Understanding Escorted Tour Itineraries

Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011

Thinking about taking an escorted tour?  Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:

Visit - Your coach will stop and you'll get to visit a specific site.
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
See - Your Insight coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own.
A day to relax - No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.

Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

Scandinavia and Russia

Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2011

Imagine yourself in a land where fairy tales spring to life amongst castles and heathered fields by a golden sun.  Rejuvenate the imagination with the geothermal wonders of Iceland.  Wander through the Fjords, waterfalls and verdant cliffs of Norway.  The ports of Scandinavia entice from Copenhagen's Tivoli gardens to the battlements of Harriet's Helsinger Castle.  With overnights in St. Petersburg, a glorious revolution of the senses awaits, from the grand palaces of the Tars and iconic cathedrals to the Hermitage, offering some of the most profound works of art ever revealed to the global traveler. 

Insight April 2011 Last Minute Availability

Posted on Friday, April 01, 2011

Insight vacations Last Minute Deals...Further Brochure Discounts Apply! - Hurry! This offer expires 15 April 2011

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected DEFINITE DEPARTURES and is offering them at reduced prices!

Combine these land prices with Insight’s air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package!

Conditions: 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. Offer applies to new bookings made from 1 April - 15 April only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amendedatany time without notice.

TOMS Coupons For TOMS Shoes perfect travel shoes

Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2011

If you are traveling in the spring and summer months then you really should do yourself and favor and try a pair of TOMS Shoes. I wore them all throughout my trip to Barcelona and Madrid last summer! Then, recently discovered that they carry TOMS Shoes at a local store but decided to use TOMS Coupons to save a few bucks. Atlas supports TOMS shoes and hope to spread the word so that more children can lead a healthier,safer and happier life in these poor nations by getting a pair of shoes. Read our Atlas blog post on TOMS Shoes Coupons

For More information and to find the latest TOMS Coupons visit, (http://www.shopaholicmommy.com/toms-shoes-coupon-code/toms-shoes/) the best source for TOMS Shoes online coupons.

Language Issues When Traveling Abroad

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011

If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, why not "dive" into the culture a bit and learn some of the language. 

English is spoken by many in Europe, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few words of that foreign language... no need to purchase a language program (unless you want to,) but learning some key phrases will make it fun, and foreigners appreciate when you try to speak their language.  Learn hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least.  It's just polite to do that. 

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English... or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don't speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.  Other useful phrases are how much is it? Where is a bathroom? What time is it?

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you're asking doesn't seem to understand you.  Don't just speak louder... that isn't going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you're trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you've said something you didn't want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor... especially about yourself.  If they don’t understand you, don't be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you... not to expect it.  When you're speaking English, speak slowly and avoid slang. 

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language, as you can usually figure things out without asking.  Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy.  Is there a sign with a picture that might help solve the mystery?  A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. 

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!  If traveling in a tour group, of course your guide will help you get around and can give you language tips as well.