June 3: Single Travelers Lament

When someone hears that I travel internationally for vacation - alone - the first thing they want to know is why.  However, anyone who has fled the claustrophobic claws of a tiresome or unadventurous companion, if just for a couple of hours, knows the answer.  Some rare private time can be a vacation within itself and often the most memorable discoveries during a trip are  made while solo wandering. 

Then the curious will ask how I manage to traipse through countries armed with only a  few words of the language and unprotected by a sidekick to commiserate with about the journey.  I tell them that it has more to do with attitude than strategy:  You start out determined to enjoy yourself, and things tend to work out that way.  If they don't, at least you can be consoled by remembering that you'll be heading back home soon.   Then you plan activities and excursions knowing that you can usually count on finding a ticket or a seat for one, even at the popular events.

The downside however, is that single supplement charge you have to pay for rooms, and the 2-for1 bargains that will never come your way.   So though I am normally an independent traveler, when exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale this summer I am going to be sure to bring along a friend.

This summer is bargain time in Greater Fort Lauderdale for traveling companions, whether visitors on vacation or residents on a getaway close to home.  The destination has a variety of deals through September 30 where two can get pampered at spas in resorts with an ocean view, charter catamarans, meander through museums, enjoy professional theater, visit attractions such as the Bonnet House, or scoot along A1A on a rented battery-powered segway from M Cruz Rentals - all for the price of one. Click here for more information or go to www.sunny.org/summer.

As for the single traveler - half-price, anyone?

-Kitty Oliver, Ph.D.
 Oral Historian