<rss version="2.0"  xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Atlas Travel Blog for brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com</title>
    <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/blog.asp</link>
    <description><![CDATA[We�ve 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>
    <atom:link href="http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogPostsRSS.asp" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />    <image>
      <title>Atlas Travel Blog for brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com</title>
			<url>http://www.travelhelm.com/images/AtlasWhiteLogo.jpg</url>
			<link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/blog.asp</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ireland Small Groups tours 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FSmall%5FGroups%5Ftours%5F2011/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Ireland%5FSmall%5FGroups%5Ftours%5F2011/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[We are excited to announce new small group tour for Ireland for 2011. Travel in style with no more than 24 passengers in a small luxury motor coach. Stay in unique, historic castles and manors, enjoy exclusive sights and activities and delight in the authentic flavors of the region. Mingle with the locals while you sample fresh produce in quaint village pubs and local markets. Travel with an experienced driver/guide who, in addition to handling all of the travel details, will enrich your vacation with a wealth of expert knowledge and a great sense of fun. Discover Ireland the Brendan way - Intimate, Immersive and Experiential. 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><img alt="" align="top" src="http://www.brendanvacations.com/Images/Tour/sm_brcm11.jpg" width="93" height="93" /></td></tr>
<tr>
<td></td></tr></tbody></table></td>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="4">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/Tours/Brendan-Tours/BRCMUS06/Castles-and-Manors-201112.html" target="_blank">Castles and Manors (2011-12)</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 384px; HEIGHT: 31px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="384">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3">Vacation Type: <strong>Small Group Discoveries</strong></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>Duration: <strong>11</strong> days</td>
<td>From: <strong>$2,899</strong> land only</td>
<td>Tour Code: <strong>BRCM11</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 379px; HEIGHT: 71px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Look no further, the ultimate Ireland experience is here. Spend 11 days taking in the absolute best of Ireland on a Small Groups Discoveries tour featuring overnight stays in Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ballynahinch Castle and Donegal where a personalized, professional tour guide highlights the ins and outs of every charming Irish destination.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><img alt="" align="top" src="http://www.brendanvacations.com/Images/Tour/sm_brtt11.jpg" width="93" height="93" /></td></tr>
<tr>
<td></td></tr>
<tr>
<td></td></tr></tbody></table></td>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="4">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/Tours/Brendan-Tours/BRTTUS06/Tastes-and-Tales-of-Ireland-201112.html" target="_blank">Tastes and Tales of Ireland (2011-12)</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 382px; HEIGHT: 31px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="382">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3">Vacation Type: <strong>Small Group Discoveries</strong></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>Duration: <strong>9</strong> days</td>
<td>From: <strong>$2,399</strong> land only</td>
<td>Tour Code: <strong>BRITT11</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 376px; HEIGHT: 84px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>This 9-day Small Groups Discoveries tour takes you across Ireland&rsquo;s scenic countryside bringing you up close and personal with the cuisine, culture, and locals. Your overnight stays feature the cities of Dublin, Cork, Killarney and the magnificent Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland&rsquo;s most prestigious national treasures. Take it all in with the services of a personalized, professional tour director.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><img alt="" align="top" src="http://www.brendanvacations.com/Images/Tour/sm_brcl11.jpg" width="93" height="93" /></td></tr>
<tr>
<td></td></tr></tbody></table></td>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="4">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.atlastravelweb.com/Tours/Brendan-Tours/BRCLAUS06/Castles-Lighthouses-and-Pots-of-Gold-201112.html" target="_blank">Castles, Lighthouses &amp; Pots of Gold (2011-12)</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 385px; HEIGHT: 31px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3">Vacation Type: <strong>Small Group Discoveries</strong></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>Duration: <strong>9</strong> days</td>
<td>From: <strong>$1,799</strong> land only</td>
<td>Tour Code: <strong>BRCL11</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="WIDTH: 380px; HEIGHT: 71px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>See it all. Experience the majesty of Ireland on a personalized, 9-day Small Groups Discoveries tour with overnight stays in the cities of Dublin, Wexford and Killarney. Highlights include a professionally guided historic Dublin city tour, Hook Peninsula excursion visiting cook lighthouse, a visit to Blarney Castle and much more!</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Why Chose Brendan ?]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Why%5FChose%5FBrendan%5F%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Why%5FChose%5FBrendan%5F%3F/</guid>
      <author>tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Why You Should Travel with Brendan:</p><p>Brendan distinguishes themselves in the marketplace through their company culture
which is based on providing superior Personal Service, which is why our
main tagline reads<strong> &ldquo;Taking You Personally&rdquo;</strong>.&nbsp; Because Brendan's management team is &ldquo;hands on&rdquo;, they make it a priority to inspect
the properties and sights featured in their itineraries so they can create
unique travel programs for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In the years since Brendan's
first vacations to Britain and Ireland were introduced, they have
increased to over 800 exciting independent and escorted travel programs
to more than 60 countries.</p>

                    
<p>Brendan has
been synonymous with quality, reliability and value for money, and our
goal is to provide the most exceptional vacation experience possible.
Brendan takes great pride sending people on memorable vacations. </p>

                    
<h3>The  Brendan Advantage</h3>

                    
<ol><li><strong>Experience, Reputation and Breadth of Product</strong>
                        <ul><li>With 40 years experience, Brendan enjoys an  incredibly high customer and travel agency satisfaction rating.</li><li>Brendan offers a wide variety of tours, from  customized FIT (foreign independent travel) to fully escorted (coach) vacations. </li><li>Brendan consumer protection plan is rock-solid  based on the regulations of the USTOA. </li></ul>
                      </li><li><strong>Value and Savings</strong>
                        <ul><li>Bulk buying power allows Brendan to pass along  major savings and offer first class tours at very affordable prices.</li><li>The
vast majority of hotels used in Brendan's tour programs are superior
first class and first class. Compare what Brendan includes with others
and you will immediately see the "value for money". </li></ul>
                      </li><li><strong>Personalized Service</strong>
                        <ul><li>Brendan's
local experts and tour directors are the best in the business. In many
instances, Brendan provides a tour director and a driver! </li><li>Our
travel documentation and preparation is one of the best in the
industry. Brendan provides three copies: for the client, for the
client&rsquo;s family at home, and for the travel agent. </li><li>&ldquo;A
trusted, global-yet-right-next-door travel company who knows the
importance and value of taking personal care of its clients, ensuring
their wishes and needs are fulfilled in a way which builds lasting
memories and relationships.&rdquo;</li></ul>
                      </li><li><strong>Technology</strong>
                        <ul><li>Brendan is a technology enabled company ready to  utilize cutting edge expertise to meet the market demand</li><li>Heavy investment in  web-based solutions </li></ul>
                      </li></ol>

                    
<h3>Awards </h3>

                    <em>TravelAge West</em>,
the leading travel industry trade publication in the western United
States, has named Brendan Vacations as the &ldquo;Best Tour Operator for
Europe during the&nbsp; 2009 WAVE Awards and as the &ldquo;Best Tour Operator for
South and Central America&nbsp; during the&nbsp; 2008 WAVE Awards.]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Travel Tips: Packing]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Travel%5FTips%3A%5FPacking/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.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 alt="" src="http://www.princess.com/images/learn/answer/homeart_before.jpg" align="right" border="0" width="146" height="80" hspace="0" /><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>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Be Flexible - it will save you money!]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Be%5FFlexible%5F%2D%5Fit%5Fwill%5Fsave%5Fyou%5Fmoney%21/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.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>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[What day does my tour start ?]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/What%5Fday%5Fdoes%5Fmy%5Ftour%5Fstart%5F%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.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>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Booking Airfare with Cruise & Tour Travel]]></title>
      <link>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.com/BlogEntry/Booking%5FAirfare%5Fwith%5FCruise%5F%26%5FTour%5FTravel/</link>
      <guid>http://brendan.escortedfirstclasstours.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" align="right" border="0" hspace="0" />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>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>

