JimBits: Globus Itineraries, Female Solo Travel Trends and WestJet News

The Globus family of brands, which this year celebrated its 90th birthday, has just released its latest brochure: 156 pages of diverse experiences and discoveries throughout Latin America.

In all there are 41 options ranging from four to 20 days and encompassing Mexico, Central America and South America. Escorted and independent tours as well as cruises are included in the options.

The programs, which are available year-round, are operated by Globus, known for its quality escorted tours; Cosmos, its value-brand sister with a name for building in lots of free time in its escorted tours; Monograms, which features packaged holidays for the independent traveller; and Avalon Waterways cruises to the Amazon and to the Galapagos Islands.

There is one Globus tour to Mexico – the always-popular Wonders of Mexico’s Yucatan – and, in Central America, escorted tours to Costa Rica offered by both Globus and Cosmos. Monograms’ independent tours to Central America are offered to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. And within South America you can tour several countries on one comprehensive Globus, Cosmos or Monograms tour; or concentrate on just one such as with Globus’ Peru Splendors or Monograms’ Brazil Highlights.

City lovers will love Monograms’ three independent Getaway tours to Rio, Buenos Aires or Santiago. Each four-day package includes hotel with breakfast, a half-day sightseeing tour and the services of a Monograms Local Host to assist with sightseeing, shopping and dining suggestions – and to iron out any wrinkles that may occur. And, when you book your air through Monograms on any of their itineraries, you’ll also receive free private transfers between the airport and your hotel.

New to Cosmos is a 14-day Norwegian Cruise Line cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile, and including a stop in the Falkland Islands. Including pre- and post-stays in Buenos Aires and Santiago and with an optional extension to the Easter Islands, this unforgettable trip ranges from 19 to 23 days.

Avalon Waterways gives travellers memories of a lifetime with Amazon cruises on board the five-star Delfin III (built 2015) where expert naturalists enhance the daily encounters. The three-day cruises are combined with visits to Lima, Machu Picchu and Cusco. In the Galapagos, Avalon has chartered the elegant 16-passenger yacht the Treasure of Galapagos, which was completely refurbished in 2017.