Welcome to the March 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. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
III. SINGLE PARENT ROAD TRIPS - PATIENCE
IV. MEETING SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
V. UNCOVERED ­ SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SPECIALS
VI. SURVEY ON SINGLE PARENTS LIVING TOGETHER IN A CAMP
VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers, Shortly after posting our May 21-23 Vermont weekend to our Web site, we received this comment from one of our readers: "Brenda, You've selected the perfect inn. It's beautiful! There are lots of activities and the folks that run it have a great reputation! We're in. B.T., Boston MA. " Guess that says it all. Thank you B.T. For information on this and other single parent family trips, check out http://www.SingleParentTours.com. Thanks to all who responded to the journalist's request for single parents traveling with their kids on business. The journalist interviewed some of the responders and said that the article will appear in the LA times. We will let you know when.

With spring break coming up, and summer not far behind, we are posting a series of articles on road trips and long drives with kids. The first in this series, contained in this newsletter, is about patience and how to handle typical kid's complaints. We welcome readers' comments on how they survive long drives with their bundles of joy.

Happy Travels!
GlobalBrenda

I. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

VERMONT
Join us May 21-23 for a delightful spring getaway weekend at the Wildflower Inn in Northern Vermont, in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. Only a few hours drive from Boston, Montreal, and Albany, this cozy inn offers over 500 acres of family fun and activities. Join other single parent families for fun and companionship. For photos, details of this all-inclusive weekend, and how to book, click on: http://www.singleparenttours.com/tours/VT.htm For reservations call Janet or Renee at 877-GOGO-SPT.

UTAH
WaaaHooo! On August 1st we head out to southern Utah for a one-week adventure trip. The week will include a hummer excursion into the Red Rock Country around Moab, a three day all-inclusive rafting trip and ample opportunities to hike or bike the glorious national parks of Arches and Canyonlands. I have traveled the world and hiked this area several times and consider it to be some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. It is one of the featured destinations in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." Details of the trip will be posted to our Web site within the next few days. We will send out a special announcement at that time. This is a perfect trip for single parent dads, outdoorsy moms, teen-agers and pre-teens. Rafting novices are welcome!

HAWAII
We are currently working on a one-week trip to Hawaii departing in July. Stay tuned for an announcement.

JAMAICA
We are repeating last summer's wildly successful all-inclusive Single Parent Week at Beaches Boscobel, Jamaica. This year the trip will take place one week earlier, August 15-21. We expect this trip to fill up very quickly so make your reservations early to avoid disappointment. For details and photos, click on: http://www.singleparenttours.com/tours/Beaches.htm Also, for that week, Beaches has been running a number of sales for early bookers. Please call Janet or Renee at 877-GOGO-SPT to see what kind of deal they can get you.

FALL GETAWAY WEEKENDS

There are two weekends on tap for the fall: The first weekend of October will be to Salem, Massachusetts with special "haunted" activities. Stay tuned for details.

On November 19-21 we return again to Rocking Horse Ranch Resort for a fun-filled western style weekend. Information on the resort is posted on http://www.SingleParentTours.com. Pricing for 2004 will be posted in about a week. We will send out a special announcement.

III. SINGLE PARENT ROAD TRIPS ­ PATIENCE

Now that spring break is almost upon us we thought you might enjoy some tips on keeping your parental "cool" during those long vacation drives. The first in this series will focus on patience:

I have found that the best way to remain patient with your kids while traveling is to eliminate in advance as many situations as possible that require patience on your part. Sound simplistic? It is. Here's how: There are three common irritating travel complaints that can drive parents nuts: 1) When do we get there? 2) Can I have some money? 3) I'm tired/bored/hungry. The first and third items are usually asked in a whiney tone and the second, as sweetly as possible, especially if it is the sixth request that day. The suggestions I offer are not foolproof but should reduce the frequency and intensity of the complaints so that your patience does not wear thin.

1) WHEN DO WE GET THERE?
For a small child, who has no sense of time, planning a relatively stress-free long motor trip takes a little advance work. There are the usual car games - such as word games, spotting car colors or license plates, story telling, and the "I'm thinking of (a person, place or thing)" game. But small children also need some time guidance. Several days before the trip, and again the night before, explain how long the trip is and what you will be doing along the way. For example if it is a six-hour drive, explain that there will be three planned stops, and the lunch stop is the halfway stop. If your children are ten years old or older they can begin learning to read maps and map out the trip. (More about that valuable skill in a later newsletter). Years ago a friend of mine had to travel by car several times a year from New Jersey to Maine to visit family, a tedious eight hour drive with her three small rambunctious boys. She loaded the car with games and nutritious snacks but found that after six hours nothing worked. On the next trip she added one item to the trunk - a closed box filled with sodas and junk food. After six hours, when the "Point of No Patience" was reached, she pulled over the car at the New Hampshire border, and unleashed the booty along with a supply of airsick bags. My friend arrived at her destination safely and with patience intact. Hey, whatever works.

2) CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY?
Single parents are always on a budget so this is a good opportunity to teach your kids budgeting skills, as well as reduce the strain on your patience:

* For a small child, write down or discuss the amount you will spend each day on treats or purchases and make the child aware of when the limit has been reached or approached.

* For kids ages 8-10 on up to 15 years, discuss in advance how much will be allotted to them for snack treats and gifts for themselves or friends. Let's say it is $70 for a one-week trip. Each day give them $10 to spend so they can buy their own treats or gifts. If they are still young and tend to lose money, you may choose to hold the money in a separate envelope for them. Teach them to watch out for pickpockets, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Having them handle their own money will foster a sense of independence and help them understand budgeting.

* For teen-agers age 16 and up, chances are they have a part-time job and can bring their own earned spending money for gifts and food treats. Discuss in advance what you expect them to contribute. Although not used as much today, traveler's checks are still an interesting option for kids. If a child's allotment is $100 or more, get a booklet of $20 travelers checks in their name from your local bank. You hold the checks and let them sign off on a $20 check as they make a purchase and then they keep the change in their pocket. It makes a small child feel very important plus there is a visual impact of seeing the travelers check booklet get thinner. It is not a bad idea for teen-agers either. Being in the travel business for thirty years, I hear countless stories of how teen-agers bring $200 or more with them on a trip, which they saved from their part-time jobs, carry it all in their pocket, and - you guessed it - get pick pocketed.

3) I'M TIRED/BORED/HUNGRY
To avoid these issues and keep your patience intact, you will need to do some trip planning and consultation with your kids. I recommend you read my first newsletter, which discusses research and the planning of itineraries and activities. A well-planned itinerary should eliminate most of the "I'm tired/I'm bored" issues, especially if you have obtained previous "buy-in" from your kids regarding daily activities. (I'll talk more about this in future newsletters). Remember to reinforce your kids' good behavior by complimenting them when they have behaved well, be it during a car ride, museum visit, or a restaurant meal. Tell the big kids too!

When my daughter was five years old we drove twelve hours straight from Maryland to the Canadian Laurentians for a one-week ski trip. At the time I was still married so there were two adults to share the driving and child care responsibilities. Nonetheless it was a challenge to keep a small child content and well behaved for such a very long car trip.

Here's what I did: a) First, get buy-in. In this case the reward for enduring a twelve-hour car trip was a Canadian ski vacation. b) Make it a challenge. "Boy, an all day trip in a car. Not many little kids can handle that. Do you think you can do it?" c) Review the commitment. Talk about it on and off and especially the few days before the trip. Focus on the positive - the destination, but remind the child of the challenge of the long trip to get there. d) Prepare the child. Discuss where you will be at lunch, at dinner, and what to expect time-wise. We told our daughter we would cross the Canadian border as it was getting dark, and would arrive our destination shortly before her bedtime. Once we got into Canada she was then free to ask, "When do we get there? - but not before. e) Praise the child for his or her good behavior as the ride progresses. I know this must sound like an agenda for a corporate meeting or a case of silly over-preparation, but I can tell you from experience, it worked! Not once did my daughter whine about being tired, hungry or bored. However, mindful of the daytime ban on asking, "When do we get there?" she chose instead the phrase -"When will it get dark?" - and asked that question numerous times between lunch and dinner.

This is an excerpt from "The Single Parent Travel Handbook", buy your copy anywhere books are sold or get an autographed copy here: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm

IV. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

Maryph writes: "Hi I just read your email. I have a 7-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. We just came back from Disney, 4 days on land, 4 on the ship - it was great but when the kids were on the boat I was left alone with all of the smug married couples! Oh well. We like to get away for long weekends and are doing more and more skiing every winter. We head to Sun Valley for Easter to visit family but would love to look into summer activities/trips - we live in lower CT>"

Reply to Mary at: http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm13.showMessageRange?topicID=3.topic&start=41&stop=49

Annette2Boys asks: "Mayan Riviera in June w/3 and 4yr old sons...safe alone? I have been to Mexico before and feel safe enough. I also am fluent in Spanish w/no accent so that helps out a lot in getting around and not feeling "touristy" lol....I'm wanting to go to the Gala Resort sometime in June with my 2 sons ages 3 and 4 1/2yrs. I'd love if there were any other single parents around that time to join us...I was thinking of inviting my cousin but not sure she can get time off yet...do you think it's wise to venture off alone w/them? Mainly I'm concerned not of robbery, etc...but what if I get really sick, and of course handling 2 little ones in the pool...the older does pretty good w/floaters luckily. But what about the ocean? Should I give the oldest some swimming lessons in addition to a watchful eye of course?

The reason I selected this hotel is because their kids program is from ages 2 and up and most every other hotel is age 4 or 5.so even if I did go solo...I could get a breather here and there where both kids are watched for and I can sunbathe w/no interruption (ok and have a few drinks-lol)....anyway...suggestions? Do you think I'm nuts? Is it unsafe for me to even try this? I'm not afraid of transfer, etc.just mainly if I get sick-or watching both in a crowd...both in the water type thing. Any suggestions for that? Should I take some walkie-talkies and teach the oldest to use them? What if one gets lost somehow? OK now I'm being paranoid but seriously. would you do it? If yes why, if no why not? I am open to opinions and suggestions-and hey if you want to go w/me I could possibly consider getting you a reduced rate/standby buddy pass for your airfare. I get a great deal on hotel rates but normally only for one room. I've inquired about discounts for other people traveling w/me in other room and should know something shortly."

Reply to Annette at: http://pub15.ezboard.com/fsingleparenttravelfrm1.showMessage?topicID=54.topic

See all the bulletin boards at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/BBoards/index.htm

Please note that this bulletin board service is provided free of charge to our readers. The Single Parent Travel Network does not monitor postings or have any knowledge of the exact nature of the individuals doing the posting. BEFORE communicating with anyone on the bulletin board, please take precautions to protect you and your family. Also, please note that if you post your email address on the bulletin board, there is a likelihood that it will be harvested by spammers. Thank you.

V. UNCOVERED ­ SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SPECIALS

SP Special #1 - Small Hope Bay Lodge Andros Island, Bahamas
During the summer months (June through Labor day) the Small Hope Bay Lodge waives the two adult requirement per room so that single parents can travel with their children and the kids will still get the reduced kid's rate. See the family section of their Web site, http://www.smallhope.com, for more detail. To make reservations, contact your local travel agent. You can also make reservations off the site or call them at: 800-223-6961.

SP Special #2 ­ Small Families, United Kingdom

For our readers on the other side of the pond, check out http://www.smallfamilies.co.uk . They are a tour group for single parent families in the UK.

SP Special #3 ­ Parents Without Partners Cruises Parents Without Partners is sponsoring two more cruises. The first is April 18 ­ 25 and leaves from Tampa to visit the Western Caribbean. Cost for one adult and one child is $1,142. The second is August 21 ­26 and leaves from Tampa to visit the Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Cost for one adult and one child is $982. Please call Helen Lutz at 800-772-5811 to book.

* Don't have a travel agent? Then find one in "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" which has a listing of over 75 travel agents who specialize in single parent travel. Buy the book from any place books are sold or get an autographed copy from GlobalBrenda, the author, at http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/Book/

VI. SURVEY ON SINGLE PARENTS LIVING TOGETHER

Below, we post a note from Ron Davison. Dear Single Parents,
I am interested in conducting a survey to see if there is enough interest to restart my summer camp, in a new location, to help single parents accomplish some of their goals. My idea is to have you build and operate the camp and share in its proceeds while providing a great place to raise your children. I am considering a co-ed camp for about 100 campers the first year, ages 12 to 18. I am interested in several locations adjacent to thousands of acres of government land. I want to follow guidelines that emphasize the importance of the family as described in the "Proclamation of the Family."

You and your children would: work, counsel, manage or supervise an average of 30 to 40 hours per week; live on or near camp in comfortable housing that you may mortgage to build your nest egg; have access to camp vehicles; use public or the camp's private school for your children; be encouraged to move on when your children are out of the home to make room for other single parents; help make policy and plans; and do what ever else we collectively feel would be good for the purposes of our camp. There will be needs for secondary teachers, realtor, grant writer, choreographer, musicians, accountant, carpenters, butcher, baker, electrician, mechanics, plumber, gardeners, secretaries, cooks, seamstress, truck driver, etc.

Give me a list of your interests, experiences, skills and a brief story of your life. If you have financial resources to invest in the camp, that would be welcome also. If you have suggestions and questions, please share them with me.

Send your survey comments to: Ron Davison 300 West 2000 North Mapleton, Utah 84664 smartestinc@msn.com

VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP - REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Q: A number of readers inquired, "Can I book a trip to Beaches Boscobel if I am NOT in the U.S.?"

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: Yes, you can! We have had a few families from the UK ask to book. If you are unable to call our toll-free number, 877-GOGO-SPT, then call direct to our booking agent at area code (410) 757-5520 and ask for Janet or Renee. They will charge the trip in US dollars to your credit card but you will receive your credit card billing statement in UK pounds. To determine the exchange rate before you book, click on this Web site: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Q: I am a single parent of two girls ages 9 and 11. I am looking to join a Parents Without Partners chapter near me. I am very anxious to meet some new friends and be able to vacation with my girls with other single parents.

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: To find a group of single parents in your area, please visit: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/SPgroups.htm

Q: We had a few single parents ask, "Are there any ways to get around the single supplement?"

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: See an excerpt from "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" here: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/SingleSupplement.htm

Q: W. asks, "My kids (8 & 11 yrs) and I (single mom) are leaving for (western) Samoa on Mar. 24th. We live in up in the North Woods of Rhinelander, WI. I am planning on not planning. Winging it, staying in hostels, B&B types and the like. Any advice or knowledge of past single travels there would be most appreciated." Please reply to this newsletter and we will post your response in the next newsletter.

Q: B.A. wrote, "I have a [business] trip the end of March in Disney at the Floridian and I would love to take my girls without hiring someone. I am just not sure if 13 and 9 are too young to leave alone for a whole business day, and hotel sitters would probably be the same age as my thirteen year old! I would be happy to offer my experiences if needed and curious to hear what others have done." Please reply to this newsletter and we will post your response in the next newsletter.

Q: L.W. writes, "I found a deal on a resort in Orlando to take the kids next month. I did not realize the going rate of the park hopper tickets though, $40 - $50 each person per day. Does anyone know where or how I can get any discounts?"

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: #1 Call the hotel directly, speak to the front desk and ask them that same question. #2 Some local tour operators will sell you discounted tickets. They often have unused tickets from their packages. How to get in touch with them? Use suggestion #1. (By the way, this is not "illegal." I have done it myself several times.) If anyone else has any suggestions, please reply to this newsletter and we will post your response in the next newsletter.

Q: S.P. writes: "I am finally getting to travel out of the US. We will be in Paris, France April 6-13 and have already gotten our passports, tickets and walking shoes."

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: Don't forget to check out our suggestions on Paris and the rest of France that can be found here: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/ParisSummary.htm Lastly, we again received a large number of questions on documentation this past month. Although I am happy to answer each question individually, many of the emailed questions can be answered by reading the section from my Web site that deals with documentation. Here is the page: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/index.htm