Fun Vacations for the Frugal in France
There's not enough room to list all of the sportive vacations available at the Union nationale des Centres sportifs de Plein Air. The UCPA has been providing ultra-cheap, ultra-exciting activity holidays to French citizens for 40 years, so why not hop over to the Alps, French Riviera or the City of Light (Paris) for a vacation like none other. These all-inclusive packages--accommodation, instruction/guiding, three meals per day and equipment rentals--are often geared for solo adventurers and ensure that you will interact socially during your time on the ski hill, out on the water, making the turn toward the 18th tee, or at the lively lounge inside the accommodation center. If you're apprehensive, choose a private room or better yet, allow the UCPA to pair you with other like-minded, single travelers and share a double, triple or quad. Prices are rock-bottom and even with airfare expenses (not included in package), these unforgettable, week-long European holidays can cost less than $1,500. Avoid UK booking agents that charge unnecessary commissions and book directly with the UCPA.
UCPA
http://www.ucpa.com/ (click the small British flag for English version)
Enjoyment and Education in the Cascades
Traveling alone in the mountains during anytime of year isn't a good idea, but especially during winter in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. Sign-up for a multi-day avalanche training/certification course with Seattle-based, Mountain Madness, and gain invaluable knowledge about the backcountry with experienced guides and a group of other adventurous powder hounds. You'll meet people during the course that will likely turn out to be your ski/board buddies for the remainder of your time outside of class. Most of Washington's premier mountain resorts are within 1.5 hours of downtown Seattle, providing access to one of North America's greatest cities as well as one of the world's most beautiful alpine environments. By the way, if climbing Everest or Kilimanjaro sounds like a better singles vacation idea, the guides at Mountain Madness will gladly accommodate.
Mountain Madness Inc.
3018 SW Charlestown St.
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 937-8389 or (800)-328-5925
www.mountainmadness.com
Never Alone Under the Sea
Wandering alone in the mountains isn't smart, nor is diving solo. Diving is one of those activities that can be hard to coordinate with others (let alone find someone who is certified depending on where you live). So perhaps a single's dive holiday is a good option. There a number of companies--SingleDivers, The Dive Bus and more---that make sure when you go under, there's someone close-by to guarantee you come back up.
SingleDivers
(215) 350-7003
http://www.singledivers.com/
The Dive Bus
011 (5999) 693 8305
http://www.the-dive-bus.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=314
Tulips and Orange T-Shirt's
Amsterdam provides endless cultural offerings that will keep any single traveler occupied for quite a while. Celebrate Dutch independence on May 1st at the "Queen's Day" festival where seemingly everyone clad in bright orange will lend you a smile and a Heineken. If you're into cycling, then the Dutch sapital is the place for you. Navigate the canals and enjoy the picturesque architecture and tulips in full bloom. One of the greatest advantages of traveling solo through Amsterdam (or other great destinations in Holland like Rotterdam, Gronigen or Maastricht) is that along with the welcoming nature of Nederlanders, virtually the entire native population speaks English, making interaction and communication a breeze.
Kiwi's Make the Best Friends
Maybe it's the incredible natural beauty of their Island or perhaps it's the relative isolation from many of the world's great conflicts, but whatever the reason, New Zealanders (affectionately referred to as Kiwi's) have a reputation for being some of the most hospitable folks on earth. Climb, bike, hike, dive, surf, ski, snowboard, sky-dive, ride horses, race dirt bikes or partake in any of the limitless singles vacation opportunities on either the North or South Island. And don't forget, you'll find more than one friend in a country full of friends.
