPackages/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Famous Irish castle-hotels and manor houses, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, pastoral Cotswold landscapes, mystical Loch Lomond and of course vibrant London are just some of the many highlights&nbsp;<span class="906332801-18012009">that you can experience on </span>Ireland and Great Britain tours.&nbsp;See the mysterious monoliths outside of Dublin; imagine yourself as royalty aboard first-class trains, steam yachts and river cruise ships.<span class="906332801-18012009"> Besides a fantastic capital city, Dublin, bound in rich layers of history and now overflowing with trendy bars and nightclubs, are mountains, heather moors, coastline, valleys, waterfalls and lakes, dotted with prehistoric and religious sites and a wealth of dramatic castles.&nbsp; Ireland tour vacations give you a subtle taste of Irish life. Several Ireland tours visit Limerick, famous for its rhymes. Ireland vacation packages might include a visit to a whiskey distillery or to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory. Some tour packages feature overnight stays in castles.</span></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Why Use A Travel Agent]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Why%5FUse%5FA%5FTravel%5FAgent/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Why%5FUse%5FA%5FTravel%5FAgent/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hollandpbpost.jpg" align="right" border="0" hspace="0" />I love my job!&nbsp;Everyday&nbsp;I strive to search for&nbsp;real deals, the hidden gems, the perfect vacations, tour&nbsp;or&nbsp;cruises,&nbsp;while still&nbsp;offering excellent value &amp; service. We are your travel experts. <strong><em>We believe that travel should be a journey, not just a destination!</em></strong></p>
<p>In order to be a good travel agent, you need education so that you can pass the information on to your clients. The Travel Institute has certifications that take about 6 years to complete, as you are not eligible to participate unless you have been in the business for a certain amount of time. Cruise Lines International has a 3 step certification process up to a ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) You have to be in the business a minimum of 10 years to participate in the program as well as conducting various ship inspections. There are also various destination&nbsp;&amp; product specialists programs, seminars, conventions&nbsp;&amp; trade shows throughout the year.&nbsp; Our office has speakers from various&nbsp;preferred partners come in at least twice a month, to ensure we are up to date with new products or changes.</p>
<p>So the next time you book your vacation, keep in mind that travel agents are trained professionals with your best interest in mind, and there is no additional cost to you to book through an agent. In fact, agents will always save you time (&amp; time is money!) and also in many cases, get you a better price or added amenities.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[How Fast Can You Get a Passport?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/How%5FFast%5FCan%5FYou%5FGet%5Fa%5FPassport%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/How%5FFast%5FCan%5FYou%5FGet%5Fa%5FPassport%3F/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>There are over 8.8 million applicants for US passports each year.&nbsp; For that reason, there are around 7,000 passport offices in the country. Generally it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get a passport. But what if you need to travel soon? If you have 2 weeks, you can usually get an appointment at one of the 13 regional passport offices and get the passport sooner. <br /><br /><strong>Need it even faster</strong>? Perhaps "immediately" like one of our clients who arrived at the airport only to realize his passport had expired? You can use ItsEasypassport.com who can usually get you a passport&nbsp;the same day, or within 24 hours.&nbsp;They work in conjunction with US Passport offices in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Houston and other major U.S. cities &amp; even have an office at the&nbsp;JFK airport.&nbsp;The fee for same-day service for a new passport or renewal, is currently from $249 plus standard government passport fees.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Follow us in Twitter, Facebook]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Follow%5Fus%5Fin%5FTwitter%2C%5FFacebook/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Follow%5Fus%5Fin%5FTwitter%2C%5FFacebook/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;"><font size="4">Atlas Cruises and Tours has officially joined the world of blogging and social media! <br />
<br />
Here are all the ways you can follow us !</font></p>
 <p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb"></a><img alt="" src="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/images/twitter_logo_DC.gif" align="left" border="0" hspace="0" /><a title="Atlas Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb">http://www.twitter.com/atlastravelweb</a></p>
<a href="http://new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32582180741" mce_href="http://new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32582180741"></a> <p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;"><br />
<img alt="" src="http://luxurytour.com/images/facebook.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="0" /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Beach-Gardens-FL/Atlas-Cruises-Tours/71872012232">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Beach-Gardens-FL/Atlas-Cruises-Tours/71872012232</a></p>
 <p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/atlastravelweb"><img alt="" src="http://luxurytour.com/images/youtube_logo.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="0" /></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/atlastravelweb">http://www.youtube.com/atlastravelweb</a></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Travel Tips: Packing]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FTips%3A%5FPacking/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FTips%3A%5FPacking/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://www.princess.com/images/learn/answer/homeart_before.jpg" width="146" height="80" /><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Common question asked by clients</font></font></strong><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">: <br /><br />How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs&nbsp;&amp; one carry-on?</font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Answer:</strong> </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">You would be surprised how many things can be packed and&nbsp;not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer. <br /><br />Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks &amp; under garments inside of shoes.</font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">You can get a great packing list from </font><a href="http://www.frommers.com/tips/packing_tips/travel_planner.pdf"><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Frommers</font></a><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">.</font></p>
<p><font face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.</font></p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Be Flexible - it will save you money!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Be%5FFlexible%5F%2D%5Fit%5Fwill%5Fsave%5Fyou%5Fmoney%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Be%5FFlexible%5F%2D%5Fit%5Fwill%5Fsave%5Fyou%5Fmoney%21/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>I would advise clients to try to be a little flexible in their planning a trip. Sometimes by simply shifting a departure date we can find special promotions that offer additional benefits. We can also look at comparable suppliers for a similar itinerary to see if there is additional value added.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[When will I receive my tour documents ?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/When%5Fwill%5FI%5Freceive%5Fmy%5Ftour%5Fdocuments%5F%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/When%5Fwill%5FI%5Freceive%5Fmy%5Ftour%5Fdocuments%5F%3F/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Clients often ask when they will get "more" information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel, and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim. </p>
<p>There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out. </p>
<p>You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records. </p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[What day does my tour start ?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/What%5Fday%5Fdoes%5Fmy%5Ftour%5Fstart%5F%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/What%5Fday%5Fdoes%5Fmy%5Ftour%5Fstart%5F%3F/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Just thought of another confusing question among clients. What day does the tour begin?</p>
<p>Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is "always" the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 - this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.</p>
<p>Day 1 with the Deluxe &amp; Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.</p>
<p>With US and Canada tours, day 1 is the day your tour begins.</p>
<p>With other exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Australia, please check with you agent, as there could be as many as 1 to 2 days for the flight over.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Booking Airfare with Cruise & Tour Travel]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Booking%5FAirfare%5Fwith%5FCruise%5F%26%5FTour%5FTravel/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Booking%5FAirfare%5Fwith%5FCruise%5F%26%5FTour%5FTravel/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/knowb4ugo.jpg" border="0" hspace="0" align="right" />Over the past several years, we have found a consistent trend where customers can find better prices by booking their airfare separately&nbsp;on-line,&nbsp;&amp; just purchase the cruise or land tour from the supplier.</p>
<p>In most cases, booking your own airfare is fine, but&nbsp;I want to remind you to keep a few things in mind.</p>
<p>When you book airfare with the cruise or tour operator, transfers are included to&nbsp;&amp; from the airport. When calculating how much money you&nbsp;are saving, make sure&nbsp;&amp; factor in the additional cost for transfers.</p>
<p>Tours can cancel due to lack of participation. If you book your own air, we suggest booking a tour that is "guaranteed" to operate. Many&nbsp;suppliers have added hundreds of guaranteed departures on their popular tours.</p>
<p>If you experience a problem with your flight being cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, when you book your airfare along with your travel&nbsp;packages, you will have assistance in booking the next available flight to meet up with your trip. If you book your flights online, how difficult will&nbsp;it be to get someone on the phone to assist you in rebooking another flight?</p>
<p>Insurance is another consideration. If you book your own air, normally the cruise or tour operators insurance will not cover the value of your flights. Make sure to speak to an agent about outside insurance coverage so that your entire purchase is protected.</p>
<p>Book early&nbsp;&amp; save. Many suppliers offer air promotions for bookings made well in advance.</p>
<p>On many occasions we do advise our clients to buy airfare separately, but make sure to take the time to discuss your options with an agent to ensure&nbsp;you are receiving the best value.</p>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Don't forget to tell your agent...]]></title>
      <link>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Don%27t%5Fforget%5Fto%5Ftell%5Fyour%5Fagent%2E%2E%2E/</link>
      <guid>http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/BlogEntry/Don%27t%5Fforget%5Fto%5Ftell%5Fyour%5Fagent%2E%2E%2E/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 6 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>A client called today to find out when her documents would arrive. They had just arrived from the supplier, approximately 3 weeks prior to tour start date, which is the normal delivery time. They were mailed out the same day.</p>
<p>I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.</p>
<p>This is 8 days prior to her departure.</p>
<p>She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.</p>
<p>She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, &ldquo;But I&rsquo;m in Rhode Island&rdquo;.</p>
<p>I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, &ldquo;We always spend our summers in Rhode Island&rdquo;</p>
<p>Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??</p>
<p>I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.</p>
<p>This reservation was made with a <a title="Luxury Tour" href="http://www.luxurytour.com/" target="_blank">Luxury Tour</a> supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.</p>
<p>If this were a supplier other than a <a title="Luxurytour.com" href="http://www.luxurytour.com/" target="_blank">Luxury Tour operator</a>, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.</p>
<p>Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you&rsquo;ll be at another location. Don&rsquo;t think you&rsquo;re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.</p>]]></description>
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