Solo Traveler Newsletter February 2016 - Canadian Edition

Published: Mon, 02/01/16

 
 




Tip of the Month!

52 Places To Go in 2016


It’s a big world out there, so the New York Times has narrowed it down for you, with incredible interactive photos and descriptions of each location. From ancient temples to crystalline waters, here are their top destinations to visit this year.
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Great Travel Links
Want to avoid a vacation rental surprise?  When you opt for a vacation rental rather than a hotel, hostel, or B&B, there can be surprises, as there aren't really any official standards. Sometimes, the surprises are pleasant. Sometimes, not so much. From elliott.org, how to avoid a negative surprise with a vacation rental.

12 apps to keep in 2016. Out with the old, in with the new, and hang on to what works. If you are purging unused or less than ideal apps from your smartphone in the new year, here are some to consider keeping. From The New York Times, a list of tested apps that make travel easier or more enjoyable.

Zika virus: what Canadian travellers need to know. With all the information out there, it's difficult to assess the risk to Canadians who travel to countries facing an outbreak of this mosquito-borne virus. From CBC News, here's a rundown of what Canadians should know about Zika virus.

The most clicked on link last month.

Hold on to your boarding pass. That little piece of paper that you have to show at every checkpoint in the airport (and sometimes post a photo of on Facebook) contains more than just your flight information. Peter Greenberg recommends keeping track of it and destroying it once you get home. Hang on to your boarding pass to safeguard your personal info.

And of course...

No Single Supplements Allowed. Don't forget to check out the Solo Traveler Deals page before planning your solo trip. You may just find exactly what you need there at a great price.

Gear, Books and Great Travel Resources - We're expanding our travel resources section all the time. Every piece of gear and every book is there because I like it. I can stand behind it. As for the travel tools and resources, I've used and recommend many of them while some are recommendations from readers.  

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The Pics of the Week
Pics of the Week are contributed by members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.  
Every week on Solo Traveler we publish a photo from the travels of one of the members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Join the fun. Simply "Like" our Facebook page and you can submit a photo. Then tell your friends when you're published.

Click on last month's photos below to see who made the contribution and where it was taken.

 
Financial Fridays
Travel Farther, Longer, & More Often
You have consistently told us that money is the main reason you don't travel more. To the rescue: #Financial Fridays! Every week, we will bring you tips and advice to help you travel more, better, and more often. Financial Fridays--because the best things in life aren't things.



We’re starting a 3-part series on the big 3 of travel expenses: transportation, accommodation and food. This time how to travel, eat well and save on food.  Continue reading → 


Tickets to Attractions and Day Tours: How to Get the Best Deal

Where there are tourists there are hucksters. Here’s how to avoid being ripped off and how to get the best deal on tickets to attractions and day tours.  Continue reading → 

When to Buy (and Not Buy) Trip Insurance

The balance between protecting your money and saving your money can be tricky. Here are tips on your decision to buy, or not buy, trip insurance.  Continue reading → 

The research says travel. To get more happiness travel. It’s simple. And here are 7 posts that will help you do so.  Continue reading → 

I’ve scoured the lists all over the net these days for the best destinations for solo travelers on a budget. Here my list of six I’m considering.  Continue reading → 
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Fave Five Posts Last Month

In case you missed them, here are the five most read posts on Solo Traveler last month.


Discovering Franciacorta: Please Don't Wake Me

The setting: a grand palazzo in the Italian countryside of Lombardy. The drink: the delicately bubbly Franciacorta of Berlucchi. If this is a dream, please don’t wake me! Continue reading →

10 Things I Love To Do When I Travel Solo

From safety to getting the most out of your trip, here are my top ten things to do when you travel solo. Continue reading →

Solo Travel Destination: Washington, DC

For a completely indulgent solo getaway to enjoy food, wine, and culture at your own pace, consider Washington, DC. Continue reading →

Solo Travel Destination: Easter Island

For beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and history, and great hiking, this Solo Travel Society member recommends a visit to Easter Island. Continue reading →

Plans for Solo Traveler 2016 & Reader Survey Results

You’ve told us what you think, what you need and what you want more of. Now we let you know what you said and what we’re planning for Solo Traveler in 2016. Continue reading →

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On the 3rd Monday of the month you'll receive the

Solo Traveler Advisory


Watch for it.