Welcome to the January 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. NO LIGHTS TO BRIGHT LIGHTS - Family Fun in Death Valley & Las Vegas
IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS
V. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS
VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS
VII. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - PARIS ROUND TRIP FOR $158

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

Happy 2005! I hope you all had a warm and wonderful holiday season. Speaking of warmth, this month's feature article is about one of the hottest places on earth - Death Valley, California, located only 3 hours from another hot spot - Las Vegas, Nevada. Although both these destinations are frightfully torrid in the summer, they are gloriously pleasant the rest of the year and both offer lots of family fun activities. Hard to believe, you say? Then read my article in Part III of the newsletter.

A number of readers have asked me to sponsor a cruise for single parent families. Single Parent Tours will not be sponsoring a cruise for 2005, however there are several cruises this year for single parent families. Check out the offerings in our Single Parents Special section in Part IV of the newsletter.

Single Parent Tours will be running a spring weekend to Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, April 1-3, 2005. Come join us! Several families have already signed up and we expect this weekend to sell out. See details for this and our summer tours in the tour section below.

One of the delightful benefits of being part of our single parent family community is that families can connect with one another - to share advice, travel ideas, and even companionship. I recently referred a single parent dad to Gregg Boersma for some advice on Costa Rica. Those of you who have read my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," will recognize Gregg's name as the author of that exciting story about rafting in Utah with his daughter Chelsea. Gregg recently sent me an email to let me know he took his daughter to Costa Rica, one of the featured destinations in my book - an excellent single parent family destination. He also emailed me a beautiful photograph of his seaside wedding in Hawaii. Congratulations Gregg!

In the last section of the newsletter are the details of a fabulous new winter fare to Paris - only $158 round trip. How about taking your child to see the Eiffel Tower for Presidents Day Weekend? Or how about a well-deserved getaway weekend for yourself and a friend? Happy Trails!
GlobalBrenda

II. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

APRIL 1-3, 2005 - ROCKING HORSE RANCH RESORT, HIGHLAND, NEW YORK

Come join us for our spring single parent family getaway weekend. Everything is included - meals, a full round of activities from morning to night, including horseback riding, special single parent activities, and much more. The Rocking Horse weekends always sell out so make your reservations now! Our single parent families come from a 5 state area. For details and reservations see our Web site or call 877-GOGO SPT and ask for Renee or Lynda:

http://www.singleparenttours.com/tours/RockingHorse.htm

AUGUST 21-28, 2005 - BEACHES BOSCOBEL, OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

Come join us for our annual Single Parent Week at the beautiful Beaches Boscobel Hotel. Everything is included in this week of Fun in the Sun - meals, activities, accommodations, drinks, and special Single Parent activities. Last year over 50 people participated in Single Parent Tours' week in Jamaica. Every year this trip sells out. We just confirmed the 2005 dates with Beaches and prices will be announced shortly. A newsletter announcement will be sent out as soon as we are ready to take bookings. In the meantime please check out our Web site for photos and inclusive features for the August trip:

http://www.singleparenttours.com/tours/Beaches.htm

JUNE or AUGUST - 2005

We are currently working on a one-week family Western U.S.A. adventure trip. Details will follow in a special announcement.

AUTUMN - 2005

November - Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - Highland, NY
(Weekend dates to be announced at a later time).

Single Parent Tours is also exploring the possibility of a weekend trip within California. We welcome suggestions from readers. We are looking for a moderately priced all inclusive family resort. Thanks to all my readers who sent in suggestions. We are following up on all of them.

III. NO LIGHTS TO BRIGHT LIGHTS - Family Fun in Death Valley and Las Vegas

When I tell people I vacationed last month in Death Valley, California, I usually get a blank stare, followed by the question, "Why would you go there?" Given its sobriquet, Death Valley, understandably, takes a bad rap, so when I respond to that question by saying how unusually beautiful it is, and how it is the largest national park in the lower 48 states (over 3 million acres), and how it gets over one million visitors a year, the response is an even blanker stare. At that point I simply say, "Well, it is only 3 hours from Las Vegas." Immediately my listener brightens up and responds, "So how was Las Vegas?"

Death Valley, with or without a visit to Las Vegas, is a fantastic family vacation destination. The scenery - salt flats ringed by snow-capped peaks - is found nowhere else in the world. Pioneering history, along with the old borax mines, is threaded throughout the park. You can hike seemingly forever on salt flats and sand dunes, in fantastic canyons and craters, and even visit a castle! Another popular attraction is a visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest spot in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level, definitely a high point (ouch!) of your trip.

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

IV. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY FRIENDLY SPECIALS

Special #1 - Cruise with Parents Without Partners

Cruise Alaska from July 10 to July 17, 2005 with Parents Without Partners. Prices begin at $2,248 for one adult and one child. Call Helen Lutz at Doneson Travel at 800-772-5811 http://www.parentswithoutpartners.com/CruiseAlaska.jpg

Special #2 - Cruise with VacationsToGo.com

On June 12, 2005, VacationsToGo.com will host a cruise designed exclusively for single parents--and their kids. It is a 7-day Caribbean sailing from Miami on the new Carnival Valor, and offers a full slate of onboard and in-port activities for parents and kids combined, plus kids-only and parents-only functions. Rates start at $918.00. Click here for more information: http://www.vacationstogo.com/singles.cfm
Then click on the single parent cruise on the left hand column. You will be required to register before the Web page pops up with specific information. You may also call 800-338-4962 - open 7 days a week.

Special #3 - Cruise with Quality Time Travel
Quality Time is currently offering two cruises:

From NY to Bahamas and Florida from March 20 to 27, 2005. Rates start at $2,190 for a family of one adult and one child.

From Miami to the Eastern Caribbean from April 24 to May 1, 2005. Rates start at $1,390 for a family of one adult and one child.

For more information call 888-758-9386 or check out their Web site http://www.QualityTimeTravel.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/

If you know of a single parent travel special or just a great place for single parent families, e-mail us at Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net and tell us about it. We'll publish it in the next newsletter.

IV. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENTS

Amarie writes, "Happy New Year to you all. Hope you had a great holiday season. Looking forward to traveling soon. I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone. I am a 31-year-old single mom of one 10-year-old living in New York City. If there are fellow single parents in New York, I would love to hear from you." To reply to her, click here: http://tinyurl.com/4h2oa

Can you help a single mom with finding a room for rent in Canada? See Frances' post here:
http://tinyurl.com/5vgdo

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

To our readers: Please note that when you write in, your email address will be published ONLY with your permission.

Scott G writes:
I ran across your website. I hope that perhaps you can help me. I live in Kentucky, as does my ex wife and our 9 year old daughter. Her fiancé is a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and she has begun to visit there frequently. On her first visit, I signed and had notarized a document allowing her to take our child with her for the visit. The specific dates of travel were noted and the trip went without a problem. However, I have since learned that my ex has purchased property, established a bank account and is even building a residence there. She maintains that the document I signed is good for 5 years, when I was certain that she would need to obtain a new agreement each time she left the country. While I don't mind her visiting other countries, I do fear she may take the child to live there since the above factors I noted in addition to the fact that she has begun to chronically ignore our visitation schedule. Do you know where I can find the answer to this question? Any assistance you can give would be very greatly appreciated.

GlobalBrenda's Response:
I certainly understand your concerns. I am surprised by the comment your ex made about the notarized letter being good for 5 years. That is news to me. First of all, you need to call a lawyer immediately. Find one that is familiar with international child custody cases. A friend of mine, an American citizen, was married to a Danish woman. As their marriage broke up, he feared his wife would take their daughter back to Denmark so he immediately contacted an attorney who had everyone's passports seized and suspended until the matter could be worked out legally.

I also recommend you read the documentation section of my Web site. This may give you some ideas.
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/

Readers: Is there anyone out there who can recommend a local Kentucky attorney to Scott? His email is: ScottandMissyG@aol.com

Don writes:
I am a male single parent just signed on to the group. I was wondering if you ever offer weekend trips or full week trips in the Kentucky, Tenn, area? Also I was interested in finding another family group member in the Lexington (I live an hour away) area to possibly do some weekend getaways (KY, Ohio, Tenn)I have two girls 4 and 6 yrs of age and think it would be great for them if they had some friends close to their age when we go to the zoo or an amusement park.

GB responds:
Currently we have no plans to sponsor trips in the KY/TN area as our surveys show that this is not a big enough market to support our trips. That could change in the future. I have been to Tennessee several times with my kids and we all love the many family attractions the state offers.

Readers: If anyone wishes to contact Don, his email is:
ky_firewater40351@yahoo.com

Peggy writes:
Dear Brenda, I just joined and I am looking for a relaxed Caribbean getaway with my 8 yr old daughter that is as inexpensive as possible. Are there any single parent opportunities for the week of Feb 21 and/or April 25th? I'm seeking a beautiful beach with snorkeling, a quiet and rustic ambiance and the company and support of other single parents. Thank you.

GB responds:
Single Parent Tours runs a hugely successful Single Parent Family Week every August at Beaches Boscobel in Jamaica - with special single parent rates and activities. Last August we had over 50 people in our group. Everyone, adults and kids alike, had a blast. You might wish to consider it for a future trip. If you are looking for a February single parent vacation, then I recommend you check our specials listed on my Web site. Here is the page: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials

Ann writes:
Thank you for that wonderful family memory of Christmas in Japan. We have hosted many international students and I think I'll surprise them at the next get-together with Jingeru Beru! Thanks for all of the great information this past year. Looking forward to more great newsletters in 2005. Happy New Year! Readers: Ann is referring to my December newsletter and the Christmas story on Japan). See http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/JingleBells.htm

Ann continues on:
PS - I took my boys, then 8 and 3, to San Diego's Legoland Oct 2003. If AG would like to contact me directly with any questions, my e-mail is gogoboots@cox.net. One easy piece of advice is check the Legoland website. My sons picked the rides they "definitely" wanted to ride before we left Omaha. We rode the favorite rides but spent most of our time walking around the giant Lego sculpture of world cities. The boat ride was also a "must-do." Thanks for all of the great information this past year. Looking forward to more great newsletters in 2005. Happy New Year!

Maureen writes:
My family and I would like to share a house in southern France for a vacation time. You can rent a week or by the month. I would like to share this experience. We're still working on exact details, but I just wanted to post this to gauge interest.
Readers: For further details, email Maureen at: maureenmortenson@hotmail.com

Nancy in Denver writes:
I put a post on craigslist asking if there were any single moms by choice in the Denver area and your daughter responded that perhaps you could put a notice in your email newsletter about that. I'd like to connect with any single moms by choice in my area. Thanks.
Readers: Nancy's email is: nancyfing@yahoo.com

Betsy writes:
Thanks, Brenda. I appreciate your passing along her message. What a lovely service you've provided by putting us in touch. It's interesting that I'm not the only single parent that feels this way over the holidays. Your recent trip through Utah, Nevada etc.. sound fantastic. Looking to hearing more about it! Happy Holidays! (Betsy refers to the fact that she connected with another single parent mom who was alone over the holidays. They connected through SingleParentTravel.net!)

G Evans writes;
Just a reply to the mom who is planning a ski trip with her son...another place to consider is Snowshoe Mountain/Silver Creek in West Virginia. Plenty of snow, great slopes, great ski school, and the Silver Creek area is ideal for kids with a tubing hill, terrain park, and pool. It's far enough north to get great snow, but isn't usually as bitterly cold as the ski areas in the northeast. We've enjoyed skiing there for over 20 years...

VII. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - PARIS $158 ROUND TRIP

Northwest Airlines just released this special fare from select U.S. east coast cities. Some fare details:
* Must be ticketed by Friday the 21st of January 2005
* You must buy the ticket 14 days prior to travel.
* You must complete your travel by March 27th 2005
* There is a $200 fee for ANY changes
* You must travel (both ways) Mon-Thu and stay over a Saturday night
* Fares do not include taxes and other fees

For the west coasters, American Airlines is matching this from Portland Oregon at $238.

Keep your eyes open readers. My guess is that there will be other specials hitting the newspapers and the Internet over the next couple of weeks. If you do not have time to search the Internet everyday (and who does?) then call one of the travel agents listed in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." You can buy the book here: http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/book. They can help you and your family plan a great winter getaway weekend to Europe. Bon Voyage!