Welcome to the September 2005 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.

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In this issue:

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. THE INN AT EAST HILL FARM (paid advertisement)
III. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
IV. A JOURNEY THROUGH PATAGONIA - PART I
V. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS
VI. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS
VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

Single Parent Travel wishes to express our sympathy and concern for our fellow Americans affected by Hurricane Katrina. In response to the tragedy, GlobalBrenda Publishing will donate 50% of its profits for all books sold through our Web site, from now until October 30. At this end of this special book drive, a check will be sent to the American Red Cross. Here is your chance to buy an entertaining and educational book and also contribute to a very needy cause. To purchase a copy of the "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," click on http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/

Our perennially popular fall weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is coming up November 18-20. This is our 5th trip to Rocking Horse and every one has been a sell out. Several repeat visitors will be joining us this year. To learn more about this exciting family resort in the beautiful Hudson Valley, NY, check Section II below. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/RockingHorseFALL.htm

As part of my new job with Maxim Tours, I spent the last ten days of July flying about Patagonia, inspecting hotels and doing a "taste test" of various excursions that we offer, from tango shows to dog sledding. Dog sledding you say? Where is Patagonia anyway? For answers to those questions, read the first part of a two part series on Patagonia. Although, it is an unlikely single parent family destination, due to the high airfare, I thought readers would enjoy learning about this remote and exciting part of the world. The topic might even spark your kids to write a paper for school. If so, feel free to ask me questions. I will do whatever I can to help your child get a good grade on the assignment.

Lastly, we are approaching that time of year when it is time to carve pumpkins and pick apples. In an article entitled Five ++ Fun Family Fall Day Trips, I wrote about fun things to do with your kids on autumn weekends throughout the USA. To read this article, click on: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/FiveFunFallDayTrips.htm See you at the apple orchard!

Happy Trails! GlobalBrenda

II THE INN AT EAST HILL FARM, Troy, NH
(Paid Advertisement)
Open year round providing guests with a relaxing hands-on farm experience, including cow milking, collecting chicken eggs, churning butter, making cheese, and feeding the animals. There are children's recreation activities, indoor and outdoor pools, and outdoor seasonal activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Call -800-242-6495 or visit http://www.east-hill-farm.com .

III. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - Nov 18-20, 2005 Join us for a rollicking good time in beautiful Hudson Valley, NY. This family fun weekend sells out every year. The activities are non- stop, both for adults, and kids of all ages. For details, and pricing click on: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/RockingHorseFALL.htm For reservations call 877- GO GO SPT. Ask for Janet or Lynda. If you cannot attend the fall weekend, we have one posted for April 2006.

Cruise to Canada, June 26 - July 1, 2006 By popular request, we are offering a cruise in the summer, leaving from New York City. Join us for this exciting Carnival cruise to one of the loveliest places on the planet. For more information, click on: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/Cruise1.htm

Later this fall we will announce the rest of our program for 2006 which will include one week trips to the Caribbean during the summer, other weekend trips in spring and fall, and a trip to either Guatemala or Costa Rica. We are also looking into an African safari for summer of 2007. Stay tuned to the newsletter for further developments.

IV. A JOURNEY THROUGH PATAGONIA

As part of my new job with Maxim Tours, I spent the last 10 days of July hopping about Buenos Aires and the Argentine Patagonia on a fast paced inspection tour. Where is Patagonia, you say? Grab your world maps, boys and girls. Better yet, grab one for South America as well. (Click here for map http://encarta.msn.com/map_701515570/Patagonia.html) Got it? Good. Now we'll begin. Patagonia is that large area of land that extends across the lower third of Argentina and Chile. The northernmost part of Patagonia is bordered by Puerto Montt in Chile and extends across Bariloche (western Argentina) to the Peninsula Valdés (on the Argentine east coast. This area is known as the Lake Region and is filled with deep blue lakes framed by volcanoes and snow capped peaks. The tourism here is year round, drawing sightseers and hikers in summer (December through March) and skiers from as far away as Europe and the American West in winter (June through August). No, the dates are correct and I have not been drinking too much of that outstanding Argentine wine. This is South America and the seasons are reversed.

Read the rest here: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Patagonia.htm

V. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS

Special #1 - Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino, Curacao island, Dutch Caribbean

Until December 20, 2005, Breezes Curacao lets one child stay free when a single parent pays the standard per night rate based on double occupancy with no single supplement charge. One child (under 14 years) stays free per paying adult in the same room until December 20, 2005

See: http://www.superclubs.com/brand_breezes/resort_curacao/index.asp Or call 877-GO-SUPER

Special #2 - Select ClubMed Resorts

This is not exactly a single parent family friendly special per our specific criteria. However, it appears that single parent families can take advantage of it. We encourage you to read the fine print. ClubMed is advertising a "fly your companion for $1" special. When you book a two 7-night all-inclusive vacation at any Club Med village and your companion's airfare is only $1. In this case, your companion could be your kiddie. Rates start at $1,610 for a seven-day escapes for two.

What is odd is that in the fine print they say that airfare is additional and can not exceed $400, so I am not sure to what window seat they are referring. For details call 888-WEB-CLUB or go to: http://www.ClubMed.com

Special #3 - Family Cooking Week with Pamela and Alaia in Tuscany

In the month of July, adults are Euro 1850 ($2268.00) and kids are half price. Price includes 6 nights shared accommodations, all breakfasts, all lunches, two dinners, ground transportation to scheduled events. Contact Pamela for the list of scheduled events and specifics on rooming arrangements. Pamela Sheldon Johns and her 8- year-old daughter Alaia invite you to spend a week learning about the food of southern Tuscany. Kids from 7 to 97 are encouraged to participate in this fun, hands-on approach to learning about the culture, history and food of Tuscany. Pamela's email is: poggio.etrusco@libero.it

Check out all our single parent travel specials at http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/

* 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. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS

RachelW writes:, "I'm going to disney world with my 7 yr old daughter 11/8-11/14. Will anyone else be there then? I'd love it if I could find another kid for her to play with some of the time. " Feel free to reply to her at: http://tinyurl.com/9jvfs

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.

Another way to meet single parents is to find them on our new dating service. You have the options of searching for only those people who have signed up through single parent tours or of searching for singles with children. http://personals.singleparenttravel.net/

VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Dean Hart writes: I am a single non-custodial father that planned to have the child, never got married, and my X is a surgeon that does not understand how to share a child!. I was wondering if there were any groups in Manhattan (or the 4 other boroughs or Westchester if there is nothing in Manhattan) that is partially a discussion group dealing with how others deal with single parent issues that regularly arise -- and if I am lucky it has a touch of a social experience to it (but social is not a mandatory part). (Readers can contact Dean directly at: deh4@columbia.edu )

Linda writes: Can you please give me an idea of what age children might be at the upcoming Rocking Horse Ranch trip? I am trying to see if it favors children of a particular age to see if my child would have nice companion...

GlobalBrenda responds: I often get this question and my answer is always the same. The children's ages range from infancy to grown up. Most are in the 5-12 age group but even if there are only a few teen-agers, the teen-ages have a blast because Rocking Horse has a terrific teen program and the teens from our group instantly mingle with the teens from other families. (God forbid the teens should spend more than a minimal amt of time with their parents!). Actually the same is true of any age. If you have a 10-yr-old, he or she may meet other 9, or 10 or 11 yrs olds from outside our group that they pal around with. Within hours, sometimes minutes, kids are mingling with the other kids at the resort, be it with our group, or outside of it. When I seat our single parent families for dinner, we are often joined at our tables by 1 or 2 newfound friends from outside our group.

Another reason I am giving you a broad based answer is that the answer to Your question is a moving target. For example, you did not state your child's age. Let's say he or she is 10. You have made up in your mind that you are not going unless there are at least 2 other 10 yr olds in the group. At the current time, there may not be a 10 yr old signed up. There may be a 9 yr and an 11 yr old, both of whom might make a great companion for your child. You check in again a month later. Same thing. You wait. You call in early November. Coincidentally, at that time we just took in a couple of reservations for families with 10 yr olds. You now decide to sign up. The lodge is now sold out. This is very typical by the way - we get a rush of reservations a few wks before departure and we always have to leave 2 or 3 families in the dust. This is why we started offering both a fall AND a spring weekend at Rocking Horse. I always advise single parents who are hesitating to book because they want a guarantee of other children in the group to be of the same age as their child - Don't Wait! This is a family oriented resort. Every single parent family who has come to one of our Single Parent Tours weekend has had a wonderful time, adult and child alike. The only complaint I have ever received, and I have heard this more than once, is that there are so many activities to choose from, that the guests cannot get to them all. Even if it rains, the kids flood the beautiful indoor pool or join in on all the many indoor games and activities that are offered. I recommend that you book now, and prepare to have a rollicking good time! I hope to see you there in November.

Maureen writes: Any trips planned for a warm weather destination for an east-coast school winter break during the week of February 19? Many schools in New England are off school from Friday, February 17 until Monday, February 26 - a good chunk of time to leave the cold weather up here but I have never seen any trips scheduled for that time slot. Please advise where I can go to find such an offer for a single parent with two boys (12/15 y.o.)

GlobalBrenda responds: We tried scheduling a spring break trip. When I did a national survey I Found that spring break runs across an 8-week period in this country. Not a good base for running a tour group. My tours are listed below in Section II. If you do not see what you want there, then check out the Single Parent Specials on my Web site. If that doesn't work, buy a copy of my book and call one of the travel agencies that specialize in single parent travel.

Tammy from New York writes: I wrote about this several weeks ago but now after returning from our wonderful trip I thought I would write again. My friend and I just returned from Breezes Puerta Plata with our three year old children (we are both single parents). The resort was wonderful. All inclusive (even the alcoholic beverages free children's camp for children 4 yrs and older and optional nighttime babysitting. And the best part was the price. About $100 per adult per day and the children were free. We each had our own room very close to the pool and near all the activities. Eight nights and nine days cost me less than $800.00. It was very family oriented, however, it was difficult to find the other single parents. I think this would be a wonderful option to offer for next summer. Especially if a group of us were going together.

Tammy from New York also writes: I am looking for a small group of single parents who would be interested in renting a share in a house / condo in either Mt Snow or Stratton Vt. this winter. I'm actually looking for a quarter or half share so if anyone is interested in going in with me and my three year old please get back to me at luv2ski44@aol.com

Kasia writes: I have enjoyed all the newsletters but nothing is ever in my area. I almost always look into the events but after I add the flights and time it really is not worth going. How would I go about starting a group going in Texas? Getting the single supplement waived is secondary to getting together. Perhaps you could publish my note with my address in the next newsletter and any Texas/Houston parents can then contact me: kasiar@ureach.com

GlobalBrenda responds: We did a Texas weekend 3 years ago. (San Antonio) It was our first weekend trip out west and it flopped. Only 3 families signed up so we had to cancel it. Why not join PWP and start a new chapter? There may already be one in your area. Check out PWP at http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org

Robin writes: Just wanted to let you know this is a classy outfit. As a single mom I've traveled with (been tortured by) many airlines, and Jet Blue is just surrealistically wonderful. Even when they're not perfect. Just figured it's good info for you to have. Love your website and newsletters!

Several months ago Rick wrote: I am a divorced father of a 6-year-old boy. I live in Long Island, New York. I am looking to go away with my son for a week this summer within a 3-hour drive to a camp or something similar, for hopefully single parents and children. Have any ideas? Thank you.

A reader responded to Rick: Another idea for Rick is Eastover Resort in Lenox, MA. There are several families that go there from New York City and Long Island. I drive over from Indiana and this year will be our 3rd year. They have specific weeks for families. http://www.eastover.com - 1-800-vacafun The price is very reasonable and includes meals, activities and lodging. I believe I saw that they are offering a single parent week this year, however it is not necessary to only go on the single parent week as all family weeks have single parents.

Hilary Slater from Canada writes: Still having pleasant memories of the April trip! Busy with work...I have a week off every 4 weeks, so I have many short travel opportunities year round..good to hear other's stories! Also, still interested in an African Safari next year (06) or a trip to China...Great Wall (son's dream!) ...any biters for something along those lines for next summer? I can get 2 1/2 weeks off in a row at my job, if I juggle things in the summers...Can you do a "poll" to see how many interested parents there might be?

GlobalBrenda writes: Single Parent Tours is considering an African safari for summer of 2007. As you know, I now work for a tour operator that specializes in Latin America and Africa. We are also considering a Guatemala or Costa Rica trip for 2006. The 2006 trips will be announced in the fall of 2005. The African safari may be announced a little later. We do not yet have 2007 rates. Keep in mind safaris should be booked a year in advance. The more moderate priced safari camps, and those that offer the most incredible animal viewing, are often small, with only a dozen or less safari tents. Naturally they sell out quickly.