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.

Travelzoo has just released "FLYING SOLO: A Look at Female Solo Travel in 2018", a new report that says almost half (49 per cent) of all female travellers surveyed have taken a trip on their own, and 70 per cent of women are interested in travelling solo.

Eighty five point seven per cent of women report having taken a trip on their own for leisure purposes, while the same number for men is only 79.4 per cent.

Travelzoo has also released some timely new research indicating that Canadian travellers may be looking outside the United States for travel inspiration this summer. According to the recent survey, more than half (54 per cent) of respondents indicated that they are less likely to consider travel to the U.S. in the coming months - citing factors including the political climate, exchange rates, and the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S.

Club Med, the global leader in all-inclusive vacations revealed the name of Canada's first-ever Club Med Village: Club Med Québec Charlevoix. Set to welcome guests in December 2020, construction has commenced at the Québec mountain resort.

President of Club Med, Henri Giscard d'Estaing shared this announcement alongside President and CEO of Club Med North America, Xavier Mufraggi, and Senior Vice President of Club Med Canada and Mexico, Carolyne Doyon. The all-inclusive pioneer has witnessed exceptional growth in recent years and aims to open five resorts per year. The company also has plans to execute major renovations to its current resorts to offer new and refreshed experiences.

"On behalf of the entire Club Med team, I'm delighted to welcome Canada in to our product portfolio," says Henri Giscard d'Estaing, President of Club Med. "In naming Club Med Québec Charlevoix we wanted to not only shine a light on the province of Québec but the incredible region of Charlevoix itself and contribute to its worldwide influence. We are proud to expand our presence to this exceptional area, home to breathtaking landscapes, fine cuisine and thrilling ski areas."

With 42,000 travellers to a Club Med village in 2017, Canadians can count themselves amongst Club Med's dedicated clientele. These numbers will witness a sizable increase leading up to the launch of Club Med Québec Charlevoix, which will include a four-trident village with exclusive collection space, the first-ever four-season Club Med Village and superb views of the St. Lawrence River.

Charlevoix is a serene area that's only an hour or so east of Québec City International Airport. Baie St. Paul is a charming village in Charlevoix with a number of art galleries, excellent food and beautiful scenery.

WestJet and Delta Airlines have signed a definitive agreement to create a comprehensive transborder joint venture arrangement that will offer customers an extensive route network within Canada and the U.S..

"WestJet continues its drive toward becoming a global airline, and the signing of this agreement marks a major milestone in that journey," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "Working together with Delta, the premier U.S. carrier, we are looking forward to providing enhanced offerings and more choice for guests. The joint venture will allow us to maximize our existing partnership with Delta to benefit customers by bringing greater competition to the trans-border market."

"Delta's future is global and together with WestJet, we can augment the two airlines' capabilities and bring together our strengths in this important transborder market," said Ed Bastian, Delta's CEO. "Combined, we will be able to offer more destinations to customers with an integrated network, superior airline products, improved airport connections and significantly enhanced frequent flyer benefits. The JV will provide an unmatched passenger experience for customers travelling between the U.S. and Canada."

The agreement deepens the existing codeshare partnership between the carriers and follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in December 2017 announcing the intention to form a joint venture.

The joint venture will provide substantial reach into Canada and the U.S. with transborder service to more than 30 cities covering over 95 per cent of U.S.-Canada demand, providing customers of both airlines with more travel choices than ever before. The new JV will also enable Delta and WestJet to compete more effectively against other carriers, officials said.