Solo travel works best if you have a focus(2)
HIKING IN IRELAND
For an outdoor adventure, I flew to Dublin and joined up with Southwest Walks Ireland, a company that has been leading small groups of eager hikers over the glorious, green landscape for some 18 years. Following our trusty guide, Liam Murphy, our international group of six -- consisting of Irish, Dutch, American and me -- followed some of the famous Wicklow Way that begins on the outskirts of Dublin. On this six-day "ramble" we trekked 12 to 18 km a day gaining elevation of between 600 to 900 metres on trails that crisscross forests, bogs and alpine regions before slipping down into picturesque villages in this area known as the Garden of Ireland. The highlights and challenges were many, including the weather which ever-cheerful Liam described as "soft" -- read "rain." However, even thought the idiosyncratic Irish weather toyed with us, we all thrived on the sights.
You can't visit Ireland without being enchanted by the history. One day we walked into Glendalough where, in the 6th century, St. Kevin founded a monastery. Today visitors stroll remnants of the 10th and 12th centuries -- a superb, round tower, stone churches, and faded Celtic crosses and gravestones, amid tangles of greenery and wild rhododendrons.
Once we explored the monastic site, we headed uphill to Lugduff Mountain. We climbed 1 1/2 hours, past waterfalls and through forest to emerge above the tree line and follow a ridge that looked out upon the ruins and two brilliant blue lakes far, far below. In the hiking world, it doesn't get much better than this. (www.southwestwalksireland.com).
CLOSE TO HOME OPTIONS
Don't forget to look in your own backyard when it comes to single's vacations. And whenever booking, ask ahead of time if there is a single supplement. What I have discovered is that it is often negotiable.
For example, a lodge may not charge a supplement to a repeat guest or if it is not fully booked. Some, like CMH below, give the option of sharing a room. (Many solo travellers will only book where the supplement is not charged.)
HIKE HIGH IN THE ROCKIES
The ultimate soft adventure treat for some of us is heli-hiking. Go with the gurus of heli-sports, Canadian Mountain Holidays. On a three-day excursion that departs from Calgary you stay at one of three B.C. mountain-enclosed lodges. Each day the "big bird" transports you to idyllic terrain -- picture flower-rich meadows, crystalline lakes and glacial-glad peaks. One day the heli dropped us on a flat, high mesa for a picnic; surrounded by blue sky and mountain peaks, it was truly a top of the world experience. The good news for solos is that you are given choices of terrain dependent on your hiking skills and everyone eats family style so you get to mix with all the hikers and guides (www.canadianmountainholidays.com)
ZONE OUT ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
If you are a yoga fan, or thinking about learning the 5,000-year-old practice, check out the Aerie Resort & Spa's retreats. The three-day packages run a couple of times a year. What better place to go alone than a tucked-into-the-mountain-resort to get in touch with your mind and body. Instructor Sequoia Henning has studied both hatha and iyengar yoga as well as other styles. Breathe deeply and relax. This three-day package is suitable as an introduction to yoga or for those who have stretched and meditated for years. (www.aerie.bc.ca)
RIDE THE RANGE AND SPA IN THE CARIBOO
A ranch stay may seem a strange holiday to take on one's own but not when you arrive at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa located outside of 100 Mile House. You can customize a package so that you hop on a horse for a guided ride, follow up with a spa treatment (authentic Thai massage works wonders) and eat community style to hear about other's activities. There is everything from hiking to gold panning available; I particularly liked that you can hike off on your own accompanied by the ranch's friendly border collies. Activities are individually priced but there are many "free" option such as cooking tips, Thai stretching classes, etc. (www.evranch.com)
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SOLO TRAVEL SOURCE LIST
There is such a crop of information for single travellers that it was necessary to cherry pick a few from the many. Check these out:
Connecting Solo Travel Network
Started in 1990 by Diane Redfern, who has been around the world solo, CSTN encourages solo travel through information and advice sharing, and reports on single-friendly holiday options. There is a one-time $50 fee (half of this supports KIVA, an online organization that facilitates person-to-person micro-lending to small entrepreneurs in developing countries.) www.cstn.org
Journeywoman.com
This online travel resource is a network of some 63,000 women worldwide; it covers everything from shopping and great eateries to safety and packing tips, along with an excellent free newsletter. www.journeywoman.com. As well, www.HERmail.net is a free directory of women worldwide who are willing to mentor other women when they travel to their part of the world.
Singles Travel Club
This Coquitlam-based four-year-old club organizes short- and long-term trips for those who travel solo. Pre-trip socials are held in Coquitlam, Abbotsford and Vancouver; tours cover everything from cruising and New York to Galapagos and Egypt. There is a $30 annual fee. www.singlestravelclub.ca
Travel Buddies Singles Travel Club
Founder and travel agent Gloria Watson arranges small, group trips for singles. Trips range from an Alaska cruise to a South Pacific adventure; a room-mate matching service is provided to save extra costs. She stresses that it is not a dating club. The website is a wealth of information; membership is free. www.travelbuddiesworldwide.com
Women Welcome Women Worldwide (5W)
Started in 1984, today 5W has more than 3,000 members in 70 countries. As a member (the fee/donation to the non-profit trust organization is $75), you can visit members at their home base for an insider view and you welcome visitors to your part of the world. www.womenwelcomewomen.org
Women with Wings
Cindy Horton and Ellie Hender of Concept Travel (there are two offices on the North Shore) organize 10-12 women-only trips per year. With the belief that women have different travel needs than men, Cindy organizes trips that range from cultural explorations in the Far East to shopping and theatre in New York. Trips are booked on a land-only basis.
