I frequently travel on my own and am always looking out for a better deal for the solo traveller. This year I have found that my favourite cruise lines … Holland America, Princess, Norwegian and Royal Carribean seem to be charging more than double for a solo traveller especially on the last minute cruises. Usually it's 50 to 100% more if you want the cabin to yourself. So when you find a deal where you are paying a similar price to what one of two going on a cruise its a deal.
Every once in a while I come across deals on NCL and just lately RCL for their solo cabins. I must admit I didn't like the solo cabin on the NCL Breakaway as they used very junior cabin attendants (so cleanliness of the cabin was an issue), the cupboard door was broken and even though I reported it the first day and even with escalations they didn't repair it until the last night. There were also problems with awful smells in the corridors. Also I don't like having the shower in the bedroom as water gets everywhere. All the promises of socializing and a special rep to help solos were not real as the rep only showed up once and not at the time published. Also lately, the solo cabins are so popular that you can get an inside cabin for yourself at a lower price. NCL says its due to supply and demand. So I don't recommend NCL's solo cabins.
I was also in a solo ocean view cabin on Costa, but again don't recommend it as its a twin bed, in the lowest deck by the engine and near the crew area, so noise is an issue day and night. It did have a full bathroom. But if you want cheap it is a very good deal for one of these cabins - I paid $600 CDN for a 7-day cruise.
I am going to try RCL's solo virtual cabin on the Ovation of the Seas, as its the most reasonable priced option to go on a Hawaii cruise. It has a full size bathroom, virtual sea views and what appears to be a double bed. The best was the price was similar to the double occupancy rate for one person out of the two going. I also received $225 OBC ($50 from Expedia and $175 from RCL).
Hope this helps.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Websites catering to solo travellers
I came across this listing yesterday of websites catering to solo travellers. I personally find that many of these companies cater to solo travellers looking for companion travellers and/or cater to solos willing to spend a bit more for the help/assistance provided by these companies. If this is your situation below is the list I got off of SmarterTravel.com. Note sign up for the newsletter as they always have great info for those who love to travel.
Best Single Travel offers trips, cruises, and weekend getaways for solo travelers of all ages.
Intrepid Travel has dedicated solo trips as well as a roommate-matching program on the rest of its offerings, so you never have to pay a solo supplement if you don’t want to.
One Traveller is a U.K.-based company leading trips for the “mature single traveller” (aged 50+) to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Singles Travel International offers trips for solo travelers with an average age of 48 through 65. If the company can’t find you a roommate by the time you make your final payment, you can have a room to yourself for free.
Solos is a U.K.-based company offering a wide variety of solo-only trips around the globe.
Solo Traveler offers tips, resources, and destination guides for solo travelers.
Women Traveling Together is for solo female travelers who prefer to be with a group of like-minded women. The company offers tours, retreats, and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.
Hope this helps
Best Single Travel offers trips, cruises, and weekend getaways for solo travelers of all ages.
Intrepid Travel has dedicated solo trips as well as a roommate-matching program on the rest of its offerings, so you never have to pay a solo supplement if you don’t want to.
One Traveller is a U.K.-based company leading trips for the “mature single traveller” (aged 50+) to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Singles Travel International offers trips for solo travelers with an average age of 48 through 65. If the company can’t find you a roommate by the time you make your final payment, you can have a room to yourself for free.
Solos is a U.K.-based company offering a wide variety of solo-only trips around the globe.
Solo Traveler offers tips, resources, and destination guides for solo travelers.
Women Traveling Together is for solo female travelers who prefer to be with a group of like-minded women. The company offers tours, retreats, and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.
Hope this helps
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Flight Deal to Rome or Naples for May, June September and October dates: $579.00 with Air Italy:
Next Departure.
Tips for taking a cruise out of San Juan Puerto Rico
Thanks Steve for your questions re taking a cruise out of Puerto Rico. Below are my suggestions and tips.
Tip 1. Direct Flights (Air Canada/West Jet) to Puerto Rico are expensive and usually leave only on weekends. Use Flighthub.com or other compiler sites to keep track of the flight costs and if you see a good deal book it right away (i.e. less than $500 CDN is a bargain). Also they also leave at 10am or later so you cut it really close or will miss the cruise if it leaves at 4pm or 5pm so coming in a day or two ahead makes sense. Also note both airlines charge for luggage even if it is in the Caribbean.
Tip 2. Pre-book a shuttle to the ship or hotel, as their taxis are often on strike and or some other organization is. The last time I was there they squeezed 3 different families into a SUV and it took us 2 hours to get into downtown and the cruise terminal. I have used Go Puerto Rico and they were on time and reasonably priced..
Tip 3. Find out what cruise terminal you are at for departure - this is really important as there are two:
1. Pan America Pier is located to the south of Old San Juan. The modern San Juan cruise ship terminal building at Pan America Pier is in Isla Grande. It serves larger cruise vessels.
or
2. San Juan Cruise terminal which is right in Old San Juan.
Often if the ships are home ported out of San Juan they are at the Pan American Pier, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Check with RCL to see where you will embark and disembark.
Tip 4. I have stayed at a few hotels in San Juan... the Hilton Condado beach which I liked as there are restaurants to walk to etc. The beach is small at the hotel but the pool great. I have stayed at the Marriot in Old San Juan and at the Condado beach (it was busier than Hilton and more expensive but right on the beach which I loved), etc. I like the Condado one if you are docked at Pan America Pier as it is a 5-minute cab ride to the pier. If you are at the San Juan Cruise terminal stay in an hotel in old San Juan and then you can walk to the terminal.
Tip 5. What to do with only 1-day - walk around/or take the free open air trolley around old San Juan. The Fort Cristobal is worth a look. Its a very hilly town so I often take the open air trolley to the top - get off a the fort and then work my way back down the hill....
Hope this helps.
Tip 1. Direct Flights (Air Canada/West Jet) to Puerto Rico are expensive and usually leave only on weekends. Use Flighthub.com or other compiler sites to keep track of the flight costs and if you see a good deal book it right away (i.e. less than $500 CDN is a bargain). Also they also leave at 10am or later so you cut it really close or will miss the cruise if it leaves at 4pm or 5pm so coming in a day or two ahead makes sense. Also note both airlines charge for luggage even if it is in the Caribbean.
Tip 2. Pre-book a shuttle to the ship or hotel, as their taxis are often on strike and or some other organization is. The last time I was there they squeezed 3 different families into a SUV and it took us 2 hours to get into downtown and the cruise terminal. I have used Go Puerto Rico and they were on time and reasonably priced..
Tip 3. Find out what cruise terminal you are at for departure - this is really important as there are two:
1. Pan America Pier is located to the south of Old San Juan. The modern San Juan cruise ship terminal building at Pan America Pier is in Isla Grande. It serves larger cruise vessels.
or
2. San Juan Cruise terminal which is right in Old San Juan.
Often if the ships are home ported out of San Juan they are at the Pan American Pier, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Check with RCL to see where you will embark and disembark.
Tip 4. I have stayed at a few hotels in San Juan... the Hilton Condado beach which I liked as there are restaurants to walk to etc. The beach is small at the hotel but the pool great. I have stayed at the Marriot in Old San Juan and at the Condado beach (it was busier than Hilton and more expensive but right on the beach which I loved), etc. I like the Condado one if you are docked at Pan America Pier as it is a 5-minute cab ride to the pier. If you are at the San Juan Cruise terminal stay in an hotel in old San Juan and then you can walk to the terminal.
Tip 5. What to do with only 1-day - walk around/or take the free open air trolley around old San Juan. The Fort Cristobal is worth a look. Its a very hilly town so I often take the open air trolley to the top - get off a the fort and then work my way back down the hill....
Hope this helps.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
What sites should you go to before booking a cruise or hotel for trusted reviews?
Thanks for the question on what sites I go to when checking reviews on cruises, hotels, and shore excursions.
For Hotels below are my go to's:
TripAdvisor.com - it consolidates reviews from the hotels (i.e. Hilton will forward over their reviews), as well as members of trip advisor. This is a popular site for reviews and the property managers often respond to the reviews.
Booking.com - you must have stayed at the property for your review to be published. I have consistently found the reviews to be truthful and helpful.
Expedia.com/ca - again you must of been one of the guests at the hotel, or they will import the hotel property reviews.
For Cruises below are my go to's:
Cruise Critic.com - its members as well as professional review cruises, cruise line, shore excursions and ports. Sign up to their newsletter.
Cruiseline.com - Passengers who have booked thru them and cruises.com provide their feedback.
Tip 1: Read as many reviews as possible and look for consistencies... i.e. all state its clean, comfortable, no noise etc. Or most may state its noisy, breakfast is repetitive, or in one of the hotels I stayed at they said hot water was never available in morning. And guess what they were right even though I reached out to the hotel before hand re the water situation. For cruises, I am looking for details on embarkation/disembarkation time length, cleanliness, facilities, ages and types of cruisers and things to do in port other than cruise line excursions.
Tip 2: You should book hotels and or cruises that have average ratings of very good or excellent Even if its a 2 or 3 star hotels - if they are getting a 8 -10 out of 10, then people who stayed there had similar experiences and found good value for the price paid. Remember 3 star hotels will not usually have pools, etc but will be clean, comfortable and often are located in good areas. I have found people willing to do a review are typically frequent reviewers and want to help others travelling. I find the few really low ratings often are from people who experienced major issues where the hotel or cruise line really didn't help them. That is why you are looking for high average scores.
For cruises ... you want 75% or more giving a good 4 or 5 score. You also want most to state that the cruise ship is not worn - carpets unclean, needs paint etc and in need of refurbishment. Food is to taste so be careful re these reviews.
Tip 3: Check thru the review for tips on location, transportation, check-in times (especially early check in capabilities or late checkouts). I am always looking for how close the hotel is to public transportation, availability and cost of transportation to/from airports, free shuttles, shopping and restaurants, etc. Look at the "traveller" pictures - they can really help.
Tip 4: Always check thru the reviews before booking - it doesn't help as much after you book and you can get caught in a bad hotel or cruise.
Tip 5: Provide reviews after you get back - help your fellow traveller.
Hope this helps
For Hotels below are my go to's:
TripAdvisor.com - it consolidates reviews from the hotels (i.e. Hilton will forward over their reviews), as well as members of trip advisor. This is a popular site for reviews and the property managers often respond to the reviews.
Booking.com - you must have stayed at the property for your review to be published. I have consistently found the reviews to be truthful and helpful.
Expedia.com/ca - again you must of been one of the guests at the hotel, or they will import the hotel property reviews.
For Cruises below are my go to's:
Cruise Critic.com - its members as well as professional review cruises, cruise line, shore excursions and ports. Sign up to their newsletter.
Cruiseline.com - Passengers who have booked thru them and cruises.com provide their feedback.
Tip 1: Read as many reviews as possible and look for consistencies... i.e. all state its clean, comfortable, no noise etc. Or most may state its noisy, breakfast is repetitive, or in one of the hotels I stayed at they said hot water was never available in morning. And guess what they were right even though I reached out to the hotel before hand re the water situation. For cruises, I am looking for details on embarkation/disembarkation time length, cleanliness, facilities, ages and types of cruisers and things to do in port other than cruise line excursions.
Tip 2: You should book hotels and or cruises that have average ratings of very good or excellent Even if its a 2 or 3 star hotels - if they are getting a 8 -10 out of 10, then people who stayed there had similar experiences and found good value for the price paid. Remember 3 star hotels will not usually have pools, etc but will be clean, comfortable and often are located in good areas. I have found people willing to do a review are typically frequent reviewers and want to help others travelling. I find the few really low ratings often are from people who experienced major issues where the hotel or cruise line really didn't help them. That is why you are looking for high average scores.
For cruises ... you want 75% or more giving a good 4 or 5 score. You also want most to state that the cruise ship is not worn - carpets unclean, needs paint etc and in need of refurbishment. Food is to taste so be careful re these reviews.
Tip 3: Check thru the review for tips on location, transportation, check-in times (especially early check in capabilities or late checkouts). I am always looking for how close the hotel is to public transportation, availability and cost of transportation to/from airports, free shuttles, shopping and restaurants, etc. Look at the "traveller" pictures - they can really help.
Tip 4: Always check thru the reviews before booking - it doesn't help as much after you book and you can get caught in a bad hotel or cruise.
Tip 5: Provide reviews after you get back - help your fellow traveller.
Hope this helps
Friday, December 7, 2018
What to think of when booking a cabin on a cruise
Thanks Nicca for your question re motion sickness and picking a cabin to avoid the most of the movement.
If you get motion sickness:
Tip 1: Book a cabin on a lower deck in the middle of the ship as this is where you will have the least movement. The higher the floor often the more feel of movement/wind.
Tip 2: Get out on your balcony (if you book one) or get out on deck as much as possible as the fresh air helps with any sickness. Also get your medication, ear patches or the sea sickness bands at home as its much cheaper than asking the doctor on board.
Overall tips on booking any cabin on a ship:
Tip 1: To save money usually an inside cabin is the cheapest option or an inside "guaranteed" is usually a bit cheaper still. However the cruise line picks your cabin and I have found that often I will get the front or back of the ship. Note however look at your cabin options as on the Oasis the Central Park Balcony was cheaper than the inside for a solo. I have also found that sometimes the guaranteed ocean view is cheaper than picking your own inside cabin.
Tip 2: If you are ok with a bit of ship movement I prefer the front of ship on a higher floor. This usually results in a bit of ship movement feel, but you don't hear the anchor dropping/being pulled up. The back of ship (on many but not all ships, has a back and forth swaying movement and you get the vibration of the engines).
Tip 3: Look what is above and below your cabin - avoid having the sun deck, casino and or restaurants or pubs below are above. The best is to have cabins below and above you to minimize noise.
Tip 4: Do not book a cabin with adjoining cabins if they are not your friends or relatives as you can hear noise, tv etc thru the adjoining cabin door.
Tip 5: Unless you have 3 or more in your cabin don't take a cabin meant for families as even though I am not tall its awkward to move around the cabin with the bunks on either wall. You lose the side space for getting in and out of bed without hitting the bunk(s). I have been assigned these types of cabins thru a guaranteed cabin purchase.
Tip 6: Given you will have limited space - usually your empty luggage fits under the bed.
Tip 7: What if the guaranteed cabin they give me is not what I want? Ask your travel agent to call them - I have upgraded/changed my cabin for either a small amount or free.
Tip 8: Cruise lines are all different on the timing for assigning guaranteed cabins. NCL if they are sellling out on cabins often assign the cabin about 90 days before the trip but not always. On Holland and Princess it can be just a few days before sailing.
Hope this helps
If you get motion sickness:
Tip 1: Book a cabin on a lower deck in the middle of the ship as this is where you will have the least movement. The higher the floor often the more feel of movement/wind.
Tip 2: Get out on your balcony (if you book one) or get out on deck as much as possible as the fresh air helps with any sickness. Also get your medication, ear patches or the sea sickness bands at home as its much cheaper than asking the doctor on board.
Overall tips on booking any cabin on a ship:
Tip 1: To save money usually an inside cabin is the cheapest option or an inside "guaranteed" is usually a bit cheaper still. However the cruise line picks your cabin and I have found that often I will get the front or back of the ship. Note however look at your cabin options as on the Oasis the Central Park Balcony was cheaper than the inside for a solo. I have also found that sometimes the guaranteed ocean view is cheaper than picking your own inside cabin.
Tip 2: If you are ok with a bit of ship movement I prefer the front of ship on a higher floor. This usually results in a bit of ship movement feel, but you don't hear the anchor dropping/being pulled up. The back of ship (on many but not all ships, has a back and forth swaying movement and you get the vibration of the engines).
Tip 3: Look what is above and below your cabin - avoid having the sun deck, casino and or restaurants or pubs below are above. The best is to have cabins below and above you to minimize noise.
Tip 4: Do not book a cabin with adjoining cabins if they are not your friends or relatives as you can hear noise, tv etc thru the adjoining cabin door.
Tip 5: Unless you have 3 or more in your cabin don't take a cabin meant for families as even though I am not tall its awkward to move around the cabin with the bunks on either wall. You lose the side space for getting in and out of bed without hitting the bunk(s). I have been assigned these types of cabins thru a guaranteed cabin purchase.
Tip 6: Given you will have limited space - usually your empty luggage fits under the bed.
Tip 7: What if the guaranteed cabin they give me is not what I want? Ask your travel agent to call them - I have upgraded/changed my cabin for either a small amount or free.
Tip 8: Cruise lines are all different on the timing for assigning guaranteed cabins. NCL if they are sellling out on cabins often assign the cabin about 90 days before the trip but not always. On Holland and Princess it can be just a few days before sailing.
Hope this helps
Friday, November 30, 2018
Travelling solo to Paris in the Spring 2019 - Some tips
Thanks Courtney for the question. I am going to start with some general tips when going to Paris and then based on your comments/questions I will go into more detail.
When to go?
I find the crowds of tourists really pick up in May and June so recommend for cost reasons/lesser crowds at the key sites to go in April. However just like here there are spring showers in April. But it will be a bit warmer than here.
Who to fly with?
At Xmas and Boxing day all Airlines have offers and typically Air Canada does a 15 to 20% off flights to Europe. I like Air Canada and/or Air Transat as long as they are going into Charles Degaulle as you can take the train into central Paris quite easily. You can also go with Air France (sign up for their offers) but it seems like their are often labour disruptions so I am very cautious even when the price is better. These three always have direct overnight flights.
Where to stay?
Really depends on what is important to you to see and whether your comfortable taking the metro or just want to walk. I always pick a hotel/small inn near a train station/metro station. Note unless your at paying the big $ stick to 3-star inns with ratings of 8-10 overall on booking.com or expedia. What I like about European hotels is that while the rooms are small they always have singles accommodation at lower prices than North America. Note when looking at the reviews check for walking distance from the train station/metro station. Look for cleanliness ratings and early check ins. With the reviews most reviewers are basing their reviews on expectations for a 3-star so if you don't want basic, safe and need luxury don't do 3 star. Also make sure there is a SAFE in the room. Paris is the hub of pick-pockets. Just take what you money you need for the day and have a photo copy of your passport info (picture and signature page).
Plan ahead:
Pre-buying a metro pass, Paris Pass (gets you into many key museums, etc.) for a lower price on line. I add up the cost of the must-sees that I want to do over say a 3-day period. You can usually see 3 things in a day comfortably as everything is close by. Or if your more of a shopper, outdoor sightseer just book online your tickets (always do this or your will wait in line and not necessarily get in as a lot of things like the Louvre etc may have timed tickets). Watch for sales on line for the Paris Pass (again sign up on line for promotions).
Passes timing for the 3-day start of first use so don't use it the first day ... I usually start it on the second day to 5th day and then have time on the remaining time to shop or go out of the city.
Restaurants:
General tips ... Asian food - particularly Vietamese is always a cheaper option especially for lunch. Same with middle eastern food. Also this is the land of the fixed price menus for dinner. I recommend neighbourhood bistros/cafes for dinner (away from the main tourist streets). Food is better and cheaper. You usually get 2-3 things salad/soup, choice of entrée and desert. They posted these menus on the windows/doors - stand outside and check who is in there - lots of locals its probably good - note Parisiens eat late dinners. Also almost always the tip is included and the menu is in French only - have your phone of a book for food translations. Even in Mont Martre you will see lots of small cafes with fixed prices.
Hope this helps as a start... post specific questions and I will try to answer.
When to go?
I find the crowds of tourists really pick up in May and June so recommend for cost reasons/lesser crowds at the key sites to go in April. However just like here there are spring showers in April. But it will be a bit warmer than here.
Who to fly with?
At Xmas and Boxing day all Airlines have offers and typically Air Canada does a 15 to 20% off flights to Europe. I like Air Canada and/or Air Transat as long as they are going into Charles Degaulle as you can take the train into central Paris quite easily. You can also go with Air France (sign up for their offers) but it seems like their are often labour disruptions so I am very cautious even when the price is better. These three always have direct overnight flights.
Where to stay?
Really depends on what is important to you to see and whether your comfortable taking the metro or just want to walk. I always pick a hotel/small inn near a train station/metro station. Note unless your at paying the big $ stick to 3-star inns with ratings of 8-10 overall on booking.com or expedia. What I like about European hotels is that while the rooms are small they always have singles accommodation at lower prices than North America. Note when looking at the reviews check for walking distance from the train station/metro station. Look for cleanliness ratings and early check ins. With the reviews most reviewers are basing their reviews on expectations for a 3-star so if you don't want basic, safe and need luxury don't do 3 star. Also make sure there is a SAFE in the room. Paris is the hub of pick-pockets. Just take what you money you need for the day and have a photo copy of your passport info (picture and signature page).
Plan ahead:
Pre-buying a metro pass, Paris Pass (gets you into many key museums, etc.) for a lower price on line. I add up the cost of the must-sees that I want to do over say a 3-day period. You can usually see 3 things in a day comfortably as everything is close by. Or if your more of a shopper, outdoor sightseer just book online your tickets (always do this or your will wait in line and not necessarily get in as a lot of things like the Louvre etc may have timed tickets). Watch for sales on line for the Paris Pass (again sign up on line for promotions).
Passes timing for the 3-day start of first use so don't use it the first day ... I usually start it on the second day to 5th day and then have time on the remaining time to shop or go out of the city.
Restaurants:
General tips ... Asian food - particularly Vietamese is always a cheaper option especially for lunch. Same with middle eastern food. Also this is the land of the fixed price menus for dinner. I recommend neighbourhood bistros/cafes for dinner (away from the main tourist streets). Food is better and cheaper. You usually get 2-3 things salad/soup, choice of entrée and desert. They posted these menus on the windows/doors - stand outside and check who is in there - lots of locals its probably good - note Parisiens eat late dinners. Also almost always the tip is included and the menu is in French only - have your phone of a book for food translations. Even in Mont Martre you will see lots of small cafes with fixed prices.
Hope this helps as a start... post specific questions and I will try to answer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)