Whether it’s snow or sun you crave, don’t let the fact that you’re alone stop you. Our intrepid travel adviser Susan gives you terrific websites for traveling co-ed for all ages with trips going to just about anywhere …
TRAVELING ON YOUR OWN
Traveling alone – as an independent tourist – can be a fabulous adventure, but it’s not for everyone. Luckily, today there are lots of options to explore whether Women Only trips (as posted last week) or Going Co-ed, which is what this post is all about …
GOING CO-ED
O Solo Mio: Providing singles travel since 1991; they offer small group travel to singles of all ages, with roommate matching as required. They emphasize that they are not a dating service. Trips will take you to New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, Greece, as well as Alaska and the western U.S. They do not buy into large bus tours, so you will not be booked as a small singles group within a larger group. TIP: this is something you should inquire about with any group with whom you are considering booking.
Singles Travel Company: Trips around the world for singles made mostly of professionals who are looking to meet others while traveling. Tours are offered in several different age groups with the majority for mid-30’s, 40’s, 50’s and some early 60’s. The other age groups are: mid-20’s to mid-40’s; mid 60’s+ and under 35. Plus they also offer trips that are open to “Anyone & Everyone” should you wish to travel with friends and family. There is no specific goal to form groups of 50/50 men and women, rather to put together like-minded groups of singles that wish to tour the world.
All Singles Travel: In operation since 1996, they offer worldwide singles travel for those mostly in their 30’s to 50’s (with some of their travelers in their 20’s and others in their 60’s). Trips include exotic destinations like Egypt, Cambodia and Vietnam, South America and a river cruise in Holland, Germany and Luxembourg; Africa, Italy and Croatia as well as trips closer to home include Yosemite, Hawaii and Bermuda. They list helpful notes next to trip descriptions, such as “1 female desiring a roommate for a last minute booking.” (Alas, this is for a trip that just occurred, but there could be useful notes like that one for future trips!) They will also arrange custom group travel.
Singles Travel International: Offers trips in four categories: “Singles Adventures,” “Singles Tours,” “Singles Cruises,” and “Singles Weekends.” Their travelers are professional people, mainly in ages 35-63. They will provide roommate matching as part of their services. “Adventures” will take you to the Galapagos or Costa Rica; “Cruises” include the Caribbean, Norway, the Mediterranean; “Weekends” offers New Orleans and Cape Cod; and “Tours” offers Italy, Britain, Ireland, Spain and Crete. Â The age range for each trip is clearly noted on the site, making it easy to browse.
OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS
If you want to go it alone, but want to meet up with like-minded travelers and share experiences with them, some options from previous posts seem like good choices. These include Learning Vacations (“Want to Get Away? – Why Not Travel and Learn at the same time?”) – where a cooking or language or photography class will put you together others – as would Volunteer Vacations (“Follow That Passion . . .and Give Back”) – where you’ll work with others towards a common goal.
Another option to consider is taking a cruise — even one that is not just for singles. Â You may be alone, but probably not lonely. Â Maitre d’s are usually adept at matching up those passengers who wish to join fellow travelers at meal times. Â Further, excursions offered at each port provide the opportunity to spend time together with shipmates. Â And times spent poolside, in the gym or at cocktail hours, give you a chance to meet others in relaxed settings. Â In these uncertain financial times, you may even be able to negotiate the single supplement costs for your cabin with the cruise line — it never hurts to ask! Â See my previous posts on cruising for tips on selecting both the ship and itinerary that match your interests.
Share your travel experiences with us at snoety.com – especially those who single/co-ed travel!
Susan
