Gift Idea: Single Parent Travel Handbook

2003 was a good year for single parent travelers: some resorts finally changed old habits that penalize solo parents; and a new force on the web now organizes several single parent trips a year. Single Parent Travel Network is the brainchild of veteran traveler Brenda Elwell, and GlobalBrenda's new book just might make an excellent Christmas gift for someone you know.

Single Parent Family Travel Handbook

Brenda Elwell has not only traveled extensively with her two kids, she also worked for 30 years in the travel industry. Can you trust her advice? I'd bet on it.

Brenda offers many practical tips about all aspects of single parent travel. She has tips on estimating expenses, saving on hotel expenses; she has the scoop on documents needed to take a child out of the country (when only one birth parent is traveling.)

But what I like most about her book is that she writes not only for family vacationers, but also for family travelers.

For example: Brenda includes "Trips of a Lifetime" outings to Egypt and the Galagos Islands. Always, she's looking for opportunities to learn about cultures, and to interact with local people. Her Preparation section, "Planning ahead to Meet the Locals" has excellent tips, whether you're heading to Denver or Ecuador. I felt inspired, while reading anecdotes about her farflung travels: time to plan a real adventure with my family!

Of course there are also many ideas closer to home: Drive or Fly/Drive vacations; Riviera Maya and Hawaii; a special section on National Parks.

The book can be ordered from Amazon.com; or order direct from the author, and your book will be signed. Head to:

Single Parent Family Travel Handbook. While you're at the site, sign up for the free newsletter.