World Traveler and Writer, Gina Speaks Up!

Nokomis Beach, Nokomis, Florida

Q: Biggest Accomplishment?
Traveled around the world solo in 2000.

Q: The Best Place to Meet New People?
At workshops and personal growth conferences such as Omega's Being Fearless Conference in NYC every April.

Q: Most Inspiring Book, Person or Movie?
Movie: Finding Forrester; it's one of the best and most accurate movies about the writing life.

Q: Funniest, craziest, worst dating story ever?
I had no business getting in this guy's car after a first date through the personals. He insisted on driving me to my car. When we reached the parking lot I went to open the door and he locked it from his side and said, "Do you like my Ted Bundy locks?" He laughed. I didn't. There was no second date.

Q: Best Local Restaurant for One?
Gecko's in south Sarasota. It's a pub atmosphere with good American food (burgers and such) and you can sit and just BE with ease.

Q: Have you ever been a victim of Singlism?
YES! Every time I'm required to pay a "single supplement" when I travel with an organized group. The travel industry has a minus-one, vs. a plus-one mentality. I'm being penalized because I'm traveling solo. I should be rewarded for bringing them business vs. staying at home and bringing no business simply because my friends choose to do other things with their money and time.

Q: Any Helpful Tips?
It's REALLY easy to get great seats at high profile events and concerts at the last second. There are always plenty of single seats sprinkled among a "sold-out" venue.

Q: What do you love most about being single?
I've got more than 118 things I love most. Just check out my third book, Postcards and Pearls: Life Lessons from Solo Moments on the Road.