Welcome to the February 2006 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. WINTER WEEKEND IN MONTREAL IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS V. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

Winter is far from over so why not consider a getaway weekend to a place where winter is fun, the food is fabulous, and the prices are anything but formidable! Where is this place? Montreal - the largest French-speaking city outside of France. See my article below on my getaway winter weekend to this delightful city.

Our spring/summer Single Parent Tour schedule is in full swing. Why not join us on one of our tours. Check out Section II below for more details.

Happy Valentine's Day to all and, if you do not have someone special in your life right now, then give your kid(s) a big smooch. What could be more special than that?

Happy Trails! GlobalBrenda

II. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

ROCKING HORSE RANCH RESORT - APRIL 28-30, 2006 This perennial favorite was a sellout last year in April, so make your reservations now! The April 2006 rates are posted on our Web site along with all the details for this fun-filled weekend. Click on http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/RockingHorse.htm Or call 877-GOGO SPT and ask for Janet or Lynda. Bring your cowboy boots (optional) and your bathing suit (necessary!)

CARNIVAL CRUISE TO CANADA - JUNE 26 - JULY 1, 2006 We cancelled the cruise trip due to insufficient participation. The few families that did sign up were refunded in full. Many readers continue to write in asking Single Parent Tours to sponsor a cruise so we will try a different cruise next year, in summer of 2007.

BEACHES BOSCOBEL JAMAICA - AUGUST 19-26, 2006 BEACHES TURKS AND CAICOS - AUGUST 19-26, 2006 Yes, again this summer, we are offering both Beaches properties for a special single parent family week. The Jamaica property is traditionally held in late August. Last year we offered a Single Parent Family Week at Turks and Caicos in July and a few families participated in that inaugural trip. This year, by popular demand, in order to offer better rates at Turks and Caicos, we are presenting it in late August. We urge you to book soon to get the early bird discount.

TURKS & CAICOS: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/BeachesTC.htm

BOSCOBEL: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/tours/Beaches.htm or call 877-GOGO SPT and ask for Janet or Lynda.

GUATEMALA - JULY 22-29, 2006 We have an exciting trip planned for one of Latin America's most exciting destinations! Our week long trip will include a visit to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, the incredibly scenic Lake Atitlan and a special guided visit to the Mayan site of Tikal National Park where you can climb temples accompanied by curious critters called coatimundis and a cacophony of jungle birds. We have even included a visit to the site of Yaxche where the TV series, "Survivor" was filmed. Rates and descriptive details will be posted to our site next week at which time we will send out a special announcement to our readers.

CLUB GETAWAY - AUGUST (Various Dates) and OCTOBER 6-8, 2006 Club Getaway is an all-inclusive family resort located on 300 acres in Kent, Connecticut, in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. It is within easy reach of many metropolitan areas. The property is offering various Single Parent Family dates in August for weekends and mid-week. In addition they are sponsoring a Single Parent Family weekend October 6-8. We expect to post the rates and detailed descriptions next week and will send out a special announcement to you via email.

AND MOVING FORWARD: · We are working with a major cruise company to sponsor a weekend cruise out of Miami in the fall of 2006 that will tie in with a weekend school vacation. · In late November 2006, we will offer our annual fall weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort. We will announce the November weekend dates next month. · In 2007 we plan to offer an African safari. Details will be announced in early spring of 2006. ·

III. WINTER WEEKEND IN MONTREAL Travelers often think of Canada as a summer/fall destination unless, of course, you are a skier. However in cities that are used to winter weather, the locals do not hide from the cold and snow. They revel in it. People skate and play ice hockey outdoors and the streets and pavements are free of snow so tourists and locals alike can stroll about town enjoying the cozy restaurants, unique shops, and local attractions. I just returned from a 3-day getaway weekend in Montreal and had a wonderful time.

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

IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS

SPT Special #1 - The Linekin Bay Resort in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Linekin Bay Resort is a beautiful, relaxed family spot located right on the ocean. We offer activities at the resort as well as in the surrounding area to suit everyone's interests. We have sailing, sailing instruction, kids activities program, heated pool, tennis and much more. Our great low rates include the use of all of the facilities and 3 great meals per day. We would like to offer single parents a special price during the first 3 weeks of our season, which is June 17 to July 8th 2006. With one full price parent, children stay free (up to 3 children age 10 and under). Prices starting at about $100 per night before tax. Please call toll free 1-866-847-2103 or visit our website at http://www.linekinbayresort.com or e-mail ron@linekinbayresort.com.

Finding single parent family friendly specials has been a bit difficult recently, if anyone has any suggestion for a special, PLEASE forward it to Monique@SingleParentTours.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/

IV. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS

Wow! Without those pesky ads, our bulletin boards have been receiving a lot more posts. Here are two, I wanted to highlight. See all of them at: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/forums/

SVM is a single parent in Texas with a 9-year-old daughter looking for some fellow local campers. See the posting here:

There are two parents who are asking about how others enjoyed our tours. Have you taken a trip with us? If so, please respond to them here:

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

Sherry writes: Good day Brenda,

I am so very excited to have located this wonderful resource of a website. I have decided that this year I would love to begin taking my son traveling, just me and him (he is going to be 3 years old). I have been dying to go to Costa Rica and would love to do a yoga/surfing package of some sort. I have no idea where I can begin to find preferably an all-inclusive package that would help this become a reality. Of course, I've been able to find yoga/surf camps there, but none that I can bring my son too. Any suggestions? Thank you!

GlobalBrenda responds: Thank you for your inquiry on Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of my featured destinations in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." Have you purchased your copy yet? You can buy an autographed copy on my Web site http://www.singleparenttravel.net. The book offers terrific tips on how to plan an exciting vacation for you and your child and save money at the same time. It is both information and entertaining. If you are interested in learning more about where to find all inclusive yoga packages in Costa Rica I recommend you contact one of the more than 85 travel agencies listed in my book that specialize in Single Parent Travel. Or you can call 877 GOGO SPT, ask for Lynda or Janet and tell them that GlobalBrenda sent you! Janet and Lynda are the booking agents for my single parent tours.

Adele writes: I visited your website and being that I am a single parent myself, I decided to write this to you in the hope that it will appeal to others like myself for an enjoyable, adventurous and educational family trip. Last year December, after much consideration from all sides (friends/websites/reviews) my kids and I decided on Belize. Rhoda at http://www.adventuresinbelize.com helped us through it all, and we opted for a luxurious seaside colonial suite at the Jaguar Reef Lodge (in a small fishing village down south), snorkeling, Tikal (Mayan ruins on the Guatemalan side) and lastly, a cabana at the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge amidst lush forest and the River of the same name (complete with jungle showers)!!! The adventures are endless - kayaking, cave tubing ... all in Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret, as they call Belize!!! The scenery is simply breathtaking. The guides and staff are extremely friendly and professional, and even helped out with the kids. The food (buffets) is varied and plentiful. Indeed, we experienced a unique trip that the kids still talk about, when we are seriously considering another package for this year's vacation.

GB responds: Thank you for the feedback on your exciting trip to Belize. Yes, I agree that Belize and Guatemala are wonderful single parent family destinations. I included a story on my family trip to Tikal National Park in my book, "The Single Parent Family Handbook." This summer Single Parent Tours is offering a family departure to Guatemala in July that will include Tikal and also Yaxche, where the recent TV series, "Survivor" was filmed. Why don't you join us?

Danielle writes: I was wondering if you might be able to guide me in the right direction. I am a single parent of a daughter who was the product of an assault. The other half is not known at all. How do I go about getting authorization to travel internationally with her? (GB: Many readers emailed me this past month with questions about documentation. All, including Danielle, were referred to my Web site, http://www.singleparenttravel.net. The Documentation section will either answer your questions or tell you where to find the answers. Go to the Documentation Section or click on Documentation under FAQs.

Allysa writes: Is there any information on single parent trips to Hawaii? I am going with the kids next August, age 15 and 12.

GB writes: There is a section on Hawaii on my Web site: http://www.singleparenttravel.net. It has lots of great ideas for single parent families to do.

Arlene writes: If I put something in the bulletin board TODAY, will it be posted right away? I am looking for another parent and child to join us on a 2-day vacation during winter school break (week of Feb. 20th) and I'm afraid folks won't get the message on time. Arlene in NYC. (Readers can respond directly to Arlene at arlene_98103@yahoo.com

Marina writes: I need your advice. I'm planning to travel to Russia, my country of origin, with my American-born daughter, age 14, this summer. On the Russian Consulate website, it says: "Children apply for separate visas if they travel on their own passports". What are the advantages and disadvantages of having minors travel on their own passports? Can I have my daughter included in my passport? What would you advise in our case?

GB responds: In the U.S, if you are a U.S. citizen, each person, even an infant, is required to have his or her own passport. That has been the rule for the past 20 or 30 years.

Nancy writes: I'm a single mom with an 11-year-old girl. We just finished your book andwe're off to NY for spring break (April 1 through April 8). Nora, my daughter, is so excited! You mentioned staying in Manhattan in a B & B. Did you have a recommendation for a specific B & B? I thought staying in one with a kitchenette would be a good idea.

Melinda writes: I'm new to your site and am loving it. I just came back from a trip to Ecuador/Galapagos Islands with my 11-year-old daughter. Since I don't know where her dad is I was worried about getting her out of Ecuador. I brought a lot of documentation with me but nothing showing I have complete legal custody. Which I do, he chose not to be involved before she was born. Anyway, I think your readers should know this: I spoke with the Ecuadorian embassies and was worried that they wouldn't let my daughter out of the country. One lady told me I should cancel the trip. The state department had completely different and almost impossible guidelines. I was so worried. Well, my attorney did some research on Ecuador and found that South American countries have little consistency in their laws concerning documentation for children. And the laws are much lighter for travelers. So I brought her passport, birth certificate and a letter by my attorney that states I have sole custody. Not ONCE was I asked for anything but our passports. Whew! We had a terrific trip and I recommend the Klein Tours folks and the Galapagos Legend Ship highly for single families. We just may sign up for the Rocking Horse Ranch trip.

GB responds: Thank you for your valued feedback. I was glad to learn that you went prepared. Sometimes the government agents decide to get tough. I was also delighted to see that you went to the Galapagos. In my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," the Galapagos is one of my featured destinations and one of my favorite places on Earth. In my current job as Director of Latin America for Maxim Tours, I sell Ecuador every week. Another fine ship is the Galapagos Explorer II, one of the most luxurious. There are also many smaller ships, and a few, in particular that have special summer sailings for families.

Dawn writes: Will there ever be any trips organized for those of us living West of the Mississippi? I am in Southern California, and would LOVE to do some of the weekend excursions, but it is too far and too expensive to travel to the east coast.

GB responds: Over the past few years we have sponsored several trips - 2 weekend trips to California and a one week trip to an Oregon dude ranch. California is our second biggest market, according to our readership, and, much to our surprise, none of those trips sold well. We may try again in the future.

Rhonda writes: Have you ever organized a Disney Cruise for single parents? Do you plan to in the future?

GB responds: Thank you for your inquiry. We have not organized a Disney cruise in the past and currently do not plan to for the future. Here's why: Disney has an extremely successful product and consequently they offer minimal discounts for groups. It takes a lot of money and time to organize a single parent group. I have marketing costs; I have to pay a fee to my booking agents, etc. Those costs currently run higher than the discount that Disney offers. So it would be a money-losing proposition for Single Parent Tours. If that changes in the future, we will revisit Disney. (They do offer discounts that are substantial on non-school holiday periods but that does not help us. My readers want trips that coincide with school holidays - naturally!)

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