Get Unchained This Season

We could not help but overhear the chatter, now that the cool weather is upon us, of singles stressing about the unfilled weekends that lay ahead of them. Instead of evoking bright and sunny feelings, is the thought of holiday free time suddenly giving you "what to do on the weekend angst"?

We don't want you to get landlocked for any reason. So here are some things you may want to consider before snow sets in:

Do-It-Yourself: There are a myriad of travel agents online and off line that claim to specialize in single travel but often there is so much information it is hard to decipher the good from the bad. If what you are seeking is something saner than Club Med you may want to take travel into your own hands.

To get started, create a list of special interests based on destination or activity and then choose a vacation that matches your preferences. ShawGuides.com is a Single Edition Favorite and one of the best kept travel secrets on the web.

This comprehensive directory of learning vacations includes everything from Arts and Crafts Programs to Golf & Tennis Camps throughout the world. The beauty of learning vacations is that you will spend time doing something you love and most likely meet up with a wide range of like-minded travelers.

Group Getaways: With the growing number of independent female travelers, many hospitality companies have begun to create special packages for women traveling in groups. To encourage girl getaways, Fairmont Hotels and Wyndam Resorts are now offering female-friendly packages. Decadent Divas can indulge on Martinis and Chocolate at the Fairmont Winnipeg and Stylish Sophisticates can enjoy a shopping spree the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. The chain has also partnered with the Canadian-based company, "Pajama Party" to host empowering, energizing and entertaining slumber parties for grown up girls. For all those men and co-ed gangs looking for a fixer, Groople acts as an online travel agency that is devoted to planning group trips. In addition to travel recommendations, the site allows group members to vote and pay online so no one is left entirely responsible for the travel plans and payments.

Have Pet Will Travel: Weekends are a great time to get lost with pet in hand for solo travelers, especially in the summer. If pet care commitments keep you chained down to the city, you ought to consider petswelcome.com. Not only does the directory list more than 25,000 pet-friendly hotels it also includes cool places to take your pet in every city! When we last visited the site we discovered that the Intercontinental Hotel Group holds a cocktail hour for pooches every Thursday at two of their Atlanta facilities, including the Indigo Hotel.