REVIEWS OF THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK "Elwell, a certified travel consultant with more than 30 years' experience and founder of the Single Parent Travel newsletter as well as www.SingleParentTravel.net, draws upon her own experiences, along with stories and information collected from her online customer survey, to provide the single parent with advice on how to make the most out of traveling with children in the United States and abroad. Divided into seven chapters - including "Preparation", "Storing and Reliving the Memories," and "Recommended Destinations & Activities" - the handbook offers much of the same information as the standard travel guides, but the focus on single parenthood adds a special twist. Elwell includes dozens of realistic depictions of situations that can occur while traveling with children and explains what kinds of responsibilities children of different ages can be given while on a trip. She also provides the single parent with destination ideas, discusses how to handle occasional conflicts, and includes true traveling stories by single fathers. The only book on the subject, this is recommended for all public libraries." - Alison Hopkins, Brantford P. L., Ont. LIBRARY JOURNAL For single parents Single parents make up more than a quarter of all US households -- and they are traveling in greater numbers, about 25 percent more in the past decade. The Single Parent Travel Handbook caters to that group, and there's also a Single Parent Travel Network website (www.SingleParentTravel.net). The number one complaint of such parents is the single supplement, or an extra charge for people in tour groups or cruise ships in single rooms, according to author Brenda Elwell. In her book, she gives travel tips to guide single parents through the planning process, including both pitfalls and good destinations. A bonus: funny stories from single dads traveling with kids. - BOSTON GLOBE

" The Single Parent Travel Handbook " by Brenda Elwell is an expressly practical travel guide for single parents and shows them how to plan ahead, pack, take care of documents and vaccinations, as well as providing them with suggestions for fun activities, anecdotes from single moms and single dads, and much, much more. The Single Parent Travel Handbook is a warmhearted, 'reader friendly', and earnestly recommended guidebook devoted to the special concerns and problems associated with single parent travel. "- MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

""In today's world, the single parent phenomenon has become more the rule than the exception. What is one to do when it comes to traveling with one's children by one's self? The Single Parent Travel Handbook answers that and so much more. The author includes many examples from traveling with her own two children for eighteen years, while she has worked in the travel industry for over thirty years. The book is well organized, its information helpful and complete, and it is interesting. She thoughtfully includes the point of view of single dads as well. Highly praised by such organizations as Parents Without Partners, this book provides both practical suggestions and many travel stories, which drive home the importance of the information she shares. We rated this book five hearts. "- Bob Spear, HEARTLAND REVIEWS

"A must read for anyone who wants to make family memories last a lifetime! Whether single parent, 2-parent family, grandparent, family reunion trip, or a person traveling alone, this book is a great research tool for the novice or experienced traveler, with practical tips that really work and suggestions you know had to come from personal experience. The stories and articles range from entertaining to downright hilarious. Read this book even if you can't afford to travel-it makes you feel as if you are there!"-Kay Brewer, PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS

"Aimed at: Single parents or parents traveling apart from their spouses who could use some help to make vacationing with children more manageable.

"What it's about: There's a lot here that any traveler can use: advice on trip planning, creating an itinerary, estimating expenses and carrying money. But it also contains some helpful suggestions on traveling alone with children, from getting a letter of consent from the other parent to keeping kids busy during long trips to treating illnesses. Some information is basic enough that you can probably figure it out yourself, but it's nice to have it condensed in one book. Elwell is a cottage industry: She has a Web site, www.singleparenttravel.net (read the section on avoiding the single supplement); a free monthly e-mail newsletter and will start a tour service for single-parent families, www.singleparenttours.com, this summer." - Michael Martinez, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

This is a really smart idea for a book, and the author pulls it off with nary a hitch. It's always rewarding to see a book author who has identified a neglected niche of readers and developed a book that so accurately caters to their information needs. This book is packed with information goodies (and clever ideas, such as the transportation activity sheet on p. 19) and the author's personal anecdotes, told with an inviting tone, add a warm dimension to the exposition. The author clearly invested a great deal of time and energy into the research of this book, and it pays off for the reader. While some of the specific destination notes seem to lack the timeless quality that makes a lasting travel book successful, this book should have a good shelf life for a year or so. - WRITER'S DIGEST

She traipsed around the world with her daughter and son, counting pennies and cashing in on priceless memories. From Alaska to Egypt, Guatemala to Zion National Park, Brenda Elwell and her kids field-tested the facts behind The Single Parent Travel Handbook.

Why should you build an itinerary? What paperwork is necessary for a single parent to take their kids out of the country? These are just two of the multitude of questions Elwell addresses in initial chapters on preparation. Throughout the book, valuable information is punctuated with humour (don't miss the section about drawing a picture itinerary for young kids.)

Elwell, a single parent and working member of the travel industry, takes the reader by the hand and leads them through trip basics. Are you going to travel by bus, plane, train, car? What if you're a single parent who's never had to deal with renting a car before? What if your child gets sick? Not to worry, Elwell arms you with the knowledge you need to handle almost anything. This is her forte. The reader quickly realizes she's been there, done that, and comes away with a host of valuable tips and a knack for sharing them.

More than memories, "travel gives your children a wonderful payoff in terms of education and sophistication..." Elwell's anecdotes and personal experiences are complemented by a section of travel stories from single parent dads (ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s with children from preschool to post-college age.)

The last third of the handbook is dedicated to a selection of recommended single parent destinations and activities. They are scattered around the world and based on trips that the Elwell's family has taken over the years.

The only downfall of the book for Canadians is that Elwell is American and her local trips are U.S.-based (this is balanced by listings of Canadian travel agents who specialize in single parent travel at the back of the book). Ideas for going one step further (longer flights and into Mexico) as well as trips of a lifetime (Egypt, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands) work no matter where you live.

The Single Parent Travel Handbook is an excellent blend of field-tested advice, humour, and detailed information that makes you want to pack up and go - right now! --- The Western Parent by Megan Kopp

New Books for the Thrifty Reader

Much of her advice could apply to anyone's vacation, but she has a good eye for money-saving tactics (and she wastes no time plugging this magazine-we're on page 3). Highlights: sections on outstanding single-parent destinations; documentation tips for divorcees taking their children overseas legally; and lists of specialist travel bookers. - Jason Cochran Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine

Brenda Elwell easily qualifies as an expert professional travel advisor and a terrific mother. Elwell spent more than 30 years in the travel industry and still loves to travel. She has traveled to more than 60 countries and 45 states, and many of her travels included her two children.

From her own experiences, and the information she gleaned from fellow single-parent travelers, Elwell has written an extremely comprehensive travel book. You don't have to be a single parent to enjoy it. Aunts, uncles and grandparents can all learn from the information provided in "The Single Parent Travel Handbook."

Elwell and her children scrimped and saved money all year for their annual two-week vacation. When Elwell started traveling with her children she found it sometimes awkward because most tours and vacations were geared toward couples with children.

Her book is laid out quite practically and written with a good deal of humor. Elwell starts with the basics: how much money you can spend, how long a vacation should be and what destinations are sure to please everyone.

She explains how to use some basic vacation research tools and outlines how much time you should allow for searching out a destination. She discusses where you can gather the information you'll need, the books she thinks are the most useful , and how you should learned what activities are available at the locale you have chosen. Elwell goes through every detail, step by step. She says it's important to involve child travelers in the decision making.

The Single Parent Travel Handbook has a section in which single parent dads tell of their experiences while on vacation. They all have great memories of their experiences.

While this is definitely not a destination book, Elwell does write about destinations to which she and her children have traveled. From the mild and usual destinations to the wild and exotic, Elwell has tried them all and share the information with you.

The Single Parent Travel Handbook is chock full of information. Elwell tells about her travels with a mix of common sense, great warmth and humor. Please remember you do not have to be a single parent to enjoy this book and make good use of the information.

Elwell has her own website that offers single-parent tour itineraries and weekend getaways. It also lists travel agencies that specialize in single-parent family vacations.

You can purchase the 278-page The Single Parent Travel Handbook at your local bookstore, order it at SingleParentTravel.net or call 800-431-1579. If you have any ideas about where you would like to go on vacation with children, you may email Elwell at Brenda@SingleParentTravel.net, - Judy Steele, Woodall's Camper Ways

"You are a single parent. What will you do on vacation with your child or children?

Where are the best places to go so you all can have fun? Do you need a medical kit? What shots should you get?

Did you know that, if you are a divorcee traveling overseas with a child, you need a consent form signed by your former spouse saying it's OK to take the child out of the country?

Or that as a single parent you often can get a single room rate and, if the child is younger than 18, he or she can stay free.

All this and more in "The Single Parent Travel Handbook" by Brenda Elwell (GlobalBrenda Publishing, $17.95). It goes on sale March 21. Also check the Web at www.singleparenttravel.net. " Gerry Volgenau, DETROIT FREE PRESS

"Having retired, I traveled extensively throughout many years as a career naval officer. This handbook provides an outstanding reference for the novice traveler as well as an excellent refresher for the seasoned explorer. It is a thorough, interesting, and invaluable guide; as well as an accurate book of ideas and recommendations for safely and comfortably traveling with a family on a fixed budget. I was particularly impressed with the detailed recommendations that will certainly offer every opportunity for adventures to become memorable, unforgettable, and pleasant experiences for your entire family. " Louis J. Giannotti Former Commanding Officer, USS Halyburton (FFG 40)

"'Traveling with children is like traveling third class in Bulgaria.' Robert Benchley

For years, I was a believer in Benchley, seeing even a trip to the mall as a trek to darkest demonia. Now, when my children are finally taller than I am, Brenda Elwell has written The Single Parent Travel Handbook. It's too late for me, but whether you're a single parent or not, get a copy of Elwell's book before you set off on another family adventure. The book is packed with good and useful stuff - from tips to touring. I truly recommend it." -Nancy, GreenLightWrite.com

" It's a great book, not to mention one whose time has come!" American Markets Newsletter

Terrific Advice for Single Parents Traveling with Kids 'My flight logbook entry simply states, 'Kids to Grandpa, 4.7 hours.' The flight in a single engine Cessna from Seattle to Northern California was to be an adventure, but how was I to know that before the weekend was over, I would have had a long conversation with Poison Control and would end up on my knees tasting suspicious-looking white flakes off the floor.'

- Peter Koza, USA Pilot, writes of his vacation with two-year-old twins

Traveling with kids can be challenging enough for a two-parent household. But for a single parent, with no spouse to share the planning and responsibility, it can be even more taxing.

That's why The Single Parent Travel Handbook by travel industry veteran Brenda Elwell should be mandatory reading for every single parent planning a trip with kids.

Thanks to Elwell's years as a travel agent and advisor - and a single mom traveling at home and abroad with her two children - single parents now have a knowledgeable expert to guide them in planning and enjoying travel with their kids.

In 298 fact-packed pages Elwell details where to go, how to get there and how to share fun on the way and at the destination. Leaving nothing to chance, she offers solid advice on planning, getting the right documents (including needed vaccinations according to your destination), packing and managing money (before and during a journey).

For those who want to leave some of the planning to a travel agent, Elwell explains how to find one who understands the goals and needs of single parent travel, then details how to make reservations and even deal with the dreaded 'single supplement' penalty.

And after the planning and destination choices are made, she outlines different modes of travel and what to expect on each.

Elwell also includes one of the most necessary concerns (often overlooked in 'how to' books) - dealing with issues, from parent/child conflict, to illness and emergencies, to sharing confidences and trust, to fitting in with local citizens and their traditions (Suggestion #2 - Take the local bus or subway).

At the end, she recommends some interesting ways to store the memories - photos, videos, diaries and scrapbooks - in ways one might not normally imagine.

Alternative vacation ideas and some intriguing destinations, domestic and foreign, round out Elwell's excellent advice, including a state-by-state listing of travel agencies who understand the intricacies and rewards of single parent travel with their kids

. So what ever happened to Koza and his two girls? 'My times as a single parent have been some of the best of my life...And we have many more adventures yet to come.' So will single parents who read Elwell's valuable book.

The Single Parent Travel Handbook is distributed by Beagle Bay Books and available anywhere books are sold, or at www.SingleParentTravel.net (an excellent site for planning your next trip or subscribing to Brenda Elwell's newsletter). "

It's worth its weight in kids." Where to Go Next Newsletter