© 2012 Connecting: Solo Travel Network & Diane Redfern. Information

In the News for Single and Solo Travelers

By Diane Redfern
Update: May 8, 2012

Uniworld River Cruises
No Single Supplement – March 2013 Europe River Cruises

Los Angeles, CA. Uniworld River Cruises is taking a solo savings program begun a couple of years ago into 2013. Solo travelers can cruise without single supplement add-ons during the remainder of 2012 and into the 2013 season beginning in late March. Solo savings apply to many different routes along the rivers, Douro, Rhine, and Danube. For a complete list go to uniworld.com/single-supplement-waived.

Single Parent Fun at Beaches Boscobel – Read All About It!
No Single Supplement

If you're a single parent (or grandparent) looking for kid-friendly fun along with single-friendly savings at an all-inclusive resort, you'll be interested to know that Beaches' 2012 Single Parent Fun (SPF) package is available from now through September. During that time, the single supplement fee of up to US$220 per night is waived at Beaches' four family resorts: Jamaica's Negril, Sandy Bay and Boscobel, plus Beaches Turks & Caicos. What's more you can read a first-hand report of the experience written by Lori Knowles who has just been to Beaches Boscobel with her nine-year-old son. TorontoSun.com published her article, and it is posted here.


Update: April 16, 2012

SinglesOnSunDays – Caribbean Vacation Specialist
Reduced Single Supplements

Further indication that the singles market is gaining in strength came with the recent launch of UK-based SinglesOnSunDays, a travel agency specialising in Caribbean singles holidays. For the time being, however, this good news is solely for British singles.

Zahur Lalji, Managing Director of Singles On SunDays, said that SOS is not able to "encourage North American bookings at the moment" because of issues with currency exchange and pricing differentials along with a lack of adequate representation in North America. So. for singles on the west side of the pond, the message is to stay tuned until Lalji can get well established in the UK. In due course, he says, SinglesOnSunDays will "head to the States, ideally in a few months," a move he looks forward to, being originally from California. Meanwhile, the website is up and running at SinglesOnSunDays.com.

Neilson Beach Holidays
No Single Supplement

The British-based tour operator, Neilson, represents numerous informal holiday beachclubs in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. The following resorts have a few rooms set aside for single occupancy on certain dates without added surcharges:
>> Beachclub Neilson Teos, Sigacik Turkey.
>> Beachclub Neilson Anastasia, in Halkidiki Greece.
>> Neilson Ortakent, Bodrum Coast Turkey.

Details of dates, pricing, and resort specifics here: neilson.co.uk/beach/solo-travellers.

Abercrombie & Kent – Solo Traveler Savings
No or Reduced Single Supplements

Abercrombie & Kent has just produced a significant list of reduced prices on many of its programs scheduled for May through December 2012. Destinations include Africa, China, Turkey, South America, Mexico, Mongolia, and Nepal, and savings range from 40% to 100% off single supplement charges.

Details: abercrombiekent.com/travel_specials.

Goway to the Galapagos – Single Savings!

Singles have to be willing to share a cabin on the M/V Galapagos Legend to take advantage of this offer from Goway Travel. Nonetheless, it provides a relatively rare opportunity for singles looking for a cost effective way of visiting this hugely popular, eco-sensitive region. The offer applies to selected 4 or 5-day sailings July through December, but actual pricing is only available by special request.

Details: goway.com/tours/superspecials.html.

BikeHike Founder Nominated for YWCA Women of Distinction Award
And She's Single-Friendly Too!

CSTN is thrilled to congratulate BikeHike Adventures' founder, Trish Sare, on being nominated for the prestigous YWCA Women of Distinction Award. She is among nine finalists in the Entrepreneurship category. Over the past 18 years, Trish has built BikeHike Adventures from a one-destination start-up to an established employer of local people in about 30 countries worldwide.

Operating on the principles of culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism, Trish has influenced responsible tourism practices through various professional and trade organizations. She has also been a leader in the field of voluntoursim, developing volunteer adventure trips to Thailand, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. All this, and she has always been sensitive to the needs of single travelers by offering a guaranteed room share program as well as low single supplement options when possible. See all of BikeHike programs online at www.bikehike.com.

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Update: March 20, 2012

Mediterranean Cruises – No or Reduced Single Supplements
Booking Deadline: April 13, 2012.

WashingtonPost.com passed along the word about a single-friendly special by Variety Cruises, a small-ship company that operates a fleet of yacht-like vessels, mainly to Mediterranean and West African ports. Intriguingly, Cuba is a destination scheduled for 2013, although, it may not be available to Americans because of prevailing US government sanctions. That aside, Variety Cruises has waived single supplement fees on the following selected sailings.

Single supplements have been reduced from a 50% add-on to 25% on all other itineraries, including the Cuba trip mentioned above.

Details: www.varietycruises.com/english/home/specials

Update: March 20, 2012

Grand European Tours Free Single Supplements
European River Cruises

The Oregon-based tour operator, Grand European tours, has joined the growing list of travel companies that are waiving single supplements on river cruise programs departing throughout the 2012 season. Here's a sample:

Details: Tel. 1-866-873-0356 Mention Code: RC1

Single-Friendly Ski Holidays in the Alps

Share good times and great access to the slopes in the cosy atmosphere of a Cold Fusion Chalet set in famous French ski resorts. Cold Fusion has three chalets, two in Chamonix and 1 in Morzinne. A note came from the company with a reminder that "April is a great month in the Alps," not just for skiing but also for special events, for example:

Details: www.coldfusionchalets.co.uk

Flavourful Italian Holidays for Singles
No Single Supplement

Cooking up a single-friendly vacation in Italy is easily done with Flavours of Italy and may lead to lasting friendships (or more), claims this tour organizer based in Edinburgh Scotland. The company has just released a list of upcoming tours that "have lots of single travellers booked already," so there's no worry of being the odd one out in a group of couples. Check out these trips:

These holidays are priced at £1599, including transfers, single occupancy en suite room, tuition, meals, excursions.

Details: www.flavoursholidays.com

7-Night Europe Cruise Mediterranean
US$661 No Single Supplement – May 20, 2012

Here are more great deals from Why Share a Cabin.

>> May 20, 2012. 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise on board the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas. Promenade view cabins are US$661 single occupancy and Balcony cabins are US$1186.

May 5, 2012. 15-night Transatlantic cruise on the new Celebrity Constellation sails from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. Oceanview cabins are US$928 single occupancy. Balcony cabins are US$1528 single occupancy.

May 1, 2012. 12-night 12 Night Transatlantic to London, sailing on board the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas sails. Oceanview cabins are US$803 and balcony cabins are US$1153.

Taxes are not included. Very limited space.

Details: www.whyshareacabin.com. Tel. 1-727-755-1838

Update: March 6, 2012

Best Friends Forever – Girls' Getaway
No Single Supplement – 2012 and 2013

Beaches is rolling out the red carpet for girlfriends looking for a 4-night getaway break in the Turks & Caicos. A special best-friends rate of US$1,299 is available on two dates in 2012: from April 26-30, and again from October 18-22. In 2013, a similar package, priced at US$1,399, is offered on these two dates: April 25-29 and Sep 26-30. Prices quoted include a single occupancy room and exclusive BFF parties along with an array of health, fitness, and pamper sessions.

Details: www.beaches.com/specials/bff.cfm

Voyages to Antiquity – Special Singles Savings
Booking Deadline: March 31, 2012

Voyages to Antiquity recently made some upgrades to its boutique ship Aegean Odyssey, adding eight new "Premium Outside" single occupancy cabins in categories HH and JJ, Bridge Deck. Originally designed to carry 570 passengers, Aegean Oddyssey has been refitted to carry an average of 350 guests accommodated in generously-sized suites, junior suites, and staterooms with balconies. Of added interest to cost-conscious solo cruisers, the company has reduced prices on nine different Mediterranean itineraries scheduled between March 18 and October 27, 2012. Savings on the single cabins range from $100 to $400.

Details: us.voyagestoantiquity.com/special-offers-US.html

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Star Clipper Voyages
No Single Supplement – April and May, 2012

Martin Spence describes himself "as a cruise specialist, part of an independent franchise of GoCruise, a subsidiary of Fred.Olsen Travel." In that capacity he has just posted a message online stating that Star Clipper Voyages has waived single supplements on a selection of sailings to the Mediterranean or the Baltic, with departures in April and May 2012. Contact him for more information at the following website.

Details: www.starclippervoyages.co.uk

Update: February 28, 2012

Leap Year Discount for Single Ladies
Booking Deadline: March 11, 2012

Just in case it skipped your mind, 2012 is a leap year, and On the Go Tours has its own brand of leap year madness on offer. From February 29 to March 11, single ladies may take advantage of 15% off all tours.

On the Go Tours has a "no mandatory single supplement" policy on many of its programs, including tours to Egypt, India, China, Southeast Asia, Morocco, Russia, South America, Africa, Turkey and ANZAC Day – even if a room mate cannot be found. Of course, any solo traveler who prefers a private room has the option of paying the single supplement fee.

Details: www.onthegotours.com

Single Parent Fun Months – May 1-24, September 4-October 31, 2012
No Single Supplement

Here's a tip just in from BreakingTravelNews.com: Back by popular demand, Beaches Resorts has just announced the return of Single Parent Fun (SPF) Months. One-parent families who book a minimum three-night stay at any Beaches Resort property from now until October 25th 2012 will be treated to a variety of special events and a "waived single supplement fee." Travel must take place May 1st -24th 2012, or between September 4th and October 31st 2012 in order to take advantage of this promotion.

Details: www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/beaches-reintroduces-single-parent-fun-months/

Update: February 20, 2012

Why Share a Cabin?
Little or No Single Supplement Cruises

Vicki, a cruise consultant at CruiseOne in Palm Harbor Florida, wonders why you would share a cabin when you don't have to. My sentiments exactly, and koodos to anyone who makes the effort to seek out attractive offers for solo cruisers. Vicki has started a blog that lists cruise departures for which the single supplement has been waived entirely, or at least offers significantly reduced supplements. These deals are especially attractive for anyone who can take advantage of late or last-minute bookings. Examples:

Details: www.whyshareacabin.com/2012/02/

Adventure Center Walking Tours
Free Single Supplement

Save up to US$1,025 on a limited number departure dates with Adventure Center's "luxury" walking tour programs. Examples:

Details: www.adventurecenter.com/deals/120213/free-single-supplement.php

Update: February 1, 2012

OAT Announces New Adventure to Burma for 2012
Free Single Supplement – US$645 Savings

Boston MA. Harriet R Lewis, Vice Chair of Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), just announced a new trip to Burma for Americans 50+. "We're delighted to share this incredible country with our travelers," said Lewis, "and to accommodate OAT's growing number of solo travelers, the single supplement fee is waived on this and all OAT Land adventures in 2012.

OAT's 16-day Burma: Land of Golden Temples & Floating Gardens explores Rangoon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, and Inle Lake in small groups of just 10-16 travelers. The price begins at US$2,995 (or $200 per day) and includes single-occupancy accommodations, some meals, activities, services of a resident OAT Trip Leader, ground transport and 6 internal flights, a 5% Frequent Traveler credit towards a future OAT adventure, and baggage handling (1 bag)

Details: www.oattravel.com

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Turkish Airlines Invites Singles to Share in the Love
Valentine's Day Fare for US$599
Booking Deadline: January 31, 2012

Turkish Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and voted the top airline in Europe, invites travelers to spend Valentine's in Turkey with a special low airfare to exotic Istanbul – just $599 round-trip, including taxes.

"Singles have to celebrate Valentine's Day too," says Joe Williams of Alpaytac Marketing Communications, "and this could be the excellent opportunity to travel a truly romantic location and maybe meet their future Valentine."

Travelers must book the Valentine's Day special economy-class fare between January 24 and January 31 for outbound travel between February 1 and February 29. The promotion is offered from several of Turkish Airlines' top gateways with non-stop flights: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.turkishairlines.com, via the Turkish Airlines sales offices at 1-800-874-8875, and through participating travel agents. A $20 per ticket service charge applies for all tickets purchased through the Turkish Airlines sales offices.

Sail & Stay Holidays, Greece
No Single Supplement

Seafarer Holidays is a UK-based company that organizes flotilla holidays and yacht charters in sailing destinations around the globe. Sail and Stay options are also available based at "Beach Club" resorts in Greece and Turkey. Two of these resorts, both in Greece, are offering "No Single Supplement" pricing on the following dates during the summer 2012 season: May 1-30; June 10-30; September 8-30, 2012.

Sailing events and instruction may be arranged at additional cost, along with airfare from the UK.

Details: www.seafarersailing.co.uk

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Update: January 17, 2012

Europe River Cruises Sale
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Littleton, CO. With the European economy continuing along its gloomy course, the outlook for solo travelers is on a favorable upswing. Unable to fill all the available cabins with twosomes, river cruise operators keep on opening up the space to singles at big savings over regular single occupancy prices. Avalon Waterways has joined other major river cruise operators in continuing a policy of waiving single supplement fees on selected cruises. Currently on offer in 2012 are the following cruise departures:

Details: www.avalonwaterways.com/Specials/Waive-Single-Supplement


Update: January 10, 2012

New Life Hiking Spa Celebrates 35 Years With Savings for Singles
$300 Discount – Booking Deadline: February 10, 2012.

Award winning New Life Hiking Spa is getting ready for its 35th summer season in Vermont. Operating dates are set from May 17 through September 30, 2012. "We are excited to be celebrating our 35th summer in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont," said Jimmy LeSage, founder and director. "For the 19 weeks we are open, there is simply no better place to go hiking than New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont."

To mark this 35th anniversary, New Life is offering a $300 discount off the first 11-night Weight Loss Retreat of the year (May 17 - 28). That is a total price of $2,219, single occupancy, or $1,949 (plus service and tax) per person if sharing a room.

In addition, early booking specials are also available for $20 a night discount on any length of stay from May 17 through September 15, 2012, or $300 off the total price of an 11-night Weight Loss Retreat for the following dates: May 17-28, May 29-June 9, June 29-July 10, July 10-21, any 11 nights during the month of August, or September 1-12. Rates include a room with a private bath, three healthy meals a day, fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, one basic massage for each 3-night stay, all fitness programming, daily guided hikes (three levels offered per day), cooking demos, lectures and evening activities.

>> Reservations must be made by February 10, 2012 to receive the discounted rates. Discounts cannot be combined.

Details: For more information visit www.newlifehikingspa.com, or watch a three minute video.

Update: January 3, 2012

Galapagos On Sale for Solo Travel
No Single Supplement

Helena, AL. For 30-plus years International Expeditions has been arranging tours to exotic regions of the globe, and over the last five years, this travel company has taken notice of a growing number of single travelers "looking for safe, escorted travel to the world's wildlife-rich regions."

According to company President Van Perry, International Expeditions has always been committed to keeping single supplements as low as possible, and in that respect, budget savvy solo travelers will be pleased to find that single supplement fees will be waived on the following Galapagos Island cruises during 2012: February 3 and 17, March 16 and 30, May 11 and 25, and October 12 and 26.

On the 10-day Galapagos Islands cruise, solo travelers join a group of like-minded guests aboard M/V Evolution, International Expeditions' 32-passenger yacht equipped with spacious accommodations, an observation deck (perfect for whale watching), snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and kayaks. Prices start at US$5,098 in 2012, including single occupancy accommodation, most meals, excursions, transfers, gratuities to porters and waiters for included meals.

Details: www.IEtravel.com

Europe River Cruises On Sale
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Littleton, CO. All through 2011, Avalon Waterways waived single supplement charges on selected river European cruises, and I note that the offer has been extended once again to numerous sailings scheduled between March and June 2012. With these continuous extensions coming not only from Avalon Waterways but also from other river-cruise reps such as Uniworld, it looks as if this is a trend that could become standard practice, and possibly even – dare I say it – a strong indication that single and solo travelers are finally being seriously considered as a viable, stand-alone market. And yet, the cynic in me can't resist the observation that singles, traditionally always the last to get a deal, are getting a break now only because continued rough economic times have marketers resorting to last measures to fill those boats.

Details: www.avalonwaterways.com

Kimberley "Waterfall Season" Savings
No Single Supplement – April 2012

Coral Princess Cruises, Australia's pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising, is yet another operator paying particular attention to single clients. It's waiving single supplement charges on 10-night Kimberley Expedition Cruises aboard Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000. Coral Princess's voyages between Darwin and Broome cruise through some of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes.

Waterfall Season prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise aboard Oceanic Discoverer start at A$6,517.50 per person for past guests (25% off) and A$7,386.50 for first-time guests (15% off). Aboard Coral Princess they start at A$5,242.50 for past guests and A$5,941.50 for first timers. The reduced prices include all meals, lectures, and excursions.

Details: www.coralprincess.com.au

Backroads Back for Singles

Back in 1990, when I first started searching the world for tours designated specifically for singles, I was thrilled to discover that California-based Backroads offered a number of trips each year just for single and solo participants. At that time, singles-only tours were so rare I wrote a feature article on the company. Before long, I was adding 100 or more Backroads trips each year to my Singles Tours Calendar. Imagine my dismay then, in 2010, when the company, without explanation, dropped singles tours from its extensive roster. Well, Backroads is back, apparently "by popular demand," with dozens of singles-only departures selected from its 2012 programs in Asia, Europe, North America, and the South Pacific.

That good news is tempered somewhat by the fact that Backroads has redefined its pricing policy, and I'm not sure it is as single-friendly as it used to be. Formerly, singles who were willing to share a room and who reserved at least 90 days prior to departure, were guaranteed to pay no more than the double-occupancy share price, even if Backroads could not find a room mate. Now, the wording has changed thus:

On the other hand, likely in response to the increasing numbers of singles who prefer the privacy of a single-occupancy room as well as company during the day's activities, Backroads has the following plan in place:

Those terms, I think, amount to no more than a minimal inovation from a company that is a leader in its field. In any case, Backroads singles-only trips are, once again, listed on CSTN's Singles Tours Calendar.

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