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I know women are out there going solo, just read the hundreds of blogs on line. 

But this article by Robert Upe surprised me
Contact author with any questions.

 

Ladies-only travel adventures taking off

Date

October 4, 2013 - 11:11PM

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Robert Upe

Travel and Tourism Writer

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Women-only travel is an emerging trend. Photo: Getty Images
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/ladiesonly-travel-adventures-taking-off-20131004-2uzdz.html#ixzz2gnBQTrVG
 
 
 
 
Women-only travel is an emerging trend. Photo: Getty Images


Women-only holidays are taking off, with increasing numbers of them travelling solo or with girlfriends.

They're shopping overseas, rolling up their sleeves at cooking classes, rejuvenating at health retreats, trekking remote trails and just finding some "me time".

A recent survey by lastminute.com.au shows that 46 per cent of women have holidayed alone in the past 12 months and the Small Luxury Hotels group reports a 53 per cent increase in room nights booked by single female occupants.

"We have seen women-only travel as an emerging trend for the past few years," said Bridget McDonald, the director of boutique agency Cherry Picked Travel.


"Women are getting more confident about travelling alone, and in groups, and many prefer to travel with other women. Travelling with other females allows them to see and do things that suit them, rather than catering to the differing tastes of men," she said.

Ms McDonald said some of the activities women like include shopping, dining out, cocktail hours, cooking classes, massages and yoga.

David Goldman, joint managing director of the Goldman Travel Corporation, said women like to take up cooking classes, often in Europe and travelling as mother/daughter, and to relax at resort areas in Thailand and Fiji. He said they also like to go to retreats in Australia such as Gaia (Byron Bay), Gwinganna (Gold Coast hinterland) and Golden Door (Hunter Valley and Gold Coast hinterland).
Catherine Baker, a consultant who specialises in women-only travel for Flight Centre offshoot Travel Associates, said women are also hitting the adventure trail.

"Women-only travel is popular these days and involves everything from walking and hiking in Nepal, going to Africa, going on the Inca Trail and lovely holidays in Europe where they do one-day walks and culinary tours," she said.
"Sometimes it is multi-generational travel, like mums and daughters doing trips together, or sometimes three generations that will travel to spend quality time together and do something pretty amazing."
Jill Doble has just landed back in Australia after a two-week women-only trip, arranged through Travel Associates, to hike part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain.

"It was my first trip to Europe and a non-English speaking country. Part of doing it with a women-only group and a guide was the sense of safety," she said. "I am in my 50s and most other women were about that age. It was non-threatening and it was good to be with like-minded people, women in particular."
Ms Doble said it was a bit soon to plan her next journey, but she has her eye on a women-only writers' trip to Italy.

Jayson Westbury, the chief executive of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, said women-only travel may be in a renaissance.

"There are lots of forms of niche travel and certainly travel that brings women together is a tremendous idea," he said. "It's like travel with kids, a space that has also got a heavy following."
- with Jane E. Fraser

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/ladiesonly-travel-adventures-taking-off-20131004-2uzdz.html#ixzz2gnB4CmlR

CRAZY ABOUT DINERS: Maid-Rite Diner, Wilson, NC

I LOVE diners.  I would rather stop at a diner than a 5 star restaurant.

Growing up in New Jersey I thought diners were everywhere.   Even the TV show Happy Days featured a diner.

After living in other states I discovered diners did not always migrate away from the east coast.  There are wonderful regional foods available in most small towns but there is something about a diner.

It is a microcosm of the local life.

Tables and chairs remind me of the Formica kitchen sets from the 50’s and earlier.

I am an invisible traveler, most of the time, I am just never noticed by others.  I even have my ‘travel face’ that tells others not to bother with me.   So I can often eat in a diner without much attention and view the group interacting:   the workers having a quick coffee, the tradesmen and women having  lunch, travelers off the interstate who eat with their heads down. 

 

 

When one of the diners' locals enters, everyone greets them by name.   Their food preferences are know as well as the history of their entire family.     I have learned about divorces, layoff, small and big successes of the residents while waiting for my waffle or sandwich.  Rarely do patrons talk about illness.......

Some diners look like converted air streams or parts of manufactured home.  Some are elegant like the one on Rt 37 near Seaside Heights, NJ with marble floors and a mirrored ceiling.    Some are famous and when they close are sorely missed.    Everyone has their favorites.

When I saw there was a diner within walking distance of the hotel in Wilson, NC I was staying in, I had to take a look.

Located in a small shopping center, the profile did not match my New Jersey experience, but that did not stop me.

The interior was bright and colorful.  Even the ceiling was a take on the tin ceiling tiles from the last century.


The staff was very friendly and while my order was being prepared they allowed me to ask questions about the diner’s origin.   The answers surprised me.

The original Maid-Rite diner dates back to 1920's.    Today, Maid-Rite diners are franchised in many states.

From the company web site:

“Serving Our Customers for Over 87 Years.

In 1926, way back before Facebook, and even before TV, people just didn't know how to waste time. But, being really bored paid off for butcher Fred Angell. He worked to get just the right combination of a special cut and grind of meat and a selected blend of spices. When a deliveryman tasted Fred's new creation, he said, "This sandwich is made right." With that, the Maid-Rite was born.       Fred was quite a sandwich maker but not much of a speller.   Our select line of seasoned loose meat sandwiches are made from 100% USDA Midwestern fresh ground beef served on a fresh steamed white or wheat bun, with your choice of ketchup, mustard, onion and pickles.      

 

Our franchisee tradition that started back in 1926 has been to have individual owner/operators who are well known and well liked within their communities, who take pride in owning and operating a successful Maid-Rite franchise restaurant. This business philosophy has and always will be the backbone of our franchisee network. Many of our original franchises granted in the 1920s are still in operation today. We are proud to say that we now have third generation family members operating family owned Maid-Rites. Our family of Maid-Rite Franchisees takes pride in serving our customers.





Two of the amazing staff

   Often when traveling solo and arriving at the end (last few hours) of the day, the staff is tired from a hard day.   No so at Maid-Rite.  I was warmly greeted and indulged when I started  my endless questions.
 What I did WRONG was not read the ENTIRE menu,  something I do in all diners.

   I missed their signature sandwich and opted for grilled chicken.   But I must say it was excellent:  hot, cooked through and very moist.

   They included a side salad and YES I WAS compelled to order PIE.
One day I plan to do a trip and stop JUST TO EAT PIE in every town I visit.

Even if you diet, have filled yourself with a signature sandwich you MUST order pie!  
I had the pecan:  warm, gooey, good crust, not too sweet.   I brought a piece of apple pie for the hotel desk staff member, because she had recommended the diner.   She agreed the pie was good.

The moral of this story:   Get off the highway and explore.   If you stop driving you have an opportunity to experience the place where you get out of your car…..




I received a sad email that this location is now closed.  if you see another aid Rite Diner let me know

		Maid-Rite Diner VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Must Solo Travel ONLY be long term travel?

Not all “interesting”, “exciting” travel must be long term.   Or around the world. Or to exotic locations.

Small time America, movie theather

I read countless posts online from solo travelers going to remote locations,  taking risks that some travelers are not comfortable with, traveling for months.

Often going on a solo trip is adventure enough for a traveler.   I no longer read about the adventures of other travelers.  I don’t want their success to limit what I can do.

Between solo trips Home to Italy or to other locations for stays longer than a few days, I usually do road trips.

There is endless time to think, observe and create on a long road trip.   And if you plan well you can stop for the night somewhere interesting, new or historic.
My sister continues to tell me to stop driving early and get a room.   Usually all the senior travelers are off the interstate by 5 PM and settled into their hotels by the time I am thinking of where to stop.  The concept of ‘making good time’ often urges me to do another 100 miles before I look for a hotel.

The open road may not include the alps, but the blue ridge is BLUE

Shenandoah Parkway

I concluded some time ago that if you DONT get off the interstate and OUT OF THE CAR you will never be a traveler,  just a driver.

So on most of my 1,800 mile trips from Georgia to New Jersey (RT)  I try to take a route that will hug the shore from South Carolina to the ferry in Maryland or if the weather cooperates I take the mountain route to the Shenandoah Valley.   Both trips have much to offer.

Two events that  resulted from taking my sisters advice of ‘get off the road early’ may change my plans for the next road trip.    If you have traveled recently you may have noticed a sharp increase in hotel prices.   A chain of 3+ star hotels I usually stay in, is now 20% higher or even more!    I no longer stay in budget hotels with doors facing the parking lots nor do I stay in premium hotels even though I can afford them.     Part of my value vs. price strategy balks at paying $120.00 for 10 hrs in a hotel.  
Yes I enjoy comfort.  Yes, I enjoy luxury.  But when I arrive late and leave early there is NO VALUE in paying more.    On a trip where I may stay for several days the price is less important than the amenities or the service.

1.  Stopping early may allow you to use the travel coupons you find at all the rest stops and information centers.     For late arrivals I am often told ‘we have no more rooms at that price’.  Calling ahead to check if there are rooms still available also helps.   Late night arrivals are at the mercy of the front desk for pricing.   

2.  Stopping early allows you to explore the areas.   Often I spend an hour or more the next day visiting the town and stopping at any interesting historic sites or even photo opportunities.  Last week I was in Wilson, SC and found a diner.  This is very unusual for the South.   There are great country food restaurants in the South but few diners.    The encounter with the staff resulted in a separate post.  The food is worth planning a second visit on my next road trip!

Consider getting OFF THE ROAD to explore in the USA or wherever you travel.
Give yourself time to discover what is a local treasure not written abouts n travel books.

Stauton, Va, a small town that has NOT closed!