Thanks to the Cruise People for another No SOLO SUPPLEMENT news blast!
Solo Cruising Without the Single Supplement
Travel Indpendently to experience the world!
Thanks to the Cruise People for another No SOLO SUPPLEMENT news blast!
I have been traveling solo to English speaking countries for more than 30 years and the last 10 I have tried to travel and live in Italy with only a basic ability to speak Italian.
Now that i have an opportunity to travel more and perhaps become a true expat, why don’t I sell my house and travel?
Today i occurred to me I may be afraid! I have never thought of this before.
Afraid of not having a home base to return to.
Afraid once I take this step (selling everything I own) I will not have any other excuses NOT to travel.
Afraid of this REALLY being a solo trip.
Are you afraid to travel?
I meet wonderful people when I travel solo and yesterday I met Christina Willetts, the owner of Side Street Bakery in Southport, NC
On a day trip to Southport, NC while staying on the coast this month I planned to visit the Wednesday waterfront market and explore the side streets of Southport.
Southport is a charming old town on the Cape Fear river. It has all the components of ‘a town I want to move to” : water view, you can walk everywhere, a good town library, planned festivals, events, functions, benches to sit on and think and lots of free parking!. http://www.downtownsouthport.org/southport/
Located about 30 miles south of Wilmington, NC and the same distance to Myrtle beach, There is also a small car/pedestrian ferry that takes you to Fort Fisher where you don’t want to miss the North Carolina Aquarium located right on the beach front. http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher. Bring your bike and spend the day in the sun.
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| Amuzu Theater built in 1908 |
The original brick buildings in downtown are now home to cafes, art stores, antique stores, local artists are showcased in many of the gift and jewelry stores. There is even a Christmas house.
From the ferry port here you can drive the beach road to the bridge for Wilmington. This was a great, inexpensive way to sail the river! I read on the attached link that pets are allowed, pre arranged weddings and with restrictions, scattering of cremation ashes. http://www.southporttimes.com/southportferry.html
Southport is a well preserved small town. The residents were proud to tell me several movies have been filmed here and the current TV show, Under the Dome, is currently being filled in the town.
Today was the beginning of the weekly farmers market in the public park. More than a fruit and veggie market there are local artists, crafts people and vendors.
Today I met a woman who grows flowers on a professional farm, a woman who makes great tote bags from feed bags and tutu happy Ellie DeYoung a creator of happiness, she creates Tutus for all sizes and several other friendly locals who were happy to give me a few moments without the motive to ‘sell’ me something.
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| Tutu lovely. Tutu Divine does tutus for all occasions If everyone (even men) wore then at event no one would stop laughing. |
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Exploring the shops along the streets near the market i followed the sign for Side Street Bakery and met Christina Willetts. Although she was busy mixing up a new chocolate treat she quickly came out of the kitchen to greet me.
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| sadly this was closed on my last visit |

Christina, the owner and baker made me laugh when she told me: ” They will eat dirt if you put Cream Cheese frosting on it!” And after sampling the frosting, I can understand this.
The small store front did not allow me to view the treats inside but the sign said Pie, Cakes, Cookies, donuts and Breads….so what else could i need? And I don’t think I have met a bakery I didn’t like!
So many treats to choose from. Christina bakes 2 or 3 specialty cakes a day and sells slices of these as well as lemon squares, cookies, donuts, chocolate covered fruit, even on lone canolli! Fresh bread is baked at night by the ‘bread man’.
Pies and Cakes
Specialty Cakes and Pies need to be ordered in advance or as the owner told me, ‘give me 2 hours and I will have a pie ready”. This was VERY tempting because the pies offered were from old southern recipes and my mouth watered reading the list of black bottom peanut brittle pie, apple cream cheese cake, pecan pie, hummingbird cake, carrot cake, white chocolate Oreo cookie cheesecake, pumpkin cheese cake and on and on. Christina also creates her own one of a kind offering such as here almond joy cake. If you have a favorite, just ask her if she can suggest a cake that will make your ‘mouth smile’.

She told me she has “always enjoyed baking”, learning from her mother over the years. The recipes originate from her mother, grandmother and friends who share others that have been passed down. The names of each offering remind me of a trip through the deep south: hummingbird cake, pear and pecan pie, carrot cake, key lime pie, lemon squares.
Of course I had to take a selection home with me to authenticate the story.
Last year I met another baker in a town close to Dover, England. She opened a tea room and offered wonderful, traditional English treats. I will introduce these two creative women…….who knows what can happen? http://maturesolotravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-tea-let-them-eat-cake-at-lavender.html
I returned to Southport in December 2014 and my FIRST stop was the bakery. Unfortunately Christinia was out delivering a wedding cake but I did meet her Mom and of course tried another cake! This time it was hummingbird cake.
I sent an EM to the bakery to find out what is in Hummingbird cake:
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A new post from Solo Travelers Club
with NO SOLO supplements! |
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Call our Solo Travel Specialists at 800-787-1871.
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Vacation vs Travel
Most people, whether couples, families or solo go on vacation.
This month’s adventure is in Myrtle Beach, SC. Thanks to the kindness of Jimmy B. I have a condo to rent at a very affordable price. If you are not a full time traveler with no residence to maintain while ‘on the road’, the added expense of a hotel, apartment or even an camp site for weeks can strain you budget.
As I did a 3 mile walk on the lightly populated beach nearby I thought of what activities this solo may not be comfortable participating in at a beach resort.
Golf: rarely do they allow a solo to play a round of golf. You are asked to join in with another group. Ok not so bad, but I have no skills for golf.
Mini golf: this is more my style and they have offers for all day for $8.00. But solo mini golf is like solo bowling.
Attending the musical theaters: you can choose from rodeos, dinner at King’s Arthur’s court, music from the 60’s……………..it goes on. But like Vegas, do you see solos sitting down to eat at a medieval feast?
Hard Rock Cafe: well I would not eat at the Hard Rock in Florence Italy last fall, so unless they have seating at the bar at 11:00 AM I wont be having a cheeseburger here.
Amusement Park rides: don’t think they will know where to put a solo on a roller coaster
Shag Dancing: this is a local, popular dance and several locations are well know for skilled dancing late into the night. Not for a solo.
Live Entertainment: Many bars and restaurants offer music during the week IfThe Alabama Theatre, the Palace Theatre (offering Hot Jersey Nights while I am in town), 5 shows in Legends in Concert, The Good Vibrations show are some of the current shows. The Palace theatre is presenting Illusions of Magic where you can see a ‘live human cannonball’.
Dinner Shows: Eating at a Pirate show, Medival Times dinner and tournament are two events I would enjoy but just thinking of walking in with 500 of my ‘new friends’ and looking for a solo seat…..no way.
But there are many activities I can take advantage of here as well as in other cities:
24 hour Krispy Kreme: just look for the sign to light up, HOT DONUTS, and pull in for a quick fix.
Shopping at the endless malls, outlets, local shops and the great number of consignment shops.
Movies: megaplexes offer popular new releases and if you go early in the day, there are lots of seats
Actually one showing had only 3 people and one of the patrons started to snore! Go during the day when everyone is at the beach.
Sightseeing: there are several plantations with in a few hours, small,historic towns to investigate,
Walking: endless miles of flat beach allow you to walk or run or bike for hours
Biking: along the beach road they have safe sidewalks for biking although the town would prefer you ride in the bike lane
Swimming, body surfing, sunbathing: Endless free beaches from Cherry Grove to south Myrtle Beach….I estimate 25 miles or more.
Eating: not your usual beach front hot dogs and ice cream but countless stores offering bbq, clams and shrimp. My favorite is the crab cakes: so far no two locations have tasted the same! Every morning you can try a different pancake restaurant. The large portions and the low prices keep the parking lots full.
For me, the beach has always been a place to slow down, to think, to have time to read.
Writing/research/planning: This is why I am staying here for weeks. At the home base ‘life maintenance’ gets in the way of non stop thinking.
This is the year for a min RTW trip. Not a 1 year adventure but perhaps 3 months. Long term travel can take as much preparation and planning as short weekend trips.
Do you plan your trips in detail or do you just let a trip flow after you arrive???
London: Church Cafe in Kensington
RE-OPENS MARCH 2014
The cafe at St Luke’s opened during the summer of 2011 and has become a popular spot for breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea. It is open from 9.00am and, depending on the great British weather, closes at 5pm.
Come and try it out.
St Luke’s & Christ Church, St Luke’s Crypt,
Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH
Tel: 020 7351 7365
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| photo credit to Sothby’s web page |
Eating in the Crypts of London churches
http://bit.ly/MFG7LW another post on this site covers several of the restaurants and cafes I visited in London. Alternatives to formal restaurants are also found in department stores, museums and even in Sotheby’s!
Everyone has heard of Sotheby’s Auction House. Exclusive and high end treasures pass through these portals to become cherished heirlooms .
But did you know you can enjoy meals in the Café at Sothebys? Thanks to Maggie the owner of At Home in London http://www.athomeinlondon.co.uk/ for sharing this post with me. Although perhaps on the pricey end of café choices in London, you could stop in for tea or even breakfast. You may wish to purchase an old master or even a tiara while you are there. http://bit.ly/M34sLJ
From the Sotheby web page, enjoy part of the tea menu…..I can’t wait to return to London…wonder if I need to wear gloves? www.sotheby.com
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Call Vacations to Go
to confirm this price, I saw it online today but it may not last.
I am NOT a travel agent, I just search for low prices daily and share what I find.
There is a tab for ‘single savings’ on the left of the Vacations to Go page.
Vacations to Go had this posted recently
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10259
8 nights departing April 5, 2014 on
Carnival’s Carnival Freedom“
“All rates displayed are per person.
Double Occupancy Inside$449
Single Occupancy Inside$449
Single Supplement
0%
Promotions may not be combinable with all fares.
The prices shown are US dollars per person, subject to availability. They include port charges but do not include airfare or (where applicable) airport or government taxes or fees. This sailing is not one of Vacations To Go’s hosted singles sailings.
800-338-4962
Important Note: Availability is extremely limited on all FASTDEALS and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices are subject to change without notice by cruise lines, and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please have your credit card ready. Click any price to convert to other currencies.”
http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?r=0&jpw=107&id=npfy the link I used for this posting…. I only look for prices up to $100 a day, you may choose to spend more.
A Hotel Not ONLY For Students
In June 2013 I wrote about alternatives to staying in a hotel, with a story about my stay in a dormitory at London University. http://maturesolotravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/flip-flops-and-pajama-bottoms.html
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| Courtyard at the London University location |
Today I read on line http://budgettraveller.org/ about a Hotel for Students. THis may call up an image of a boarding house, sorority house or worse. However the small chain of hotels listed offered kitchen use, a restaurant, great locations and up scale design.
http://www.thestudenthotel.com/
From Budget Traveller* and the Student Hotel home page
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| photo and article credit from Budget Traveller* |


| The life of the solo diner table, these women know how to travel! |
A great side benefit of traveling solo, without a relative, a spouse or a best friend, is to meet travel ‘friends’.
Travel friends are different than the friends you have at home, work friends or even casual friends. They can be a
local you meet while traveling as well as another traveler on your tour or plane or ship.
Speaking with strangers eliminates the limitations we can put on our conversations. Perhaps because you do not expect to see them ever again, you loose any inhibitions. The conversations between ‘strangers’ can often include topics never spoke about back home.
You often speak more frankly with travel friends, sharing hopes, problems or dreams.
The travel friends I like the best are other travelers I meet on my long ship trips and staff members who interact with passengers because they enjoy it NOT because it is policy. With 7 or 14 days at sea there is time for chats and deep dialogues over dinner or drinks.
Who have you met on your travel adventures?
| Chef took the time to chat with me every day on a long crossing……such great energy and a wonderful attitude, I enjoyed our short exchanges |
| Craig taught computer skills to ‘mature’ passengers without ever laughing when I asked the same questions….. |
| My BEST TF, we met on an extended crossing and Pat showed me how you can have fun every day! Hope to see her when I get to OZ |
| A chance meeting at a museum in Naples, we walked together during the visit . |
New friends in Venice: Irma and Monica On my next trip Home to Italy we shall
have a cooking day with Ada.
| Solo dining tables: On previous crossings I had never joined a solo table. On this trip I was admonished to put on my ‘friendly face’ and join the table the first night to see what it was like. So it was a great pleasure to find myself seated at a table of totally diverse passengers on the east and west bound trip. As with any group there were some personality clashes. Only 3 other passengers arrived the first night and two of them did NOT return the second night! Was it something I said? But Holland America replaced the empty seats with a great group of travelers: Norma (see above) the ship’s painting instructor for several weeks, Horst who I did not realize spoke English and Ralph a well know musician who was performing during the sail. |
| My newest TF who is a traveler full time! He promised to send me a list of diners in NJ I can explore. |
“Roy Morgan Research has released statistics that indicate more travelers are choosing to travel alone. Over the past decade there has been an increase from 12% – 14% travelers are seeking new adventures and choosing to travel less with their families and go solo instead.
If you grew up in an Italian American family that spoke Italian, you were fortunate. Many of us lived in a family that fought to become American and the Italian language was never spoken to the children.
Often we would hear adults in the kitchen punctuating their speech with words I would not translate until I was living in Italy during college.
Have you tried cds, classes, Rosetta stone or even Skype ‘live’ lessons to become fluent in Italian? Now you can immerse yourself in Italian life while traveling Home to Italy and learn Italian.
There are thousands of schools listed on any on line search. Most towns and cities in Italy offer an institute of Lingue. On my yearly trips Home to Italy I try to take a short course if I am staying in one location longer than a week. Let me share a few different experiences you can have in Italia.
| The staff and students face away from the windows because the view is too distracting! |
Sorrento, Italy, Sant’ Anna Institute www.sorrentolingue.com
While spending several months in Sorrento I joined the program for adults at Sant’ Anna Institute. Adult students from all over the world and at all levels of proficiency, attended classes and participated in a variety of cultural activities offered.
| Contact Olga Stinga for details on your Learn venture |
For information on your learn adventure, info@santannainstitute.com
Individual or group lessons are available. In addition to their 50+ program this year they offered a December program including a home stay with a host family….a total immersion during Christmas.
Full day language tours are offered. Cultural events offered to students include local art shows, concerts, visits to Pompeii, Herculaneum,Naples the Amalfi coast, Capri, and cooking lessons. Olga tells me they just added a voice course with a local soprano. Share your interest with Olga and SASI should be able to find an Italian experience for you.
Puglia, Italia. PARLIAMO ITALIANO in Puglia
Enjoy a one or two week Italian Language Immersion in Puglia for Italian language lovers. Participants will combine not only Italian lessons but also the exploration of Puglia: one week in the South, the Salento, one week in the Trulli area in the North.
In addition to conversation lessons by two local instructors, students will enjoy a special activity “caffè con amici”. organized conversations with local Italians to improve vocabulary and spontaneous speech.
photo credit: http://sudandfood.style.it/files/2012/04/Cisternino.jpg
All levels of Italian language are welcome, as well as students of any age. Accommodations are in self catering flats. Contact info@yltourcongressi.com for dates and cost.
Venice: Learn Italian with a weekend homestay
The perfect combination of travel treats: cooking lessons, language classes while living with a family
Experience life with a Venician family, learn Italian and take a cooking lesson, the perfect immersion!
I met Monica Cesarato last November after several months of online chats. Nothing prepared me for the ‘dynamo’ who took me through the streets and alleys of Venice on a ‘quick tour’ of a Venice, to neighborhoods I had never visited.
Monica seemed to know every shop and building, sharing anecdotal history at every step. You are not a tourist when you see a town or city with a local.
This homestay includes all meals in her family home, 12 hours of Italian language lessons, a 3 hours cooking course in a real Italian kitchen and a 3 hour Tour of Venice.
Spend a weekend as an Italian not a tourist! Your stay with Monica will be a memory that will remain. A trained teacher and an accomplished cook as well as a guide for your visits to Venice, contact her at http://www.monicacesarato.com/blog/homestay/
Learning while traveling is the perfect activity for a solo traveler. Instant new friends when you join a group for language lessons, a cooking class or a tour of the hidden treasure.
I have used a ship before to travel to Europe and on to Italy . In off season you can often travel for LESS than business class airfare and arrive relaxed not jet lagged and crippled from sitting 9 or 10 hrs in a seat smaller than a dining room chair. This year was exceptional for bargains. Unless you have a travel agent willing to do the work, finding a great price requires diligent searches on line, signing up for every cruise lines price alerts and often price
checking your target trips constantly.
But all this work can pay off.
The general rule is to charge solo travelers double the fare for other passengers.
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Often there are promotions for ‘no solo supplement’ or discounts for solo travelers as ships do not reach their capacity bookings.
| Relax on the deck and watch the sea. |
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My searches result in affordable travel to many of the locations on my ‘travel list’. Having time is an asset.
While reviewing the cruise offerings over an 8 week period I found $100 a day sailings to Greece, Turkey and in the Mediterranean in October and November. Several were priced even lower.
Many travelers have the one or two week ‘vacation’ per year and must arrive at their destination ASAP. I don’t choose to take beach trips so I concentrate on travel to countries outside of North America.
Transatlantic crossings offer wonderful relaxing days, with additional options for learning, entertainment and meeting travelers from all over the world. My east bound trip will exceed my goal price of 100 euros per day but combined with the exceptionally low priced return sailing of less than $100 per day, it all averages out.
And you must take into account the Queen Mary is NOT a budget cruise line. Think about taking this ‘experience’ once in your life. .
Be a traveler NOT a tourist
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Alitalia just sent this. Business class for the SAME price as my ship crossing (balcony cabin).
Be creative with your solo travel.
Choose the comfort of Magnifica-Business Class for your holiday escape to Italy. Great holiday fares starting at $2512 round-trip. Don’t miss them! Hurry and book until November 30th, 2013.
Click on each offer to read the fare conditions.
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But this article by Robert Upe surprised me
Contact author with any questions.

Women-only travel is an emerging trend. Photo: Getty Images
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/ladiesonly-travel-adventures-taking-off-20131004-2uzdz.html#ixzz2gnBQTrVG
Women-only travel is an emerging trend. Photo: Getty Images
Women-only holidays are taking off, with increasing numbers of them travelling solo or with girlfriends.
They’re shopping overseas, rolling up their sleeves at cooking classes, rejuvenating at health retreats, trekking remote trails and just finding some “me time”.
A recent survey by lastminute.com.au shows that 46 per cent of women have holidayed alone in the past 12 months and the Small Luxury Hotels group reports a 53 per cent increase in room nights booked by single female occupants.
“We have seen women-only travel as an emerging trend for the past few years,” said Bridget McDonald, the director of boutique agency Cherry Picked Travel.
“Women are getting more confident about travelling alone, and in groups, and many prefer to travel with other women. Travelling with other females allows them to see and do things that suit them, rather than catering to the differing tastes of men,” she said.
Ms McDonald said some of the activities women like include shopping, dining out, cocktail hours, cooking classes, massages and yoga.
David Goldman, joint managing director of the Goldman Travel Corporation, said women like to take up cooking classes, often in Europe and travelling as mother/daughter, and to relax at resort areas in Thailand and Fiji. He said they also like to go to retreats in Australia such as Gaia (Byron Bay), Gwinganna (Gold Coast hinterland) and Golden Door (Hunter Valley and Gold Coast hinterland).
Catherine Baker, a consultant who specialises in women-only travel for Flight Centre offshoot Travel Associates, said women are also hitting the adventure trail.
“Women-only travel is popular these days and involves everything from walking and hiking in Nepal, going to Africa, going on the Inca Trail and lovely holidays in Europe where they do one-day walks and culinary tours,” she said.
“Sometimes it is multi-generational travel, like mums and daughters doing trips together, or sometimes three generations that will travel to spend quality time together and do something pretty amazing.”
Jill Doble has just landed back in Australia after a two-week women-only trip, arranged through Travel Associates, to hike part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain.
“It was my first trip to Europe and a non-English speaking country. Part of doing it with a women-only group and a guide was the sense of safety,” she said. “I am in my 50s and most other women were about that age. It was non-threatening and it was good to be with like-minded people, women in particular.”
Ms Doble said it was a bit soon to plan her next journey, but she has her eye on a women-only writers’ trip to Italy.
Jayson Westbury, the chief executive of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, said women-only travel may be in a renaissance.
“There are lots of forms of niche travel and certainly travel that brings women together is a tremendous idea,” he said. “It’s like travel with kids, a space that has also got a heavy following.”
– with Jane E. Fraser
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/ladiesonly-travel-adventures-taking-off-20131004-2uzdz.html#ixzz2gnB4CmlR
Growing up in New Jersey I thought diners were everywhere. Even the TV show Happy Days featured a diner.
After living in other states I discovered diners did not always migrate away from the east coast. There are wonderful regional foods available in most small towns but there is something about a diner.
It is a microcosm of the local life.
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| Tables and chairs remind me of the Formica kitchen sets from the 50’s and earlier. |
I am an invisible traveler, most of the time, I am just never noticed by others. I even have my ‘travel face’ that tells others not to bother with me. So I can often eat in a diner without much attention and view the group interacting: the workers having a quick coffee, the tradesmen and women having lunch, travelers off the interstate who eat with their heads down.
When one of the diners’ locals enters, everyone greets them by name. Their food preferences are know as well as the history of their entire family. I have learned about divorces, layoff, small and big successes of the residents while waiting for my waffle or sandwich. Rarely do patrons talk about illness…….
Some diners look like converted air streams or parts of manufactured home. Some are elegant like the one on Rt 37 near Seaside Heights, NJ with marble floors and a mirrored ceiling. Some are famous and when they close are sorely missed. Everyone has their favorites.
When I saw there was a diner within walking distance of the hotel in Wilson, NC I was staying in, I had to take a look.
The interior was bright and colorful. Even the ceiling was a take on the tin ceiling tiles from the last century.![]()
The staff was very friendly and while my order was being prepared they allowed me to ask questions about the diner’s origin. The answers surprised me.
The original Maid-Rite diner dates back to 1920’s. Today, Maid-Rite diners are franchised in many states.
In 1926, way back before Facebook, and even before TV, people just didn’t know how to waste time. But, being really bored paid off for butcher Fred Angell. He worked to get just the right combination of a special cut and grind of meat and a selected blend of spices. When a deliveryman tasted Fred’s new creation, he said, “This sandwich is made right.” With that, the Maid-Rite was born. Fred was quite a sandwich maker but not much of a speller. Our select line of seasoned loose meat sandwiches are made from 100% USDA Midwestern fresh ground beef served on a fresh steamed white or wheat bun, with your choice of ketchup, mustard, onion and pickles.
Our franchisee tradition that started back in 1926 has been to have individual owner/operators who are well known and well liked within their communities, who take pride in owning and operating a successful Maid-Rite franchise restaurant. This business philosophy has and always will be the backbone of our franchisee network. Many of our original franchises granted in the 1920s are still in operation today. We are proud to say that we now have third generation family members operating family owned Maid-Rites. Our family of Maid-Rite Franchisees takes pride in serving our customers.
Two of the amazing staff
Often when traveling solo and arriving at the end (last few hours) of the day, the staff is tired from a hard day. No so at Maid-Rite. I was warmly greeted and indulged when I started my endless questions.
What I did WRONG was not read the ENTIRE menu, something I do in all diners.
I missed their signature sandwich and opted for grilled chicken. But I must say it was excellent: hot, cooked through and very moist.
They included a side salad and YES I WAS compelled to order PIE.
One day I plan to do a trip and stop JUST TO EAT PIE in every town I visit.
Even if you diet, have filled yourself with a signature sandwich you MUST order pie!
I had the pecan: warm, gooey, good crust, not too sweet. I brought a piece of apple pie for the hotel desk staff member, because she had recommended the diner. She agreed the pie was good.
The moral of this story: Get off the highway and explore. If you stop driving you have an opportunity to experience the place where you get out of your car…..
I received a sad email that this location is now closed. if you see another aid Rite Diner let me know
Not all “interesting”, “exciting” travel must be long term. Or around the world. Or to exotic locations.
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| Small time America, movie theather |
I read countless posts online from solo travelers going to remote locations, taking risks that some travelers are not comfortable with, traveling for months.
Often going on a solo trip is adventure enough for a traveler. I no longer read about the adventures of other travelers. I don’t want their success to limit what I can do.
Between solo trips Home to Italy or to other locations for stays longer than a few days, I usually do road trips.
There is endless time to think, observe and create on a long road trip. And if you plan well you can stop for the night somewhere interesting, new or historic.
My sister continues to tell me to stop driving early and get a room. Usually all the senior travelers are off the interstate by 5 PM and settled into their hotels by the time I am thinking of where to stop. The concept of ‘making good time’ often urges me to do another 100 miles before I look for a hotel.
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| The open road may not include the alps, but the blue ridge is BLUE |
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| Shenandoah Parkway |
I concluded some time ago that if you DONT get off the interstate and OUT OF THE CAR you will never be a traveler, just a driver.
So on most of my 1,800 mile trips from Georgia to New Jersey (RT) I try to take a route that will hug the shore from South Carolina to the ferry in Maryland or if the weather cooperates I take the mountain route to the Shenandoah Valley. Both trips have much to offer.
Two events that resulted from taking my sisters advice of ‘get off the road early’ may change my plans for the next road trip. If you have traveled recently you may have noticed a sharp increase in hotel prices. A chain of 3+ star hotels I usually stay in, is now 20% higher or even more! I no longer stay in budget hotels with doors facing the parking lots nor do I stay in premium hotels even though I can afford them. Part of my value vs. price strategy balks at paying $120.00 for 10 hrs in a hotel.
Yes I enjoy comfort. Yes, I enjoy luxury. But when I arrive late and leave early there is NO VALUE in paying more. On a trip where I may stay for several days the price is less important than the amenities or the service.
1. Stopping early may allow you to use the travel coupons you find at all the rest stops and information centers. For late arrivals I am often told ‘we have no more rooms at that price’. Calling ahead to check if there are rooms still available also helps. Late night arrivals are at the mercy of the front desk for pricing.
2. Stopping early allows you to explore the areas. Often I spend an hour or more the next day visiting the town and stopping at any interesting historic sites or even photo opportunities. Last week I was in Wilson, SC and found a diner. This is very unusual for the South. There are great country food restaurants in the South but few diners. The encounter with the staff resulted in a separate post. The food is worth planning a second visit on my next road trip!
Consider getting OFF THE ROAD to explore in the USA or wherever you travel.
Give yourself time to discover what is a local treasure not written abouts n travel books.
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| Stauton, Va, a small town that has NOT closed! |
thanks to an article by Fran Golden in USA Today!
Tauck has NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT CABINS, we have finally been recognized as just as important as everyone else!
Fran Golden, Special for USA TODAY1:15 p.m. EDT September 27, 2013 Tauck is dropping the dreaded single supplement on lower-level cabins on its Europe river cruises for all of 2014, making it more affordable for solo travelers to cruise. The savings is 50%, with solo travelers paying the same as what someone sharing a cabin would pay. For those who want fancier cabins, Tauck is taking $1,000 off the regular, double-person price for solo travelers booking Category 4 or 5 cabins (with French balconies) on 28 departures in Europe. The company made a similar offer on 2013 itineraries. “By eliminating or reducing the single supplement on so many of our trips, we’re really making great journeys for solo travelers even better,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, in a prepared statement. Tauck’s new riverboats debuting next year, the 130-passenger Savor and Inspire, will provide additional options for those traveling alone. Each boat will have four dedicated 150-square-foot cabins for solo travelers, the line said. The company has also targeted solo travelers with a dedicated Solo Travel Forum and Solo Travel section on its website. Fran Golden is the Experience Cruise expert blogger and a contributing editor of Porthole Magazine. She is the co-author of Frommer’s Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call. Golden is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away. For in-depth cruise planning information, videos and more, don’t miss USA TODAY’s new ExperienceCruise site.
Pay no single supplement on select Avalon sailings in certain cabin categories when you book by September 17, 2013.* Click on the FASTDEAL# at left for more information about any vacation. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in US dollars. lClick # ForMore Info
European River Cruises
800-510-4002
#T138941
15
Oct 12
Amsterdam, Holland
Budapest, Hungary
Magnificent Europe 2013 (Amsterdam to Budapest)
Avalon
Deluxe
$4,999
Book Now
& Save!
#T138631
15
Oct 16
Budapest, Hungary
Amsterdam, Holland
Magnificent Europe 2013 (Budapest to Amsterdam)
Avalon
Deluxe
$4,599
Book Now
& Save! #T44049
15
Oct 23
Budapest, Hungary
Amsterdam, Holland
Magnificent Europe 2013 (Budapest to Amsterdam)
Avalon
Deluxe
$4,499
Book Now
& Save! #T123005
13
Oct 24
Budapest, Hungary
Prague, Czech Republic
The Blue Danube Discovery 2013 (Budapest to Prague)
Avalon
Deluxe
$3,689
Book Now
& Save! #T92224
10
Oct 25
Paris, France
Amsterdam, Holland
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 2013 (Paris to Amsterdam)
Avalon
Deluxe
$3,179
Sold Out! #T124450
8
Oct 26
Budapest, Hungary
Nuremberg, Germany
The Blue Danube Discovery 2013 (Budapest to Nuremberg, Cruise-Only)
Avalon
Deluxe
$2,599
Book Now
& Save! #T112715
8
Oct 27
Remich, Luxembourg
Amsterdam, Holland
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 2013 (Remich to Amsterdam, Cruise-Only)
Avalon
Deluxe
$2,589
Sold Out! #T117346
11
Oct 30
Prague, Czech Republic
Budapest, Hungary
The Legendary Danube 2013 (Prague to Budapest)
Avalon
Deluxe
$2,759
Book Now
& Save! #T138694
15
Oct 30
Budapest, Hungary
Amsterdam, Holland
Magnificent Europe 2013 (Budapest to Amsterdam)
Avalon
Deluxe
$4,399
Book Now
& Save! #T138968
15
Oct 30
Amsterdam, Holland
Budapest, Hungary
Magnificent Europe 2013 (Amsterdam to Budapest)
Avalon
Deluxe
$4,399
Book Now
& Save! #T123110
13
Oct 31
Budapest, Hungary
Prague, Czech Republic
The Blue Danube Discovery 2013 (Budapest to Prague)
Avalon
Deluxe
$3,189
Sold Out! #T124472
8
Nov 2
Budapest, Hungary
Nuremberg, Germany
The Blue Danube Discovery 2013 (Budapest to Nuremberg, Cruise-Only)
Avalon
Deluxe
$2,099
Sold Out! #T118047
8
Nov 2
Nuremberg, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
The Legendary Danube 2013 (Nuremberg to Budapest, Cruise-Only)
Avalon
Deluxe
$2,099
Sold Out! CALL NOW! THESE DEALS WON’T LAST FOREVER! 800-510-4002 * Key to Quality Ratings![]()
Tours are classified according to the quality of amenities and accommodations.
Budget = River cruises typically range from $100 to $200 per person, per day, plus airfare.
First Class = River cruises typically range from $150 to $350 per person, per day, plus airfare.
Deluxe = River cruises typically range from $250 to $650 per person, per day, plus airfare. ** The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted. 800-510-4002
OR
Open Mon-Fri 7am to 10pm, Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 9am to 8pm, CDT 
a division of
Thanks to Sharron with Palm Court Travel/Cruise Brothers
Two more solo friendly fares
Cruises & MORE – Travel Services Phone 239 298 1555
sharonptravel@gmail.com
Website http://sharonptravel.cruisebrothers.com/
From NYC to Bermuda On the NCL Breakaway: solos $986.21……
From NYC to Grabd /tyrjm Gakf Niib Cay and Nassau $750.55 for a solo!
(check total with all the fees)
Call Sharron for details and price options. Availability and prices can change!
Cruises & MORE – Travel Services
Phone
(239) 298-1555
Website
http://sharonptravel.cruisebrothers.com/
By Saima Omar @Lookitssaima
for FemaleFirst UK
Top reasons for taking a solo cruise included “taking the time to relax and unwind
stress of friends/ family” and “in order to meet a new partner on board the ship.”
5 September 2013
Holiday Cruise
Some of us love to spend some ‘me-time’ relaxing, thinking, and doing the things we don’t want anyone else to see.
This is time we spend at home being our true selves. Sometimes people prefer being alone, rather than in anyone
else’s company. But you’d think when it comes to going on holiday abroad it is mainly enjoyed with the company
of those who are nearest and dearest to us; The perfect opportunity to spend that bit of quality time catching
up and bonding.
But some new-found research has revealed that this is not always the case. A study was carried out
on line using an independent travel agency which has shown that two thirds of Britons (66%) would
be rather happy to set sail and go on a cruise on their lonesome.
The company Bonvoyage had polled 2,096 adults who resided in the UK to ask of their holiday preferences.
They began by finding out whether a solo holiday is something they would consider, and 79% had said that
they would do so. This means they would leave behind their partner, friends or family. Moreover they found
out that 26% of the people polled has already been on a solo holiday!
Participants were asked to nominate the preference of a solo holiday and the top five types
of holiday were said to be:
1. Cruise (66%)
2. Spa Holiday (57%)
3. Backpacking Holiday (46%)
4. Beach Holiday (31%)
5. Activity Holiday such as Scuba Diving, Hiking and Skiing (24%)
This shows that we are all varied in tastes but the majority were won over by a nice cruise.
The reasons for wanting to take a solo holiday are also varied:
1. Relaxing and unwinding without stress of family/friends (34%)
2. Cruise offers a more secure trip for those wanting to travel alone (28%)
3. A way to meet new people or a potential other half (21%)
4. Cruise Ships are packed with entertainment (14%)
and finally the fifth most popular choice was that they would travel alone regardless of holiday
type or destination. (3%)
A spokelady from Bonvoyage has commented he following on the matter:
“The team here at the bonvoyage website are seeing a steady increase in the amount of cruisers
deciding to venture out on a solo trip, and these results certainly reflect our booking figures. I think
the results definitely suggest a wider-accepted notion of holidaying alone, particularly amongst women,
and cruises seem like the perfect option for the security and entertainment they provide. I myself have
cruised alone and I can certainly relate to those who said they did it to relax away from friends and
family – it’s very nice being able to do what you want whenever you like!”
We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.
She continued:
“Nowadays, such a large amount of young people are taking time out to travel alone before getting a job
or going to university. Perhaps taking a solo cruise could be somewhat of a substitute for those who felt
they missed out on the opportunity to have this time to ‘discover themselves’ and take a lone trip in their
younger years, but have too many responsibilities at home to leave for more than a couple of weeks.
Hopefully with this increase in interest for solo travel the cruise lines will finally start to look at reducing
the supplements they currently charge for single travellers, as I’m sure if they were more reasonable then
it would encourage even more people to cruise alone.”
Saima Omar @Lookitssaima
If you have been on holiday alone, tell us about your experiences. @FemaleFirst_UK
by Saima Omar follow me on
Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/travel/solo-cruise-holiday-333979.html#ixzz2e2zApFBM
For details contact:
Canada’s First Cruise-only Agency-Since 1972
1252 Lawrence Ave E. Suite 214,
Don Mills (Toronto), Ont.
Phone 1.800.961.5536 or 1.416.900.0889
Facsimile 1.416.900.0889
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FIND A CRUISE | BOUTIQUE SHIPS | SPECIAL SAVINGS | BROCHURE
Uniworld is pleased to offer special savings for solo cruisers on some of our very best itineraries.
We’re waiving the single supplement fee usually charged for a guest staying in their own stateroom,
which means you can set sail in your own private, luxurious stateroom at no extra cost.
If you have been thinking about traveling solo, this is the perfect time to book and take advantage
of significant savings on board a beautiful boutique river cruise ship, sailing our most popular itineraries.
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EUROPEAN JEWELS
Budapest to Amsterdam | 15 Days
October 20, 2013

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IMPERIAL CAPITALS OF EUROPE
Vienna to Istanbul | 16 Days
April 7, 2014

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PORTUGAL, SPAIN, & THE DOURO
RIVER VALLEY
Porto to Porto | 8 Days
April 6 & April 13, 2014 (cruise only)

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CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE
Basel to Amsterdam | 8 Days
May 10 & May 17*, 2014
*Cruise operates in reverse direction.
Phone 1.800.961.5536 or 1.416.900.0889
Facsimile 1.416.900.0889
If you love to travel but prefer not to go solo, look to TravelMates. Vantage’s free service, exclusively for MyPortfolio users, is an online community where you can connect with like-minded people who share your love for discovery. Just complete our brief, online profile form where you can post your photo and share any personal information (where you’re interested in traveling, hobbies and interests, favorite destinations, what you’re looking for in a companion, and other preferences) that might help you connect with a potential travel pal.
The next step is to search other TravelMates profiles and send messages to anyone with whom you might be compatible. We help you make the initial connection, and then you can pursue the friendship (or not) any way you choose.
TravelMates Terms and Conditions
Contact Vangtage for details, I do not promote or sell any travel services
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NORTHERN EUROPE
10 May 11,2014 Genoa, Italy Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
12 Jun 1,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $2,403 $2,403 0% No Supplement!
12 Jun 25,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $2,663 $2,663 0% No Supplement!
# 14 Jul 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $3,428 $3,428 0% No Supplement!
12 Jul 21,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $2,923 $2,923 0% No Supplement!
12 Aug 2,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $2,923 $2,923 0% No Supplement!
12 Aug 26,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $2,663 $2,663 0% No Supplement!
10 Sep 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Savona, Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Sep 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0%
GREEK ISLANDS
Feb 24,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Mar 7,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
11 Apr 9,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
11 Apr 20,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
11 Sep 18,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
14 Oct 17,2014 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Silversea / Silver Spirit 6.0 $5,950 $7,438 25% Suite!
11 Dec 24,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,753 $1,753 0% No Supplement!
12 Jan 4,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Jan 16,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,363 $1,363 0% No Supplement!
12 Jan 27,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Feb 8,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,363 $1,363 0% No Supplement!
12 Feb 19,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,753 $1,753 0% No Supplement!
11 Mar 3,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
12 Mar 14,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,753 $1,753 0% No Supplement!
11 Mar 26,2015 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0%
Feb 24,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Mar 7,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0%
11 Apr 9,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0%
11 Apr 20,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
10 May 11,2014 Genoa, Italy Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
10 Sep 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Savona, Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Sep 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
11 Sep 18,2014 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,623 $1,623 0% No Supplement!
RE-POSITIONING
13 May 4,2014 Fort Lauderdale, FL London (Southampton), England Royal Caribbean / Independence of the Seas 5.0 $688 $688 0% No Supplement!
10 May 11,2014 Genoa, Italy Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Holland Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
#13556 Info 10 Sep 7,2014 Amsterdam, Holland Savona, Italy Costa Cruises / Costa neoRomantica 3.0 $1,493 $1,493 0% No Supplement!
TRANS-ATLANTIC
13 May 4,2014 Fort Lauderdale, FL London (Southampton), England Royal Caribbean / Independence of the Seas 5.0 $688 $688 0% No Supplement!
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Disclaimer: I do not sell or promote any travel products. I share information I find on line and suggest you contact the provider directly.
Cruises & MORE – Travel Services
| Phone | (239) 298-1555 |
|---|---|
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| sharonptravel@gmail.com | |
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| Website | http://sharonptravel.cruisebrothers.com/ |
Authorized Independent agent – Palm Coast Travel – ALL VACATIONS- LAND AND SEA!
Authorized independent agent of Cruise Brothers..visit my website http://sharonptravel.cruisebrothers.com/ NOT ALL SPECIALS AND PRICES ARE ON WEBSITE.MESSAGE ME 239-298-1555
I had to stop and think this week, “why do travel agents not understand value vs price?”
Am I just a CHEAP traveler to all the agents who contact ME to to book a trip or more often my transatlantic crossings? Endlessly I explain how I view travel and particularly transportation costs.
OF COURSE I prefer to travel business class, OF COURSE I enjoy a balcony on my 2 or 3 week sailings but I have a yearly travel budget.
I travel to add stories to my blogs and to experience new locations. I don’t want to find a perfect place 15 years from now and say, ‘wish I had been here sooner’!
Therefore I take the yearly budget and divide it between all the trips I want to take each year. If the location is more expensive to travel to or in, then I must devote more funds to that trip.
If I am spending 6 or 8 weeks Home To Italy, I can budget more closely since I rent apartments there or have Monasterystays.com book me into great convent hotels along my travel route. I can live in Italy for less than in Atlanta, GA!
As I plan an additional trip for 2013 there are endless choices where I can spend my money. Planning a 30+ day trip to maximize where I can travel, who I can interview and what special events I can attend is a tedious job. Idea lists, maps and finally a spread sheet summarizing the ‘opportunities’ consume my time and every flat surface in my home:
the spare room has the side trip to Turkey, the dining room is the command center, the den is the sorting and posting room…… is there an easier way?
Of course if I went to one location and experienced one town in one country, this would be far simpler but I have a limited number of years to see it all and do it all.
So travel professionals, I am NOT JUST CHEAP, I am careful and a planner.
Do you spend more than 10k a year on travel?
This item was written by Larry Bleiberg, former travel editor of The Dallas Morning News and Coastal Living magazine. Bleiberg is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.
Solo travelers won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to sail on Star Clippers this November and December.
The small-vessel line, which visits many small ports on sailing ships, is eliminating the extra charge for single travelers on select Caribbean and Central America sailings, and offering price-breaks of up to 66% off brochure rates, along with a one-category cabin upgrade.
The eligible dates include Royal Clipper’s Nov. 23 sailing from Barbados, and Star Clipper’s Dec. 14 and 21 trips from St. Marteen. Travelers can also get the savings on Star Flyer’s Nov. 24 sailing from Balboa, Panama, and its Dec. 15, 22 and 29 trips from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.
Fares start at $1,385 per person for a single in a double cabin, including the price savings. The offer is capacity controlled due to limited availability for singles.
For more information, visit starclippers.com.
Star Clipper’s Star Flyer is a 170-passenger, four-masted barquentine that takes its inspiration from the famed clipper ships of the 19th Century. Clipper ships were built for speed, often achieving 20 knots or more and sailed to the far ends of the earth before the age of steam. Peter Knego
Reduced Single Supplement Savings is available on the following select river cruises and departure dates:
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley | Porto to Porto | 8 Days
2013: Nov 17
2014: Mar 27, Apr 3, Apr 10
Splendors of Italy | Venice to Rome | 13 Days
2013: Nov 3, 10
Splendors of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence & Rome | Venice to Rome | 13 Days
2014: Apr 6
Subject to availability. Capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply. Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw or change offers at any time. For complete details on all promotions, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please contact your local travel agent. Reduced Single Supplement applies to cruise/tour package.
Waived Single Supplement Savings is available on the following select river cruise itineraries and departure dates:
Castles along the Rhine | Basel to Amsterdam | 8 Days
2014: May 10, 17
Classic Christmas Markets | Nuremberg to Frankfurt | 8 Days
2013: Dec 22
Enchanting Danube | Budapest to Passau | 8 Days
2014: Mar 23
European Jewels | Budapest to Amsterdam | 15 Days
2013: Oct 20
European Serenade | Vienna to Amsterdam | 13 Days
2013: Nov 2
Imperial Capitals of Europe | Istanbul to Vienna | 16 Days
2014: Apr 7
Legendary Rhine & Moselle | Amsterdam to Basel | 13 Days
2013: Oct 15, Nov 8
Paris & Normandy | Paris to Paris | 10 Days
2014: Mar 16, Mar 23
Paris & the Heart of Europe | Paris to Vienna | 18 Days
2013: Aug 25
Parisian Winter Holiday | Paris to Paris | 8 Days
2013: Dec 13, 27
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley | Porto to Porto | 8 Days (cruise only)2013: Nov 14
2014: Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 13
Rhine Holiday Markets | Basel to Cologne | 8 Days
2013: Dec 22
Springtime Tulips & the Rhine | Amsterdam to Frankfurt | 8 Days
2014: Apr 2
Tulips & Windmills | Amsterdam to Antwerp | 10 Days
2014: Mar 28, Apr 3
Venice & the Po River | Venice to Venice | 8 Days
2013: Jul 28, Aug 4, 18, 25, Nov 10
2014: Apr 6, Jul 27, Aug 3
Subject to availability. Capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply. Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw or change offers at any time. For complete details on all promotions, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please contact your local travel agent. Single Supplement Waiver applies to cruise only.
UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION IS PART OF THE TRAVEL CORPORATION F
Solo Travelers – Uniworld River Cruises
Reduced Single Supplement applies to cruise/tour package. Waived Single Supplement Savings is available on the following select river cruise itineraries and …
uniworld.com/solo-travelers
A cruise is one of the best holidays around for single travellers, providing a safe environment with like-minded people and allowing them to travel to places they might not be comfortable visiting on their own.
London and Corsham, Wiltshire (PRWEB UK) 22 August 2013
Travelling alone can be a daunting prospect, especially if it’s for the first time, but it can also be an enriching and rewarding experience. It offers the rarest components of true luxury travel – the chance to be selfish, to follow one’s own wishes and interests without having to compromise or negotiate. However, it can also be rather expensive, with the guest often being expected to pay as much as a couple occupying the same accommodation. Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas are offering reduced single supplements on selected sailings, thereby making these cruises an attractive and cost-effective option for the solo traveller.
A cruise is one of the best holidays around for single travellers, providing a safe environment with like-minded people and allowing them to travel to places they might not be comfortable visiting on their own.
Kit Williams, cruise expert at luxury travel specialistSilver Compass, says “For many, travelling alone is not a choice, but for those that do, it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. It’s very different from travelling with one’s partner or friends but I love to travel solo at times too. Cruising is an ideal option from so many angles, but it’s important to seek the advice of an expert to ensure that the selected cruise is a good match for the traveller.”
It’s crucially important to choose the right ship and sailing; costs for single travellers can be high and not all sailings will have enough guests travelling alone to ensure that those who are don’t feel out of place.
Most cruise ships offer a variety of top quality restaurants and bars, entertainment and activities, as well as excursions to help make the most of the destinations. Many cruise lines include most or all of these in the fare, making a cruise holiday exceptional good value for money. In this environment, learning new hobbies and skills, discovering new places and making new friends couldn’t be easier, especially on some of the smaller ships.
It pays to look out for special promotions and to look closely at the single supplements. This is not just to take advantage of the cost savings but also because those are the sailings more likely to attract other like-minded solo travellers.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive of the luxury cruise lines, with specially reduced single supplements currently available on selected 2013/2014 sailings. With these preferential fares, Regent is a particularly good option for single travellers. An unlimited number of excursions is included in the fare and the luxuriously appointed suites, most with balconies, are particularly spacious (at least 301 sq ft.).
With the option of in-suite dining at no extra cost, guests have total freedom to choose between mixing with new friends or having a quiet restful evening after a busy day. Many Regent cruises also offer single traveller get-togethers, facilitate those travelling alone to enjoy shore excursions together if they choose and also to make sure they have someone to join them at dinner, again if that’s what they want.
Examples of Regent’s special singles offers are:
23rd October 2013 | 10 nights | Rome to Venice| from £4951 (Cat F)
7th January 2014 | 10 nights |Sydney to Auckland | from £6451 (Cat E)
22nd March 2014 |10 nights Eastern Caribbean from Miami | from £6121 (Cat F)
21st May 2014 | 7 nights | Alaska and the Inside Passage from Vancouver | from £5341 (Cat F)
The above fares are based on single occupancy of a Balcony suite and include: a reduced single supplement of 50% (available for F to D grades only); flights in economy class, transfers and 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay (B&B). Fares are subject to availability and capacity controlled so they may be withdrawn at any time, so don’t miss the boat. Call us at Silver Compass for more information or to book.
About Silver Compass:
Silver Compass is an award-winning tailor-made travel agency based in London and Wiltshire with a passion for exceptional service. Members of the Association of Cruise Experts, their cruise specialists look after every detail and thrive on matching the right cruise line to the customer.
The yearning to see faraway places and the fear of visiting them alone seem to be universal human traits. Whenever travel writer Arthur Frommer gives a lecture and opens the floor to questions, a woman inevitably raises her hand and asks whether a female can safely travel by herself. “I always notice that all the men are leaning forward to catch the answer too,” says Frommer. His verdict, for all concerned: an emphatic Yes!
Once fear is conquered, many older adults find they actually prefer traveling solo. Mature Americans, 55 and older, stay away from home the longest, according to… Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,998332,00.html#ixzz2bgIi8DZN
Now there are hundreds of articles each month sharing solo adventures, men and women traveling to countries that are often remote and possible considered dangerous by the average traveler. All solo travelers approach the travel experience differently.
Most writers think solo travel is only for gap years, for 20 somtthings or for those who don’t want a REAL job.
Fewer articles are written about solo travelers who don’t fit these categories.
Food in a Hurry does not have to be tasteless, precooked and dry. FIAH is here.
While researching Food Trucks as the perfect alternative to a restaurant for Solo Travelers, I met Georgia Brown.
A friendly, enthusiastic vendor who was willing to share her story with this blogger.
I learned I could find great comfort food as well as healthy choices that are packed with flavor.
I am planning my next visit for Mac and Three Cheeses!
sweetgeorgiabrownscaterng@yahoo.com
fiahtruck@yahoo.com
On the FIAH FB page they list some other treats that will go on my list:
Jamaican patties
Macaroni Hot Dogs
Just down the row from FIAH, I met Jason Powell
and my diet went out the window.
From a candy background, Jason’s sister Chay, brought the taste of New Orleans sweets to Atlanta with Chayj’s
Using her fathers recipes, Chay creates top selling pretzels covered with praline, classic pralines, popcorn/praline and other sweet treats.
My policy is, if you don’t buy it you cant eat it and gain weight. But how can I tell you about Chay J’s pretzels without having tried them?
The bag of pretzels covered in praline coating, almost did not make it all the way home! Now I will return to try the popcorn and perhaps another bag of pretzels, all as part of the story of course.
sweetst@chayjs.com
The Solo Travelers Club by Online Vacation Center found a trip RT from NYC to Halifax and St John!
Solo Prices starting at $718 inside *
“Experience the warm colors of fall on a Canada/New England Cruise. Roundtrip New York City on Carnival Glory. Make your way through Boston, Portland, Saint John and Halifax. 7 nights from $718 (taxes not included, price subject to change, terms and conditions apply).http://bit.ly/13Arz69 * “
Contact
Linda Carella Solo Specialist
Today 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Phone
(800) 787-1871 Emaillindac@onlinevacationcenter.com Website http://www.onlinevacationcenter.com/solo…