Vacations for singles
Are you a frustrated single when it comes to taking vacation? Have you made arrangements with friends or family because you’ve had no alternative? Want to fulfill your personal travel goals without someone in tow? Great deals await those who don’t delay.
Exclusive age restricted travel
Are you between 18-35 years old? Contiki’s Iditarod and Northern Lights tour is an example of a unique tour that combines a viewing of the Alaska’s Iditarod race along with majestic scenery and wildlife. All Contiki tours and activities are exclusively designed for young adults. It would make a great collective gift for a graduating high school senior or college student.
Although open to couples, 70 percent of Contiki tour participants are single.
Traveling alone? Contiki has more than one style of touring. The more popular include itineraries using superior hotels, with one or two travelers of the same gender, sharing a room. Don’t want to pay single supplement? Problem solved. Be assigned a roommate for the length of the trip. Participants come from all over the world. You might make lasting friendships while making lasting memories.
Contiki also offers concept tours; an even less expensive way to afford a vacation. These hostel- style arrangements are perfect for the adventure-seeker who is content to travel with a
backpack and sleeping bag. Visit www.contiki.com.
Once, twice, three times for ladies
Gutsy Women Travel was designed for women, of all walks of life, who love to travel. Divorced or widowed? Married, but your husband has no interest in travel? Their hot selling Amalfi Coast tour includes a Neapolitan cooking demonstration, regional wine tasting and a speedboat ride to the Isle of Capri. Gutsy’s 12-day Queen of the Nile Tour is the stuff that will awaken your inner Cleopatra. From pyramids and temples to a magical Nile cruise, it’s a-once-in-a-lifetime experience. Personal service and detail begin with only 10-20 passengers per itinerary. When you book more than 90 days before departure, be assured of the double occupancy rate, provided you are willing to room-share. Visit www.gutsywomentravel.com.
Irish Pub & Folk Tour
Discover a popular five-to-eight day itinerary from Dublin to the southeast region of Ireland. Collect your impressions as you sing, dance and meet the locals. Hear the lore that is legendary to Ireland. Although not exclusive to singles, it’s the perfect tour for those who seek a social environment. For those more serious about the taste of Irish ale, try the “pub crawl” tour.
Looking for the perfect mate? Attend one of Europe’s biggest events for singles – The Lisdoonvarna Festival. It’s an Irish tradition, held every September, on Ireland’s west coast. Visit www.discoverireland.com.
Solo traveler specials
Globus Tours has waived their single supplement fees on several time-intensive itineraries to Western Europe. They include:
A winter sampler tour to Ireland, Italy or France.
A seven-day Great Britain tour. Combines visits to William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Ann Hathaway’s cottage and a guided tour of Sir Walter Scott’s home in Edinburgh.
A nine-day Eastern Europe tour with sight-seeing in Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest and Prague.
A 10-day Spanish Winter Fiesta Tour from Madrid to Barcelona.
All tours include superior, city center room accommodations, a local host, driver and featured inclusions. For more information visit www.globusjourneys.com.
Single parent & child getaway
Beaches resorts will waive their single supplement fee with a minimum three-night stay for arrivals August 17-October 31.
Visit Turks & Caicos or Negril, Jamaica for a luxury, family all-inclusive treat. Tailored activities for everyone will give that single Mom or Dad time to rejuvenate and relax.
There’s supervised activities for every age group, including nightly entertainment and a complimentary X-Box video game center for the older kids. The little ones can even participate in a resort parade with live Sesame Street characters. Visit www.beaches.com.
Singles week in the Caribbean
Want to meet other singles? Pack your bags for Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Back by popular demand, you can choose from two exclusive weeks: September 4-11 and October 9-16. Ocean Blue Golf and Beach resort is a five-star all-inclusive on one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Extra special activities designed for your Singles Week include Pool & Beach Olympics, Mr. & Mrs. Ocean Contest, Toga Dinner Party, Karaoke, Disco Tours and various other beach and pool activities. Visit www.applevacations.com.
Dreaming of Down Under?
Is Australia your dream destination? Air prices to the South Pacific have never been better; combined with the AUD exchange rate, you’ll benefit from great savings. Traveling alone? No worries, mate. Qantas Vacations includes Aussie-packed activities and adventure in all of their escorted motor coach tours. Reservations will pair you up with a roommate of the same gender. If they can’t find one, you’ll save the single supplement fee. Venture the outback, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, explore Sydney’s gorgeous city, including the famous Opera House. Visit www.qantasvacations.com.
Wherever you travel, let the world be your oyster. Reach in and grab a pearl.
Linda McClain, CTA, is owner of Capital Region based Linda McClain Travel Services “From The Islands To The Highlands, No Dream Is Too Far From Here!” For more information call 372.7657 or visit www.lindamcclaintravel.net.