Welcome to the December 2002 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. In this issue:

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. THREE CHRISTMAS CITIES
III. ROLL-CALL
IV. SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL COMPANIONS
V. UNCOVERED - SINGLE PARENT SPECIALS
VI. TOOTING THE HORN - GLOBALBRENDA IN THE NEWS
VII. DOCUMENTATION YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY
VIII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE

Here at GlobalBrenda Publishing, we received our holiday present early - we got the books! "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" was dropped off two weeks ago from the printers. My daughter, who is currently my official shipping department, and I spent a weekend signing, packing and shipping all the books that were pre-purchased. I thank every one of you who bought one. For those who haven't there are still many more. Purchase yours at a $5 discount at http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/book/index.htm

Also a special thanks to my Seven Single Parent Dad Storytellers: Colin, Don, Lewis, Victor, Gregg, Peter and Mardy who wrote such exciting, adventurous and heartwarming stories. Reading each of your adventures brought laughs and a warm glow to my heart. I am certain everyone else who reads them will feel the same.

If you ordered a book and did not receive one, then please contact my daughter at 215-382-4466 or Monique@SingleParentTravel.net . Please let us know your NAME, your E-MAIL and HOW YOU PAID: PayPal or by check.

We are currently working with our distributor, Beagle Bay to get the books in bookstores (in about three months), on Amazon.com (about one month) and anywhere else that books can be sold.

Lastly, I wanted to mention a mistake in our sponsor's section on our last newsletter. We listed the wrong link for our sponsor, FamilyTravel.com. It should be http://www.FamilyTravel.com. (FamilyTravel.com has no association with FamilyFun.com.) I hope you and your families have a warm and wonderful holiday season.

Happy Travels!

GlobalBrenda

II. THREE CHRISTMAS CITIES
Wondering where to go for a holiday day trip or a holiday weekend with your kid(s)? In light of the forthcoming holiday season I thought it timely to write about three exciting cities across the U.S., each of which offers a unique array of holiday family activities.

Let's start with. NEW ORLEANS "The City That Care Forgot" puts on its Christmas finery in spite of its often balmy December weather. The balconies wear bright red ribbons and smell of fresh evergreen. The stores abound with items unique to Louisiana, such as children's books about a Cajun Christmas. Did you know that, in the bayou, Papa Noel leaves his reindeer up north and arrives on a barge pulled by alligators? The restaurants offer Reveillon Creole menus at special prices, all wrapped up in a festive atmosphere. For further information on all the holiday activities in New Orleans, including Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa, click on: http://www.christmasneworleans.com/ One attraction not to be missed is the Celebration in the Oaks, located in lavishly decorated City Park. The local tourist board informed me that the city allots two million dollars for this beautiful holiday display. For more information check out the Web site: http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/

Let's head west to.. SANTA FE Here the atmosphere changes from Creole and Cajun to Spanish and Native American. Instead of balmy, the air is dry and crisp with the smell of pinion and the city is aglow with the soft lights of the farolitos. (These are the lovely votive candles in bags). The nearby Native American pueblos offer special holiday celebrations. There are holiday performing art shows for families and numerous winter outdoor activities such as downhill skiing, tubing and skating. For further information on the many holiday activities visit the Web site at: http://www.santafe.com/travel/Christmas.html Santa Fe's very special attraction is the Lighting of the Plaza on New Year's Eve. The farolitos are lit at dusk while everyone enjoys a hot chocolate.

Lastly, we could not forget Christmas in.. NEW YORK CITY The "Big Apple" is world famous for Rockefeller Center with its skating rink framed by a magnificent evergreen tree. If you plan to skate, be prepared for a long wait, so dress warmly. Stroll along 5th Avenue to view the fabulous and elegant window displays, each one vying to outdo its neighbors. Times Square is another fun place for a family stroll. The babble of languages will surround you as natives and tourists alike get out and enjoy the city. The list of holiday family activities is a long one. Check out the Web site at: http://www.Nyctourist.com/xmas_in_nyc.htm

NYC's special attraction is the show at Radio City Music Hall. At least once in your life you and your kid(s) have to see the Rockettes. Tickets may still be available for the Christmas show. Here is the Web site: http://www.radiocity.com/b1e.html

III. ROLL CALL

We have had a number of readers from Canada, the UK and Australia asking how they can meet (virtually or otherwise) other single parents from their home countries. We thought it appropriate to start a roll call. We have set up bulletin boards for four countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, the US and other countries.) We suggest listing your first name, location, ages of your kids and where you like to travel.

Click here to introduce yourself: http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm13

IV. SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL COMPANIONS

This month, we saw quite a few more postings on the bulletin boards. Here are a few excerpts... Alex's mom put the most adorable photos of her son up. I love the hat!! http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm1.showMessage? topicID=5.topic

The discussion continues about traveling on military planes: http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm1.showMessage? topicID=2.topic

katcourage is looking to meet other single parent families in the DFW area, "I am looking for a travel buddy in the DFW area. I am a single mom with a 9 year old boy. I occasionally fly to a destination, but mostly I take road trips because I can't afford air fare for two!" http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm1.showMessage? topicID=1.topic

The boards can be found at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/BBoards/index.htm

V. UNCOVERED - SINGLE PARENT SPECIALS

Once again, we have found specials that don't discriminate against the single parent family. You may contact your travel agent to book any of the specials below.

SP Special #1 - Always Inn Bed & Breakfasts, Tahoe, CA
The Always Inn B&B in Tahoe, CA has set up a couple of rooms so that single moms or dads can stay with their child or children. Freda, the owner, is a single mom herself, with twin boys age 12 and a daughter who is 11 and, as Freda says, "going on 40". Her kids love to snowboard and use the tube runs in the winter, and fish, kayak and watch the rock climbers in the spring, summer and fall. The Always Inn's room rates are based on two persons per room, with an additional $25 charge for anyone over three years of age. Three of their rooms have whirlpool spas.

The B&Bs also have an extensive video and book library with more than 100 kid friendly video titles, a Sony Playstation and games, and a very satisfying full California breakfast. She also offers optional pack lunches and group dinners for guests. For more information, check out their Web site http://www.alwaysinn.com .

SP Special #2 - Bienville House Hotel, New Orleans, LI
The Bienville House in New Orleans, LA offers a great single parent special: ALL kids under 18 stay free with one parent ALL the time. Their rates range from $69/night low season (Dec, Jan & summer) to $190 high season weekend rate. Weekdays are a bargain even in high season - starting at $99. The hotel is in the French Quarter, overlooking the river. That means you don't even need to rent a car. Everything is within walking distance great restaurants, shopping, art galleries and sightseeing. The hotel offers complimentary enhanced continental breakfast and has a pool (you will need it in the summer in N.O.!) Contact your local travel agent or call them at 800-535-7836. Their Web site is http://www.bienvillehouse.com

SP Special # 3 - Western River Expeditions
We were thrilled to discover that Western River Expeditions does not charge a single supplement. They also have reduced prices for children on some trips. Western River Expeditions is a rafting outfitter with trips in Utah, Idaho and Colorado. You can reserve their trips at 800-453-7450 or off their Web site, http://www.WesternRiver.com, or contact your local travel agent.

VI. TOOTING THE HORN - GLOBALBRENDA IN THE NEWS

In the November 25th edition of Travel Weekly, a national travel trade journal, Paul Felt wrote about GlobalBrenda Publishing, Single Parent Tours and "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." Since then, we have received quite a number of calls from major travel brands interested in tailoring their product to single parents. Stay tuned!!!

Single Parent Travel is mentioned in the December 2002 edition of Conde Nast Magazine. The article appears on p82 and is entitled "Different Strokes."

VII. DOCUMENTATION YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY

This month we received a number of emails from people asking what documentation they need to leave the country with their minor children. We updated our documentation section to answer the following questions:

Q: "I am going to Mexico for a vacation at the end of December with my three year old daughter. Her father moved to California and hasn't seen her for a year and a half (we are from Philadelphia). She was born with his last name but we changed it to mine (with his written consent). I have a new birth certificate showing her with my last name. He is still on it as birth father. Will I need a notarized letter from him giving me permission to travel with her? If so, what does it need to say? Or since she and I have the same last name can I just go without a letter?" -- C. P.

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Yes, you will need the notarized letter. If you can, have it translated into Spanish, although for Mexico this is not critical."

Q: "I am planning to travel to Switzerland on vacation with my son, I have sole physical and legal custody, do I need his (father's) approval?" - initials unknown

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "The papers stating that you have sole physical custody should be sufficient, but DOUBLE CHECK with the Swiss consulate"

Q: "My passport is in my maiden name which does not match my son's name or the name on the divorce papers which I will bring to show that I have full custody of him. Will this be a problem? (We currently have the same last name). i.e. should I bring state ID, or a marriage certificate or some such thing? (We're going to Thailand). " - A.C.

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "This can be really confusing. Bring all your identification to connect the dots. Don't forget to bring the notarized letter. DOUBLE CHECK with Thailand's consulate!!"

Q: "Do you have any idea how to obtain a court order permitting the applying parent's travel with child?"

GLOBABRENDA'S ANSWER: "I am not quite sure I understand the reason for your question. A single parent does not need a court order to obtain permission to take one's child out of the country. What is needed is a valid passport for parent and child, and, depending on the country visited, a letter of permission from the other, non- traveling parent saying permission is granted to leave the country with that child. Now, if you are under a court order barring you from leaving the country or the state with your child, that is another matter. You would have to speak to an attorney about that. I am not qualified to give legal advice."

There are variations and many scenarios to the above situations and we recommend you view the documentation section on http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/index.htm

VIII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Q: "I would like to know if there are, in the USA, travel agencies specially dedicated to single parent family travel or that organize such traveling groups." - A.

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Boy did you ask the right question! Yes, my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," has a listing of travel agents specializing in Single Parent Travel. Some of these agencies may do something local for Single Parents. You would have to ask. You can also check the Web site of http://www/ParentsWithoutPartners.org. Buy the book at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm Starting in summer of 2003 I will be hosting or escorting various one week and weekend trips to exciting destinations as part of my new tour program - Single Parent Tours. Details will be announced in early 2003. A discount coupon for the tours is in my new book."

Q: "I was wondering if you had any info on Australia? My daughter would love to go to Steve Erwin's zoo. Good deals etc." - C.

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Australia is one of the few places I have not yet visited. When I do, I plan to hike to the top of Ayers Rock, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and visit the magnificent Sydney Opera House. I suggest you visit the following Web site: www.towd.com and sign up for some info on Australia. Australia has an excellent and well-funded tourism board. You can check out two Web sites: www.australia.com and www.discovertasmania.com

Q: "I'm a single mother with three boys (9,6 and 3) and I'm interested in going to the Caribbean. I have never really traveled with them, so I don't know what to look for or what to ask. Would someone be able to help me out?" - SB

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Good for you! You will have a great time. If you are traveling to the Caribbean you can go on a cruise or you can buy one of those all-inclusive packages that includes airfare, hotel, taxes, and transfers. Some even include meals and all water sports. You will have to compare prices to see what works best for you and your family. You can share a quad (room for 4). Often the pricing is set up on a per person basis, 2 adults sharing a room. You may find that you are quoted an adult rate for the 9 yr old and then children's rates for the other 2 kids. I suggest you do 2 things to get started:

1) Check our Web site for any Single Parent Specials. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/index.htm

2) Call a travel agent to help you get started with some ideas." (We have a listing of travel agents in "The Single Parent Travel Handbook", buy your copy at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm)

Q: "I'm trying to plan a trip next summer for my 10 year old son and me, somewhere tropical where there are other single parent families. The last thing I want to end up doing is a great all inclusive location where my son is the only one there without a dad." - H.

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: "I have 3 suggestions:

1) A destination suggestion is the Maya Riviera, which is written up on my Web site. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/mayariviera.htm

2) Check out our Single Parent Specials http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/index.htm

3) Lastly, I strongly urge you to purchase a copy of my book. The book contains 320 pages of extraordinarily helpful hints for traveling single parent families, including enhanced discussions of a dozen of my hand-picked Single Parent locations.

One last item - You said the last thing you wanted was to vacation at an all-inclusive resort and find yourself to be the only single parent family. Be prepared for just that. I speak from 18 years experience. There are no places that currently cater to single parent families. I hope to change that over the years with my book, my newsletter and my Single Parent Tour program which begins summer of 2003. One of reasons I recommend the Maya Riviera is because the clientele is a mixture of singles, couples, families, and more importantly, a mixture of Europeans, American and Mexican families. Europeans are not hung up on the "couples concept" the way Americans are. You will not feel out of place there. Nor will your son.

Sorry for the long message. Got on my soapbox. Have a wonderful trip!"