Welcome to the October 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. SINGLE PARENT TOURS ­ Answers to a few of your questions

III. BOOK SIGNINGS & MEDIA APPEARANCES

IV. SUGGESTIONS FOR HOLIDAYS WITHOUT THE KIDS

V. PUMPKIN CHUCKIN- a fun destination for the fall

VI. RECOMMENDED READING

VII. MEETING SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

VIII. UNCOVERED ­ SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SPECIALS

IX. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

I. GLOBAL BRENDA'S MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

The Single Parent Tour Weekend Program has been launched! We currently have three families signed up for November 14 - 16 weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in New York State, with several more families expressing interest. Immediately after posting our December 12-14 weekend for San Antonio, Texas, we received an email from the San Antonio Tourist Board advising us the new movie, "The Alamo," will be premiered during our weekend in San Antonio. Movie stars will be staying next door to the Homewood Suites (our hotel) so bring your camera and your autograph book! For information on our 2003/4 weekends, see Section II.

Join us for a weekend specially created for you and your family! If you cannot join us, then talk up the program to your friends, your family, and your co-workers. Your support will make the program successful and help us to expand next year's program. Check out the Web site: http://www.SingleParentTours.com.

One of my readers sent me a poignant email. Her ex-husband will be taking the children to visit his family over the holidays. What suggestions did I have for her to do? I vividly remember my first Thanksgiving without my kids. It was a painful transition. I did some research and came up with some great ideas for sharing the holidays, whether you are alone or with your kids! See Section IV.

With the holidays approaching, why not buy an extra copy of my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook," to give to a co-worker, a friend, or a family member as a Christmas or Hanukah present? It need not be a single parent; many married couples would enjoy the book, in particular military couples, which often have to travel separately with children. Perhaps a single grandparent. You can order the book through any bookseller, online or physical. If you would like a personally autographed copy, order through my Web site: http://www.singleparenttravel.net/book/index.htm

Next week I will be interviewed again on CNN about single parent travel and also will be hosting a live chat on budgettravel.msnbc.com. Email an easy question! See dates and details on Section III.

Happy Trails!

GlobalBrenda

II. SINGLE PARENT TOURS ­ Answers to a few of your questions

Visit: http://www.SingleParentTours.com or call Janet or Renee at 877-GO-GO-SPT

Kids under four can stay free at the Rocking Horse Ranch Nov. 14-16 weekend.

We are currently working on two California weekends: Monterey, the weekend of January 16-18, 2004 and San Diego in February of 2004. My daughter, Monique, a Denver resident, is working on a resort weekend in Colorado for March and I am planning to run a series of East Coast weekends in the spring - Washington DC, Philadelphia and Boston. Stay tuned to the newsletter. We will email you a special notice as each weekend is posted to our Single Parent Tour Web site.

III. BOOK SIGNINGS & MEDIA APPEARANCES

GlobalBrenda will be speaking on single parent travel and signing her book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" in several places this month. Attendees will be entered to win a trip to Beaches Boscobel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. To see the latest list, click here: (It might just be in or near your home town).

If any of you have single parents groups in the San Antonio, TX area and would like to host a book signing, please let me know ASAP!

Wednesday, October 15...

7:30 pm to 8:15pm.

Secaucus Public Library

1379 Paterson Plank Road

Secaucus, NJ 07094

(The Mayor of Secaucus will be attending.)

201-330-2084

http://www.bccls.org/secaucus/

Saturday, October 18...

1:00 pm-1:45pm

Rosenbluth Travel Agency

2495 Echelon Mall

Voorhees NJ 08043

856-772-1555

Sunday, October 19.

3:00pm - 3:45pm

Barnes & Noble

200 West Route 70

Marlton, NJ 08053

856-596-7058

Tuesday, October 21

Budgettravel.msnbc.com

Noon - 1:00pm, Eastern Standard Time

Email in your question or join us online for a live chat on single parent travel!

Thursday, October 23

CNN

Live interview with Rick Adams between 3:00pm and 3:30PM This show will be broadcast live throughout several counties in Central and Northern New Jersey. The show is syndicated and may air at various times throughout various locations in the U.S. Sorry, we are not privy to the syndicated air time schedule.

IV. SUGGESTIONS FOR HOLIDAYS WITHOUT YOUR KIDS

B.T writes, "Do you have any ideas for Christmas getaways for single parents that don't have their kids on the holidays? My x-husband takes the children to visit his family in Michigan every year and I would like to get away but most holiday getaways are designed for couples. Can you give me any ideas or direction?

GLOBAL BRENDA'S ANSWER: The first time my ex-husband took the kids off for Thanksgiving dinner with his family I was kind of lost for ideas of what to do. That year I went to a church dinner. At that time I was very active in the youth group at the local Unitarian Church. If you want to go away for a weekend or just the day, here are some other suggestions:

Try a national park. This is a great place to meet people - all ages, all family groupings, singles, etc. By going in the winter there will few people and the group will be closer knit. Treat yourself and stay in one of the cozy lodges or at least have your holiday dinner there. Tell the hostess you are traveling alone and ask to be seated with other people. It is a nice way to make new friends.

Try a B & B in your local area. Not all of them are romantic couple oriented. Call and ask the hotel about their clientele at that time of year.

Do something completely different. In the Amish area of Pennsylvania, arrangements can be made to share a dinner with an Amish family. You may have to help prepare the holiday meal but what fun that would be! Check out this article for more information and suggestions:

http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue70/overtheriver.htm

Buy a tour package for New Orleans. No one is ever alone in that city. The packages include a holiday meal. I have traveled there alone many times and always feel comfortable by myself. Once again you will be seated with other people or fly down on your own, book a hotel and book a holiday meal at a special place and ask to be seated with other people.

Go to http://www.towd.com and click on your home state and nearby states for tourism board contact info. Ask them what they suggest.

Contact a local single parent group. Many single parents will be in your same predicament. To make it easy for you, we have started a list of single parent groups on the site. http://www.singleparenttravel.net/writing/spgroups.htm

Lastly, turn the tables around and reach out! Host a dinner yourself inviting not only friends, but international students. Contact a college or university or church group in your area. Typically, organizations ask that you invite at least two international students.

Allow me to share a story with you about sharing Thanksgiving. Traditionally my ex-husband took my son to visit his family for Thanksgiving. One Thanksgiving, while my daughter was living nearby in Philadelphia and attending college, she and her roommate decided to host Thanksgiving dinner. The two of them would cook the meal. I was asked to invite two foreign students from Temple University and arrange to pick them up and take them home after dinner. When I called the university, all the favorites were picked over - France, Germany, England, Brazil. I selected two young ladies from Taiwan. The dinner turned out to be one of the most memorable Thanksgivings I have ever enjoyed. First we had to educate our Taiwanese friends on the history of Thanksgiving dinner. I am not quite sure they got the pilgrim part but they certainly were in the spirit of Thanksgiving. As the joyous meal ended, we passed around three pieces of corn, a family tradition, and asked each person to express thanks for three things in their lives. When it was the turn of our Taiwanese guests, they suddenly burst into tears and told us how much they missed their families, how hard it was to be so far away from home, and how grateful they were to be with us on that special day.

V. PUMPKIN CHUCKIN - a fun destination for the fall.

Featured on the Discovery Channel, the great Pumpkin Chunkin Competition is held in Sussex County, Delaware each November and attracts over 50 teams and 30,000 spectators. The event has become so popular it is now second only to the NASCAR race, held in nearby Dover Downs. This year's event will be held October 31 through November 2.

The competition is fairly simple: fire a pumpkin with a minimum weight of 8 pounds the furthest distance possible. Any contraption can be used to fire the pumpkin as long as it does not use explosives, and the pumpkin must be intact when it crosses the finish line. Some of the firing contraptions have to be seen to be believed. For further information check out the official Web site: www.punkinchunkin.com.

VI. RECOMMENDED READING

I recently read a unique book called "Let's Go Buggy" - The Ultimate Family Guide to Insect Zoos and Butterfly Houses. This educational travel guide details 140 of the biggest zoos, museums, nature centers and gardens across the U.S.A. No doubt you will find something close to your hometown. Written by Troy Corley, a Southern California journalist and mother of two, "Let's Go Buggy" is ideal for planning unique vacation activities or daylong excursions.

The book is published by Corley Publications, ISBN #0970624204. You can order online at www.letsgobuggy.com or call Quality Books at 800-323-4241 or Sunbelt Publications 800-626-6579.

VII. MEETING OTHER SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

Capadawnmsncom has a four-year-old son and is looking to share a house or cottage rental in Europe. You can see her posting here

awesomeparent writes, "I am a single mom of a 16 year old boy living in Boston, MA area. I am looking for travel companions during the weeks(s) of school vacation. Would like to travel in USA or abroad." Reply to her here:

VIII. UNCOVERED ­ SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL SPECIALS

Single Parent Special #1 ­ Sunscape Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sally Black the owner of the travel agency, http://www.VacationsKids.com, told us about a two for one special Sunscape Tulum is offering. Sunscape Tulum is the first 6 star family resort in the Riviera Maya in Mexico. You must book this special BEFORE OCT 15. The special includes round trip air from select destinations, round trip airport/hotel transportation and all inclusive standard accommodations at the Sunscape Tulum, gratuities and taxes.

3 night vacations from $859 for two people

4 night vacations from $939 for two people

7 night vacations from $1198 for two people

Sally says this is a fantastic property...infant care complete with a nursing room for young mothers that has big soft chairs, relaxing music and aqua foot massagers! A 250 seat air conditioned movie theater with all the popcorn, soda and Candy all inclusive, mountain bike tours of Tulum included, Kids club with beach camp out nights, teen center...you name it.

For details, see

http://www.vacationkids.com/mexico/rivieramaya/sunscapetulum/sunscapetulum.html

Single Parent Travel Special #2 ­ Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica and FDR Pebbles in Trelawny, Jamaica

Both resorts offer a single parent special from April 20th, 2003 to December 15th, 2003. The single supplement is eliminated during those dates. Rates range as follows:

FDR, Runaway Bay - US$180-US$200 per adult per night plus US$30 per child per night

FDR Pebbles - US$145-US$175 per adult per night, plus US$20 per child per night.

Up to two children are allowed per parent.

You can see http://www.fdrfamily.com for more details on the special or call your local travel agent.

Single Parent Travel Special #3 ­ La Selva Jungle Lodge, the Amazon in Ecuador

Eric Schwartz the owner of La Selva Jungle Lodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon offers cabins without a single supplement charge and a 30% discount for children 12 and under. You can book at laselva@uio.satnet.net or telephone 593 2 255 0995 or call your local travel agent. Their Web site is http://www.laselvajunglelodge.com

Single Parent Travel Special #4 - Single Parent Tours goes to NY & TX

Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY Nov. 14-16

Single Parent Tours has secured rates 20% - 25% below what you would normally pay for this resort AND you get to vacation with other single parent families. Highland is about a two hour drive north of NYC. The ranch has SO much to do, we couldn't even list it all on our Web site. (See http://www.SingleParentTours.com) Rates start at $514 for one adult and one child for the weekend, plus taxes & service!

Call 877-GOGO-SPT to book.

San Antonio, TX, Dec. 12-14

Join us on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio for a weekend of holiday festivities. Single Parent Tours has organized a history/mystery tour and a river cruise for our single parent families. The package begins at $535 for one adult and one child for the weekend, plus taxes & service! CALL 877-GOGO-SPT or go to http://www.SingleParentTours.com for more detail.

IX. SUBSCRIBERS SPEAK UP-REQUESTS, INQUIRIES, COMMENTS

Teresa Plowright who writes Travel For Kids on About.com told us how she really enjoyed Club Med Sandpiper. "I was there for one night, but I was really impressed: it's all-inclusive, right in Florida; kids programs are absolutely amazing; ambiance is wonderful; and I think it's terrific for single parents, because of the way seating is at meals, and because of the unique ambiance. "She writes about it on her site:

http://travelwithkids.about.com/b/a/024475.htm

C.T. has two tips: "You can join something FOR FREE called Priority Club Rewards (certain hotels participate) and can get room upgrades and earn points towards other trips. The address is: http://www.priorityclub.com."

"I have a great web address for someone who wanted to know about swimming with dolphins. This one is in the dolphins' natural habitat. (I believe it's by Bimini. You actually live on a boat for a week along w/other people chartering as well and anchor in the sea. I haven't gone on it myself yet, but am very interested in it. They do allow children. See http://www.dolphinexpeditions.com."

Q: A.F. asks, "Can you suggest a single parent travel group? My son is 9 and we have gone to Vermont alone and to Puerto Rico. Both trips were pretty lonely and it would be nice to be with a big group. We also tried Club Med, but it was very hot in Dominican Republic which my son did not like."

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: Yes, I can suggest a single parent travel group! More than a dozen of them to be exact. My new company, SingleParentTours.com, offers departures year round to exciting destinations both international and domestic, ranging from getaway weekends to one week trips. Our first trip, a gala Single Parent Family week at Beaches Boscobel in Jamaica, during the last week of August, was a huge success. There were 42 single parent families in attendance, and EVERYONE, adults and kids alike, had a wonderful time. Many new friendships were formed during that week.

We now have two trips planned for the fall of `03. One two upstate NY and one to TX. (See http://www.SingleParentTours.com or call 877-GOGO-SPT.) We will announce more weekends all over the country, which will be followed by a series of one-week tours during summer of 2004.

You could also find a single parent bargain on our specials section at:

http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Specials/index.htm However, we cannot be certain that you will meet other single parents.

Lastly, you might be able to find travel buddies at a local single parents group. Try http://www.singleparenttravel.net/writing/spgroups.htm to find one locally.

Q: "I would like any information you would have on Belize (i.e., recommended lodging, which island). I have a 14 yr (beach lover) and a 16 yr (sand hater). Looking into it for Summer 04, possibly 5 day stay."N.C

GLOBALBRENDA ANSWER: Can be found at:

http://www.singleparenttravel.net/writing/Belize.htm

Q: J.D. asks, "I am a single dad thinking of traveling with my children (son 9, daughter 7) to England for spring break. We would see friends in Kent and Oxford (where I was a student), but I'm doubtful about doing this without some age appropriate things to do in London and possibly elsewhere. My kids are bright and mature, but I am still concerned not to take a trip that is over their heads. What can you suggest?"

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "I am so glad you emailed me. Please set aside your concerns. You and your kids are going to enjoy a trip that is fun-filled and fulfilling for everyone but it will require some advance planning. Here are 3 suggestions:

Read about Brenda's suggestions at:

http://www.SingleParentTravel.net/Writing/London.htm

Q: C.G. asks a documentation question: "I have an unusual situation that I am hoping you can help me with. I currently live in Okinawa, Japan with my husband, who is in the military. My son is still living in the states with his father, who has custody. I will be flying my son here to Okinawa for Christmas, but he will be traveling with my cousin. My ex and I know what we have to do in order for my son to get a passport, but will a notarized letter only be good enough in order for him to travel with the cousin or will we need something else. I am signing and sending both a letter giving permission for him to obtain a passport (since I am not there) and a notarized letter for him to travel with the cousin, that my ex will be signing also. But I'm wondering if there is going to be a problem, because I now have a different last name than my son, and I am not there to show proof of my names. Do you have any suggestions? Hope I haven't confused you."

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "You haven't confused me and you seem to have your ducks lined up in good order. I have three suggestions:

1) Although your paperwork is in good order, I would suggest you contact the airlines your child will be flying and also the consulate of Japan. Ask them what is required, and document the name of the person to whom you speak, as well as the date and time. I would also suggest you check with your local military base as far as requirements to take a child out of the country with a non-parental escort.

2) Since you have a different last name than your child, if possible, I suggest you attach to your paperwork, copies of documents showing your photo and your previous married name and your current married name. A copy of your recent marriage certificate, if you have it, wouldn't hurt either. If you are like me, perhaps you kept your expired passports. You can copy the photo page as proof of name. You probably won't need to do this, but it can't hurt. It has been my experience that government officials welcome all the official paperwork you can throw at them.

3) Even though your cousin will be with your child for the flight only, I suggest you have your cousin carry with him a copy of your son's insurance card and written permission from both you and your child's father giving permission for your child to have emergency medical treatment. Good luck! Your son will have quite an exciting holiday. When my son was 12, he and I flew to Japan years ago to spend Christmas with my daughter when she was studying at Temple University in Tokyo. It was quite a vacation.

For more information about documentation issues see:

http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/index.htm

Q: L.L. writes, "I just received your newsletter and was pleased to see that you are planning weekend getaways. We live in Florida you see. That is why I am writing you now to make a suggestion of adding Southeast weekend getaways to your agenda."

GLOBALBRENDA'S ANSWER: "Yes, we have Southeast Florida in our future plans, but for the first season (fall 2003 thru spring 2004) we have selected destinations that cater to our largest concentration of single parent families, according to the statistics in our 2003 national survey. FYI, we will be running some additional one-week tours this summer in July and August, besides the Jamaica trip. Details for those trips will be posted in early 2004 in our newsletter. Two destinations we are researching are Arizona and the Maya Riviera."

WS from Washington writes, "Brenda, wish I had known about you 8 years ago I've been traveling with my two sons since my divorce in 95. The divorce and having them live away has been hard, but we've shared some wonderful times. A couple of hints: Residence Inns, Embassy Suites, Summerfield Suites, Amerisuites and the like usually have free bkfsts, great sport, exercise, pool and computer facilities. Many times on wknds the business travelers are gone and you and your kids can get great rates. We've done so in Sunnyvale, Belmont and Pleasanton, CA; the Alexandria/Crystal City areas near D.C., Bellevue, WA, Atlanta and Albuquerque, NM."

Also, if you live away from the kids, meeting them at a destination for a long wknd or school vacation can work well. My sons have met me on the east coast and in New Mexico for two of our best trips. New Mexico esp. is a great state to explore history, art, Native American and Hispanic culture and hiking. I hope your business is successful. It would have been easier along the way. By the way - my sons, now 14 & 16 are doing really well. Involved and caring dads can make a difference even when mom moves them 1000 miles away."