Welcome to the June 2003 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.

In this issue:
I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE
II. LAST CHANCE TO WIN A BEACHES SINGLE PARENT FAMILY VACATION
III. SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL- WHAT GLOBALBRENDA OFFERS
IV. HAWAII
V. ADDITIONAL NEW YORK CITY SUGGESTIONS FROM OUR READERS
VI. DOCUMENTATION TO ENTER A FOREIGN COUNTRY
VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers, I apologize for our light newsletter this month. My children's father and my ex-husband, Marden, had a brain-stem stroke a little over a month ago and just last week passed away. My daughter spent the last month commuting back and forth between Colorado (her new home) and New Jersey and is now busy handling his estate. Thank you for your understanding.

Those that purchased "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" have no doubt read Mardy's delightful story about canoeing the Adirondack Waterways with our son (page 123).

Meanwhile, I would like to offer a warm welcome to all the recent subscribers! We have had several hundred sign-ups in the last month. Perhaps this is because the book, the Web site or the Tours have been mentioned in at least a dozen publications last month, including Frommers Budget Travel, Essence Magazine, Orbitz, etc. plus a one hour interview on the nationally syndicated radio show, Ask Heloise, part of Talk America. Since there are so many `newbees', we thought we would add a section telling you a little about the things we offer for single parents who love to travel! See section III. SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL- WHAT GLOBALBRENDA OFFERS.

On July 3 I will be a guest speaker at the international convention of Parents Without Partners in Las Vegas. If any of you will be in Sin City that day and would like to stop by the Palace Station Hotel to say hello, I would be delighted to see you. Drop me an email at Brenda@singleparenttravel.net.

Happy Trails!

GlobalBrenda

II. LAST CHANCE TO WIN A BEACHES SINGLE PARENT FAMILY VACATION

Beaches Resorts is offering a free trip to their Beaches Boscobel property to one of our survey respondents. The odds of winning are a million times better than the lottery, so please take four minutes to fill out the survey.

Your responses are critical in helping us convince the travel industry that they need to address the single parent travel market. Prompted by our impressive 2001 survey results, Beaches has offered the free trip as an incentive to potential respondents.

DEADLINE: June 30 - 10 DAYS AWAY!

Enter to win by clicking the link below: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Survey/

III. SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL- WHAT GLOBALBRENDA OFFERS

* The Single Parent Travel Handbook "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" is an informative and entertaining book written for adults who travel alone with kids. Besides money-saving tips it offers suggestions on how to plan an exciting, fun-filled trip for adult and child and also addresses special needs such as safety and dealing with teen-agers. Single Parent Dads have their say too in their special chapter of delightful travel stories.

The book is available on http://www.Amazon.com http://www.bn.com and from many other on-line book resellers or by calling 800-431-1579. You can also find the book at many local libraries or purchase it from a local bookstore. If the bookstore or your library does not have the book in stock, ask them to order it. The book's ISBN number is 0-9723627-02-3. (If you are overseas, order the book from a bookstore. You won't pay shipping!)

If you would like to purchase a special copy signed by the author, GlobalBrenda, then order direct form us at http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/book

* Single Parent Tours goes to Beaches, Jamaica This summer we will have our inaugural trip to Beaches Boscobel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica from Aug. 24 to 31. Prices start at $1,554.00 all- inclusive for one adult and one child (ages 2 - 15) and $1,911.00 for one adult and two children. For airfare pricing from your nearest airport or prices for other family groupings, call 877-GO-GO-SPT. Why this trip?

1) Beaches waived the single supplement.

2) Special activities for single parents families.

3) Other single parent families will be there. You won't be the 'odd man' out.

For more information call 877-GO-GO-SPT or check out http://www.SingleParentTours.com.

The trip is open to citizens of any country. Your best bet is to contact your nearest travel agent to get you the appropriate airfare pricing. They can then contact us to book the land.

Special note about the coupon in the book. Beaches is unable to honor our $50-off coupon that was listed in "The Single Parent Travel Handbook". However they did eliminate the single supplement, which offers a savings far greater than the coupon, so the end result is great!

* The Web Site, SingleParentTravel.net, and newsletter

Once monthly we publish this newsletter and then archive it on the site. You can find all sorts of information about single parent travel. Here are a few highlights:

Single Parent Specials are listed once per month. (This month is an exception.) You can find an archive of them here: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/index.htm

Where should we go? Destinations suggestions are a big part of GlobalBrenda's repertoire. The Web site offers suggestions on where to go for your next trip (as does "The Single Parent Travel Handbook"). If you have `done it all', then e-mail Brenda for suggestions (Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net) with your locale, the ages and number of your kids and your families' likes and dislikes. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Destinations.htm

I am going to a foreign country with my minor child. Wait! Do you have the proper documentation? Better read this section first: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/index.htm

First time traveler? Or are you an old hand and are just looking for some new tips? Try our Guide to Single Parent Travel http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Guide.htm or our tips and tricks section http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/index.htm

IV. HAWAII

Hawaii has often been called one of the world's favorite vacation spots. There is no doubt that this is one of those rare places on Earth that truly offers something for everyone. Depending on your interest you can enjoy exciting nightlife or complete isolation, warm tropical relaxing beaches or high altitude volcanic mountains with incredibly exciting hiking terrain, ultra plus expensive hotels or very inexpensive laid back lodging, one step above a grass shack, and almost every type of sport imaginable, including skiing!

Please continue this story at: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Hawaii.htm

V. ADDITIONAL NEW YORK CITY SUGGESTIONS FROM OUR READERS

P.P. writes, "Your newsletter is great and I appreciate the work it must take. Just thought I'd make a couple of comments on your New York article, as I took my two teenage sons there last summer. With regards to the Statue of Liberty, we decided to start our day catching the ferry from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and didn't encounter any line-up at all other than a short line to go through their security set-up. As for scaling the Statue of Liberty, we were told that this has not been allowed since September 11th and wouldn't be allowed for the foreseeable future, mainly as a security safeguard. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience and highly recommended.

With regards to museums, one that my boys thoroughly enjoyed was the Sea/Air/Space Museum, located on a decommissioned aircraft carrier harbored on the Hudson. It includes a submarine tour, multiple warplanes, an Apollo capsule, etc. The planes are located on the carrier's runway deck and are truly impressive.

(GlobalBrenda note: Our reader P.P. is referring to the carrier Intrepid. The informative Web site is: http://intrepidmuseum.org/)

With regards to the restaurants in Times Square, there is one that is rather fun. It's called Elaine's Diner and is part restaurant, part show in that the waiters and waitresses burst into song while serving. The food is mediocre diner fare but the atmosphere is so much fun, it makes up for it.

I would like to recommend the hotel we stayed at -- The Skyline Hotel. I believe it's located on 10th Avenue at about 49th Street, just a short walk west of Times Square. We received very reasonable rates (for New York) and our room was large by New York standards, with a separate vanity and sink area outside the bathroom, a must for a mom traveling with two boys. I know someone who paid three times what we did for a room 1/3 as large in another hotel. The Skyline was clean, the location was great and the bonus was an indoor pool, although we were too busy touring around to check that out.

I'd definitely recommend anyone thinking of going to New York to make the trip. Prices are certainly lower and security was very good as far as I could see (there seemed to be a police officer everywhere you looked and security to get in most buildings was even tighter than many airports). Our trip was one of the best I've ever had with my sons."

K.K. suggests, " Also, a great place to splurge in NY is Serendipity - around 63rd St. and 3rd Ave - great ice cream desserts - perhaps if you eat a late lunch you would want to take a stroll uptown if the weather is great, have ice cream and then because the restaurant is on a one way street with taxis coming off the bridge - getting a cab back to your hotel is NEVER a problem - we have even had them fighting over us."

VI. DOCUMENTATION TO ENTER A FOREIGN COUNTRY

We received quite a few comments and questions about documentation.

C.B. had an unusual situation, " When I traveled to Mexico, I was told by the airline that all I needed for my son was an original birth certificate. I did not even ask my ex for a letter, as I thought I did not need it. We went to Mexico, had no problems, and no one ever asked for a letter. We got lucky I guess. The problem now is that my ex is threatening legal action for me taking our son out of the country. He knew we were going to Mexico, and seemed glad that our son was getting to go. I guess he was hoping we would fly down and be denied entry because he knew we needed a letter. He never voiced an objection about us taking him. Oh well, it worked out. Thanks again for your help!

D. W. wrote about her experience with the letter of consent: Thank you for your help. ..I was able to get another phone number for the Mexican Consulate, . and to speak with someone (who informed me) that due to the fact that the (my son's) father's name was not on the birth certificate, they did not require a notarized letter from him.

When K.G booked a flight to Hawaii through SunTrips she was told that she needed documentation from her son's father in order to enter Hawaii! K.G. was stunned; she knew she needed the documentation to enter a foreign country, but not to travel in the states.

GlobalBrenda followed up by calling SunTrips and verified that the ONLY documentation requirement for a minor (child under 18) traveling to Hawaii is a birth certificate and, preferably if you have it, a photo ID to go along with it. If you have a passport, that solves the problem in one fell swoop.

S.R. passed on what Virgin Airways said about documentation required for entering the UK, "You will not need an authorization letter, just the child's passport will be fine. Virgin Airways Customer Services"

R.F. inquires, :I'm arranging a family vacation for all of my family, children (all grown up) and grandchildren for December, somewhere in a hot climate. One of my daughters has an eight-year old boy whose biological father will likely be hostile to her--although they are not and never have been married. The issue is requesting a consent letter from him to take the eight-year old boy out of the country. She would distinctly rather not have to request that consent this year--is this requirement of a consent letter a matter of US law or is a matter of the laws of some foreign countries? If we all go to Puerto Rico, I take it this is just not a relevant issue. If we were to go to Aruba, for example, would this still be a US issue even though I'm told Aruba has not a requirement for such a letter."

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: " What a wonderful idea for a family vacation! To answer your question, the letter of consent is required by some countries - Mexico is one example - but not all. I am not certain about Aruba. You would have to check with the Consulate of Aruba and the airlines."

C.B. told us of her conflicting advice; "I traveled to Cancun, Mexico in 1998. (I am divorced and remarried). I traveled with my son and his stepfather (my husband). We were advised that the only documentation needed for my son was his original birth certificate. We flew to Cancun, stayed a week and had no problems. I need to know what year the law was changed that a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent went into effect. Also, I have gotten conflicting information concerning taking a cruise to Mexico, and docking less than 24 hours. I was advised by the cruise line that a notarized letter from the absent parent was not necessary. A travel agent is advising me that it is. I appreciate any and all help!"

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Sorry you are getting conflicting information. It is not uncommon. I receive about 100 emails a week from my readers; 20% of them concern documentation. Readers tell me they also get conflicting information. I sense their frustration and know it well from personal experience.

You have two choices in the matter:

1) Gather all the information you can and take the minimum required documentation 2) Gather all the information you can and take the maximum required documentation, even if you are not sure that you will need it.

I highly recommend the second option.

I do not know offhand what year Mexico changed its documentation rules on traveling as a single parent. Perhaps your local Mexican consulate can give you that answer. "

We have an entire section of SingleParentTravel.NET dedicated to the issue of documentation. If you have a question, please read http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/documentation/index.htm If we haven't covered your question, please feel free to e-mail GlobalBrenda at Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net. Please also share with us your experiences, so we can keep the site updated!

VII. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

We have a comment from J.S., "As an American living in France I found your suggestions for safe travel insulting. Who is it meant for? Just about all youth in France dress in the following manner - bright colors, English slogans on shirts, American Sports jerseys along with sneakers. This type of dress in France does not proclaim you are an American. If anything it makes you fit in. As for talking loudly, have you every run into a group of Germans? It is beyond belief that you would suggest to Americans to `pass' as Canadian. What's so great about being a Canadian? Do you really think that someone who hates Americans is going to ask before acting? If you want to get people to travel I would suggest that you come up with a better set of safe travel rules. I would suggest for starters my article http://www.americansinfrance.net/Culture/Anti-Americanism.cfm. "

Q: D. asks, "Ever since 9/11 I am scared to fly. I want to travel to California to visit my 80 year old Aunt with my two kids. Do you know of any cross country bus tours and what do you recommend?"

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Many people are afraid to fly, and 9/11 has nothing to do with it. If you seriously want to overcome your fear of flying, contact any of the major airlines via their toll free numbers and they can direct you to local organizations that help you overcome your fear of flying. I understand there is a pretty good success rate. However, if you truly want to go cross-country by bus then I suggest you contact Trailways and Greyhound. There are special fares for unlimited travel. I am not aware of any cross-country bus tours. Sometimes there are car tours offered for foreigners where someone drives you cross-country but I have only seen these advertised occasionally in local newspapers or magazines. You can also consider going by train: call Amtrak. Have you considered renting a car or driving your own? That would be a wonderful way to drive cross-country. How about renting an RV. How old are your children? Can they help with the driving?"

Q: M.S. asks, "I (27) would like to go on weekend trips (or weekend getaways) this summer with my 5 year old boy, my 14 year old brother, and my mother (51). Do you have any suggestions? My mother and I are single parents. We live in NYC and would like to go to nearby states and/or anywhere that is driving distance in the East Coast."

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: What a great travel group! There are many wonderful places to visit on the weekend within driving distance of NYC that all of you will enjoy. I devoted a chapter of my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," just to that topic. In that chapter I discuss many attractions in New York State including Cooperstown, the Finger Lakes, The Erie Canal Village and further south I discuss areas of interest in and around Philadelphia and Washington DC.

Q: "I'd like some advice, if possible, from readers who have traveled to Maine-Acadia National Park-with their children. My intention this summer is to show my children a vacation that isn't centered around a beach. I have three daughters, ages 9, 11, and 14. We plan to drive from Pittsburgh, PA (if I survive!) and have a cottage rented near Bar Harbor. My hope is that there will be plenty to do, and that I won't hear, "I'm bored," after one day. Thus, if anyone has any suggestions or "boredom busters' please forward the replies to: mcclaingirls@cs.com. (Please also copy Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net so we can share your suggestions with our readers.)

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Acadia has been written about in many travel publications as one of the lesser known jewels in our national park system. Bar Harbor is a touristy town in the summer so your kids will have plenty to do there. May I make three suggestions:

1) Do a Web search on Acadia NP and Bar Harbor.

2) Buy your lobster fresh from the fishermen and take it to your cottage and prepare it yourselves. This will save lots of money. Another method is to buy it from one of the local wholesalers, have them steam the lobsters, and then take them to some scenic spot by the water and enjoy your lobster picnic with a fabulous view to boot!

3) Consider buying a copy of my recently published book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." The book is informative, entertaining and offers lots of suggestions to save money and ways that you and your kids can have a wonderful fun-filled vacation together. Here's the order page or you can order it from your local bookstore: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm" One more thing, I write about setting expectations on long car trips in my `Guide to Single Parent Travel'. See the link below: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Guide.htm

D.R. asks, " We live in Indiana (my 8yr old daughter and I) and I'm wanting to go to Wisconsin and Minnesota on a road trip this summer. Any suggestions? I prefer hotels but also plan to take the tent. Thank you"

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Although I have been to Minnesota many times, it was always for business and my trips were generally confined to the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. If you are interested in animals, you may wish to consider traveling as far north as International Falls to visit a large wolf preserve. My daughter had a wolf hybrid as a pet and my kids and I learned a lot about wolves during that time. They actually have a sweet, gentle nature and are quite shy and very family oriented. Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers a special festival called Caribbean Week that I believe takes place in the summer. There are special booths and activities from many of the islands. We wrote a brief blurb about Milwaukee on the site found at: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/PittsburghMilwaukeeDetroit.htm Here are the tourist board Web sites for WI and MN. Drop them an email and they will send you whatever you need and answer your questions. http://www.towd.com/search.cgi?USA%2FMinnesota http://www.towd.com/search.cgi?USA%2FWisconsin "