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In this issue:

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. UoNITE FLORIDATM - It's more than just an attraction.
(Paid advertisement)
III. SUMMER BOOK SALE - "THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK"
IV. SINGLE PARENT TOURS
V. TIPS FOR TRAVELING SAFELY IN NATIONAL PARKS
VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBALBRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

I am writing this newsletter in the rarefied atmosphere of Rocky Mountain National Park. There is nothing like the sweet smell of wildflowers and pure air to make you feel both relaxed and energized at the same time. If you have not yet taken your child or children to one of our glorious national parks, you should plan on it for next summer or anytime of the year. I'll be writing about Colorado and Utah in forthcoming newsletters. Although national parks are wonderful places for a vacationing single parent family, there are safety issues whenever you leave home. Part IV of the newsletter talks about some of those concerns and how to keep your vacation fun and free of mishaps while enjoying the great outdoors.

Our readership continues to increase by several hundred a month. We are now well over 5,000 readers across the English-speaking world. Many of you email me about documentation or destination questions. There are over 60 "pages" of content on my Web site - http://www.SingleParentTravel.net . Check out the headings on the home page on the left side. Take time to explore the Web site. There are dozens of destinations written up in the Destination Section. The Documentation Section is updated as soon as we get new information that pertains to single parent travel. Got a question on traveling with tots or with teens? We ran a series on these topics in past newsletters. Click on the newsletter section and scroll down through the archives. The newsletters are labeled by the featured monthly topic.

Well, gotta run. Mother Nature beckons.

Happy travels,
GlobalBrenda

II. U*NITE FLORIDA™ - It's more than just an attraction.
(Paid advertisement)

Labor Day Weekend September 3 - 6, 2004
Universal Orlando® Resort

An exclusive weekend event for singles with style.

Satisfy your passion for great times with friends at an exclusive event unlike anything you've ever experienced! Come meet and mingle with countless other fun seekers as you enjoy a nearly endless array of social activities, special events, parties and live entertainment. All hosted at the spectacular Universal Orlando® Resort.

For more detail see: http://www.UniteFlorida.com or call 877-639-8552

III. SUMMER BOOK SALE - "THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK"

Last month we wrote about a summer sale of books that were slightly damaged in shipping. We are selling these "dented" books at the discounted price of $9.99, plus shipping. We will continue the sale until supplies run out and we have a dozen or so left. This is a great price. To order, click here:

http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/Book/Sale.htm

For new subscribers not familiar with the book, here is a description:

Hailed by such noted organizations as Parents Without Partners, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" is the first and only book dedicated to traveling single parent families. The book, both informative and entertaining, tells you how to plan a trip for you and your kids that is fun and exciting and stays within your budget. It includes:
· * Critical advice on the travel documentation needed for minors traveling abroad
· * Information on over a dozen single parent worthy destinations hand-picked by Ms. Elwell
*A chapter on adventurous heartwarming stories from single parent dads
· *An appendix of travel agents that specialize in single parent families-the only listing of its kind

IV. SINGLE PARENT TOURS

* Adventurous Utah - August 1-7, 2004 Space is still available for this exciting trip to Red Rock Country. Families with kids of all ages will be hoopin' and hollerin' on the rafting trip. Take the plunge and give us a call!

* Beaches Boscobel, Jamaica - August 15-22, 2004 Single Parent Tours has over 65 people booked for this exclusive and all-inclusive Single Parent Week and reservations are still coming in. We expect this trip to sell out as it did last year. Book now before it does!

* Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, NY - November 19-21, 2004 Once again we are offering our popular all-inclusive fun-filled Single Parent Family getaway weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in scenic Hudson Valley. Last year this weekend sold out and we anticipate another sell-out this fall. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

For photos, details, and prices on these trips click on: http://www.SingleParentTours.com or call 877-GOGO SPT. Ask for Janet or Lynda.

We were planning an early October weekend getaway to Salem Massachusetts but have decided to drop it from our schedule, as we were unable to negotiate the rates and activities that we wanted at that time of the year. .

We are currently in negotiations for a single parent family cruise in early summer of 2005. Stay tuned to the newsletter for more details.

V. TIPS FOR TRAVELING SAFELY IN NATIONAL PARKS

Even if you do not plan to camp in remote areas or even stray from the well-worn tourist paths, you will still be in unfamiliar circumstances and you and your children should exercise caution while enjoying your stay at a national park. Here are a few helpful ideas that I have learned from traveling with my children as well as traveling on my own in national parks:

*Vehicular Traffic
Be especially careful in parking lots and on tourist roadways. Drivers are often in unfamiliar rented vehicles and frequently are preoccupied with looking for wildlife on the roadside. Keep a tight rein on your young children in these areas. Children are much more likely to get hit by a car in a national park parking lot than eaten by a bear.

*Crime
Last year in Yellowstone I had a nice long chat with one of the forest rangers about increasing crime and pollution in our national parks. The ranger said that, although crime in national parks is certainly not as frequent as it would be in a populous big city area, as the number of people visiting our national parks increase, so do the crime rates. Most of it is petty theft so keep your car locked at all times and keep your valuables out of sight or on your person. Keep a close watch on your children, just as you would do at home.

*Motion Sickness
My daughter spent most of her young life getting sick on anything that moved. For years she took Dramamine and slept through some of the most scenic parts of our driving trips. Several years ago she started substituting ginger tablets for Dramamine and found that to be just as effective, without the adverse side effects. Ginger tablets can be found at any health food store or in some supermarkets.

*Altitude Sickness
This can occur at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, eat lightly, allow time to adjust and ask your doctor about medications that you can take if you think you might be subject to altitude sickness. The quickest way to relieve symptoms of altitude sickness is to go down to a lower altitude. A drop of 1000 feet can quickly make a difference.

*Giardia
Unlike the years of my youth, when mountain streams were pure, it is no longer safe to drink water from wilderness rivers and streams due to a pollutant called Giardia lamblia which causes chronic diarrhea. There are ways to filter the water or, if you are simply on a day hike, carry enough to last you for the day.

*Sunburn
High altitude sunburn is nothing to joke about. It happens quickly and unexpectedly. Keep yourself and your children well protected from the sun - shirts that cover your shoulders, hats that protect not only your head but also your neck. Fashion is not the primary concern here. Apply sunscreen frequently. If little ones get overheated, carry with you several bandanas that you can soak in a cold stream or lake and tie on their head or neck. It will keep them, and you, nice and cool on a hot day. And, of course, travel with plenty of water.

*Drowning
No joke. This is the number one killer in national parks. Watch your children carefully when swimming in lakes or streams. Everyone should wear a life jacket when you go boating. There are no lifeguards to rescue you.

*Falls
Watch your kids and wear proper shoes when walking and hiking in national parks. Sneakers or boots are best. Flip-flops and sandals are not the proper footwear when on the trail.

*Lightning
Although rare, lightning strikes do occur and certain areas of national parks are more prone to receive them. The rim of the Grand Canyon is a prime target for lightning as is certain high altitude open areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Storms move fast over the open plains, faster than what East Coasters are used to. If you find yourself in a lightning-prone area, pay heed to the warning signs or ask the rangers what to do.

*Wildlife
Teach your children that all wild animals are potentially dangerous, even little squirrels. Don't ever approach or try to touch a wild animal of any kind. They can carry anything from rabies to bubonic plague, and even a minor bite is serious business. Don't feed the wildlife either. It is unhealthy for them and not safe for you. If you plan to hike in bear or moose or mountain lion country, ask the rangers what you should do or not do to insure the safety of your family. Better yet, go on a ranger-guided hike. They're fun and you learn a lot!

I know all these warnings sound quite dire but if you take reasonable precautions you will have a safe and happy vacation experience. I have been hiking in our national parks for over 30 years and never had a mishap. Of course there was the time I got too close to a mountain goat.... but that's another story.

VI. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Laura in NY writes:
Hi Brenda, I love your site and your mailings - we hope to join you at Rocking Horse this fall. I am sailing from NY on 8/27 on the Legend (to San Juan, St Thomas & Tortago) with my 2 sons and another single mom and her 2 sons. What's the best way to find out if other single parents will be on this cruise?

GlobalBrenda's Response:
The most direct way to get an answer to your question is to contact the travel agency that booked your trip and ask them to contact the cruise line. If you booked directly with the cruise line, then call them and see what they say. In these security-driven times, they may be reluctant to give out passenger information but it does not hurt to ask.

If you do not receive satisfaction from these suggestions, then, when you board the ship, ask the cruise director this question, then do the same of the maitre-d'. Pretty soon word will get around that you are interested in meeting other single parents.

(If any of our readers are by chance going on this cruise, Laura has asked that you contact her directly at LauraInNY2@aol.com). Lorena Jorden writes:
Would you be kind enough to include another notice from me in your upcoming newsletter, a single mom with two boys, ages 2 &4, who will be traveling from NY to Paris for three weeks in mid-July to early August, and would like to know if any other single parents will be there at the time. We even have a great apartment to stay in and a car -- we could go on day trips together in the car. Thanks!

(Readers, contact Lorena Jorden directly at
mobile: 203-570-5730
email: ljorden@optonline.net)

A.W. writes:
I would like to know where I can find information regarding single parent holidays or companies which provide for this kind of situation. I am currently on my own with a small boy of 4 years old and am getting a little tired of going away with my parents, after all I am only 30 so I feel young still!!

GlobalBrenda's response:
We would love to have you join one of our single parent family tours. Here is the Web site: http://www.SingleParentTours.com If you can't do any of our tours, then there are single parent specials mentioned on my Web site. Here is the page: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/

Are you signed up for my free monthly newsletter? That is how you will find out about all the latest trips and specials plus destination information, etc.

GC writes:
Brenda - as always thank you for the information. One more question regarding cruises. Is there a good one-stop cruising site that gives info on itineraries, prices, travelers comments, etc. without favoring one cruise line over the other? I am looking for a 4 day Mexico Cruise for myself and my 12 year old son. It will be our first cruise so I want it to be memorable and fun. We are looking at late August, before he returns to school. We live in CA so we will probably leave out from Los Angeles. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer packages, but I do not have any friends that cruise, so I cannot get any "word-of-mouth" directly from anyone I know about either line. Can you help us out? Thanks for your assistance.!

GlobalBrenda's response:
We are currently negotiating for a cruise in summer of 2005. In the meantime, if you want to look at Web sites that offer cruises, there is a myriad to choose from. One of them is www.cruise411.com, but there are many others. Why not order my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook.?" Included in the book, which is both informative and entertaining, is a list of 75 travel agents across the USA and Canada that specialize in single parent travel. They will help you find a cruise. (Readers, any feedback for GC?)

L.B. writes:
I recently discovered your website and very much enjoy your newsletter. My 2 year old son and I pretty much sunk all our travel money into an Alaskan cruise this August, but we look forward to participating in some of the trips you tell about. I want my son to grow up with a sense of adventure and a love of new places. By the way, we EACH paid about $1900 for the cruise- no discount for the little guy.

I just ordered your book (via the dent sale!), but the trip is fast approaching (August 4th) and I'm getting a tad nervous. I've learned since booking that I will have to change planes each leg of my trip. There are 3 legs to my trip b/c we are coming back through San Jose to stay with a school friend for 3 nights (we live in Memphis, TN). I know I need to take a car seat for Jackson to use on the plane and when we rent a car. I plan to buy an umbrella stroller once we get there. So when I change planes, I'll be hauling Jackson, a car seat and at least one bag. Not to mention getting our big bags to the airport to begin with!! Do you have any shortcuts or tips you could share? I'm determined to have a fantastic time and really focus on enjoying my son in a gorgeous environment. But I want to be practical too.

Thanks in advance for your help. I can't wait to get your book and read about documentation, travel agents in the know (the one I'm using now is clueless) and other info.

GlobalBrenda's response:
My email response to L.B. got corrupted but I do recall referring her to our newsletter archives, in particular the November and December 2003 newsletters that featured a two part series on traveling with toddlers. Here is the page from my Web site: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Newsletter/

Gia writes:
Hello Brenda... I just stumbled upon your article filled with great advice for single parents, and thought I'd take you up on your offer for sample itineraries. I will be traveling with my 8 yr old son and dragging along one of my girlfriends to Walt Disney World this July 4th weekend...(crazy, huh?) I know it's short notice, but I just found you. We will be staying at the Caribbean Beach Hotel.

GlobalBrenda's response:
There is a special section on destinations on my Web site that includes Disney in Florida. Here is the page: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Disney.htm. (And of course I recommended the book and the newsletter).

Bobbi writes:
I am a single mom of two boys 4 and 7. I am feeling as though they are needing some hard core sibling bonding because of the age difference. I am looking for a family experience that will encourage bonding like helping each other, talking to each other, and depending on each other as brothers and as children and as a family - all of us together. My boys are incredibly important to me and sometimes I feel like we are too caught up in ourselves instead of each other. The added pressure of a former husband that is manipulative to them is also hard. If you know of any vacations that we could get into like this, please email me.

GlobalBrenda's response:
Looks like my email response on this message got corrupted as well. I did recommend my Single Parent Tour program, the Single Parent Specials on my Web site. I also recommended she purchase a copy of my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," as the book does address that very topic - bonding between family members while traveling and how to encourage it. (Reader feedback is welcome on this one).

NM writes:
I'm a single mom with a five year old living in Los Angeles.. My best friend, single mom with a six year old, recently moved to Baltimore. We are planning to meet somewhere in between to spend 3 or 4 days having fun and relaxing with the kids. I wonder if you can give us some ideas about where to meet and places to stay. We thought of Colorado Springs. Any ideas?

GlobalBrenda's response:
I think Colorado Springs is a very good idea or perhaps Denver and the Rocky Mountain National Park area. I will be there in about 2 weeks. I took my kids to Denver when they were young and we enjoyed the city. The Museum of Natural History is one of the best in the nation and there are plenty of kids programs in the nearby national parks. I am copying my daughter on this email in case she wants to add anything since she lives in Denver. I would also suggest New Orleans and San Antonio as 2 other possibilities.

(NM then indicated she wanted to stay inside a national park with lakes and rivers and here is an excerpt from my daughter's response)
The Garden of the Gods is spectacular. It is one of my favorite hikes, easy to do and easy to get to. Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of lakes, rivers, mountains, etc. There is a town that is the typical place for people to stay called Estes Park. It is about an hour and a half north of Denver. Hotels fill up QUICKLY in the summer time. The rest of the year there are plenty of things for kids to do in the fall, spring and winter, like snowshoeing.

The web site for Estes Park is http://www.estes-park.com/
Rocky Mountain National Park http://www.nps.gov/romo/

Also in there is a little local bowling alley with other games, great for little kids on a Sat. night. (and a bar for you and your girlfriend.) You can also do a tour of the Stanley Hotel (perhaps not age appropriate.) This was the hotel that the movie "The Shining" was modeled after.

There are tons of hotels in Estes Park, but if you don't stay during the summer, I believe there are only three with indoor pools: the YMCA, the Holiday Inn, and the Inn as Estes Park.

I recommend all three in the order I have listed. The YMCA is hard to book in the summer. The Holiday Inn is nice, but if you are looking for something cheaper, we recommend the Inn at Estes Park. It is not as nice as the other, two, but they are going through a renovation, so they are making it nicer. Very homey. Documentation questions.
I continue to get numerous emails on documentation and usually just refer readers to the documentation section of my Web site for comprehensive answers. . Moving forward, I will only publish those questions that have a different "spin" on the problem such as the following two scenarios:

SN writes:
It appears that particularly after 9/11, immigration is becoming much tighter - even with 1 parent traveling with their child. Although I haven't been denied passage (as happened to a friend of mine), I have been questioned on several occasions, as has my 12 year-old daughter (who is this woman with you? Who is this man traveling with you?). When I have spoken to immigration via telephone, I continually get conflicting stories.

My ex-husband is (unfortunately) not on speaking terms with either my daughter or myself. He has unequivocally denied giving me a notarized letter so that Allison and I can travel together. I have joint custody with decision-override authority. In his letter to me, it is clear that his reasons aren't related to safety or flight risk, but to spite. What can I do? Can family court issue me some type of travel document without participating in an entire court battle?

GlobalBrenda's response:
I referred SN to the documentation section of my Web site. Readers are welcome to offer helpful feedback.

From MZ in New Zealand:
I'm an American living in New Zealand and I'm also a single parent with two young boys (6 & 8). In a couple of weeks we are going on our first major vacation/adventure by visiting my family in Indiana for 1 month. Their mom (whom I'm separated from and is a New Zealander) is not coming but we have her blessing for our trip. We are all travelling on US Passports.

On your web site (which is excellent) you have a section on documentation you should have when travelling as a single parents with your kids to other countries. What I could not find is are there any requirements when travelling into the USA? I spoke to the local US consulate and they said there wasn't but still suggested a have a letter from their mum saying all was ok, but how do I prove the letter was written by their mum and not by someone else? I'm trying to make our trip through customs and immigration as painless as possible after a 14-hour flight.

GlobalBrenda's response:
Hooray for you and hooray for your ex-wife! What a great trip you and your kids will have. To answer your questions:

1) Go to the documentation section of my Web site. Here is the page:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/index.htm
Scroll down until you come to Sample Notarized Letter. That is a sample form (or guideline) you and your ex should complete and have notarized.

2) In the USA. we have what are called Notary Publics. It is someone who is authorized to stamp a document once they have authenticated the document and the signers. In other words, they verify that the person sitting before them is who they say they are and then they stamp the document with an official raised stamp or seal.

You pay a small fee for this service. Lawyers are usually notary publics, so are bank officials. Perhaps the New Zealand equivalent is called something else. No doubt they may advertise in your local phone book or newspaper. Generally you can find a notary public in government or large office buildings. When you get the document notarized, pay a little extra and get 2 or 3 copies notarized. That way you have plenty to hand out, as government officials like to see originals of documents with raised seals.

Also, be sure to check local requirements for taking kids out of New Zealand. I assume they are U.S. citizens. Have a great trip to America's heartland!