JimBits: Busabout launches Canada/USA program, plus LeBron James in Anguilla and Transat News

Just in time for summer, Busabout announces the launch of its long-awaited, inaugural USA & Canada program, bringing its freestyle form of travel to North America for the first time in 2019. Whether clients are seeking independent travel or a planned itinerary, Busabout's USA & Canada offering has something for every type of adventurer.

With Busabout, clients can choose from two main travel styles - opt for a Pass on its Hop-on Hop-off network to create their own adventure or choose a guided adventure with plenty of inclusions along the way that will include stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and South Lake Tahoe.

With Hop-on Hop-off, travellers have the flexibility to design their own West Coast holiday itinerary using Busabout's unique coach network. Growing in popularity across Europe, Busabout's flexible network allows independent travellers to choose where they go, how long they stay and in what accommodation, plus meet likeminded travellers along the way. Busabout will also offer another style, entitled Adventures, which are hand-crafted trips exploring different parts of the USA and Canada, led by expert guides.

The USA & Canada 2019 program features 11 Adventures, spanning from three days to three weeks, and include accommodation, daily breakfast, all coach transportation, a Busabout Guide and driver, a number of included experiences and plenty of free time. Top trips include a 22-day West to East Road Trip, nine-day Southern Blues Adventure and week-long Canada Rockies Adventure. Adventures start from $989 per person for the three-day West National Parks Adventure.

Will it be a delicioso meal at a sidewalk café, a night at the opera or a fabulous scarf in a chic boutique? Whatever you spend the savings on when you book your 2019 independent tour to Italy with Monograms, it is sure to be a special treat.

That's because Monograms, specialists in packaged tours for independent travellers, has shaved 15 per cent off all 2019 departures of some of its most popular tours to Italy. All you have to do is book this month (July 2018) and you'll receive the discount on a choice of vacations, including their three-night City Getaways to Rome, to Florence or to Venice; a six-night tour combining Rome and Florence; or a fabulous nine-night holiday combining Rome with Florence and Venice. Or spend a full week in the "Eternal City" with their A Week in Rome package. The sale is applicable to all departure dates throughout 2019.

Every one of their Europe tours includes centrally-located accommodation with breakfast; a half-day sightseeing tour in each city; first-class rail transportation between the cities; and the services of a Local Host. He or she is available each day to help with recommendations on sightseeing, dining, shopping - or to smooth out any wrinkles that may occur. A full day of leisure is included in each city for shopping, strolling and soaking up the atmosphere.

And, when Monograms books your air to coincide with your tour start and end dates from their array of airlines and affordable fares, you'll also receive free airport transfers in your destination. For more information visit www.monogramstravel.ca

The Caribbean nation of Anguilla burst into headlines last week as the island welcomed a visit from the King. While this British Overseas Territory has not recognized an actual king since George VI, it did roll out a royal welcome for LeBron "King" James, possibly the greatest basketball player in NBA history. LeBron elected to spend some time vacationing in a beautiful beachside mansion on scenic Meads Bay, complete with an infinity pool, a home theatre, and a personal chef.

Of course, you don't have to be basketball royalty to enjoy some fun in the Anguillan sun. The island nation of Anguilla is the Caribbean's best kept secret. Situated just east of Puerto Rico and visible from the shores of Saint Martin, this tropical paradise is bursting with vibrant culture.

You'll find awesome swimming on 33 white sand beaches, five-star and casual resorts and hotels, secluded islands for barbeque picnics and much more. I stayed there a couple years ago and thought they had some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Unlike the King, you don't need a high "net" worth to stay on this island. Anguilla's Charming Escapes-a curated offering of the best locally owned hotels and boutique lodgings-are ready to welcome visitors with Caribbean hospitality for less than $200 a night.

Air Transat is inviting Canadians to fly to the Mediterranean and to benefit from great deals to Portugal, Spain and Israel, and some of our best offers on other Mediterranean destinations when booking by July 12.

And with Air Transat's multi-destination flight options, is it easy to discover the many wonders of the Mediterranean, by landing in one European city, like Barcelona, and return from another, let's say Madrid, at no extra cost - a simple and affordable way to discover even more destinations and get the most out of each trip.

For details on the seat sale, visit airtransat.com or Get Connected.

Intrepid Travel - the world's largest adventure travel company - is offering 20 per cent off more than 73 North American trips for the growing number of travellers exploring the region.

Whether you want to hike some of Canada's blissful mountains in Jasper National Park, standup paddleboard on the clear waters in Tofino, or travel from sunny Los Angeles to the Vegas strip; Intrepid Travel's limited-time sale has the perfect last-minute North American summer trip for any traveller. All trips-including: 20-day Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Island; six-day Highlights of Vancouver Island; or, 12-day Grand Canadian Rockies-must be booked by July 31, 2018, for departure in August or September.

In the past three months, Intrepid Travel has noted double-digit growth on its North American trips, noting that travellers are seeking to explore all areas of Canada and the United States.