Solo Travel News - June 25, 2016

With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested. Here is a sample:

One of amusing cruise ship related BrExit memes
Image by "Brighty", found on Bruce on Politics

Welcome to summer!

This continues to be a GREAT time to travel as a solo.

Thinking of Europe? With this yesterday's news of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, we can expect prices to drop on hotels in London, as well as throughout continental Europe. Combined with the already soft cruise market in Europe, the time to travel to Europe is now!! Fabulous deals abound. Contact me if you want me to take a look for anything.

2016 CRUISES

For those of you looking for a bargain, here are a few cruise deals that I see right now (CAD):

July 2, 2016: Royal Princess - 7-Night Mediterranean Europe Cruise - Rome to Athens - inside $1298 solo +tax

July 16, 2016: Norwegian Escape: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise - roundtrip Miami - studio $1519 solo +tax

July 17, 2016: Eurodam - 12-Night Mediterranean Europe Cruise - roundtrip Venice - oceanview $1460 solo +tax (obstructed view)

July 23, 2016: Empress of the Seas - 5-Night Caribbean Cruise - roundtrip Miami - oceanview $974 solo +tax

July 23, 2016: Queen Victoria - 7-Night Eastern Mediterranean Europe Cruise - Athens to Venice - oceanview $1257 solo +tax (obstructed view)

July 24, 2016: Queen Mary 2 - 8-Night Transatlantic Cruise- New York to Southampton - balcony $1917 solo +tax **UNBELIEVABLE PRICE**

September 2, 2016: Celebrity Millennium - 16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise - Vancouver to Tokyo - inside $1978 solo +tax

October 1, 2016: Carnival Vista - 10-Night Mediterranean Europe Cruise - Barcelona to Athens - October 1, 2016 - inside $1548 solo +tax

November 14, 2016: Celebrity Constellation - 14-Night Middle East Cruise - Istanbul to Abu Dhabi - inside $1478 solo +tax

2017 CRUISES

Planning a little further out, here are some great solo values for 2017:

April 29, 2017: Rhapsody of the Seas - 14-Night Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise - Tampa to Barcelona - inside $1523 solo +tax

October 15, 2017: Norwegian Getaway - 14-Night Transatlantic Cruise from Copenhagen to Miami - studio $1645 solo +tax

November 5, 2017: Rhapsody of the Seas - 14-Night Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise - Barcelona to Tampa - inside $1523 solo +tax 

... AND MORE!

There continue to be waived single supplements on many river cruises in Europe. Let me know if you have this on your bucketlist.

Looking for something else? While reduced or waived single supplements are hard to find, they do exist, and I can help you find them. A few ships also offer solo staterooms, with no single supplement. I can also assist with tours and land vacations for solos.

Wondering where to book your cruise? Aside of booking through me because you've benefited from my newsletter, I promise to get you any extras that are available, get you a lower price if one becomes available prior to when your final payment is due, and assist you with as much or as little of the rest of your trip as you wish. If you see a deal you like elsewhere, I can usually match it - I invite you to ask me for a quote. I'm a solo traveller myself, so I understand!

Remember that prices and availability are subject to change. If you see something you like, please get in touch as soon as possible. I am happy to put a cabin on hold while we check airfares (which are quite good right now).

I hope this information is of value. If you have some travel ideas, please get in touch, and I'll see what I can find - and I can keep an eye open for something that fits your budget and destination bucketlist.

Cheers,
Roberta

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

There is more to Mexico than all-inclusive resorts, seaside villages and Mayan ruins (not that there is anything wrong with that).

I have been curious about the village of San Miguel de Allende for some time, even more so since I began reading On Mexican Time: A New Life In San Miguel.

So, I have been researching and learning more about this charming village.

San Miguel de Allende is in central Mexico (no seaside here), in the far eastern part of Guanajuato state. They call the macroregion Bajío. Due to its remote location, San Miguel de Allende is difficult to get to, but its remoteness is part of its charm.

The well-preserved historic town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco is also a World Heritage Site.

Founded by Franciscan Monk Fray Juan de San Miguel Miguel, the town was baptized as San Miguel el Grande. In 1826, during the Mexican War of Independence, the town was the first declared independent of Spanish rule, and was renamed to honour native son Ignacio Allende y Unzaga, the first Mexican soldier and a national hero. At the beginning of the 20th century, though, the town was on the verge of becoming a ghost town.

That is, until its Baroque/Neoclassical colonial structures were "discovered" by foreign artists.

The public laundry (lavaderos publicos)

The creation of the Instituto Allende and the Escuela de Bellas Artes, among others, attracted artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros (who taught painting), writers and a large number of American WWII vets (aided by the G.I. Bill).

Ultimately, the expat-friendly town has attracted a foreign retirees, more artist types, and tourists. When combined with the wealthy Mexicans who have rediscovered San Miguel as a Malibu-like retreat from Mexico City, San Miguel today has an eclectic mix of Old World Mexican charm, American hospitality, and a relaxed party atmosphere.

Just watch your step, bring comfortable shoes, and expect a bit of workout. San Miguel was built into the side of a mountain, so it can be difficult to traverse (some inclines are 15 or 20 degrees). Many of the narrow, cobbled streets have fallen into disrepair, and curbs are often a high step away from the road.

I am intrigued by...
Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum - a private collection of 500+ Mexican ceremonial masks (by appointment only)
Public Library (Biblioteca Pública) - features 30,000 titles in English, a small gift shop, a café and free wifi (temporary memberships available)
El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico (Jardín Botánico) - a unique park above the town with an enormous collection of cacti (apparently one should use beer to coax a local to use their key to let you in the back gate)
Thermal pools - just outside of town, for an afternoon of relaxation (pre-arrange return transportation or know when the last bus arrives)

Suggested resources
10 Reasons Why People Fall in Love With San Miguel de Allende - Huffington Post
San Miguel de Allende Today - Travel+Leisure
San Miguel de Allende tourist information - Visit Mexico
Country Mouse - blog post about Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time - David Lida
Getting there: see San Miguel de Allende on Wiki Voyage for options.

5 ideal solo writing retreat spots

Today's blogpost is inspired by Blonde on a Budget's excellent post, How to Prepare for a Solo Writing Retreat. Cait (the "blonde") outlines 10 concrete steps to create a plan - and to stick to it. That last part is important, as anyone who has tried to get away to write knows (insert your own memories of sleeping, walking on the beach, or shopping when you really meant to be tucked in your hotel writing here).

A solo writing retreat is something I have thought of doing again, so as the writer-in-me stirs, the travel-agent-in-me turns my attention to possible places to escape to. I've had fun putting this together, searching for options from long weekends to long-stays of 3-4 weeks.

A historic building stay that inspires

How can a writer stay in a building that is hundreds of years old and not be inspired to write? The Landmark Trust, a charity that offers short stays in restored historic buildings in England, Wales, Scotland, Lundy, the Channel Islands, Belgium, France and Italy, is a great way to find an old place for your retreat. Among their properties, there are castle stays, historic city stays, landmarks for walking and unusual places to stay. While many are extravagances, there are a few cheaper options (view the listings sorted by price, or check late availability if you are in a crunch). These spots are particularly appealing:

• Old Light Cottage - a retreat for 1 adjacent to the lighthouse (which also has suites) in the Bristol Channel, off the island of Lundy
• The Egyptian House, 3rd floor - 1 of 3 flats in a stunning old museum in Penzance, Cornwall

A hotel in the heart of a city that inspires

You know yourself. You know what setting will inspire you. For me, a great spot in a city centre holds great appeal (my main Twitter handle is @citytravelbug afterall!). For you, it might be a more rural setting that appeals. Regardless, searching for affordability in destinations that appeal can turn up some interesting options. Location is important (is it close to cafes, a grocery store, inspiring walks?), as is the establishment (is the hotel known for quality service? is it quiet? will you write more if there is room service?), your room type (can you write in a "closet" or do you need a room with a view? do you need a desk in your room?), your room style (does a bright, modern room inspire you? or could you write just as well in a dated room?) and safety, of course, is paramount. Aside of that, the world is your oyster.

An extended-stay flat that inspires

Increasingly popular in today's sharing economy, VRBO and AirBnB are sites that can help you find a long-stay apartment. I've had success doing so, booking month-long stays in Athens, Rhodes and Paris through VRBO in 2009. Just do your homework: check for reviews and watch out for scams. Or ask a travel agent to help you find something, as they have tools that consumers can't access. Here are a few that I see in my travel agent bag-of-tricks:

• Kihei Akahi, Maui - full kitchen, lanai, a/c, washer/dryer, no resort fees, no cleaning fees (wifi extra) (often has good rates, such as June 1-14, 2016 for $1630 USD, including taxes - or October 1-31, 2016 for $3422 USD, including taxes )
• Ala Moana Hotel, Waikiki - fridge, free wifi, a/c, no resort fees, no cleaning fees (often has good rates, such as June 1-14, 2016 for $1926 USD, including taxes)
• Rates vary by date, please ask me for details

A long-stay package, far away, to inspire

Package vacations let you take advantage of group rates at a range of destinations. While geared to vacationers, and you may get a suntan as part of the deal, the value can make these a win if you can find one that doesn't significantly penalize solos. I suggest a location where you'd feel like doing little else but write, or one that oozes inspiration. Aside of the obvious (Mexico), these are a few I've had my eye on:

• Malta long-stay
• French Riviera long-stay
• Thailand long-stay
• Similar packages are also available in the Algarve (Portugal), Costa del Sol (Spain) and Sorrento (Italy) - ask me for details

A long cruise with many sea days to inspire

Do you enjoy cruising? Do you enjoy sea days? If so, you may want to take advantage of a repositioning cruise with little else to do but write. It's not surprising that I think of cruising as an option (my other Twitter handle is @cruisetravelbug). Every month I book clients onto repositioning sailings that just call out to me. If you can afford it, a balcony will help with that inspiration, and give you something appealing to gaze at when you look up from computer - and is a perfect spot for journaling. If your budget is tight, you can book an inside cabin, and take your laptop up to a public area to write, or treat your out-of-cabin time as the reward for a few hours of writing away in your cabin. If you play your cards right, you can include a destination from your bucketlist - as inspiration or simply as a reward.


I hope this provides inspiration and ideas for your own creative retreats.

If you would appreciate assistance in planning your own personal retreat, I have access to travel agent resources that can prove to be very helpful. Whether your trip is big or small, your budget generous or teensy, I can help with accommodations, airfare and so on. I work with creative types of all sorts, near and far. Just contact me with your quest.

Related links
How to Prepare for a Solo Writing Retreat - Blonde on a Budget
Take Your Writing Away - The Boston Writer
The Rewards of a Solo Retreat - The Davinci Dilemma
Self-directed Writing Retreats for Your Wish List - Sarah Selecky
6 Essential Tips for Your Own Stay-at-Home Writing Retreat - BookBaby Blog

Suggested resources from my blogs
Travelling to Write: 5 Writing Retreats
Pietrasanta, the city of sculpture
Etruscan Italy: a self-guided tour

Pietrasantra, not far from Livorno

I first heard of Pietrasanta when I was reading about tours to Carrara, where there are marble quarries. I never really thought about visiting a quarry before, but when I think of all the amazing marble sculptures and architecture in Italy, I became intrigued. More about that later, but when I stumbled across references to Pietrasanta as "the city of sculpture" I was hooked. I wanted to learn more.

Pietrasanta is in the Versilia area, on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy, in the province of Lucca, about 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Pisa. The town is situated 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) inland from the coast (where the frazione of Marina di Pietrasanta is located).

With Roman origins (part of the old Roman wall still exists), the medieval town was founded in 1255. Like most of Tuscany in general, the area has long enjoyed the patronage of artists.

The aspects of the town's history that are most compelling to me relate to the marble and the sculptors who worked here. Pietrasanta grew to importance during the 15th century, mainly due to its connection with marble. In fact, Michelangelo was the first sculptor to recognize the beauty of the local stone.

Things that interest me about Pietrasanta:

• Both Michelangelo and Henry Moore lived and worked here 
• It is referred to as "the city of sculpture" and I want to see why 
• There are 8 bronze foundries 
• There are "dozens" of marble laboratories here 
• It is near the Carrara marble quarries, which also intrigue me 
• It is small and off-the-beaten-tourism-track 
• Bozzetti Sculpture Museum (with sketches and models of sculptures by 100's of artists) 
• Bruno Antonuci Archaeology Museum (with prehistoric, Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance objects) 
• Art galleries feature some big names, such as Christo and Jeanne-Claude 
• It has a beach * 
• It's near Livorno, a popular cruise port of call

* The Pietrasanta Marina, with golden sand and luxurious equipment, is considered one of the best beaches of Italy.

It was because of its proximity to Livorno that Pietrasanta came to my attention, as it is mentioned as a stop on a few cruise shore excursions. It was on one of those day-long tours that include Florence, Pisa, Lucca and half of Italy (it seems), so it's not likely that I'd visit that way.... but perhaps I could visit on a self-directed excursion, or an independent visit.

I'm now curious to learn about others experiences visiting the town, and Pietrasanta's hotels (not many), sights, festivals and so on. Have you been? Please share!

Good resources
Discovering Pietrasanta - Travel + Leisure
Pietrasanta and Versilia Events Guide - local Versilia guide
Pietrasanta Travel Guide - Virtual Tourist
Pietrasanta Travel Guide - About.com
How to Tour the Marble Quarries of Carrara - About.com
Going to the beach in Italy - About.com

Travelling to write: 5 writing retreats

In mulling about for ideas to kickstart my creativity, I've started thinking about going on a writing retreat. I know these exist, but don't know much more, so I set out to research where one might travel to participate in a writing retreat. As its an interest of many, I thought I'd share my discoveries.

Here are 5 writing retreats that made me want to pack my bags:

You can write sitting where Hemmingway did at Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center Writers' Retreats, which are held in Hemmingway's Barn Studio in Piggott, Arkansas, USA. I liked how budget-friendly this one was, and how they change their coaches with each session.

The Tuscany Writing Retreat is held in
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
creative commons image bramhall/Flickr

The Tuscany Writing Retreat, with Cary Tennis, is situated in the medieval hill town of Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy and is timed to coincide with two local festivals. Oh, still my beating heart...

The Greece Writer's Retreat, with Julie Maloney on the Greek island of Alonnisos, spoke to my longing to return to Greece.

At the Skyros Writing Lab, on the Greek island of Skyros (where Achilles hung out), there area  variety of writing retreat options. Could it be any more idyllic?

Writing Retreats with Creative Revolution Retreats are held at different destinations. The next one is in Nicaragua, and it sounds like a pretty nice setting.

It would be hard to pick just one!

In doing my research, I really liked this piece, 25 Incredible Writing Retreats to Attend in 2016, as it contains a range of possibilities from around the globe, from expensive to not-so-expensive. I found some of the above from this piece, and the reader's comments.

There are retreats everywhere, from Iceland and Denmark to Mexico and Scotland, so if you yearn to transplant yourself to a new setting to immerse yourself on writing, there is a world of possibilities out there.

If you've travelled to attend a writing retreat, I'd love to hear your experiences.

If you're inclined to travel to a participate in a writing retreat - or just to a quiet place to write - I'd be happy to help you with your travel arrangements. Please feel free to contact me.

Related links
Choosing a Writing Retreat? Watch Out for These 6 Red Flags
How to Choose a Writing Residency or Retreat
26 Amazing Writing Residencies You Should Apply for This Year
Etruscan Italy - a self-guided tour

Etruscan Italy - a self-guided tour

Part of the Etruscan temple reconstruction
on the grounds at Villa Guilia in Rome 

Discovered an interesting 7-10 day "Tour of Etruscan Italy" in the new DK EyeWitness Guide Italy (2016, page 17). Enjoyed reading it, following the itinerary.

Beginning in Rome, sites include treasures in the Etruscan Museum of the Vatican and Museo Nazionale Etrusco in the Villa Giulia.

Towns with Etruscan ruins and/or artifacts included the self-directed tour are, in sequence, are Cerveteri, Sutri, Tarquinia, Viterbo, Orvieto, Todi, Chiusi, Gubbio, Volterra and San Gimignano.

The tour finishes in Florence at the National Archaeological Museum.

Extent of Etruscan civilization and
the twelve Etruscan League cities.

Other stuff
Etruscan Civilization
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Etruscan museums in Italy

I look forward to visiting some of these sites in my future travels.

Solo travel news - March 21, 2016

With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.

It has been some time since I've done a solos newsletter, so today is the day.  The good news is that it is a GREAT time to travel as a solo.

WHY IT'S A GREAT TIME TO TRAVEL SOLO IN EUROPE

Europe is an especially good deal, with low fares that make solo cabins affordable, single supplements waived on almost every river cruiseline, and reduced/waived supplements on coach tours.

How would you like to be here this spring?
Photo copyright Paul Marshman

I was delighted to be interviewed by Paul Marshman for his blog post about Europe travel deals this spring. Paul is a client of mine and a well-published travel writer, with his own blog, as well as the Globe and Mail, and more... [read more].


A FEW SOLO DEALS AT THE MOMENT

For those of you looking for a bargain, here are a few cruise deals that I see right now (CAD):

Norwegian Epic - 10 night Mediterranean cruise
April 7, 2016 - inside - $948 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Breakaway - 7 night Bahamas cruise
April 10, 2016 - oceanview or balcony - $1265 solo (+tax) - GREAT BALCONY VALUE!

Navigator of the Seas - 8 night Caribbean cruise
April 16, 2016 - inside - $1099 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Escape - 7 night Caribbean cruise
April 16, 2016 - inside - $1132 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Jade - 16 night transatlantic cruise
April 16, 2016 - inside - $948 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Star - 14 night transatlantic - INCREDIBLE PRICE!!!
April 17, 2016 - inside - $679 solo (+tax)

Celebrity Eclipse - 13 night transatlantic cruise
April 17, 2016 - inside - $1082 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Getaway - 7 night Caribbean cruise
April 24, 2016 - inside - $1188 solo (+tax)

Liberty of the Seas - 7 night Caribbean cruise
April 24, 2016 - inside - $1090 solo (+tax)

Independence of the Seas - 13 night transatlantic cruise
May 1, 2016 - inside - $1111 solo (+tax)

Norwegian Star - 7 night Norwegian Fjords cruise
May 1, 2016 - inside - $855 (+tax)

Rhapsody of the Seas - 13 night transatlantic
November 19, 2016 - inside - $1482 solo (+tax)

COACH TOURS

For coach tours, these are great value:

Insight Vacations: Country Roads of Puglia & the Neapolitan
April 1 or October 14, 2016 - 10 days - no single supplement

Trafalgar: Italian Holiday
April 15, 2016 - 7 days - no single supplement

... plus almost all tours in Turkey have single supplements waived!


Please get in touch if something sounds interesting, or if you have a trip idea in mind. Remember that prices and availability are subject to change. If you see something you like, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Looking for something else? While reduced or waived single supplements are hard to find, they do exist, and I can help you find them. A few ships also offer solo staterooms, with no single supplement. I can also assist with tours and land vacations for solos.

Cheers,
Roberta

Want to "SUBSCRIBE" to my periodic solo email updates? Just contact me. 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
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Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact