Welcome to the April 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. Forward this newsletter to a friend!

In this issue:

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
III. QUIRKY THINGS FOR SPRING
IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS
V. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS
VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

I hope some of you northern Californians were able to tune into my Saturday morning interview with John Hamilton of KGO radio. It was another great opportunity to promote the concept of single parent travel. We also talked a bit about Death Valley, which was a feature destination in one of my recent newsletters. Death Valley is now in full bloom, a once in a lifetime event. Get out there if you can.

Our recent Single Parent Tours Weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort was once again a huge success. We had 17 families participating and friendships, both between adults and between kids, were quickly formed. Some families got together to make vacation plans for the Christmas season. Others asked me to set up an African safari for the future. Despite the rain, families went horseback riding, not once, but twice each day. We all had fun participating in the indoor games and activities as well as enjoying the ever-popular indoor pool. I missed saying goodbye to many of our group as I left early Sunday morning to drive the Kent family to Stuart Airport to catch their flight back to Ohio. For those of you who did not make it to this weekend, hope you can join us in November!

Check out the information for Singles Sensation, this month's sponsor. We may be parents but we are also single adults and sometimes it is nice to make room for a little romance in our lives.

Our feature article is Quirky Things for Spring. If I missed something exciting in your neck of the woods, drop me an email. Feedback is always welcome.

Happy Trails!
GlobalBrenda

II. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort As I mentioned in my opening message our April 1-3 weekend was enjoyed by all. Our next trip is November 18-20, 2005. We should be posting prices for the weekend in about a month.

Space is still available on all our summer trips - Rock Springs Guest Ranch (Oregon) in June, Beaches (Turks & Caicos) in July, and Beaches Boscobel (Jamaica) in August. For details on these trips please click on http://www.SingleParentTours.com. To make reservations call 877- GOGO SPT. Ask for Janet or Lynda.

III. QUIRKY THINGS FOR SPRING

Spring has arrived and it's time to have some outdoor fun with your kids. I selected 4 things, each located in a different area of the USA. Two of the ideas were submitted by our readers. Thank you Lorrie and Ann.

Lorrie writes: You are doing a wonderful job. This service is wonderful! I'd like to suggest a trip. There's a place in Utah called "Best Friends". The website is: http://www.BestFriends.com. It is an animal refuge/sanctuary where you can stay for a week (or less) and actually tend and take care of the animals.

Ann from Ohio recently spent several days in New York City with her son prior to joining Single Parent Tours at our Rocking Horse Ranch Resort Weekend. Ann had a terrific suggestion if you are planning to visit New York City. There is a free service where a volunteer will take you around for a half day to show you their New York City. Check out their Web site: www.bigapplegreeter.org or call 212 669-8159. Ann said they had a student tour guide who not only showed them the sights but also guided them through the famous Big Apple subway system!

In Pine Mountain, Georgia there is an 80 acre restored farm offers a bird sanctuary, petting zoo, horse back riding, and fishing, all in a historic gristmill setting. It looks like great family fun. The Web site is: http://www.buttsmillfarm.com

Lastly, what better thing for the spring than a car wash? How about a car wash with entertainment? In Lafayette, Indiana, at the Rainforest Car Wash, you and your kids can experience Animatronic jungle creatures along with the spray wash. In Deerfield, Illinois, the Grand Prix Car Wash has a Formula One theme. In Northern California, in the town of Campbell, are two of the oldest themed car washes. One looks like a steamboat and is aptly named the Delta Queen. The other offers a farm theme, complete with barnyard fowl and a broad porch. Enjoy!

IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS

Special #1 - Maine Family Adventures Maine Family Adventures has designated two single parent 5-night/6- day all-inclusive trips (each with two Trip Leaders.)

Acadia National Park Whales and Natural Wonders, August 7-12 Maine's Hidden Coast Islands and Lighthouses, July 17-22. Prices start at $1,495 for adults and $1,355 for children plus an additional 10 percent discount for a 3rd child sharing a room. They waive the single room supplement for single parents.

Activities include whale watching, sea kayaking, biking, etc. They provide lodging, meals, all activities, equipment and van transportation during the week.

For more info see: http://www.mainefamilyadventures.com or call 800- 771-7808/207-443-3310

Special #2 - Canyon Lake Ranch, Canyon Lake. TX Canyon Lake Ranch Offers their multiple bedroom Lodges starting at $150 per night for two guests. There is a $25 charge for each additional guest. For vacation stays of one week or longer, the last night is free.

The rates include all the fixings for the first country breakfast (usually plenty for a two night stay), a fresh fruit basket, a bottle of Texas wine for the adults, hot and cold beverage fixings, cake, chocolate chip cookies, candies, snacks and even bedside chocolates. Both lodges are fully furnished and equipped. Guests know that they only need their sunscreen and clothing. See http://www.canyonlakeinfo.com or call 800-630-3722 for reservations.

Specials #3 - Always Inn Tahoe Bed & Breakfast, Soda Springs, CA Always Inn Tahoe B&B in Soda Springs near the Donner Summit has set up two of its rooms so single moms or dads can stay with their child or children. Freda, the owner, is a single mom herself, with twin boys 15 and a daughter 13 "going on 40" as Freda says. Her kids love to snowboard and use the tube runs in the winter. In the spring, summer and fall, there are many opportunities to fish, hike, mountain bike, and kayak. Two rooms have whirlpool spas. Always Inn has an extensive video and book library with more than 100 kid friendly video titles, board games, a Sony Playstation, an X-BOX and games, and a very satisfying full California breakfast. Aromotherapy toiletries, bottled water, TV/VCR, CD Player/alarm clock, Belgian chocolates, heaters and down comforters are in all rooms. Always Inn offers optional pack lunches and group dinners for guests. For more information, check out their website at http://www.alwaysinn.com, call toll- free at 1-877-56-TAHOE or email tahoe@alwaysinn.com.

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/

V. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS

Several parents discuss this upcoming Single Parent Tours Beaches Boscobel trip in August. To read what they wrote, click here: http://tinyurl.com/5oalj

Jfrenaye writes, "The resort in Jamaica is great. It is near Ocho Rios and there are extra side trips you can take--for the 5 and up set I recommend Dunns River Falls (a twenty minute trip from the hotel) and a walk around town.

The roads in Jamaica are still not as good as one would like so getting to visit other areas of the island is a daylong adventure for sure.

The resort (Beaches) now has a deal with Sesame Street with the characters for the younger dudes, and the older ones will love the game center-a partnership with Microsoft and XBox--like 40 systems and a ton of games!

I was there (not with the SPT) but it is a great place for grown ups and kids"

A single dad is looking for someone to join his family on a Disney cruise at the end of April, "Looking for other single moms or dads with daughters who might be on the Disney 7 day cruise April 16-23 2005. We would love to meet up with you and play. My girls are 13, 11, and 9. Write me at Michaelsdream8@aol.com"

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.

VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Rick writes: 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.

GlobalBrenda responds: I have the perfect place for you. It was featured in our March newsletter. Here is the data:

Camp Common Ground in Vermont offers weeklong intergenerational summer programs for families of all shapes and sizes in a unique community setting. Come experience our inspirational programming and delicious vegetarian meals. Yoga, art, music, dance and more. In the mornings, explore your own creativity and get to know other adults while your kids enjoy our fabulous children's programming. Our afternoons are for multi-age community programs. For more information, visit http://www.cgcvt.org or call 1-800-430-2667

Krista from Florida writes: I just wanted to let you know that I recently returned from a cruise to Caymans, Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. I credit my ease of dealing with the issues of a minor traveling outside the US with only one parent entirely to the info provided on your website and in your newsletters.

The cruise line customer service reps (NCL) seemed to be totally confused when I called to ask what they required, if anything, for this situation. After much back and forth with the cruise line, I finally just wrote a generic letter with the dates, cruise line, scheduled ports, and a blanket statement to allow for any changes in port or excursions. We had this permission letter signed by my daughter's father & he had it notarized. We then brought this letter along with us and at check in, they took the original to keep in their files should any issues arise, made me a copy to carry with me when we got off at each port, and that was that.

If I hadn't known what to do/expect....who knows what would have happened at each port. Maybe nothing, but our trip was wonderful and I was glad I didn't have to worry about any issues pertaining to her traveling with only one parent popping up along the way.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks - it felt really good to be prepared and I never would have been even aware of this had I not subscribed to your newsletter. Perhaps we can make one of the upcoming trips - I always read about them with great enthusiasm, but the timing seems to always work against us.

Ella writes: I just went on vacation to Belize with my son. I think that the place that I went to was the most incredible type of setting of building a strong bond with your child, make it enjoyable and educational at the same time. We stayed in the rainforest for the whole week, climbed, swam, crawled in the caves, rode horses,,, everything. I would like to share my experience with other parents. (GB: If readers have questions for Ella they can contact her directly at ellabaron@yahoo.com).

Yuri writes: Your site is very useful and I am wondering if any of your readers can shed some light on being a single parent and obtaining a passport for a child when (1) I, the mother, have sole physical custody BUT we have JOINT legal custody (however our custody agreement does not say anything about travel in it); and (2) the father refuses to sign any paperwork or appear in person (his way of trying to get back at me and play games). I have another child from a different relationship and she has a passport. I want to take my children on vacation this fall, but obviously am hitting a roadblock in regards to this passport situation. Does anyone know if the Passport agency will issue a passport with a written statement from the Custodial parent stating the other parent's refusal to sign? (GB: I referred Yuri to the documentation section of my Web site where alternate measures are discussed for obtaining a passport. Readers are also welcome to email their comments).

Jill writes: It was so wonderful to find a group like this I have been looking for it for a long time. I have 2 children; a daughter that is 11 and my son is 3. We have already booked a 5-day Mexico cruise for the last week of August. If anyone is interested and may be going on the same cruise (Carnival), drop me a line. I will look forward to future vacation destinations with the group. (GB: Readers may email Jill directly at:jill2266@yahoo.co

A UK based tour company writes: Small Families would like to invite you to take a look at their website at www.smallfamilies.co.uk and please feel free to contact us to request a brochure or answer any queries you may have. We are now in our fourth year and offer escorted group holidays at home and abroad during school holidays throughout the year. (GB:I was unable to access their Web site but perhaps our UK readers will have better luck.)

Teresa from Toronto, Canada writes: My name is Teresa and I have a 2yr old son and live in Canada, as I understand it, Theresa who is also on your list is in a similar situation (from Canada and is a single mother of a 2yr old). Is there a way I could get her e- mail address? (If Theresa from Canada reads this you can respond to:bidermant@yahoo.com

Gino writes: My fiancé and I own a lovely vacation home that we rent out on gorgeous Oneida Lake, New York. We thought your readers might like to know about our home. We too were once single parents, with 3 boys between us!!! If you'd like to see further details about our home, go to the link below: http://www.hyperboy.8m.com/Sandy-Bay-on-Oneida-Lake/BeachRoad.html

Wanda writes: Can you post a message asking if there are any single parents wanting to do a Disney World 2006 trip next summer? My son will turn 10 years old and I want to take him for his 10th birthday. I really don't want us to go by ourselves. More fun with more kids. They can contact me at wellthn04@sbcglobal.net

Bridget writes: I was wondering if you have any suggestions for me concerning my 9- year-old daughter. She has her heart set on taking a Disney Cruise vacation, however since they do not offer reduced rates or specials for single parents, I am unable to afford the cost. Do you know of any reduced rate specials for single parents that Disney offers? Also, could you recommend a Cruise line that does offer discounts for single parent families. Thanks for all of the information you provide in your newsletter. I find it very helpful.

GB responds: You are correct; Disney does not offer single parent family rates, which is why Single Parent Tours has not yet sponsored a Disney trip. There are other single parent cruises. Go to my Web site: www.singleparenttravel.net and click on Single Parent Specials on the left side. You will find a listing of cruises for 2005.

Edit correction to a former newsletter item: My email is theresabaldwin@netzero.com you put netzero.net in the newsletter.

Nina writes: I found your website to be extremely helpful. Do you find that your events draw a racially mixed crowd? I am a single parent who is African-American. I would like to attend the Beaches event August 2005. I am curious about the type of single parents your events draw.

GB responds: My Single Parent Tours trips, weekends as well as weeklong trips, always draw a mixed crowd. The children always range in age from infancy through grown kids, with most being in the pre-school to teen range. The trips are always racially mixed - we draw Hispanics, African-Americans, and parents born in Eastern Europe as well as Asian Americans. FYI, my Web site and book have been featured several times in Essence Magazine as well as African American radio shows and other media. The Jamaica trip always gets a mixed crowd. Come join us!

KP writes: Is there anyway to get the email address of Betsy T who children are with their dad over Christmas vacation and she does not celebrate the holiday. I am in the same situation. For years I have thought about going away by myself but just does not seem so appealing. I would be grateful to meet a new friend in the same situation. (Readers can email KP directly at: Kbzparp@aol.com. This message may be a repeat, if so, sorry).

Chris works for the American Poison Control Center and was kind enough to send in this blurb for our readers: (Thank you Chris!) You're finally taking that family vacation, or perhaps you're going to grandma's house. Whatever the reason for your trip, whether it's across the city or across the country, you have to be prepared for health emergencies. The first step is to know the poison hotline number: 1-800-222-1222. U.S. poison centers received nearly 2.4 million calls in 2003, with more than half of the exposures involving children under age six. Call your poison center today to request free magnets/stickers bearing the hotline number. Put the stickers on your home phone and travel first-aid kit. If you or someone in your family experiences a snakebite, medication mistake, or other poison exposure you'll have instant access to expert help.

No matter where you are in the U.S., a call to 1-800-222-1222 automatically connects you to nurses, pharmacists, and doctors at the closest poison center for poison treatment and prevention advice. Poison center services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. More information is available at the Poison HELP! website: www.1-800- 222-1222.info