Thursday, May 7, 2015

Off the Beaten Track in Germany

Munster: Famous for Beer, Bikes, Churches NOT Cheese

There is so much to see on this whirlwind tour of Western Germany's towns that may not be on the list of top tourist locations. My visit started in Dusseldorf with a side trip to Cologne. I wanted to test my solo skills of navigating the train system without any knowledge of German.

Stories on the 'woman in the tower', the oldest cake store and the bike garage to follow!

Munster: My first adventure was two filled days exploring this busy college town north of Dusseldorf. There appears to be more bikes than cars and I found there are 'bike rules' that give bikers the right of way.
I explored by foot and the helpful 'hop on hop off bus' that gave me a city overview on a rainy morning. The tourist office in the center of town gives you great maps and information on what to do and what to see.

The cloister at the Dom (cathedral) in Munster

Ms Brugete Nygkebgiff, a licensed tour guide in Munster agreed to forgo the 'bike tour' for a fast walk that showed me all of Munster and made many suggestions for food and activities that a solo traveler might enjoy. The library in Munster is a perfect place to take a break from the weather and hours of walking. There is a WC in the lower level, public computers on the second floor and a lovely café I tried on my second day in Munster. A great spot for individual travelers or groups.

Juliane Unkelbach with Munster Marketing hosted my dinner at a wonderful beer hall! This beer was GREAT and although I had to ask Juliane what each dish was called, it was all wonderful.

Who said German food was all sauerkraut and hot potato salad? And please note the size of the water glass and beer glass

-I enjoyed "Kalbsrückensteak westfälische Art".

large plate of vegetables was inluded

Westfälischer Pfefferpotthast

The owner of Pinkus Muller

The entire staff was very welcoming and a solo traveler could easily enjoy a meal here. Later in the evening (after 8pm) the restaurant did fill up. They must come for the food or the beer?

Our beer named "Pinkus Spezial". This was a very smooth beer that is nothing like "beer' at home. It was easy to ask for another!

My visit to Munster was hosted by Munster Marketing but all opinions are my own. I will surly return to Munster, perhaps for the Christmas market!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Off the Beaten Track in Germany: Cologne

While the cities of Florence and Venice fight the locks of Love, Cologne celebrates this

'tradition' and adds the bridge tour to your list of must see's in Cologne

How many locks are there?

If you don't have a lock, you can leave a message

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Off the Beaten Path in Germany

Going outside your comfort zone is difficult
for many of us.

As a solo traveler I have challenges every day I am on the road exploring and experiencing new places.

My Italian blog, Home to Italy rewards me with several months each year in a country that has many secrets to share with this Italian American.

In April I will return to Germany for the first time in years.  My short previous visit was part of the college '21 days' to see all of Europe trip. One quick stop and a great train ride south to Switzerland.

This adventure covers 8 cities considered off the beaten track:
Munster, Koblenz, Wiesbaden, Wurzburg, Regensburg, Augsburg, Heidelberg and Trier.

If you know Germany and can suggest the oldest cake store in town, what hand made product the town is known for or even a tradition/festival I can experience, please share.

Watch for posts from Germany in April!   A new country, a new experience, a big step outside the comfort zone. I do not speak German!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

No Solo Supplements: Lion World Travel

A Press Release I received from Google sharde GREAT NEWS
for Solo Travelers

Lion World Travel Caters to Passengers Looking for Single Rooms

April 07, 2015 15:46 ET | Source: Lion World Travel

DELRAY BEACH, FL, April 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lion World Travel is now offering special deals on several itineraries where there is either no single supplement (or in some cases extremely low supplement) for single travelers.

"The single traveler demographic is increasing and now forms a significant portion of the leisure travel market," said Lucille Sive, President of Lion World Travel. "Too often, single travelers must contend with an added expense just for traveling solo. Lion World Travel wants to better serve those clients by waiving the single supplements on some of our most spectacular, well-known deals."

Single travelers may prefer to travel alone, or have little choice but to do so. Many holiday makers enjoy traveling solo as they find this is the best way to tailor their own experiences. Some tourists enjoy traveling with a friend but prefer the privacy of their own room. As part of a family or group, a person may be the third or fifth traveler requiring a single room.

Most of the tourism industry has not catered to the needs of single travelers. Although single supplements appear unfair, travel providers calculate costs of lodging and transportation based on two travelers as this is the most common way to travel. Hotels reason that the operating costs of running a room are the same regardless of how many people occupy the room, so the room price will remain the same or similar, no matter if there are one or two people in the room. Therefore, the per-person rate is based on half of the room rate (which would typically be the additional charge for single travelers).

Lion World Travel is pleased to offer a selection of special deals where single supplements are waived, resulting in a truly affordable vacation.

These specials feature wonderful itineraries to some of the most popular destinations in Africa. Solo travelers should take advantage of these opportunities and travel at the same individual price as the couple in the room next door!

Lion World Travel is always adding new itineraries and travel dates, so please check the single room specials section on the website to view the applicable itineraries. Also be sure to check out Sive's blog where she addresses women traveling solo to Africa.

For details and reservations, please contact Lion World Travel at 1-800-387-2706 to speak to one of their Africa specialists, or visit www.lionworldtravel.com.

About Lion World Travel
Lion World Travel is the leading tour operator from North America specializing in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of the renowned Travel Corporation, which also includes: Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. In its 50th year, clients continue to benefit from Lion World Travels' destination knowledge, expertise, and emphasis on customer service. With their safari specialists all having first-hand knowledge of Africa, Lion World Travel can confidently assist clients in creating an African adventure that fits their specific interests as well as their budget. Extraordinary service, affordable luxury and value for money are what keep clients coming back to Lion World Travel.

Winner of the South African Tourism Ubuntu Awards "Top Producing Tour Operator for North America" for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014

Winner of "Certificate of Excellence for TripAdvisor" for 2014

Winner of the South African Airways "Award of Excellence in Travel and Tourism for North America" for 2012

About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has helped support more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.

TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at TreadRight.org.

Susan Chou
Public Relations Coordinator
Twitter: @Susan_TravCorp
E-mail: Susan.Chou(at)TravCorpUSA.com

Arnelle Kendall
Vice President of Public Relations
Twitter: @ArnelleKendall
E-mail: Arnelle.Kendall(at)TravCorpUSA.com

The Travel Corporation 
Public Relations Office
636 East Atlantic Avenue Suite 203
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Telephone: 561.330.0850

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

German Trains: So many rules!

The German Train System: will I need a PHD to understand all this?

After I received the following instructions on HOW to use the train in German, I thought this may help other solo travelers.

Is this your first time on German trains? If yes, here are some useful instructions:

Duesseldorf train station is as busy as an airport terminal

1. The track, from which the train leaves is already known. Other than in the States, where you sometimes don't know, from which track the train will leave. If there are track changes (happening very few times), just watch the crowds. If they are moving all of a sudden after someone announced something, just ask someone why!

2. I will also include an intermediate stop list, which you will receive in Muenster. This is important, so you know, when to get up and get ready to disembark the train. Trains in Germany usually don't stop for more than 2-3 minutes at the train station.

3. If you really get lost and there is nobody who is able to help you, either walk to the German Rail Service Center, which is located in every train station, or call me.

4. You will travel 1st class. This is really convenient in German trains. Always watch for a yellow line above the windows. That indicates: Here is first class.

5. You should always be at least 10 minutes earlier on the platform. As I said, the train won't wait for more than 2-3 minutes. There are two ways, how to know, where the first class coaches will be: 1. There are digital information signs that give you information about the train. Sometimes they show you, where first and second class is. To understand it, you need to know, that platform in Germany are devided into sections: normally A to F.

2. There is also sign somewhere on the platform called "Wagenstandanzeiger" meaning "in which section stops my coach"

Then you also have to watch for the right coach. They have numbers. This is important for your reservation.

Thanks to

Historic Highlights of Germany for this great information

Wait to see if I have 7 exciting train trip next week!

Diagram of cars for arriving trains: find your car and get on in minutes

Saturday, March 28, 2015

River Cruise with solo cabins

New ship with SOLO cabins for a River Cruise!

Could this be the year for a SOLO

River Cruise???

LA Times article shared with me by John Lang

Travel Cruises

On this river cruise ship, solo travelers get their own rooms

By Mary Forgione

The MS Birdsong river cruise ship features 18 cabins for single travelers -- without an extra charge

Good news for single travelers who like to cruise but don't like to pay a single supplement. The MS Birdsong, a river cruise ship set to debut March 2016, is to feature 18 cabins for solo passengers at no extra cost.
MS Birdsong staterooms for singles are on the middle and upper decks and have French balconies, according to a news release from Tom Harper River Journeys. Cabins cover 132 square feet and have pullout sofa beds.
The company's new ship is to offer eight- to 13-day tours along Europe's main rivers.
Other features include an expanded fitness and wellness center, a sauna, a wine bar, a two-story atrium lobby and free Wi-Fi on board.
Land excursions, walking tours, a cocktail reception, gratuities, port charges, wine and beer with meals and other extras are included on Tom Harper trips. (Note that prices for extensions before or after cruises do charge a single supplement.)

The company emphasizes small-group travel, with land tours limited to 24 passengers.
Cabins are now on sale for nine cruises aboard the MS Birdsong in 2016. Prices start at $1,799 per person for six-night cruises on the Main and Rhine rivers in Germany.
Info: Tom Harper River Journeys, (855) 464-2773

Thanks to John Lang for sharing this. John can book sea or river cruises for you.

John Lang

The Cruise People at CruiseShipCenters North Durham

Toronto 416.900.0889

North America 800.961.5536

Cell 647.299.7447

Join the 7Seas mailing list with a chance to win a 7-day cruise for two

http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/JohnLang

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Discovering Germany, Solo

Going outside your comfort zone is difficult
for many of us.

As a solo traveler I have challenges every day I am on the road exploring and experiencing new places.

My Italian blog, Home to Italy rewards me with several months each year in a country that has many secrets to share with this Italian American.

In April I will return to Germany for the first time in years.  My short previous visit was part of the college '21 days' to see all of Europe trip. One quick stop and a great train ride south to Switzerland.

This adventure covers 7 cities considered off the beaten track:
Munster, Koblenz, Wiesbaden, Wurzburg, Regensburg, Augsburg, Heidelberg and Trier.

If you know Germany and can suggest the oldest cake store in town, what hand made product the town is known for or even a tradition/festival I can experience, please share.

Watch for posts from Germany in April!   A new country, a new experience, a big step outside the comfort zone. I do not speak German!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Italy: Learn Italian in Sorrento

Mature Solo Travel Readers: there is a special offer

SPECIAL OFFERS

26/02/2015
LEARN ITALIAN IN ITALY!

Study Italian in Italy - Special Offer for March 2015

Come and learn Italian in Italy at Sant'Anna In ... >>

Special offers

Study Italian in Italy - Special Offer 2015

Come and learn Italian in Italy at Sant'Anna Institute!

Are you looking for a complete and exciting Italian language program?

Choose Sant’Anna Institute (Sorrento, Italy) and get one of the following special offers reserved to you!

OFFER for Former students: students who come to attend a second course will get 20% off + Enrollment fee free of charge!!!! For each friend enrolling with you receive 20% off your course! Bring 5 friends and attend your course for FREE!

OFFER for New students: 10% off on the Italian course rates and Enrollment fee at 60€ instead of 75€.
If you want to stay for 2 weeks, book: 2 weeks Italian BASIC course + 2 weeks family accommodation B&B + enrollment fee at 590€

Deadline for Enrollments: March 20, 2015

Our Institute offers a wide range of high-quality Italian language courses for any level: from beginners to Italian teachers courses, all the year round (Italian language courses start every week).
Sant’Anna Institute provides:
- effective, flexible, modern and communication-oriented teaching method
- a friendly atmosphere
- qualified and motivated teachers
- small groups of students from different countries (a maximum of 12 people per class)
- Certificate of attendance
- Afternoon Cultural activities
- Trips and Excursions to Capri, Pompei and Amalfi coast
- Mediterranean cooking courses and tasting
- Pizza Making courses and tasting
- Ice-cream (Gelato) making courses and tasting
- Visit to Limoncello factory and tasting
- Tandem programs with local Italians
- Accommodation (host families, shared apartments, private apartments, hotels, B&B and more…)

Visit our FB page Lingua Italiana a Sorrento https://www.facebook.com/linguaitaliana.asorrento?fref=ts to discover the Sant’Anna world and get in touch with us!

For information contact us: info@santannainstitute.com

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Meeting People on the Road: Hats for the Royal Family

Hats fit for Royalty: Winchester, UK

Six Little Minster St, Winchester

                                                              www.caroldarby.co.uk

Walking the cobbled lanes in Winchester, trying to see everything before I left for Southampton to catch a ship, I found Carol Darby's hat shop.   In the USA you often do not see hat shops any longer. Yes specialty store in high tourist areas but years ago hats were common for Sunday's and to go to 'town'.

So I had to smile when I saw Free Spirit, a compact corner store with windows full of HATS!   The owner Carol Darby was inside working on a fabric or felt hat that would become a treasured piece of 'art' for a special occasion.

I hesitated to enter and bother the owner late on a rainy afternoon, but if you don't speak to people on the road, you may as well stay home and read about other countries in a book. I was warmly welcomed and soon learned that Carol has been creating hats and jewelry for more than 20 years.

No two hats in the shop were alike and Carol told me 'designs the hat to suit the wearer'. There are many special events in the UK that require a hat.

Commissions include engagement, wedding, Ascot perhaps and for members of the Royal family.

Carol had some wonderful stories to tell and I took more of her time than was polite but it was hard to leave. She shared with me that she didn't bother with face book or email but would check for my post when she visited a friend..................I hope to visit again and perhaps even try on a few of the most popular styles.

Travel is not only visiting museums, photographing monuments but also meeting the locals and learning about life in their town. Oh and this is the best part of travel.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Eating Solo: Great Variety in Florence, Italy Food Court

Solo Travelers can find great meal choices
at a new type of Food Court

Florence Mercato Centrale a great food hall for solo travelers, no more restaurants with only couples!

The San Lorenzo Market may be best know for the lively local market on the first floor: meats, fish, cheese, fruits and vegetables.

The building dates from 1874 with soaring ceilings and windows with wrought iron.

After many solo trips to Italy I try to develop a list of restaurants I am comfortable eating solo.
Leonardos is one place I stop on every trip.

With the conversion of the second floor to a massive upscale 'food court' the Mercato Centrale has become my BEST SOLO dining location.

Early in the day I could choose a coffee at a bar on the first floor where many of the vendors were stopping for a quick espresso or take a a cappuccino and cornetto on the second floor where there are many tables and no rush to vacate your seat.

Byafternoon the market slows before the dinner rush. This is a good time to try beef at La Carne e Salumi, Il Pesce Fresco (fresh fish), La Mozzaella di Bugala, I formaggi (with a wide assortment of cheeses) and the tempting il Cioccolato and il gelato bar.

Ramondo Mendolia, La Pasta Frsca

La Pasta Fresca was my choice for an early dinner. You choose from the selection of fresh pasta and a sauce. the pasta is cooked while you wait and served with chees on top.

The owner Ramondo Mendolia, was working and kindly chatted with me while my pasta was cooking. Having his own business had been his dream. He is hands on and the hours are long, from lunch to the late closing 7 days a week. When many restaurants close one or two days a week it is wonderful for the traveler to find a place where you can find a meal at any time of the day. Pasta and sauce is available to take home and enjoy.

Fresh breads, rolls and of course CAKE

Pizza by the slice with a variety of toppings.

Solo Lunch: This is a much more crowded time of day and with limited Italian language skills I try to select something that is easy to pronounce or something I can point to. There is a pasta outlet with featured fresh pastas offered each day. Of course pizza, a vegetarian stand where you order fresh juices, soups and salads. I sampled the assortment of fried vegetables and chicken. I could not manage trying the fired rabbit........ So far the meals were all around $8 to $10 USA.

There is a cooking school in the market as well as several shops with kitchen products,

books and wine.

There is a large wine vendor where you can select a bottle or a glass.

The knowledgeable woman behind the counter knew exactly what to suggest to the man searching for a bottle.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Walking in the Cotswolds, UK, easy day trip from London

Even a rainy day in the UK did not prevent me from visiting the Cotswolds

During many years of taking the short American vacation to London, I have visited the larger towns of Bath and Cheltenham since they are on a train route from London.

The catalogue from HF Holidays* surprised me with additional towns I could reach without a car so off I went to Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds in November.

Taking the train from Paddington Station in London, to Oxford for a quick change to
the local train for Moreton in Marsh I had my first look at a Cotswolds village! The train arrived late so I missed the hourly bus to my destination of Bourton-on-the-Water.   This gave me an hour to see Moreton in Marsh in the pouring rain.

Rain does not stop the British nor the traveler with only one day to see everything! A kind woman under the bus shelter suggested I go into town for tea while I waited for the next bus. A short walk from the train station via narrow streets lined by 'charming stone buildings' just what I love about Europe, brought met to the high (main) street of Moreton in Marsh. Since I had not planned a stop in this village, I was not prepared, but I followed the 'T' signs to the local tourist office.

I arrived just as the Tourist office was closing. One of the reasons I try NOT to travel to busy tourist areas on a weekend: open hours are limited and often the trains schedules are shortened.

Arriving in the Cotswolds:
Taking the train from Paddington Station in London, to Oxford for a quick change to the local train for
Moreton in Marsh. This was my first look at a Cotswolds village! The train arrived late so I missed the hourly bus to my destination of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Perhaps the single verbal 'draw' for this area is the
Cotswold stone you see on all the buildings.
A warm golden color that is striking in the sunlight and there was a moment when the sky was cleared to take one photo.

golden limestone walls

Bourton-on-the-Water on the River Windrush

Even in November the green of the wolds (hills) was striking. The many villages are crisscrossed by water and bordered by the River Thames on the south and River Avon on the north.
Bourton on the Water is called the Venice of the Cotswolds.

Even visiting during November there were many tourists in town but I did not see the ubiquitous tour buses. Along the main street there are a number of shops and even more teashops. hops! Perfect! Visitors must be a large part of the local economy.
A chat with one of the locals confirmed that the crowds in the summer were much larger.

I had a late lunch at one of the restaurants. Later than a local would have a meal but there were a few other customers there. Both Morton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water offer great facilities for travelers with clean restrooms. Thank you.

Other villages I wish to see next year:   Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Stroud and Cirencester.

A very helpful clerk at the Paddington station 'future ticket' desk searched for a brochure that outlined a train route through the Cotswolds.  The Cotswolds Discoverer: A three day ticket allows you to use the connecting bus service to see many of the other villages in the Cotswolds.  You can also pay for a oneway or round trip bus ticket on the bus.

NOTE:   there are more trains Monday to Friday and the bus service does NOT run late into the evenings so plan ahead.     Of course if you have a car you can go to many

* A detailed story on my adventure with HF Holidays follows

Harrington House, Bourton-on-the-Cotswolds