Honeymoon and BabyMooners Look Out

One would never think by looking at the 47 year sun kissed man dining at the table next to me that he was on a week long getaway to "get rid of the spider webs." But after a few quick exchanges that's what he revealed to me in a whisper. So the suddenly single dad of 2 who goes by the name of Jeep (yes, that's his name) booked a week long getaway to find his way out of a three year slump. This man was on a mission, and I was determined to follow him on his journey.

When couples marry, traditionally they go on a honeymoon. And in recent years many parents-to-be have gone one step further by taking a "babymoon." But what about independent travelers, like Jeep, who need a spontaneous adventure, a jolt of love and excitement or a chance to relax and unwinde?

I call trips like these "Solo Moons." The term refers to a by-yourself vacation that gets you going again and keeps you refreshed, rejuvenated and alive. And I believe that if you want to meet new people, find romance or take time for introspection, then you must plan an escape with the serious goal of doing so.

Getting ready for such a trip is exciting, and the memory of it can keep you inspired for months after. You can plan small monthly Solomoons or, if time permits, one or more major trips a year. This is a great way to schedule much needed "me" time! Don't worry about costs or what to do with the kids, if you have them! A Solomoon can be fancy or simple, expensive or dirt cheap, a weekend or a week, with or without company. The point is that sometimes all it takes is a break from the day-to-day so that you can kick start a new beginning.

No matter what your status or age, there are plenty of resources that will help you find the right trip. Here is a selection of the best travel sites we found online:

Independent Travelers

TravelIndepdendent.Info: From what to pack to where to go, this site by travelers for travelers encourages people of all ages to travel independently and gives them the information they need to "just do it."

Travelmag: A U.K. based webzine which features inspiring and real-life travel tales from independent journeyers that reflect their personal experiences as well as lessons learned along the way.

Solo Travel: A solo travel guide that provides tips, information as well as directories. The site also includes travel humor, safety and budget travel information which makes planning more fun.

Perceptive Travel: A webzine for independent travelers published by Transitions Abroad magazine columnist Tim Leffel, with travel stories from authors on the move.

BootsnAll Travel: "The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveler." This comprehensive portal features travel tales with regional experts, advice for budget travel bargains, forums, and blogs for the independent budget traveler.

The Independent Traveler: An interactive traveler's exchange and comprehensive online travel planning guide for a community of travelers who enjoy the fun of planning their own trips and the adventure of independent travel.


Senior Travel Websites:

Boomeropia: A promising new travel website for boomers, which compiles the best and most unique travel destinations, deals, tips and information on the web to appeal to the fifty plus set.

50plus Expeditions: Adventure travel for people Over 50. Active, off-the-beaten-path, small group tours around the globe.

Elderhostel: America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over.

Eldertreks: One of the world's first adventure travel company designed exclusively for people 50 and over. With 15 years of experience, they offer active, off-the-beaten-path, small-group adventures in over 50 countries. The all-inclusive land journeys focus on adventure, culture and nature.

Solo Parents:

Single Parent Travel: Single Parent Travel-- the brainchild of "GlobalBrenda Elwell"--has tips, destination suggestions, a page of Specials and bulletin boards to connect with other travelers; it's also the home of Single Parent Tours, which organizes several group trips a year.

Travel for Kids: This website combines fun things to do with practical tips, as well as family travel restaurant guides. We especially like the recommendations for children's books about destinations worldwide.

Travel with Your Kids: Features tips from real parents on how to travel internationally (or just long distances) with children. Topics covered include: getting kids ready to travel, health and safety, getting passports and visas, sections on traveling while pregnant, international adoptions, and a special section on moving and living abroad.

Kidscantravel.com: Family vacation ideas and the tools to get you there with its editorial content and the tools to get you there. Search engine offering a wonderful listing of family-friendly accommodations, travel tips, and tours all over the world. Highly recommended.

 

Soloists Flying Friendlier Skies Fitness for Philanthropy