I try to travel for my blogs as often and as long as
my budget will allow.
But I discovered it is dangerous for me to stay at the home base longer than 6 weeks.
Why?
The first two weeks are clean up and clear up the house, the yard and the billing errors.
Next I start to write from day one of the adventure until the return, approximately day 30+- so that I do not forget or miss an event that was noteworthy when it occured.
At about the 6th week my NEED to be back on the road, my DISPLEASURE with being trapped in a city I do not find interesting and my FEAR that I will not find enough time to do what I truly want to do, start to fade and the danger starts.
The danger of starting to cocoon in a familiar place
The danger of never leaving the house except for errands or necessity
The danger of beginning to think " I can wait to take that trip" or "I really don't need to go there".
It is far easier to stay here and do nothing than to go solo to towns/cities/countries where every day is work...... Travel adventures are not vacations. On vacation you go/sit/see in a location.
On a travel adventure solo, you must plan, execute, search, solve problems EVERYDAY, all day.
There is a constant energy generated by travel not as a tourist. It feeds the next event, the next day's plan, the next challenge or experience.
How long do you stay at 'home' before you take your next travel adventure?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
NO SOLO SUPPLEMENTS: Sacramento Bee, writes: Overseas Adventure Travel offers
Are Travel Companies Listening to the Requests of Solo Travelers?
The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com , has a great article today…….
“Overseas Adventure Travel launches 7 new small group adventures to meet baby boomer demand
Published: Monday, Jul. 29, 2013 - 4:36 am
BOSTON, July 29, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The most traveled generation in history continues to fuel demand for adventure travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations filled with up-close, interactive experiences, prompting Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) to launch seven new small group itineraries in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Central and Eastern Europe, the company's CEO Vince Cook announced today.
"As more Americans turn 50, OAT is experiencing significant growth, especially among women, who now comprise 70% of our travelers, and solo travelers, who represent 35% of all bookings," Cook said, "With that growth, we're finding more of our travelers have 'been there, done that' and are pushing us to add specific, less-traveled destinations. In response, we have created seven new adventures that take travelers to places like Bali's enchanting islands, Central Europe's medieval cities, and southern Africa's captivating game reserves. Each new adventure will provide our travelers with the kind of intimate, compelling, and unique experiences of a country and its people that they have come to expect from OAT."
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 94 million Americans are over the age of 50 and more than 12,500 Americans turn 50 every day. In the past three years (2011-2013), more than 116,000Americans aged 50+ have traveled overseas with OAT, with more than a third traveling solo.
To make travel more affordable for this increasing number of OAT solo travelers—80% of whom are women—OAT offers Free Single Supplements on all of its adventures, including all optional pre- and post-trip extensions. In addition, OAT's Solo Traveler Challenge guarantees the best solo price for a comparable international adventure. Plus, OAT's Lowest Price Guarantee ensures travelers will receive OAT's lowest price, automatically refunding the difference of the main trip price if OAT reduces the price—up until the day of departure.
The addition of these seven new small group adventures brings the total number of OAT's Land and Small Ship Adventures to 42, with destinations in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. OAT limits its Land Adventures groups to just 10-16 travelers, and its Small Ship Adventures to 16-25.
The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com , has a great article today…….
“Overseas Adventure Travel launches 7 new small group adventures to meet baby boomer demand
By Overseas Adventure Travel
Published: Monday, Jul. 29, 2013 - 4:36 am
BOSTON, July 29, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The most traveled generation in history continues to fuel demand for adventure travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations filled with up-close, interactive experiences, prompting Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) to launch seven new small group itineraries in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Central and Eastern Europe, the company's CEO Vince Cook announced today.
"As more Americans turn 50, OAT is experiencing significant growth, especially among women, who now comprise 70% of our travelers, and solo travelers, who represent 35% of all bookings," Cook said, "With that growth, we're finding more of our travelers have 'been there, done that' and are pushing us to add specific, less-traveled destinations. In response, we have created seven new adventures that take travelers to places like Bali's enchanting islands, Central Europe's medieval cities, and southern Africa's captivating game reserves. Each new adventure will provide our travelers with the kind of intimate, compelling, and unique experiences of a country and its people that they have come to expect from OAT."
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 94 million Americans are over the age of 50 and more than 12,500 Americans turn 50 every day. In the past three years (2011-2013), more than 116,000Americans aged 50+ have traveled overseas with OAT, with more than a third traveling solo.
To make travel more affordable for this increasing number of OAT solo travelers—80% of whom are women—OAT offers Free Single Supplements on all of its adventures, including all optional pre- and post-trip extensions. In addition, OAT's Solo Traveler Challenge guarantees the best solo price for a comparable international adventure. Plus, OAT's Lowest Price Guarantee ensures travelers will receive OAT's lowest price, automatically refunding the difference of the main trip price if OAT reduces the price—up until the day of departure.
The addition of these seven new small group adventures brings the total number of OAT's Land and Small Ship Adventures to 42, with destinations in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. OAT limits its Land Adventures groups to just 10-16 travelers, and its Small Ship Adventures to 16-25.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Are solo travelers less desirable to the travel industry?
Solo travel by air......might be one of the solo friendly modes of transportation...
As I started today's post on Does the Travel Industry Hate Solo Travelers, I began to think of what travel services are solo friendly.
1. Airlines: although I do not enjoy the procedure and process of flying, arriving 3 hrs early, checking in with a machine, wearing my heaviest clothing so I meet the one bag weight rule, security check in..... I don't need to elaborate, you have all been there.... the dreaded middle seat, hot plane, smelly carry on food, delays, we can all add to this list
With all their faults and costs, the airlines do NOT charge me more for traveling SOLO
2. Trains: I am not charged more for a train trip in Europe. Yes there are promotions for what I call the ark people, those traveling in two's or families but overall I feel I am paying the same as other travelers. Here in the USA, does AMTRAK charge solo passengers more? I was told by an AMTRAK traveler that you pay for a ticket and can purchase a roomette for an additional cost but she is NOT charged more for using the roomette solo.
3. Rental Cars, Ferry Trips, Bus Tickets: these are all priced per person. There may be discounts for the groups listed in #2.
4. Two for One Advertising: Next to the cruise lines this is one advertisement I receive several times a week that continues to infuriate me. The offer is often for package tours and cruises.*
5. Cruises: Perhaps the most offensive treatment for this solo traveler is the 200% solo supplement. Paying twice as much as other passengers must aggravate other solo travelers as well. On a recent trip several passengers expression dissatisfaction with the 'value for the price' they received as solo travelers.
*Cruises also offer 2 for 1 pricing but will not allow a solo client to pay the advertised price unless they bring another passenger.
VacationstoGo.com has a list of 'single' cruises (not hosted single cruises) on their web site. Often there are several very well priced sailing. "Or you can call for the solo price on any cruise listed", according to the CEO, Mr. Fox. I suggested to Mr Fox that changing the title to solo vs single cruises would be more appropriate. Solo is NOT always single.
Several of the cruise travel agents have started to post solo prices or solo promotions. Cunard has offered 'no solo supplements' and the river cruises had a special recently.
I have been forced to check weekly for prices that may have been reduced to level, where double the price might be affordable. Example: if the per day price is offered at $100 a day than the cruise will be $200 for a solo.....if the itinerary is one I am interested in and the ship has amenities I want (enrichment classes) than I will consider paying a 200% solo supplement.
6. Restaurants: Casual restaurants or diners (in the USA) seat solo clients with the only concern to leave a 4 or 6 seat table available for larger groups. Invariable I receive the same question when I enter or sit, are you alone?
On further reflection I expect the wait staff is not happy with a solo traveler......table used for the same length of time with 1/2 the return.
7. Hotels: Until I heard a comment from Arthur Frommer on his Sunday radio program http://bit.ly/SjF7hx I had not thought of hotels as having a separate policy for solo travelers.
Pricing: I checked Booking.com for prices for solo vs double rooms in a two cities. Booking.com: Rome on a Booking.com sample listed solo rooms at $10 to $20 less than a room for two. In Philadelphia the hotel room prices do not change for one traveler! Mr. Frommer is correct, hotel rooms are not solo friendly!
I will be doing more research on this.
8. Travel Agents: If you know of any travel agent who wants to work with solo travelers, please let me know. I understand commission sales (after 22 years) and working with one client limits your income.
Apparently solo fares on cruises and package tours must be priced with the supplier, by the travel agent. There seems to be NO central computer program that will supply a list of fares for a solo travelers on cruises. I search 100 or more sailings a week, looking for a fare that is 'affordable', once I double the advertised price.
Travel agents must not be willing to take the time to do this amount of work. They will email me or call me if they see something affordable that comes across their desks. Often I know about a sale before they do.
Are solo travelers more work for a hotel? For a cruise line? For a tour group? Let's address that next.
As I started today's post on Does the Travel Industry Hate Solo Travelers, I began to think of what travel services are solo friendly.
1. Airlines: although I do not enjoy the procedure and process of flying, arriving 3 hrs early, checking in with a machine, wearing my heaviest clothing so I meet the one bag weight rule, security check in..... I don't need to elaborate, you have all been there.... the dreaded middle seat, hot plane, smelly carry on food, delays, we can all add to this list
With all their faults and costs, the airlines do NOT charge me more for traveling SOLO
2. Trains: I am not charged more for a train trip in Europe. Yes there are promotions for what I call the ark people, those traveling in two's or families but overall I feel I am paying the same as other travelers. Here in the USA, does AMTRAK charge solo passengers more? I was told by an AMTRAK traveler that you pay for a ticket and can purchase a roomette for an additional cost but she is NOT charged more for using the roomette solo.
3. Rental Cars, Ferry Trips, Bus Tickets: these are all priced per person. There may be discounts for the groups listed in #2.
4. Two for One Advertising: Next to the cruise lines this is one advertisement I receive several times a week that continues to infuriate me. The offer is often for package tours and cruises.*
5. Cruises: Perhaps the most offensive treatment for this solo traveler is the 200% solo supplement. Paying twice as much as other passengers must aggravate other solo travelers as well. On a recent trip several passengers expression dissatisfaction with the 'value for the price' they received as solo travelers.
*Cruises also offer 2 for 1 pricing but will not allow a solo client to pay the advertised price unless they bring another passenger.
VacationstoGo.com has a list of 'single' cruises (not hosted single cruises) on their web site. Often there are several very well priced sailing. "Or you can call for the solo price on any cruise listed", according to the CEO, Mr. Fox. I suggested to Mr Fox that changing the title to solo vs single cruises would be more appropriate. Solo is NOT always single.
Several of the cruise travel agents have started to post solo prices or solo promotions. Cunard has offered 'no solo supplements' and the river cruises had a special recently.
I have been forced to check weekly for prices that may have been reduced to level, where double the price might be affordable. Example: if the per day price is offered at $100 a day than the cruise will be $200 for a solo.....if the itinerary is one I am interested in and the ship has amenities I want (enrichment classes) than I will consider paying a 200% solo supplement.
6. Restaurants: Casual restaurants or diners (in the USA) seat solo clients with the only concern to leave a 4 or 6 seat table available for larger groups. Invariable I receive the same question when I enter or sit, are you alone?
On further reflection I expect the wait staff is not happy with a solo traveler......table used for the same length of time with 1/2 the return.
7. Hotels: Until I heard a comment from Arthur Frommer on his Sunday radio program http://bit.ly/SjF7hx I had not thought of hotels as having a separate policy for solo travelers.
Pricing: I checked Booking.com for prices for solo vs double rooms in a two cities. Booking.com: Rome on a Booking.com sample listed solo rooms at $10 to $20 less than a room for two. In Philadelphia the hotel room prices do not change for one traveler! Mr. Frommer is correct, hotel rooms are not solo friendly!
I will be doing more research on this.
8. Travel Agents: If you know of any travel agent who wants to work with solo travelers, please let me know. I understand commission sales (after 22 years) and working with one client limits your income.
Apparently solo fares on cruises and package tours must be priced with the supplier, by the travel agent. There seems to be NO central computer program that will supply a list of fares for a solo travelers on cruises. I search 100 or more sailings a week, looking for a fare that is 'affordable', once I double the advertised price.
Travel agents must not be willing to take the time to do this amount of work. They will email me or call me if they see something affordable that comes across their desks. Often I know about a sale before they do.
Are solo travelers more work for a hotel? For a cruise line? For a tour group? Let's address that next.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Vacations to Go no Solo Supplement River cruises
I just received an email Vacations to Go along with I expect hundreds of thousands of other subscribers. But did you see the sections on solo River Cruises?
In the email there were several links to low or no single supplement crusies. This is the list of River Cruises.
Disclaimer: I do not sell or promote ANY travel companies, just report what I see on line.
http://www.rivercruise.com/singles.cfm
Contact Vacations to Go directly to verify all the information and availability…..
A Division of Vacations To Go River Cruise Specialists
800-510-4002
European River Cruises
800-510-4002
#T171373 13Oct 28
Amsterdam, Holland Zurich, Switzerland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Amsterdam to Zurich)
Ama Deluxe $3,589 #T171394
8 Oct 29 Amsterdam, Holland
Basel, Switzerland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Amsterdam to Basel, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe $2,549
Sold Out!
#T77329 13 Oct 31
Zurich, Switzerland Amsterdam, Holland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Zurich to Amsterdam)
Ama Deluxe $3,389
Book Now & Save!
#T116871 8 Nov 5
Basel, Switzerland Amsterdam, Holland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Basel to Amsterdam, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe $2,349
Book Now& Save!
#T41107 12 Nov 8
Budapest, Hungary
Prague, Czech Republic
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube 2013 (Wine Cruise, Budapest to Prague)
Ama Deluxe $3,039
Book Now & Save!
#T42239 8 Nov 9
Budapest, Hungary
Vilshofen, Germany
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube 2013 (Wine Cruise, Budapest to Vilshofen, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe
$2,349 Book Now& Save!
MANY MORE on this list and on their web site! There is a Single Section too, for solo travelers.
In the email there were several links to low or no single supplement crusies. This is the list of River Cruises.
Disclaimer: I do not sell or promote ANY travel companies, just report what I see on line.
http://www.rivercruise.com/singles.cfm
Contact Vacations to Go directly to verify all the information and availability…..
A Division of Vacations To Go River Cruise Specialists800-510-4002
Discounted River Cruises?
Pay reduced or no single supplements on select departures when you book by August 15, 2013. Click on the FASTDEAL# at left for more information about any vacation. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in US dollars. Click # For More InfoEuropean River Cruises
800-510-4002
#T171373 13Oct 28
Amsterdam, Holland Zurich, Switzerland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Amsterdam to Zurich)
Ama Deluxe $3,589 #T171394
8 Oct 29 Amsterdam, Holland
Basel, Switzerland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Amsterdam to Basel, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe $2,549
Sold Out!
#T77329 13 Oct 31
Zurich, Switzerland Amsterdam, Holland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Zurich to Amsterdam)
Ama Deluxe $3,389
Book Now & Save!
#T116871 8 Nov 5
Basel, Switzerland Amsterdam, Holland
The Enchanting Rhine 2013 (Basel to Amsterdam, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe $2,349
Book Now& Save!
#T41107 12 Nov 8
Budapest, Hungary
Prague, Czech Republic
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube 2013 (Wine Cruise, Budapest to Prague)
Ama Deluxe $3,039
Book Now & Save!
#T42239 8 Nov 9
Budapest, Hungary
Vilshofen, Germany
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube 2013 (Wine Cruise, Budapest to Vilshofen, Cruise-Only)
Ama Deluxe
$2,349 Book Now& Save!
MANY MORE on this list and on their web site! There is a Single Section too, for solo travelers.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Food Trucks: Solo Travelers need no reservation
Some solo travelers do not think twice before entering a bar where no one ‘knows your name’Food Trucks, can they solve the solo traveler’s challenge of eating alone……
Everyone was warm and friendly
Nana G's chicken and waffles is already 'famous'
Not all solo travelers freeze when entering a restaurant.
As a shy, solo traveler, eating out can still send a wave of dread through me.
Food Trucks, an upscale version of street food, allows a solo traveler to mingle, sample local fare and NEVER worry that they don't have a companion to eat with.
Now I have discovered FOOD TRUCKS
Food Trucks are not new. Hot dog and pretzel carts even the traveling ice cream truck are part of many small towns and cities.
The Food Trucks in Atlanta now offer gourmet foods, ethnic treats, comfort foods, unusual ice pop flavors, cupcakes, candy from New Orleans, meatballs: a wonderful assortment that makes a selection difficult.
 |
The gathering of the trucks at the Howell Mill Food Park in Atlanta, GA
| |||
 |  |  | ||
The festival atmosphere of the Food Park encourages browsing and sampling many different foods. Music plays from many of the colorful trucks. Amazing how full meals can be produced from a metal box on wheels.....
‘Pop-up’ truck locations, posted on social media, allows followers know where to find their favorite food. Atlanta also has a FOOD PARK. Just off the main highway this gathering of a variety of different foods is a smorgasbord of international and local comfort foods.
When you don’t know what you want for lunch or diner, the food park allows you to stroll among the trucks until you find the perfect meal. Or you may have your favorite that you follow all over the city.
In the next few weeks I will sample a variety of foods from the local trucks. I have already tried waffles with 'infused bacon' at Nana G's, praline covered pretzels at Cjay's (my diet has been destroyed) and will return to sweet Georgia Brown's FIAH (Food in a Hurry) truck.
The food may the 'return factor' but the personalities of each truck owner is far more enticing.
Watch for future profiles of who is behind a favorite food truck...
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Solo Fares I Find Affordable!
12 days at sea approximately $1900+ could be affordable......
call Linda with the Solo Travelers Club .......
Message from Linda Carella
Solo Specialist With Online Vacation Center's
New Solo Department
 |
800-787-1871
contact info below
“Celebrity, sailing September 30, 2013
12 night itinerary with a base price of $1858 *plus $95.55 for an inside single occupancy cabin.
It includes a drink package that covers all alcohol, wine, gourmet coffees, 1 night alternative dining, cocktail party and 2 shore excursions.
For $400 less, you can have the same cabin without any of the amenities.”
* fares change so check with Linda....
| Mon 30 Sep 2013 | Harwich, England | 05:00 PM | Boarding | |
| Tue 01 Oct 2013 | Paris (Le Havre), France | 07:00 AM | Docked | |
| Wed 02 Oct 2013 | Paris (Le Havre), France | 09:00 PM | Docked | |
| Thu 03 Oct 2013 | At Sea | |||
| Fri 04 Oct 2013 | La Rochelle, France | 08:00 AM | Docked | |
| Sat 05 Oct 2013 | La Rochelle, France | 06:00 PM | Docked | |
| Sun 06 Oct 2013 | Bilbao, Spain | 07:00 AM | Docked | |
| Mon 07 Oct 2013 | Bilbao, Spain | 01:00 PM | Docked | |
| Tue 08 Oct 2013 | Vigo, Spain | 12:00 PM | 08:00 PM | Docked |
| Wed 09 Oct 2013 | Porto (Leixoes), Portugal | 07:00 AM | 06:00 PM | Docked |
| Thu 10 Oct 2013 | At Sea | |||
| Fri 11 Oct 2013 | At Sea | |||
| Sat 12 Oct 2013 | Harwich, England | 04:00 AM | Departure |
Call Linda at Online Vacation Center for details, prices and with questions.
Linda Carella
Personal Vacation Manager
Online Vacation Center
1801 N.W. 66th Avenue Suite 102
Plantation, FL 33313
Toll Free: 800-780-9002 Ext 6438
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM
mailto:lindac@onlinevacationcenter.com
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Solo Travelers on River Cruises: Have you tried this?
 |
 |
| ||||||||
|
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Solo travel on Holland American: part 2
Solo Travel by Sea: Value vs Price
Solo travel on a ship offers challenges, opportunities and many pleasant events.
After taking 3 other cruise lines in the past few years Holland American excelled in several areas:
Crew attitude and personality
It took me two days before I realized that ALL of the staff in the formal dining room was male. No women. Although the comments from the assistant manager were rather negative, HA found that an all male crew could manage the heavy trays that are often required to serve a table of 6 or 8. (women crew members did work in the specialty restaurants)
All of these positions are filled with crew from the same country. Therefore there would be no language problems in this very demanding.
What astounded me was almost ALL of the staff was pleasant, smiled and asked how you were. I know, this is their job, but many of the staff were actually interested! Life off the sea is NEVER like this…..when was the last time someone genuinely smiled at you and meant it?
I think I became a ‘mission’ for the dining room staff. I did not ‘bond’ with many of the other solo travelers who preferred to sit at their assigned tables so I requested a table for 2 in a non conspicuous locations. And if you eat at the end of the last seating there are not many other passengers still in the dining room who continue to look, stare and wonder why I am having such a GOOD TIME?
Except for one incident I was accommodated and was NOT made to feel ‘unusual’.
I worry though, do solo travelers expect staff and other workers to “be their friends’ while cruising? I shall have to be very careful on the next outing.
Solo travel on a ship offers challenges, opportunities and many pleasant events.
After taking 3 other cruise lines in the past few years Holland American excelled in several areas:
Crew attitude and personality
It took me two days before I realized that ALL of the staff in the formal dining room was male. No women. Although the comments from the assistant manager were rather negative, HA found that an all male crew could manage the heavy trays that are often required to serve a table of 6 or 8. (women crew members did work in the specialty restaurants)
All of these positions are filled with crew from the same country. Therefore there would be no language problems in this very demanding.
What astounded me was almost ALL of the staff was pleasant, smiled and asked how you were. I know, this is their job, but many of the staff were actually interested! Life off the sea is NEVER like this…..when was the last time someone genuinely smiled at you and meant it?
I think I became a ‘mission’ for the dining room staff. I did not ‘bond’ with many of the other solo travelers who preferred to sit at their assigned tables so I requested a table for 2 in a non conspicuous locations. And if you eat at the end of the last seating there are not many other passengers still in the dining room who continue to look, stare and wonder why I am having such a GOOD TIME?
Except for one incident I was accommodated and was NOT made to feel ‘unusual’.
I worry though, do solo travelers expect staff and other workers to “be their friends’ while cruising? I shall have to be very careful on the next outing.
No Solo supplements? Solo Travelers Club newsletter
The solo Traveler Club just sent out a newsletter...... solo travelers tell me if $250 to $400+ per day in your budget?
Thank you Solo Travelers Club for this email: now I need to call for the solo fares....
 | ||||
Deals for Solo Travelers
Azamara Club Cruises
9-Night Northern Europe
Oceanview on the Azamara Quest
Aug 7, 2013 from $4049
13-Night Ocean Crossing
Oceanview on the Azamara Quest
November 13, 2013 from $3129
14-Night Asia
Oceanview on the Azamara Journey
December 9, 2013 from $4521
Call For More Info:
800-787-1871
Holland America Line Special Offers
Western Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Eurodam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Oct 27, Nov 10*, 24, 2013 and Jan 5, 2014 Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on Nov 17, 2013 Eastern Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Westerdam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Nov 9, 16*, 23 and Dec 14, 2013 and January 4, 2014
AmaWaterways Special Solo Offers
The Enchanting Rhine 7 Nights Between Amsterdam & Basel Call for Solo Pricing!Including $500 Off Per Stateroom, $100 Onboard Credit, Free Upgrade Sailing: Oct 29, Nov 5, 22 and Dec 2013
Vietnam, Cambodia & the
Riches of the Mekong 7 Nights Between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Call for Solo Pricing!Single Supplement Waived! Sailing: August 19, 26 and October 7, 28, 2013  |
|
||||
Deals for Solo Travelers
Azamara
Club Cruises
9-Night Northern
Europe
Oceanview
on the Azamara Quest
Aug 7, 2013 from $4049
13-Night Ocean
Crossing
Oceanview
on the Azamara Quest
November 13, 2013 from $3129
14-Night Asia
Oceanview
on the Azamara Journey
December 9, 2013 from $4521
Call
For More Info:
800-787-1871
Holland America Line Special Offers
Western Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Eurodam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Oct 27, Nov 10*, 24, 2013 and Jan 5, 2014 Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on Nov 17, 2013 Eastern Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Westerdam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Nov 9, 16*, 23 and Dec 14, 2013 and January 4, 2014
AmaWaterways Special Solo Offers
The Enchanting Rhine 7 Nights Between Amsterdam & Basel Call for Solo Pricing!Including $500 Off Per Stateroom, $100 Onboard Credit, Free Upgrade Sailing: Oct 29, Nov 5, 22 and Dec 2013
Vietnam, Cambodia & the
Riches of the Mekong 7 Nights Between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Call for Solo Pricing!Single Supplement Waived! Sailing: August 19, 26 and October 7, 28, 2013 |
||||
Friday, July 5, 2013
A visit to Canterbury: Canterbury, UK
The Canterbury Tales: * If you read this classic in high school than you may expect a stream of pilgrims walking on the ancient walls towards Canterbury cathedral. You will find local citizens using the walls as a very easy route without cars and stop lights, day travelers coming from the train station or the occasional runner and bike riders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_Tales
 |
| Add caption |
An enormous structure but with perfect scale
More than 25 years ago I visited Canterbury for the first time. My memories were of a town that made me fill as if I stepped back in time 500 years and a vesta box. I am sorry to say I did not remember the cathedral but I did remember and still have the unusual silver box a man would have worn on a chain to carry small matches in.
So a second visit the Canterbury had the goal of seeing the cathedral and the town.
S
When the opportunity to overnight in Canterbury on my was to Dover arose, I decided to stay overnight on the cathedral grounds at the Cathedral Lodge.
. I think I expected monks or brothers to be in residence as they are during my stays in convent hotels in Italy where I have met travelers and nuns from all over the world. http://hometoitaly.blogspot.com/2013/03/italy-try-convent-instead-of-hotel.html But this is not the case at the Cathedral nor the lodge on the grounds. The hotel is a professionally run conference center and hotel. http://www.canterburycathedrallodge.org/?gclid=CKnF2P6Zl7gCFc0WMgodRiIABA
A short walk from the train station atop the city wall or you can leave your car in the car park outside the main door. The friendly staff quickly checked me in and even helped me with my bags to my room since I was in the older building without an elevator:
A nice large room with windows overlooking the town. A full breakfast as only the English can do, is included with your room. Wifi is available in most rooms and in the library on the first floor. A truly lovely stay.
Since I had returned to Canterbury to see the town and the church, I started with the high (main) street that was busy with shoppers and the weekly market. I am a travel shopper. I shop stores, markets and particularly grocery stores to see what local life is like.
Because I was staying at ‘the Lodge’ I had full access to the Cathedral for my entire stay. There was no choir practice that evening so I sat in on the organ practice. The deep sounds resonated off the walls and the soaring ceiling. Walking in the main nave I tried to imagine a service here hundreds of years ago. Living in a country that only goes back a few hundred years, I enjoy visiting towns and buildings that whisper me. All the footsteps of the generations that walked in the streets and lived their lives…..
One overnight was NOT ENOUGH time to experience the town, meet some of the locals or enjoy all the English culinary treats: a Sunday roast, pub grub and high tea.
I shall just plan to return.
All solo travelers are not 20 somethings:
I met India at the check in counter at the Lodge and she kindly agreed to a short video to explain why she would not consider traveling solo……I found this interesting since everything you read is that solo travel is for backpacking, hostel stays, young travelers who want to go around the world.
Since I research and write about mature solo travel I thought this was enlightening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)