Author Archive

Posted on June 22, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Island Holidays to Dream on

Sometimes I travel solo to connect with more people. It’s true, I tend to meet more people when I travel solo than when I travel with others. But, sometimes, what I really want is a holiday alone — to get away from it all. Here are a few island holidays that offer quiet and isolation. For now, they are islands to dream on. Eventually, I’ll get there.

Madeira

Madeira is a long way out into the Atlantic Ocean, which means that not that many people are prepared to slog their way out there – making it a superb island retreat. The island has lent its name to both the famous cake and fortified wine, and has some simply stunning rugged scenery for walkers and ramblers alike.

Easter Island

Easter Island is about as remote as you can get. Once you’ve taken a flight to the most westerly point of Chile, you’re still over 2,000 miles (3,500km) away from the island. The trip is totally worth it though, with some of the most sensational views in the world, including the world famous Moai statues.

Koh Phi Phi Leh

The island that was made famous in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, Koh Phi Phi Leh is part of the Krabi province in Thailand. Flights to Thailand are increasingly cheap to find these days, and Koh Phi Phi Leh is best accessed by river ferry from Phuket or Krabi. The island was severely tampered with during the filming of The Beach, but after the typhoon of 2004 much of the island’s natural beauty has returned.

Meerufenfushi

The Maldives archipelago contains some 1,200 beautiful islands, each with their own unique signature. The capital Malé is certainly worth visiting, but for an isolated relaxing holiday Meeru is one of the best resorts available to enjoy the pleasures of the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Necker Island

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has most things money can buy, including his own private island. Necker Island in the British Virgin Isles of the Caribbean is about as exclusive as islands come. Resplendent with luxury facilities, the island has capacity for around 30 people, so bumping into other tourists is a rare occasion indeed.

Posted on June 19, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Stranger Danger Part III – Recognizing Danger

This is the third post in the three part series on solo travel stranger danger. Part I emphasized the kindness of strangers. Part II told a cautionary tale of an experience I had in Paris that was very dangerous. Today, we delve into strategies for recognizing potential danger so that it can be avoided.

Next week I start a series on solo travel safety.

Let me start by continuing on last week’s story, Caught in a Con Game.

After I phoned my friend’s friend in a panic and lost all my money, I hopped into a cab and made my way to her place – she said she would pay the fare. On route, the cab driver started  flirting. In my limited French I explained that, no, I didn’t want to spend the next day with him. And I explained why. Oh, he wanted to show me that the men in Paris could be wonderful. I still refused. Then, when we reached my destination, he tried to charge me double what was on the meter. My friend came out to pay for me and tore a strip off him for trying to rip me off.

We really have to be careful. So, how can one recognize dangerous situations so that they can be avoided? Here are some ideas. (more…)

Posted on June 17, 2010 - by Janice

Men Traveling Alone: 10 tips

Ok guys. It’s your turn now. Last week I published a post with 10 tips for women traveling alone. I promised then that I would publish one for men traveling alone as well. You see, a fellow on twitter  lamented the fact that all the solo travel tips were for women. So here you go. A post of your own.

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Posted on June 16, 2010 - by Janice

Treat Yourself to a Chef’s Table

When I dine at a fine restaurant, I like to do so with a companion – someone with whom I can ooo and aww over the food to our hearts’ content.

When I travel solo, I typically eat at simple places having things like sushi or soup – relatively healthy food. Unlike Tracey, our food and wine editor, I tend to save my money for a tour, concert, theatre, or anything else that is fun.

The one exception to this rule is when I come across a Chef’s Table.

A Chef’s Table is usually located in the kitchen of a fine restaurant. It can be booked by one group or by couples and individuals — all of whom dine together.

Amid the controlled chaos of a busy kitchen, the chef introduces and supervises the serving of a themed tasting menu designed by him or her for the occasion. Wine pairings for each course are common and, if the restaurant has a sommelier, he or she gives background information on the wine chosen for the course and explains why it goes well with the food.

A Chef’s Table is educational, delicious and social. One table. Lots of people, fine food and good wine.

On my tour around Lake Ontario, I attended a Chef’s Table at Peller Estates, a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There were sixteen of us in an open square table formation. The man on my right was there from Vancouver with this daughter. There were three couples on a getaway, one celebrating their 20th anniversary evening… yes, everyone had a different reason for being there.  But there was consensus on one thing. The meal, the entire evening, was fabulous. Here is the menu:

**  Our menu at Peller Estates **

Smoked Pork Terinne

Spring Pickle

Rose ~ Private Reserve ~ 2008

“Niagara” Spring Onion Soup

Roasted Onion, Wilde Garlic and Lamb

Gewurtztraminer ~ Private Reserve ~ 2008

Pan seared White Bass

Spring Asparagus, Fiddlehead Fricasse

Sauvignon Blanc ~ Private Reserve ~ 2007

Beef Ribeye

Cider Glazed Rapini, Hot House Grape Tomatoes

Grape Mustart and Potato Gnocchi

Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Signature Series ~ 2004

“Portneuf” BleuBry Cheese

Icewine Grape and Rosemary Tart

Honey Roasted BlueBry Cheese and Riesling Icewine Reduction

Riesling Icewine ~Signature Series ~ 2008

Buttermilk Cake

Fiddlehead Ice Cream, White Chocolate Sauce

Cabernet Franc Icewine ~ Signature Series ~ 2007

Posted on June 15, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Tips & Teases from “Travelers Night In”

On Thursdays, Zip Set Go organizes an event on Twitter called Travelers Night In or #TNI from 3:30 to 5pm ET. It’s  a fast paced chat about travel on a different topic every week. (more…)

Posted on June 12, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part II
Caught in a Con Game

This is part II in my series on Stranger Danger. Please have a read of last week’s post. It shows the wonderful, magical, positive side of strangers in 5 short stories.

This is a story of firsts. My first time in Europe. My first really  solo travel adventure. And my first – and last – time being caught in a con game. It was 1985, I was 27 and I really should have known better. (more…)

Posted on June 10, 2010 - by Janice

Women Traveling Alone Part I – 10 tips

Yes, this post is about women traveling alone. But, don’t worry guys. It’ll be your turn soon. Next Thursday there is a post on 10 Tips for Men Traveling Alone. And then, Women Traveling Along Part II will suggest some great destinations.

I’ve written all sorts of posts on how to travel alone. Posts on solo travel safety, eating alone, how to spend evenings… This post could cover all those again because they all apply to women traveling alone. However, I’m not going to try to say everything. This time I am writing about things specific to women – serious issues and girly things.

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Posted on June 8, 2010 - by Janice

Two Passions: Solo Travel and Cycling

I can’t remember where I first heard about cycling and hosteling but I do remember when. I was ten years old. It struck me as terribly romantic in the literary sense of the word. Maybe it was a character in a book that introduced me to the idea, I don’t know. But when I asked my Mom if it was still done she  fueled the romance by describing her days as a teenager cycling and hosteling the Eastern Townships outside of Montreal. (more…)

Posted on June 5, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part I

This is the first in the series on Solo Travel Stranger Danger. It focuses on the kindness of strangers. Part II is on real danger. Read it here:  Stranger Danger Part II: Caught in a Con Game.

As I  travel solo, I am often the recipient of extraordinary kindness from strangers. But on one solo trip, I fell into an extraordinarily dangerous situation due to strangers. In this three part series, (three Saturdays in a row), I’ll share with you my experiences with strangers, good and bad, and then, a few things I’ve learned about telling the difference between the good ones and the bad ones. In this post, I begin with the goodness of strangers.
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Posted on June 3, 2010 - by Janice

How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely:
10 tips & 5 posts

After safety, loneliness is the number one complaint of the solo traveler.

Most of us don’t actually complain about it that much; we relish our time alone. But even for the most avid solo traveler, loneliness can be an issue on occasion. Fortunately, there are ways to plan your own trip, travel alone and not feel lonely. I give you… (more…)

Posted on June 2, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Traveler: Top five posts in May

This is my chance to look back and see what you tend to read most on Solo Traveler and your chance to see if there was something really important that you missed. (But, of course, all the posts on Solo Traveler are important.)

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the most popular post on Solo Traveler this past month was written by my youngest son, Dylan. He’s done a bit of stand up in his time so all I had to do was throw a title at him and he managed to rattle off 17 hilarious answers.

So here you go, the top 5 posts on Solo Traveler starts with:

1. Solo Travel: 17 Signs You’ve Had Too Much Alone Time
2. Travel Itinerary: The Philippines Solo and on a Budget
3. Solo Travel: Rochester in Pictures
4. Is Solo Travel Dangerous? 20 Tips to Keep You Safe. (This is month two for this post.
5. Solo Travel: Niagara-on-the-Lake in Pictures

And, as always, I want to remind you that I take requests. I want to publish what you want to read so, if you are planning a trip, please get in touch and I will try to get a travel writer to cover your destination.

Posted on June 1, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Road Trip with Audio Books

This is the PRIZE POST for June. Leave a comment for a chance to win one of five VIP Coupons for Audible.com. Winners are selected using Random.org

Sign up for the newsletter in the sidebar for the word on other prize draws and lots more travel information.

On my recent trip around Lake Ontario I was actually accompanied by Salman Rushdie. I know. He pops up everywhere. According to IMDB (the Internet Movie Database) he plays himself in no less than 45 movies and television shows.

In my case, he kindly read his book Fury to me. Before leaving, I borrowed the 8 CD set from my local library. I listened to it on my travels between cities (my itinerary here) and just managed to complete the book on my way back into Toronto. (more…)

Posted on May 29, 2010 - by Janice

Podcast: Janice talks about Solo Travel

In the early Fall I was approached by Brian of NoDebtWorldTravel.com for an interview about solo travel. He was in the process of putting together his “World Travel Blueprint” at the time. (more…)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on May 27, 2010 - by Janice

Travel Solo and Savor the Taste

This is perfect for solo travel because it is best done when you’re alone.

Take a small piece, place it on your tongue, savor it as it melts in your mouth. Then enjoy the flavor and sensation for a full 20 minutes. Notice how the flavor lingers and changes. It’s tangy at first and has a clean finish.

Repeat, because it’s irresistible. (more…)

Posted on May 21, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: 17 signs you’ve had too much ‘alone’ time ;-).

When you travel solo you can do what you want when you want. Being alone, that independence, is one of the good things about solo travel. But can there be too much of this good thing?

So that you don’t go too far on the solo side of travel, I give you… (more…)

Posted on May 17, 2010 - by Janice

Eastman House in Pictures – appropriate.

Open every day of the week except Monday, Eastman House, the International Museum of Photography and Film, is a combination of:

• Film/photography library
• Museum of photographic equipment
• Gallery of photographic art
• Educational institution
• Film festival
• Historical site

(more…)

Posted on May 14, 2010 - by Janice

Your solo evening starts with a manicure and a martini.

When I travel solo, I don’t waste the evenings by staying in. I always manage to find  activities that suit the solo experience. A few weeks ago, on my trip around Lake Ontario, I had a great night out in Kingston. Click here for my itinerary of the entire trip around the lake.
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Posted on May 12, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel is Great for a Gap Year

To read about the special benefits of solo travel for Gap years and other times of life,
download GLAD YOU’RE NOT HERE: a solo traveler’s manifesto.

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I remember, about a year ago, reading a travel article arguing the case for university credits for Gap Years. I emailed the author but didn’t receive a reply. Too bad. I would have loved to embark on a project to support his position and possibly create scholarships for Gap year travels. (more…)

Posted on May 11, 2010 - by Janice

Finding the Freelance Hub – great for the solo traveler.

As a freelance writer, I probably  know better than some solo travelers how to find a warm, convivial atmosphere in a new city.

When I arrive in a new town I look for the freelance hubs. I look for independent coffee shops that are used as alternative offices. These are places of community. They have a good vibe. The don’t rush customers out the door and they usually have free wifi. They are great places to catch up with friends at home online and to meet new friends while on the road.

I found a few such freelance hubs on my recent solo travels around Lake Ontario.

Who’s Miss Lily? She’s the overweight cat who lives in the book story attached to the coffee shop.

Miss Lily’s is a cafe on the main street of Picton, Ontario. It has great food, free wifi, no pressure about how long you stay (I was there from about 8:30am to 1:30pm) and free parking out back. Picton is a small town in a largely rural community that boasts wineries, organic farms and a vibrant arts community. Miss Lily’s is not just a hub for freelancers but for the outlying community as a whole.

Kingston – a Workers’ Cooperative that Works for Freelancers
On Princess Street, Kingston’s main drag, I tripped over the freelancers’ hub. One look at the sign and I knew what it was. Inside there were lots of people, vibrant discussions and lap tops open for work. The food looked great but I couldn’t stay as I was heading out to cycle Wolfe’s Island.

I misinterpreted the meaning of the Sleepless Goat’s sign at first. I thought it was about the freelancers working inside – then I got the history. About a decade after establishing the Sleepless Goat, the owner wanted out. Rather than lose their jobs, the people working there bought the business and have been running it on a cooperative basis ever since.

Java’s Cafe in Rochester
Located in downtown Rochester across from the Eastman School of Music is Java’s Cafe, a buzzing coffee shop for students, artists and freelancers.

While I was locking my bike outside Java’s I met Herb who teaches trumpet at the music school and plays in the Rochester Philharmonic. He joined me inside and gave me the scoop on where to cycle in Rochester. Not the best city for cycling but not the worst either.

What about Toronto?
When at home, I head out to local hubs at least a couple of times a week. My two faves are the Remarkable Bean in the Beach and the Tango Palace in Leslieville.

Posted on May 10, 2010 - by Janice

Liberation of Holland and a Pack of Players Plain Cut

This past weekend, I  twice found myself relating a story – not a travel story exactly but a story that results from my travels. It came up in discussions about the 65th anniversary of VE Day. (more…)