Welcome to the August 2004 edition of SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL e-zines - a continuing series of monthly newsletters created for the community of single adults who travel alone with kids.

To sign up for our newsletter go to http://www.SingleParentTravel.net. Forward this newsletter to a friend!

In this issue:

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. U*NITE FLORIDA T - It's more than just an attraction.
(Paid advertisement)
III. DID YOU MISS THE SALE? "THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK"
IV. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
V. DYNAMIC DENVER & GLORIOUS ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

As you may recall, Beaches Hotel sponsored my national book tour. Everyone who attended a book signing or answered one of our Single Parent surveys was eligible to win a free single parent family trip to any Beaches property in the Caribbean. The lucky winner of the free trip was Jeanette G. of the Bronx. Congratulations Jeannette!

Our summer advertiser is Universal Orlando Resort and their exciting Labor Day Singles Weekend. We are delighted that Universal has chosen to advertise on SingleParentTravel.net. Advertisers help defray the costs of running this Web site and the free newsletter. If you are not interested in the Singles Weekend, please mention it to your single friends or co-workers. Refer them to our Web site. Thank you.

The destination feature for August is Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, a great place for a long weekend or one week vacation. Although much of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed off in the colder months, Estes Park is a year round destination. You can snowshoe in the winter, enjoy hearing the elks "bugle" for a mate in the autumn months and enjoy terrific wildlife viewing in the spring. Denver is an excellent starting point for a circle-driving trip of the West. Next month I'll talk about Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, only 5 hours' drive from Denver and scenic all the way!

This month we have an especially long Subscriber section. Due to ever increasing responses, I am being more selective with the emails that I post. Everyone seems to enjoy this section, but if you feel it is becoming too long, please drop me an email with your opinion. Reader response is always welcome.

Happy travels,
GlobalBrenda

II. UoNITE FLORIDA™ - It's more than just an attraction.
(Paid advertisement)

Labor Day Weekend
September 3 - 6, 2004
Universal Orlando® Resort

An exclusive weekend event for singles with style.

Satisfy your passion for great times with friends at an exclusive event unlike anything you've ever experienced! Come meet and mingle with countless other fun seekers as you enjoy a nearly endless array of social activities, special events, parties and live entertainment. All hosted at the spectacular Universal Orlando® Resort.
For more detail see: http://www.UniteFlorida.com or call 877-639-8552

III. DID YOU MISS THE BOOK SALE? - "THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK"

Unfortunately, the "hurt" book sale we had is over. If you missed it, you can order a copy of "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" from a number of on-line discounters. (If the extended links don't work, just go to the site and search for the book.)

Amazon.com -- $12.57 if you buy $50 or more, you can qualify for free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/- /0972362703/qid=1091840841/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-3171174- 3455852?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Powells.com -- $12.95 + shipping
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=1-0972362703-2

Albirs.com -- $15.43 + shipping
http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?S=R&qisbn=0972362703&qsort=p&siteID=S7faCN9gQJ0-C_Ff6GVE2Z_CRVfDQ66CWw

WalMart.com -- $11.31 + shipping
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2071989&sourceid=0100000030660805302498

Overstock.com -- $10.69 + $1.40 shipping
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=436035&cid=25608&fp=F

For new subscribers not familiar with the book, here is a description:

Hailed by such noted organizations as Parents Without Partners, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" is the first and only book dedicated to traveling single parent families. The book, both informative and entertaining, tells you how to plan a trip for you and your kids that is fun and exciting and stays within your budget. It includes:

* Critical advice on the travel documentation needed for minors traveling abroad
* Information on over a dozen single parent worthy destinations hand-picked by Ms. Elwell
*A chapter on adventurous heartwarming stories from single parent dads
*An appendix of travel agents that specialize in single parent families-the only listing of its kind

IV. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

* Beaches Boscobel, Jamaica - August 15-22, 2004
Single Parent Tours has over 65 people booked for this exclusive and all-inclusive Single Parent Week and reservations are still coming in. We expect this trip to sell out as it did last year. Book now before it does!

* Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, NY - November 19-21, 2004
Once again we are offering our popular all-inclusive fun-filled Single Parent Family getaway weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in scenic Hudson Valley. Last year this weekend sold out and we anticipate another sell-out this fall. Please book early to avoid disappointment. For photos, details, and prices on these trips click on: http://www.SingleParentTours.com or call 877-GOGO SPT. Ask for Janet or Lynda.

We are currently in negotiations for a single parent family cruise in early summer of 2005. Stay tuned to the newsletter for more details.

V. DYNAMIC DENVER & GLORIOUS ROCKY MT NATIONAL PARK

Looking for a fun-filled family vacation that combines The Great Outdoors with City Sophistication? Even better, how about a short travel time between the two places? With only one hour's drive from Denver, you are already into the foothills of the spectacular Rocky Mountains. This is a good place to do a little hiking or walking around to acclimate yourself to the high altitude before tackling Rocky Mountain National Park. But I am ahead of myself. Let's start with the dynamic city of Denver and its multiple family attractions.

DENVER: Last month was my sixth trip to Denver and I enjoy the city as much, if not more, than I did on my first visit with my kids over ten years ago. The city is clean, wide open, vibrant, and easy to navigate. We toured Denver over the 4th of July weekend and had the place to ourselves. Denverites are outdoors people and they head to the mountains on weekends and holiday - year round. If you are planning a visit to this area and have flexibility with your dates, I recommend spending the weekend in Denver and mid week in the mountains to avoid the crowds.

If you are planning to spend a day or two in Denver, here are some attractions I recommend:

Denver Museum of Nature & Science 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver CO 80205 (303) 322-7009 (800) 925-2250
http://www.dmns.org/
9 am - 5 pm Daily
This is the fourth largest museum of its kind in the nation with three floors of incredible exhibits about our planet and the creatures that live on it. There's a great geology section that helps you and your kids understand the rock formations of Colorado and the West.

The Molly Brown House Museum
Located at 1340 Pennsylvania Street in downtown Denver, this former home of one of western America's most colorful characters will give you an insight into high society life in Denver during Victorian times. The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown was one of the Titanic's most famous survivors. More information is available on their Web site: http://mollybrown.org/

The Capitol Building
Denver is known at the "Mile High City." Did you know there is a marker on the capitol steps commemorating the precise step that is one mile high? The capitol building is also known for its beautiful copper dome easily visible from anywhere in downtown Denver.

A few other fun things to do in downtown Denver are to visit the historic Brown Palace Hotel, stroll down pedestrian-only Nicolette Street, and spend some time in one of the ubiquitous brew pubs. Yes it OK to bring the kids! These are casual places that serve great microbrews, buffalo and beef burgers and many have a game room with lots of old time family fun games. One such place is the Wynkoop Brewery in the Lodo District. (lower downtown section).

Denver maintains an excellent Web site with information on attractions and lodging. The address is: http://www.denver.org
Check out the Five Best section - 5 best drives outside of Denver, 5 free things to do, etc.

For a short trip outside of Denver, I recommend two excursions:

1) The town of Morrison, near the Red Rocks Amphitheater at the intersection of Route 70 and C470. Located at the foot of the mountains, there are several beautiful and easy hikes in the area. 2) Another is the town of Evergreen, about 20 minutes west of Denver in the mountains, famous for its lake. You can hike around the lake or fish in it in the warmer months and when it freezes in winter, people ice skate and play hockey on it. The town of Evergreen, although small, is an interesting place to spend an hour or two. There is an historic hotel, a number of shops, and a few moderately priced places to eat with tables outside so you can enjoy the fine weather.

ESTES PARK: Less than two hours from Denver is Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Estes contains oodles of shops and tourist attractions, including an old time movie theater, and many types of accommodations ranging from deluxe to simple moderately priced cabins in the woods. We sampled both ends of the spectrum. First we had lunch (all we could afford) at the pricey Stanley Hotel (great buffalo burgers and fries!). The historic Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Steven King's book, "The Shining" later made into the infamous movie with Jack Nicholson. The hotel has a small museum that is worth a visit.

We stayed several nights at the Workshire Lodge, just outside of town, in a comfy clean cabin complete with kitchenette, microwave and outdoor deck and grill. During our stay a crafty red fox almost made off with our steak dinner. The next evening we were greeted by a parade of male elk that slinked right by our deck during twilight. The Workshire is family run and moderately priced. I highly recommend it. Their Web site is: http://www.workshire.com/

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: Adjacent to Estes Park is one of America's most glorious national parks. If you plan to hike or drive through Rocky Mountain NP, bring plenty of water as there are no concessionary facilities in the park other than a couple of ranger stations. Drink even when you are not thirsty so as to stay hydrated at this high altitude. Ranked as one of the most scenic drives in the world, is the Trail Ridge Road, one of America's great alpine highways, climbing to over 12,000 feet. This 48 mile one-way trip takes a minimum of 3 to 4 hours due to the numerous stops for photos, brief hikes and guaranteed wildlife viewing. We drove all the way to the western end of the road and had lunch in the lakeside picturesque town of Grand Lake that offers varied family attractions. The drive straight back to Estes was a little over an hour. It is best to start this journey early in the morning to avoid crowds and for maximum wildlife viewing. There are 12 marked stops along the way. If you prefer not to drive the entire length of the road, then I recommend going as far as Rock Cut Stop #6 which includes a ranger station and a half mile alpine tundra hike that exposes you to a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. And remember, if you want to know the best hike for you and your family, ask a ranger!

FORT COLLINS & ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES: A 45 minute drive north from Estes Park is the pretty historic town of Fort Collins. We enjoyed an early lunch there before taking off on a family-oriented white water trip down Cache la Poudre, Colorado's only wilderness river. The outfitter we used was Rocky Mountain Adventures. Web site: http://www.shoprma.com/. I highly recommend this outfitter: Rates were reasonable, the pre-trip briefing was excellent and the guides made sure everyone had a great time. A unique feature of the trip was the Pigeon Express. Featured on the Discovery Channel, the lovely white pigeons carry the film from your whitewater excursion back to headquarters so your photos are ready shortly after you arrive back at the outfitter's office. Next month I'll write about our side trip to Moab, Utah and the stunning red rock country of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

>From MW:
I am going with my five children ages( 12,11,9,7 and 5) years old. We are driving from New Jersey to St. Louis and then to Chicago. Any interesting places to see? My four oldest children are boys and I have one daughter. I am thinking about going on a cruise maybe 4 nights next year. We are going to drive to Orlando or Miami, Florida. Any tips? Thank you.

GlobalBrenda's reply: Whew! You have a lot of questions here so I will keep my answers as brief as possible.

1) St Louis.
I have been there many times, generally on business trips but I managed to squeeze in a little fun time when the meetings were over. I strongly recommend you visit the famous arch. You can ride up the arch but you need to reserve tickets ahead of time, otherwise you may have to wait several hours to secure a reservation during the busy summer months. Located in the arch complex is a wonderful museum and gift shop featuring the legendary Lewis & Clark expedition, which began in St. Louis.

To further enhance your visit I strongly recommend you buy (or borrow from the library) a copy of Steven Ambrose's book on the Lewis & Clark expedition. Read a chapter each night to your children. You and they will be enthralled with what they went through to prepare for and live through this perilous but exciting journey. For information on more St. Louis attractions, check out this Web site:
http://www.stlouisattractions.com/

2) Chicago
I have spent a number of fun weekends in the vibrant windy city. A favorite family attraction is going to the top of the Sears Tower. If you have done the Empire State Building, this will not be such a novel experience. Chicago has a superb science museum. You can also go swimming in Lake Michigan, complete with beaches and lifeguards, right off the main boulevard. For more information on Chicago attractions, check out this Web site:
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions.htm

3) Orlando
There is a write up on the Orlando area on my Web site. Go to http://www.SingleParentTravel.net and click on destination information on the left hand side.

4) Cruises.
Single Parent Tours will be sponsoring a cruise during the summer of 2005. Did you sign up for our free monthly newsletter.? That will keep you posted.

KK writes:
I was wondering if you have any information on New Zealand with regards to traveling with a one-year old as a single parent. Thanks so much.

GlobalBrenda's reply:
I am going to open up your question to my readers in my August due out next week. Although I started traveling with my kids when they were only a few weeks old, I did not take them overseas until they were at least 5 years old so I will defer advice to those more equipped to give it. In the meantime you may wish to peruse my past writings on traveling with tots. Here are the pages from my Web site: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/infranthealth.htm
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/twoyearold.htm
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/TipsforTots.htm

KJ writes:
I'm planning to take my son on a cruise end of August, any suggestions on where to go? I live in San Diego and my son is 7. He likes the beach and any type of sports. I'm looking for a kid friendly cruise that is also geared for single parents so that we can meet other families as well.

GlobalBrenda's reply:
* I suggest you check out the Web site of www. ParentsWithoutPartners.org. They always have cruises posted.
*Check out the single parent specials on my Web site. Here's the page:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/index.htm

*Lastly, buy my book: "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." It lists over 75 travel agencies that specialize in single parent travel and will help you find the right cruise for you and your child.

KK wrote an email in response to JO's question posted last month:
One note for J.O. - I have cruised extensively with my daughter - starting from age 8 and have never had a problem in leaving or re-entering the States. Perhaps cruising is different since you can leave from the US and return to the US - you are never really entering Mexico per se. This might be an option for someone who is worried about documentation.

Also, my daughter and I just returned from Italy - it was great and I think it would be a great trip for single parents. We used Trafalgar which was wonderful - guides, buses, excursions, hotels - all planned for you - they even place the wake up call for you. There were several single parents on the trip as well as families as large as 8 - some older folks from Canada who Emily ended up calling grandmom. It was exhausting but great - someone told us where we were going and what we were doing everyday. Not my usual way to travel - we usually like to control our own destinations, however, in a country like Italy where driving is different and with the language barrier it was a GREAT trip.

Footnote from GlobalBrenda:
Although entry requirements may be "softer" on a cruise than flying into a destination, if you do set foot in a foreign country, you are, in fact, entering it. Always check documentation requirements for single parents from your travel supplier at time of booking.

DD writes:
Hi Brenda - any travel groups around/near Columbus Ohio?

GlobalBrenda's reply:
We have a listing on SingleParentTravel.net of all the single parent groups we know about. You can find it here:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/SPgroups.htm
The best place to locate single parent family groups in your local area is to go to the web site www.ParentsWithoutPartners.org. This is a wonderful organization that plans local as well as national events.

ES writes:
A quick note reading about Disney World on your E pages. One of my friends owns stock in this company and thereby receives great discounts at the resorts. Not sure if you only have to own 1 or 100 shares for it to apply, be worth looking into for single parents to save a buck.. My guess is 1 share gets you on the mailing list.

Footnote from GlobalBrenda: I did not have time to research ES's suggestion but if anyone of my readers does so, please let me know your findings.

K O'Sullivan writes:
I am a single mother in NY and I would like to get in touch with MZ in New Zealand who wrote in to you in the July Issue of your newsletter. I am interested in taking my son (9 years old) for a visit to New Zealand in 2005 and would like to get some information about NZ from someone who knows it well and could recommend places to visit/stay and other issues. My email is K.osullivan2@verizon.net . Perhaps you could print this in your next newsletter or recommend another way for me to contact MZ. Thank you.

>From Diana Hastings Temple at email: dht.taxlaw@worldnet.att.net I posted something on the bulletin board about my upcoming trip to Maui on August 21 - 30. I am hoping to connect with other single parents. How do I post in the newsletter? Thanks!

Also, someone asked a question about traveling with a toddler with all the accompanying stuff. I'd like to recommend that the parent order all she will need from an on-line drugstore like drugstore.com to be delivered to her destination. Then, I'd also recommend that the parent use a luggage delivery service. The latter suggestion in particular may at first appear "expensive," but one's sanity is worth it! Both of these expenses evaporate as your child gets older and requires less stuff and does not require as much watching.

KK wrote in with a tip:
Another good cure for motion sickness these days is the seaband - worn on the wrist on a pressure point - works like acupuncture. My daughter used it on two cruises and during one we had some bad weather and she survived without a problem.

AK writes:
Hi Brenda, I live in the UK and wonder if this site is likely to be relevant to me, as it all seems to be for single parents in the states.

GlobalBrenda's reply:
About 10%- 20% of our readers live outside the USA, half of them are Canadian and the other half are residents of the UK, Australia or one of the northern European countries. My book and Web site have been featured in publications across Canada as well as a number of publications in France, Italy, the UK, and across Scandinavia. Our Jamaica trip (www.SingleParentTours.com) usually has at least one or two families from the UK. Our Web site features a UK based Single Parent family organization. Here is the page: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/SPgroups.htm I suggest you sign up for the free monthly online newsletter. If, after a few months, you find the information is not helpful, you can always sign off. We always welcome feedback from our friends across the ocean.

JT writes:
I recently found out that I have a cousin who lives in Moscow. I would love to visit, but am nervous about traveling as a single parent with a 15-year-old son to a foreign country. Am I just being a Nervous Nellie, or is this do-able?

GlobaBrenda's reply:
You are being a nervous Nellie, but that's OK. A trip to Russia is more than do-able and visiting a cousin there is a must! Here's why....First of all, you and your son will have a vacation that is interesting, educational and will produce lifelong memories. I took my kids to Scandinavia and Russia when my daughter was 17 and my son was 10 years old. Glasnost had just appeared on the horizon so when we visited Leningrad (now once again called St. Petersburg) the city was still under Soviet communistic rule.

My daughter had delightful long talks with local teenagers about their daily life in the Soviet Union. My son still to this day talks about what we saw and did in that country.

When you go, notice I said when, not if, do three things:

1) Bring photos of your home or apartment, your friends, your pet, your son's school, where you go to church, where you shop, anything that shows your family, your school, your workplace, your daily life. Even if you live in a big house, do not think you will be showing off to the people you meet, rather you will be sharing your life with them.

2) Take photos that tell stories. (My book explains what I mean by this). If you promise to send photos when you return home, fufill those promises.

3) Bring a diary or a steno pad and write in it each day what you experienced. Keep it brief - a paragaraph or two but DO IT DAILY. It is important that both you AND your son write your own impressions. You will be surprised how each of you will see different things or see the same things from a different perspective.

Of course you need to do research to enhance your trip and I strongly recommend you purchase a copy of my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." It discusses Russia in the book and talks about what we did beforehand and during the trip to enhance our enjoyment of the trip. Here is how to order: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm

From Nichole Mundy:
I am a travel agent responding to GC's question about a Mexican cruise out of L. A. I know for sure that Royal Caribbean has 3 and 4 day cruises to Mexico from LA. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both have a mix of passengers. Carnival tends to be a little bit cheaper but Royal Caribbean's service is better. They both have excellent programs for the kids. I've found that Royal Caribbean has more planned activities but

Then I have only traveled to the southern Caribbean on the Carnival Destiny. My agency is Exclusive Tours (phone 954-474-9551) and she can contact me for more information if she likes.

TM writes:
I am a single Mom of a 5 yr old boy and we are going to Disney World 2nd week of August, for only 3 days. Any advice at all will be so helpful!!

GlobalBrenda's reply:
There is a section on Disney on my Web site, under Destination Information. Here is the page:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Disney.htm

JP writes:
Can you help me plan a weekend trip to San Francisco for me and my 12-year-old daughter? Thank you.

GlobalBrenda's reply:
There is an excellent write up on San Francisco in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." It will help you plan a fun-filled weekend for you and your child. Here is how to order the book:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm
On my Web site, I wrote a brief write up for those people traveling to Hawaii with a short layover in San Francisco. The information in my book is much more comprehensive, but here is the Web page:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm San Francisco is one of my favorite cities of the world. Have fun!

Tammy writes:
I just stumbled across your group and think it is fantastic. I wish I had known about your August trip to Jamaica before I booked my cruise in August for the following week. I am a single adoptive mother to a just turned two-year-old little girl from Russia. I only have had her 9 months but it seems like she has been a part of me forever. I am a BIG skier and was wondering if you had any plans for a west coast ski trip this winter? Possibly during Presidents Week or some other school vacation (Easter Week)? I will continue to watch your messages and hope to book one of your vacations soon. Thank you.

GlobalBrenda's reply:
Congratulations on your new motherhood!. Every one of our Single Parent Tours includes at least one or two adoptive mothers with child. It is always so nice to talk to them and hear their stories. Regarding ski trips during holiday periods....Single Parent Tours works very hard to negotiate room rates and packages that are free of the single supplement. That is one of our goals. If we were to book a resort or hotel during high season or holiday season, not only will the hotel decline to reduce or eliminate the single supplement, they are also quite unlikely to give us a group rate. The reason for this is that they expect to get all rooms filled at the top-notch price so why discount?

Perhaps years from now, when our following has grown to the point that we have a hundred or more people for each departure, we will reconsider our position. With those numbers you have more clout during peak season..

From Donald P: I love your newsletter and the different stories that go with it. I would like to know if you are considering a warm getaway this November [during Thanksgiving week]. I personally like the Caribbean. Being from Chicago, I have the strong desire to leave town when the weather here gets cold, gray, gloomy...etc. Thanksgiving week is a good time to get away since kids are out of school most of the week and rates for that area have not jumped to winter rates. Let me know what you and others think. You can reference my e-mail if other single parents are thinking the same thing as well and wish to discuss this further.

GlobalBrenda's footnote:
If anyone wants to start a discussion on the Web site, please do so or you can reply directly to Donald at: donald.pellico@sba.gov

Arlene R writes:
I always enjoy your newsletter. Thanks! My daughter, age 7, and I just moved (back) to NYC from Seattle. We are looking for a not-to-pricey week of relaxation and enjoyment, preferably near water, the end of August. I was thinking somewhere in CT or MA. Gotta get out of here during the Republican Convention! Any ideas?

GlobalBrenda's reply:
Why not consider Ocean City, New Jersey? - It bills itself as America's Favorite Family Resort and rightfully so. I wrote about it in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." I grew up spending part of each summer there, as did my kids. The town is safe and has not changed much in the last 50 years. Rates are usually more reasonable the last week of August. There are many charming guesthouses but not a huge amount of motels. Most of the town is vacation rental homes, and the town is dry, so it keeps out the rowdy element. You can of course buy beer and liquor across the bridge from town but there is no drinking on the beach or boardwalk. Here's their Web site: http://www.oceancityvacation.com There's also Cape Cod, great for families as well. Perhaps there may be bargains in late August.

Here are a couple of sites to get you started on hotels and info.
http://www.virtualcapecod.com/Lodging/Lodging%2C1.htm
http://www.capecodchamber.org

JH writes:
You ought to check out this resort. I went there with my 2 sons and we had a blast. http://www.hawkscay.com.