Welcome to the March 2003 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. SECOND SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SURVEY
III. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
IV. GLOBAL BRENDA IS COMING TO YOUR TOWN!
V. TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TEENS
VI. MEETING SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
VII. UNCOVERED - SINGLE PARENT SPECIALS
VIII. TOOTING THE HORN - GLOBAL BRENDA IN THE NEWS
IX. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE

Great news, there are now three Caribbean resorts that have waived their single supplements for certain times of the year: Beaches Resorts, Tamarijn Aruba and Franklyn D. & FDR resorts. Hopefully, this is a trend that will continue. (See our Single Parent Specials Section for more details).

We had hoped to finalize our Single Parent Tour Program by the time this newsletter was released. We are still under negotiations, which have been delayed by the war. We expect to finalize arrangements by the end of this week and will email a special announcement at that time. (See the next section for details).

By popular request, we are featuring this month a special section on TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TEENS. Thanks to our readers for their contributions. Next month, also by popular request, we will include a section on TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TOTS.

We invite all readers to email in (on or before April 4) three tips, comments or funny episodes about the joys of traveling with tots. Last week we experienced some problems with our mail server. If you had trouble emailing us at Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net or Monique@SingleParentTravel.net, please try again.

Happy Travels!

GlobalBrenda

II. SECOND SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SURVEY - WIN A FREE TRIP TO BEACHES!!!

About a year and a half ago, we held our first single parent travel survey, which was very successful. We used the results to convince many travel suppliers that not only do single parents like to travel, but to reduce or eliminate the single supplement, introduce special activities for single parents and host special single parent weeks or weekends. This year we hope to collect relevant data once more to continue our mission of getting the travel industry to recognize single parents as a powerful demographic.

Better yet, anyone (over 18) who fills out the survey will be eligible to win a free trip to Beaches Resorts!!

To fill out the survey and enter to win click below: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Survey/

III. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

We are currently finalizing arrangements for several Single Parent Tours during the summer of 2003. Destinations include the Maya Riviera, Beaches Resort in Jamaica, plus a possible trip to Arizona and a cruise. Details will follow in a special announcement by the end of this week.

IV. GLOBALBRENDA IS COMING TO YOUR TOWN!

Next month I begin my national book tour and hope to personally meet as many of you as possible. If you see an event near you, please plan to attend. Many other single parents who love to travel will be there. Bring your friends or come alone and make new ones! All attendees are eligible to sign up for a free single parent family all inclusive vacation to Beaches Resort in Jamaica!

FIRST STOP: MARYLAND

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2003

11:00 a.m.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel Arnold, Maryland
1450 Ritchie Highway Phone: 410-757-5520 http://www.carlsontravel.com/annapolis

5:00 p.m.
Spark, single parent group
North Potomac, Maryland
e-mail Judy Becker at jsbecker2000@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2003

12:45 p.m.
JCC Rockville, Maryland,
6125 Montrose Road
Phone: 301-230-3711

3:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Annapolis, Maryland
2516 Solomon's Island Rd.
Phone: 410-573-1115

Event calendar: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/events.htm

V. TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TEENS

Three tips from K.K., a single mom, who travels regularly with her daughter:

1) I try not to schedule anything for too early in the morning. Teens stay up late at night and they are not their best early in the AM so if possible we don't do anything before 9 AM.

2) We have done cruising, which relieves me of having to find something for her to do 24/7. Because I am a single mom the only requirement I have is that she joins me for dinner every evening - we always do late seating to give us time to enjoy the ports and then relax again once back on board - after dinner she is free to do whatever she wants and as long as we do not have an early excursion (sometimes it is unavoidable if time in port is short) she can stay up as late as she wants). I have to admit that sometimes I am lonely but as far as a happy teen it is a win/win.

Continue this article at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/TeenTips.htm

VI. MEETING SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

There are all sorts of single parent families planning trips to South Florida, the Mayan Riviera and Disney.

See: http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm1.showMessage? topicID=1.topic

Ritaka is looking for recommendations for dude ranch vacations with my 8-year-old daughter--either in California or other places west. Respond at http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm10.showMessage? topicID=6.topic

MsDBeach writes, "I'm the mom of 2 teens, daughter 13(almost 14) and son 15. As a military retiree, we've been up and down the coasts and are beach campers. This summer, we've decided to start expanding our horizons. In April, we're going to Cancun to see the ruins. Then on to Key West - my heart's desire. Am interested in corresponding with other single parents about taking kids to Central America (Belize), on cruises, and the islands. We want to get to the Mediterranean / Italy within the next couple of years. Does anyone have any information on lodgings and other info, concerning any of these locations? Thanks." http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm13.showMessage? topicID=3.topic

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

VII. UNCOVERED - SINGLE PARENT SPECIALS

We spent quite a bit of time this month reviewing all the single parent specials we could find to help you with your trip planning this year. We even created a calendar to help you: http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/Specials/calendar.htm

SP Special #1 - Delawan Inn & Resort, outside Toronto, ON

Delawan Inn & Resort reserves two sets of rooms for single parents year round. Those rooms have no single supplement. The resort also has a family bonus week where one child under 12 can stay for free with one adult in the room. Those weeks are as follows: June 22, 29, July 1, 6, Aug. 17 and 24. The Courtyard room starts at $329 for the weekend and $699 for five nights. Rates include breakfast and dinner as well as lunch for children under 12, the child program and some activities. You can book by calling your travel agent or 800-627- 3387. See also http://www.delawana.com .

SP Special #2 - The Franklyn D. Resort and FDR Pebbles, Jamaica

Both these resorts are beachfront all-inclusive Family Properties in Jamaica. Each family is assigned a Vacation Nanny who will care for the kids (feed, bathe, play with them, etc.) from 9:00a.m. - 4:40p.m.daily. Baby sitting is available after hours at US$4.00 an hour. Each property has a children's mini club with supervised activities. All meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports and scuba diving with equipment and instructions are available. Also included are off property tours, live nightly entertainment, airport transfers, hotel taxes, etc. Prices start from US$180 per adult per night for Franklyn D. Resort. Kids under 6 years old are free of charge and kids 6-16 are US$30 per child per night.

From April 26th to December 19th 2003, both resorts have waived their Single Supplements, so all their promotions apply to Single Parents. For example, FDR Pebbles has a Special Summer Rate that can be booked by a Single Parent for US$140 per night, Kids under 6 years are free and Kids 6-16 years US$20 per child per night. Reservations can be made through your local travel agent or by calling 1-800-654-1FD;R. More detail on the properties can be found at http://www.fdrfamily.com.

SP Specials #3 - Park Hyatt Winter Single Parent Package, Beaver Creek, CO

Until April 12, the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, CO offers a single parent package starting at $607 per night for one adult and one child. This offer includes one adult aromatherapy massage, three hours of Camp Hyatt time for the child, milk, cookies and room service breakfast for one adult and one child. Additional children in the same room are $55 per night. This special may be booked through travel agents or by calling 800-55-HYATT.

SP Specials #4 - Jewish Y of NJ, Poconos in Milford, PA

From May 30 to June 1, 2003 and again on Aug. 15-17, 2003, the Jewish Y of NJ offers Single Parent Family Camping Weekends in their camp located in the Poconos in Milford, PA. In the afternoons enjoy family geared activities such as scavenger hunts and talent shows. The mornings and evenings are reserved for you: participate in adult activities, ranging from softball to yoga, while knowing that your children are having a blast under the supervision of the camp program. If your child is under 5 years old you may bring a babysitter for FREE! Contact Information: Carrie Belinfante, 973-575- 3333 ext. 127, carrie@njycamps.org or http://www.njycamps.org.

SP Specials #5 - Pinelands Resort, Bracebridge, ON (2½ hrs. N of Toronto)

Pinelands resort in Bracebridge, ON (2 and a half hours North of Toronto) offers a Single Parent Special that is available all season. They are open form mid-May to October. For this special, single parents pay the standard adult rate for the adult and half the standard child rate for the first child for a standard room. Subsequent children in the family pay according to the children's rates listed on their Web site. (Children must occupy same unit as adults.) Jean-Anne of Pinelands gave me an example. For one of their summer packages a standard room for two adults would be $307. For a single parent family, the charge for the adult would be $147 and the charge for the child would be $48(depending on age). Additional children would be charged the child's rate. Rates vary throughout the season so call 1-800-461-4260 or go to their Web site at http://www.pinelandsresort.com.

SP Special #6 - Single Parent Family Cruise from NY

Brenda Gaffney, a travel agent from Cruise and Resort Connection, based in Fairfield, CT, is organizing a cruise for single parent families that departs from New York City on Labor Day Weekend. The cruise ship is Carnival's Victory. Inside staterooms are $760 per person including port charges and taxes. Oceanview staterooms are $899 per person including port charges and taxes. Additional persons sharing the room are $579 per person. For inside staterooms, a single parent and one child would be $1,520 and a single parent with two children would be $2,099. To contact Brenda Gaffney, call 203-254- 3339x39 or e-mail her at bren927@aol.com

SP Special #7 - Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resort Mega in Aruba

Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resort Mega All Inclusive announces the Single Parent Program for 2003. From April 19 to December 19, 2003, the Tamarijn Aruba Mega waives their single supplement on all-inclusive nightly room rates for single parents traveling with children up to age 18. Up to three kids can stay in the same room with one parent and will also eat and play for free. The Tamarijn Aruba Mega is all-inclusive resort: all meals, snacks, beverages (at a selection of bars and restaurants) and entertainment is included. In addition, guests booking the Oceanfront Mega room category can use the facilities at both the Tamarijn Aruba Mega and adjacent Divi Aruba Beach Resort Mega All Inclusive. The Single Parent Program includes children's camps for kids aged 5 - 12 years old. For more information contact your travel agent, or call 1-800- 554-2008, 207-594-7888 or visit the resort's Web site at www.tamarijnaruba.com.

SP Special #8 - The Transylvania Castle in Transylvania, Romania

Count Tibor Kalnoky invites single parents to stay at the Transylvania Castle. The castle offers a 50% kids discount and no single supplement, if the parent stays together with the child. To book: Email k@transylvaniancastle.com, or send a fax to (011) 0040267374602, or call (011)0040745921891, or book through a travel agent. The rates with all meals, wine, tours and activities (including babysitting if required) are the following for one adult: 1 night 95 Euro; 3 nights 265 Euro; 7 nights 550 Euro; 10 nights 740 Euro; 2 weeks 945 Euro; Kids pay only 50%! The castle has child seats, child tables, a playground, and a nanny who can take the children to visit farm animals or take them to the woods and meadows by horsecart. They even have a 100-year-old baby bathtub in perfect condition. They are located in Transylvania, Romania. Next large city is Brasov 45km away. They can be reached by plane via Bucharest Otopeni International Airport where they pick up the guests and transfer them by car to Miklosvar (200km). Website http://www.Transylvaniancastle.com

As the Count says, "Here you can immerse yourself in a forgotten world that you probably believe has ceased to exist in today's Europe. Visit us in this unknown, fairy-tale land in the center of Europe."

SP Special #9 - Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ahoy there matey!

Windjammer Barefoot cruises is offering a Single Parent Special. Kids ages 6 through 12 get 50% off on their Junior Jammers special when accompanied by a single adult. That discount is applicable for June through August on their Polynesia and Legacy ships. S/V Polynesia departs from and returns to St. Lucia and Legacy sails round trip from Miami to the Bahamas. To make reservations, you can call 800-327-2601 Monday through Friday 9am-8pm EST and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5: 30pm. Visit: www.windjammer.com or call your local travel agent.

SP Special #10 - Quality Time Travel, NY State

Quality Time Travel has four trips for single parent families: a spring break cruise (April 20-27, 2003), Dude Ranch in NY state (May 23- 26, 2003), Bermuda Cruise from NYC (June 29 - July 6) and a trip to Cape Cod (August 24 - 29). Details can be found at http://www.QualityTimeTravel.com or call 888- QLTY FUN.

SP Special #11 - Club Getaway Berkshires, NY

Club Getaway has four weekends this summer for family trips. They charge per adult or per child, so single parents don't get slapped with the single supplement. Their rates start at $229 per adult and $169 per child for the weekend. The four weekends are July 25-27, Aug. 15-17, Aug. 18-22 and Aug. 22-24. See http://www.ClubGetaway.com. Elaine at Club Getaway told us they get quite a few single parent families. Either book through your local travel agent or call 800-6GETAWAY

VIII. TOOTING THE HORN - GLOBAL BRENDA IN THE NEWS

I was interviewed by Rick Adams on CNN Headline news which will air in Central New Jersey on Channel 55. The interview will be shown throughout the evenings of March 24 and 26 between 5:45pm and 11:00pm. I also appeared on Take 10 News, a Time Warner Cable Show, on the evening of March 20th. We are getting the word out about Single Parent Travel!

Heartland Reviews wrote a wonderful review on "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" http://www.heartlandreviews.com/Travel_Mar03.html

Nancy Kamp of GreenLightWrite (http://www.GreenLightWrite.com) just reviewed "The Single Parent Handbook" We were glad to see she is a travel with kids convert, having been repulsed by the idea before reading the book!

Celebrating Children did an article on tips for traveling with children: http://www.celebratingchildren.com/article_editors_traveltips_single.htm

Jack Adler who runs the Prodigy travel bulletin boards gave "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" a lovely review: http://travel.bb.prodigy.net/travelb/prodigy.cgi? action=topic_display_page&topic=13411

Detroit Free Press mentioned the Web site and book at http://www.freep.com

IX. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

L.O. gives us a follow up to our Disney article. "As a single paranoid parent of both a girl and boy, using restrooms at amusement parks can be a challenge. Particularly now that my son is too old to drag into the ladies room. "Disney bathrooms only have one entrance. So you can post yourself at the door and wait for your son/daughter without worrying about a stranger taking your child out another exit. (Bless you Disney!) And there are also several `Family' bathroom stationed throughout the park."

My daughter also noticed some family bathrooms recently in the Detroit airport. A number of our stories in the single parent dad section of "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" tell amusing tales of how they grappled with this issue.

Ligia, a Yoga instructor in Culver City, CA, would like to offer local single parents a free weekly yoga class to help them with the stress of parenting. She is a single parent herself and understands that it is such a difficult task. She can volunteer her services, but someone else needs to volunteer the place. If you are interested in signing up for her classes or have a place to offer, please contact her at Ligia@fdae.com.

Q: "My husband and I separated a few months ago, and this is the first time that I am planning a trip for myself and my 12 and 15 year olds. They both do not want to go anywhere, but I think that it will be good for us to spend some time alone. I was thinking that maybe a cruise would be a good idea for a "first" vacation, but I dislike cruises (I have never taken one!). Is there anything that would be special enough to please both the children and myself? Any other ideas? I would love some help. We live in CT, and would like to be away, from March 19-29th." - M. G.

"Sorry to hear of your situation but I am happy that you have decided to make lemonade out of lemons. A vacation together is a great idea and I have the perfect place for the 2 of you based on your kids' ages: The Maya Riviera. Read about it on my Web site: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/mayariviera.htm

I can also suggest Costa Rica and many other places in the US. Teen- agers need a little "space" when they travel and the above places are safe and fun for all ages. I strongly recommend you get a copy of my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." In it I discuss many destinations, including the above-mentioned, itinerary planning, and dealing with the "terrible teens" while traveling. Here's the link to order: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm

You will need special documentation when traveling as a single parent with kids. This also is discussed in my book but we have a blurb about it on my site. Just remember, even if you argue or feel sad during the trip, if it is well planned, the kids and YOU will remember only the good times years from now."

Q: "I love your site. I have been searching for a packing list and itinerary I can use (we are going to Disney in 10 days). I lost my packing list when we got a new computer recently." - C.

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: "Thanks for the kind words. Here's the link to the packing lists. Have a great time at Disney. Say Hi to Donald Duck for me. He was always my favorite. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Pack/index.htm " V.C. writes, "I am a single parent traveler and travel agent who subscribes to both your newsletters. I also specialize in Disney trip (graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge) and am personally one of those Disney 'nuts'. I was reading your web page on Disney and wanted to suggest another place that is a fantastic resource for saving money when going to Disney: http://www.mousesavers.com. It is completely up to date with specials and often tons of tremendous advice." "P.S. Thank you so much for all resources and help. They are fantastic too!"

Q: "Do you have any specific suggestions for places to ski and places to stay within driving distance from North Jersey that might favor a single Mom and her daughter?"

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: "Unfortunately, I don't know of any specific Northeast ski resorts that have special activities for single parent or reduce the single supplement. If anyone on the list does, please email me at Brenda@singleparenttravel.net"

K.R. came across a problem with documentation that we hadn't mentioned on the Web site. K.R. is the sole parent of a five-year-old son. His father is native Italian and the father's name does not appear on the birth certificate. Long before her son was born, K.R. had been married and divorced, but kept her married name. K.R. gave her son her maiden name. When entering another country, K.R. couldn't prove that she was her son's mother! The customs officials wanted a copy of her original marriage license, showing her maiden name and her current name (the one she took from her ex-husband.) Thank you K.R.! Further information on documentation can be found at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation

Q: "I am a single parent and I have two children, ages 8 and 4. My ex-husband has taken the children on a cruise and several other vacations. I, however, have been unable to afford such a trip. I have been saving my money and would like to take the children on a nice trip in September, somewhere warm and sunny. Do you have any ideas for me? I am a single woman, so safety for myself and the kids is an issue. And something that is not going to cost me an astronomical amount. They have already been to Disney World. My son mentioned Busch Gardens/Sea World. I thought maybe an all-inclusive trip might be nice. I have severe motion sickness, so a cruise is not an option." - K.

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: "Thanks for writing. I have several suggestions. You did not indicate where you live but I presume you are within driving distance of Busch Gardens in Virginia and that certainly would be warm and sunny in September. You could also consider Florida. There are lots of places, other than Disney, that are fun places for families. Should you wish to consider this option I will be happy to name a few for you. Certainly the Florida Keys is one of those places.

You mentioned a cruise was not an option cause of your motion sickness and that you were considering an all-inclusive resort so I am going to assume that you would consider a vacation package to the Caribbean. I have two suggestions there:

1) The Maya Riviera Read about it on my Web site. Here is the link. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/mayariviera.htm

2) Sandals/Beaches Resorts We have been working with Sandals to create some special pricing AND special activities for single parent families at their Beaches resort properties. This is a really outstanding breakthrough for us. The special programs/pricing will begin this May and continue through the year. There are a few other resorts that do the same, check out our specials section for details: http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/Specials/

Q: "I am a single mother of a 19 month old girl. I want to take a vacation to Cancun with my daughter. The sample notarized letter I found on your web site shows a parent giving consent to travel with other parent and/or other adult. My problem is my daughter is traveling with me; her birth certificate only has my name on it not her father's. I was in an abusive relationship and her father has not been around since I was 5 months pregnant. Do you have a sample notarized letter I can use?" - I.A.

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "You will probably need to compose a letter stating what you just told me and have that letter notarized. Do you have any documentation to back that up? If so, include it - police reports, legal papers showing you and your child both have the same last name. Was an attorney involved? Was custody legally granted to you? To get the official answer you will need to ask this question to the Mexican consulate." S.B.P. writes, " I live in Washington DC and after reviewing your listing for DC I have a few items of interest that you might want to know. First, The SPY Museum is open and to get in quickly, you need to go the day before at about 5pm to get your tickets for the next day and plan on going early. There are lots of hands-on activities and if you have a teen this is also a really good place. There are films and areas to sit. Across the street from the Museum is a sub shop, the Museum restaurant can be expensive."

"Second, there are several single parent organizations in the area and you might want to contact them prior to coming because we all often have events for families that you could join up. I just ran a trip to the Spy Museum for Spark (Single Parents Raising Kids) with a break on the cost since I had over 20 people, plus we got in right away. Try starting with your local Parents Without Partners chapter, they might be able to get local numbers and then you will also have a contact person in the area (who might know babysitter, local freebies, good places to go not on any listing) etc."

"Third, you might suggest that in doing your research about a place, the public libraries have maps and listing of places often once you are in the town you are visiting. This helps with planning day trips out of the area. Plus remember your membership cards. We had a Baltimore Zoo membership for years and could get into the Phoenix Zoo for free. This also works on Science Centers we found out throughout the US." "Thanks for doing all this work. I enjoy looking at the emails. Thinking of doing my first cruise this year with my 14 year old and 19 year old. So I will be looking at the cruise info you have coming." Thanks, S.B.P.!

Now that I receive about 100 emails per month, I find many of the questions are similar. As such, we have updated our Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) so you can all benefit from the answers. Find answers to your questions pertaining to Destination Recommendations, Documentation, Packing, Single Parenting Organizations and avoiding the single supplement. http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/FAQ/