Being a lone traveller, at any age, can be difficult and costly. Single supplements can increase the cost of travel substantially. Here are some ideas for those singles out there . . .
The Golden Years brochure from Bord Failte has a good selection of hotels around the country offering short breaks that include dinner, bed and breakfast from around £99 - and many of the hotels do not charge the dreaded supplement. Daytrips are also a great way to see the country with a group. Both Bus Eireann and Iarnrod Eireann have a wide variety of places to see.
Further field, in the Morocco brochure Sunway Travel has some hotels that do not charge the single supplement: it is a very interesting destination to visit, with a lovely all-year climate and tours are available to places such as Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.
Still further afield, Explore Tours will take independent travellers in groups to Africa, Asia, South America. Details from Maxwell Travel on 01-6793662. Independents should also look at trips from Trailfinders (01 6777888) who are specialists to Australia. Another Australia specialist is Colette Pearson Travel 01 6771029, cptravel@indigo.ie. Colette is also agent in Ireland for the Exodus group, which organises fantastic trips such as safaris, overland expeditions, and trekking to all continents. These exotic trips would whet the appetite of any adventurous soul.
Tour America has a variety of trips and tours around America. and a tour of Mexico worth a look. American Holidays has some availability for single travellers and a range of tours in the US and Canada. Brochures from your local ITAA travel agent.
If you do plan to visit some exotic destinations, make sure to take a guidebook with you. Portofolio Books specialises in the lesser known guides and maps, such as backpacking and hiking, Bradt's wildlife guides, Fieldings Worldwide guides, Trailblazers, Vision, and Hatchette. Ask at your local book store for details, or contact them at Unit 1C, West Ealing Business Centre, Alexandria Road, London W13 0NJ or email sales@portfoliobooks.com.
Royal Carribean Cruises is holding an information evening on Monday night in the Royal Dublin Hotel, O'Connell Street. Tickets from Toolin Travel (01 8379282).
The Carrigann Hotel in Lisdoonvarna plans more Burren Walks in March, April and October. Native Corkscrew Hill man, Shane Connolly, will lead the walks: he loves nothing more than a good day's walk with lots of conversation. Aspects covered in the walks will include archaeology, natural history, local folklore, wildlife and botany - some of the walks are new this year. Two nights bed and breakfast, packed lunches and two days guided walks with transport to and from the walks costs £93. The Carrigann Hotel is on 065 7077168 or email: carrigannhotel@eircom.net.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie