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Please find below our most recent travel blog, that we will continue to update with new destinations and stories...

Windsor

Hi Everyone

I was able to get down to Windsor this weekend to have a look at our hotel as well as visit the sights featured in our November 2012 & March 2013 trip. This former coaching inn is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Eton with good food, friendly service and comfortable rooms. It is just 2 minutes walk from Eton college and a 10 minute walk from spectacular Windsor Castle. Our visit to the castle was a real eye opener and a real insight to a piece of British history thanks to the audio guide and the informative wardens. Bars, restaurants as well as the all important shopping and cream teas are right on your doorstep, this area of Berkshire is almost a different world. We had a great time overall and see why this is perfect for a weekend to get away from normality.

Jennifer Wilson, Product Executive

Top 10 Paris

22 June 12

To celebrate our new 30th Anniversary day trip to Paris, Solos’ Lucy, who was lucky enough to visit Paris twice last year, has complied her top 10 favourite things about La Ville-Lumière:

  1. Picnic under the Eiffel Tower – the long grassy stretch of the Parc du Champ-de-Mars is the perfect place to enjoy one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
  2. Hot chocolate – it’s served thick and rich; you can literally stand your spoon up in it.
  3. Notre Dame – one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It’s extremely beautiful and there are some great little cafes and restaurants nearby.
  4. The Latin Quarter – head to the Pantheon and Jardin du Luxembourg. This lively student area also has some great little bars.
  5. The Louvre - just don’t try and cover it all in one day. If you’re limited on time, do your research about the collections and head to the ones you most want to see.
  6. Stroll down the Champs Elysees – known as ‘’The most beautiful street in the world’’ it’s all grandeur and glamour.
  7. Monmatre and Sacre-Coeur – Winding up the hill to Sacre-Coeur, Monmatre has an arty, indie feel, distinguishing itself from the rest of Paris. The views from the church at the top stretch all over Paris and are magnificent.
  8. Town planning – in the 19th century a huge urban planning project took place in Paris which saw higgledy piggledy medieval buildings knocked down and replaced with long straight wide boulevards. It gives the city an ordered but beautifully stylish and stately appearance which is best enjoyed from up high, on top of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.
  9. An aimless amble – the streets are elegant and interesting. Take in the buildings, balconies, boulangeries and boutiques.
  10. Shakespeare & Company – great English language book shop near Notre Dame. It’s named after the original Shakespeare & Company owned by Sylvia Beach who published James Joyce’s Ulysses. The original one was closed down by the Nazis.

Solos X PS - And if you have time Versailles. One of the greatest palaces in the world.  

Solos' Kate's Memories of the Silver Jubilee 1977

11 May 12

 

35 years have passed since the last Jubilee, so before I cast my mind back as to how I spent the day I couldn’t resist having a quick look back at what else happened in this year as well as the celebration of our Queen’s 25 year reign on the throne.  A quick search on the internet and I had satisfied my curiosity, but I paused momentarily to dwell on the fact that the internet search I had just carried out would not have even been possible back then, the advances in technology alone over the last 35 years are simply overwhelming.  But what else happened that year?  In no particular order:-
 
• The bookies favourite Red Rum won the Grand National for the 3rd time 
• Saturday Night Fever and Smokey and the Bandit were the latest hits at the box office
• Apple's first computer went on sale
• The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley died at the age of 42
• Songs by The Eagles, The Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac  and Hot Chocolate were playing on the radio 
• The last execution by guillotine in France took place!
 
As for the Silver Jubilee on June 7th 1977, I must confess that my recollection of the actual day was a little hazy,  but with the help of some old photos and a quick chat with my dear mum the memories started to take shape.  Between the specially decorated hats my sister and I made at school, the clothes we wore on the day in the patriotic colours of red, white and blue and our union jack flags, we were certainly dressed for the occasion!  The town council where we lived at the time had arranged an event at the local park.  We enjoyed live music played on the band stand, the mixture of stalls at the small fete, entertainers and traditional maypole dancing – a good day I am assured was had by all.  I don’t remember on that day that a pint of milk cost 11p, a loaf bread 15p and a pint of beer 38p, but I do remember constantly waving that union jack flag without a care in the world; and the one clear memory that my mum has?  “It wasn’t a particularly warm for a June day.” Well, some things will never change……………

Kate, Product Manager at Solos (ps - I'm the one in the red dress!)
 
Has this jogged your memory of the Silver Jubilee? Let us know how you celebrated 70's style! Email marketing@solos.co.uk and we'll include it in our next blog post. 

All About England this St. George's Day

01/03/12

Here at Solos, we’ve been busy making final preparations for our lively St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on the 17th March. But this actually got us thinking – why does St. George’s Day (on April 23 in case you didn’t know!) often pass uncelebrated? Even Wales’ St. David and Scotland’s St. Andrew seem to get more of a look in than poor, forsaken St. George.

With this in mind, we thought we’d highlight some of our favourite English escapes to help you get into the patriotic, party spirit for this St. George’s Day.

1. 60’s Weekend in Liverpool  - Join us for a fun-packed Solos 60's weekend. Take in the sights of historic Liverpool along with a visit to 'The Beatles Story', where musical magic is relived on an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Fab Four.

2. The Grand National - Experience all the thrills and excitement of The Grand National. As the most famous steeplechase in the world, this event has become a firm favourite on the British sporting calendar.

3. Lake District Rambling - From Lake Windermere, the longest lake in England, to the small Rydal Water, the Lake District is simply sensational. Explore its many hills and valleys and perhaps view some wildlife too.

4. Brighton - Join us for a jolly weekend in Brighton. This cosmopolitan city, offers a mixture of the traditional and modern through its variety of attractions.

5. London - One of the major capitals of the world, join us in vibrant and unique London town!

Solos X 

There's something about Saint Lucia



To celebrate the launch of ‘September Solos’ at The BodyHoliday Saint Lucia we thought we’d share why we here at Solos Holidays are head-over-heels for this Caribbean slice of paradise. Here's what's so special about Saint Lucia...

·         The lush island of Saint Lucia is the most mountainous in the Caribbean. It’s famous, towering Pitons have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their outstanding beauty.

·         Saint Lucia is not only volcanic but one of the few islands in the world to have a drive-in volcano – the Qualibou; you can even bathe in its therapeutic sulphur springs.

·         Stunning coral reefs and marine life make for a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise.     

·         With over 18,000 acres of rainforest, a hike into the mountains is truly spectacular.  You may even come across one of the island’s many hidden waterfalls...

·         Friday night ‘jump-ups’ in Gros Islet village in the north of the island are legendary. You can enjoy steamed fish, bbq chicken and Piton beer, and dance the night away to calypso and reggae, at this lively street party.

·         The BodyHoliday is a spectacular resort which brings a whole new meaning to the term All-Inclusive. This 5* beachside hotel has water sports, fitness classes and a spa treatment for every day of your stay included within the price, along with exquisite dining options.

Solos is now able to offer holidays for people wishing to travel and take some time out by themselves, rather than holidaying within a group.  For holidays in September 2012 (departing from 02-23 Sep), we are pleased to be able to offer 'September Solos' at The BodyHoliday Saint Lucia. Find out more here.  

Solos X

Jordan celebrates 200 years since the rediscovery of Petra

 

12 Jan 12

In 2012 Jordan marks 200 years since the rediscovery of the ancient city of Petra. This 6th century BC city, considered one of the ‘New’ Wonders of the World, was carved out of the rose coloured rock face by the Nabatean people over 2,500 years ago and consists of numerous facades, tombs and even an amphitheatre. It remained unknown to the modern world until it was rediscovered by Swiss Explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.

UNESCO has described Petra as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage'.

Discover Petra for yourself on our tour Delights of Jordan this April (currently reduced by £190).  

 

Why you can't beat Prague for a Christmas lover's Christmas

07 Dec 11

In last week’s e-newsletter we revealed that Solos staff had voted Prague the number 1 place to spend Christmas this year.  Come December this beautiful, medieval city is transformed into a winter wonderland with a world-class Christmas market pride of place in the famous Old Town Square; this is the place to be if you love all things Christmas.

The Christmas market, open every day including Christmas day, consists of brightly-coloured wooden huts selling everything from sausages, pastries and hot wine to gifts such as handmade jewellery and Christmas decorations. A programme of events runs daily on a stage in the middle of the square, and includes Christmas carols as well as other musical performances.    

Often covered in a blanket of snow during the festive season, Prague’s ‘chocolate-box’ streets, squares and landmarks look magical at this time of year. Prague Castle, which was once home to the Holy Roman Emperors and contains the magnificent Royal Palace, is the largest in the world and a great place to spend a memorable afternoon. The 14th century iconic Charles Bridge connects Prague Castle to the Old Town and affords beautiful views of the river Vltava snaking through the city.

Find out more about spending Christmas in Prague here.

Solos X

  

Top tips for your first group singles holiday

30 Nov 11

Pre-Holiday

1) Think about what you want to do on holiday. Lie on a beach? Discover a new city? Play a sport? Establish what kind of holiday you want to go on, as well as the destination you want to travel to; you’ll enjoy it all the more and will meet like-minded people who share the same preferences as you.

2) Think about who you want to go on holiday with. Do you want to go with people of a similar age or would you like a mixture of ages? Solos Holidays has age guidelines on all their holidays. They are 30-45, 40-59, 50+ and All Ages.

3) Make contact with the group before you travel. A forum or Facebook page like the ones Solos Holidays has are the perfect channel to do this on. They enable you to ask questions to staff and fellow travellers as well as ‘meet’ people who are going on your particular holiday with you. 

On Holiday

4) You'll find out from Solos where you are meeting your group at the start of your holiday, and how to identify your fellow holiday-makers as well as your Tour Leader. If you are flying, this will probably be at the airport; otherwise, you may have a set time and place to meet at your hotel. Often the Tour Leader will have a clip board with the Solos logo, or you can spot fellow Solos travellers if they decide to use their Solos luggage tag.

5) Think of some questions that you can ask to get to know other members of the group and to break the ice. For example, ‘is this your first singles holiday?’ or ‘why did you choose this particular holiday?’ You’ll often find people love to travel, meet new people and try new things, just like you.  

6) Make the most of your Tour Leader. They are a resource about the local area, organise any group activities and excursions and someone to share mealtimes with. They are not just be a ‘rep’, but a companion who travels with the group from the time you arrive at the airport to when you wave goodbye at the end of your holiday.

7) Do what you want to do. You can spend as much or as little time with the group and your Tour Leader as you like. Don’t feel obliged to always join in on group activities and excursions if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes it’s good to have some ‘me time’.  

Post-Holiday

8) Try and stay in contact with new friends and acquaintances. Before you leave, make sure you get their contact details and get back onto our Facebook page or forum to swap stories and pictures and to start planning your next single traveller experience.  

Solos X

Going Solo for the First Time: A Newcomers' Week in Turkey

30 Sep 11

Read competition winner Steven Kirby’s day-by-day account of his first Solo’s Holiday to Turkey:

Monday

“I landed at Dalaman to scorching heat and palm trees and travelled with a group of strangers, who were later to become friends, to the Forever Hotel in Ovacik, Fethiye.

We all got to know each other pretty quickly but it’s amazing how nervous us adults can be when meeting for the first time in new surroundings; we soon put those fears to one side however as we introduced ourselves and got talking...

At 19.30 we met with Naci Dincer, our Tour Leader, for a welcome drink and evening meal. Eventually we all retired to our rooms, as the day’s events had caught up with us and we wanted to be fresh for our second day.

Tuesday

Our first excursion on Tuesday was to Fethiye food & tourist market to try our hand at haggling with the local traders, who I found to be very friendly and very willing to help us spend our Turkish Lira at their market stalls.

Next it was onto Kaya Koy, known as the ghost village, with several Greek ruins. It felt eerily empty and in need of new occupants to bring the town back to life. We then had a delicious treat of a Turkish Bath with a traditional scrub & soap massage. This is something I will never forget - heaven.

Wednesday

Wednesday was a free day spent relaxing by the hotel pool. We went for lunch in Ovacik Town for some traditional Turkish food.

On Wednesday night our group from the Forever Hotel, plus guests on another Solo’s Holiday down the road, headed down to Fethiye waterfront for a Sunset BBQ Cruise. There was a fantastic sunset, with food and drink to match, and dancing and partying into the early hours; what a great night.

Thursday

On Thursday we visited Tlos, an amazing ruined castle from the crusades. After lunch we arrived at Saklikent Gorge which is about 18 kilometres in length and at least 200ft high. There seemed to be hundreds if not thousands of people wading through the rapids at waist height holding hands in lines to help each other stay upright.

Friday

On Friday we had a 12 Island boat trip and anchored up in 3 bays for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, a BBQ and drinks. This was a fantastic, relaxing day out and at night we went to the Buzz bar at Olu Deniz, for our evening meal where the staff had an extra warm welcome.

Saturday

On Saturday I spent a lazy day by the pool sunbathing, swimming, relaxing, eating and drinking.

In the evening it was the farewell Dinner at Fethiye Old Town indoor market. Afterwards we went for a drink at the Car Cemetary Bar followed by a bus ride back to Hisaronu for a final night of fun dancing on the floor, stage and bar before getting back to the hotel about 5.00am. Talk about dirty stop outs (mentioning no names) Peter, Trevor and Ray!

Sunday

Sunday was a day of rest, as ‘the monsters from the deep’ surfaced for breakfast and headed straight for the sun loungers to catch up on much needed sleep lost during the previous night’s partying; we are not teenagers any more, but we are ageing rather disgracefully and loving every minute of it.

Late afternoon Jaqcui showed me the shopping delights of Olu Deniz to get presents for the family. In the evening we had a few quiet drinks. I don’t think anyone wanted to go home.

Even though I am sure we were all nervous at first about meeting new people, within a few hours we were all chatting and joking like old friends; this has to be my best holiday so far, and I look forward to returning and meeting up again sometime."

Our sun holidays to Turkey depart up until the end of October. Find out more here.

Steve & Solo's X 

Bletchley Park : A National Treasure

16 Sep 11

Here are 5 reasons why we’re offering a new UK break to the enigmatic Bletchley Park:

  • During World War II, Bletchley Park was Britain’s decryption centre, where the ciphers and codes from the German Enigma and Lorenz machines were decrypted.
  • The work undertaken at Bletchley during this time shortened the war by 2 to 4 years.
  • Earlier this year, the Queen dedicated a public memorial at Bletchley Park. Designed and sculpted by artist Charles Gurrey, it serves as a lasting tribute to the Bletchley code-breakers.
  •  Learn about the vital role pigeons played during the wars, as well as other fascinating wartime facts.  During World War II, Britain used 250,000 homing pigeons; the Dickin Medal, the highest decoration for animal valor, was awarded to 32 of them.
  • The gorgeous Victorian mansion is a lovely place to spend a day; explore the ornate interior and relax in the beautiful grounds.

Solo’s X

Going Solo - One Can Have a Lot More Fun

7 Sep 11

This week we have a guest blog by Dinah Holland from one of our partners, Silver Travel Advisor.

“It’s not that I don’t have any friends, you understand, just that some are not built for adventure holidays, or don’t know how to ride (horses, that is, not bicycles) or have no money or, more probably don’t fancy a whole week or two in my company. 

So, that means I have to go on my own. Travelling alone has its advantages and disadvantages but I must point out that I never travel completely alone and always join a group holiday organised by a company that understands my requirements as a single traveller. This is generally made up of like-minded people also wishing to see the same places I have chosen to visit. One of the www.silvertraveladvisor.com  partners, Solo’s Holidays, provides such a service, offering a wide variety of group holidays – from beach breaks to tennis weekends - specifically for the single traveller.

Small cruise ships, such as those operated by Noble-Caledonia or the Star Flyer, are ideal for me: sufficient number of passengers, maximum 120, to meet and become friends with, either for the duration of the cruise or even for longer, but also spacious enough to avoid those one might want to exclude from future Christmas card lists.

Coach trips with 48/50 passengers are anathema to me; better a smaller group of maximum12/14. Indeed Solo’s Holidays’ group sizes are typically between 15-25, but have the added bonus of being steered by a Solo’s Tour Leader; in this respect the tour leader experiences all of the trip, activities or holiday with you and really helps to ‘gel’ the group.

Yet on the other hand, being independent is the greatest advantage for a single traveller. Don’t want to talk to or sit with anyone, then don’t.  I have seen couples, or even friends, who have fallen out on day one and then been stuck with each other for the duration of the holiday.

The main disadvantage is the cost  -  so much hotel accommodation has a single room supplement, although Solo’s Holidays often have double rooms for single occupancy but do not charge extra single supplements.

On some cruise ships where there are no dedicated single cabins this can be fiendishly expensive and involves paying for two beds in a double cabin; though, obviously not eating for two (though this might be possible given the number of meals provided each day…) or occupying two aircraft seats.  But then again, after all the food provided on a cruise ship one might well require two seats for the return flight. It’s always worth enquiring about single cabins, for example, Norwegian Epic cruise ships, used by Solo’s Holidays, have their Studio Staterooms which are specifically designed, and priced, for the single traveller.

Sometimes companies do allow sharing of accommodation.  This again has its pros and cons.  Indeed, the main advantage can be avoiding that pesky single supplement if you are with a company or hotel that charge one.  Apart from sharing with a friend on riding holidays, I have taken the option of sharing with a complete stranger on about four or five occasions.  This has been with a wonderful Swedish tour operator called Polar Quest, an associate company of Noble-Caledonia.  Their clientele is a mixture of Scandinavians (who all speak perfect English) and Brits.

I have always shared with charming and interesting ladies.  Needless to say it’s all same sex sharing!  BUT…… they have all snored.  Maybe it’s the herrings they eat in Norway and Sweden, or maybe the Schnapps they drink.

The worst experience I had was in Mongolia.  I was down to share with Kristina  (I’ve changed her name to protect her identity!) whom I had already met on a previous Polar Quest trip to Spitsbergen. “Good” I said when I was told with whom I was sharing.  “Good fun lady.”  On arrival in our room she said “I have brought you some ear plugs as I snore.  I had an operation to cure the problem but it didn’t work”  “No problem” I said cheerfully “I have often shared with snoring friends on holiday and have my own ear plugs”  But I was not prepared for Kristina’s industrial strength snoring and, despite earplugs and a pillow over my head, I slept not a wink.  Mercifully the tour leader was the owner of the company and took pity on me.  A single room was provided in the hotel and a single tent, pitched as far as possible from Kristina, for the camping part of the holiday.  I heard that the same problem occurred on subsequent trips with Kristina after which the company insisted that she should pay for a single room.

So…. would I recommend anyone to travel alone on holiday?  Definitely yes.  A mature traveller might find it a trifle daunting to backpack alone around India in which case I would recommend joining a group, organised by a specialist company, as small as possible in my experience. There are plenty of special interest holidays available and, who knows, you may find a like minded person with whom to share accommodation in the future!" 

Dinah Holland works as an Advisor for www.silvertraveladvisor.com

Dinah & Solo’s X

How to Take a Great Holiday Photo

23 Aug 11

This week’s guest post comes from owner of Eye Photographic Workshops Michael Potter:

‘Taking a good holiday photograph is the ultimate way to record your adventures - the people you meet and places you see. Digital cameras appear to make the process so easy - just point and shoot – and this is true to an extent. However, if you are using a compact digital camera, or even an SLR, I suggest you forget about the technical stuff and concentrate on composition. This single discipline will make for much better photographs. Here are my top tips for doing so: 

  • Don't always shoot from eye level; get the camera lower or higher to see how it views the world. This is always surprising.
  • When photographing a friend, position them to one side of the screen so you capture information about where they are. You could also think about taking a real ‘portrait’ shot - look for those quiet contemplative moments in your sitter and that far away glint in the eye...
  • Look at inanimate objects more closely to understand how light and shade reacts with them and try your hand at some more creative shots. The light coming through a glass of wine; the condensation on a glass of beer; tomatoes or fruits, glistening in the sunlight.
  • Don't limit yourself to the one shot. Change angle and shoot as many as you need until you get what you want.
  • Take twenty photographs of just people's hands, then the reflections in sunglasses, cats and dogs, insects on flowers, etc. In fact, be more open to exploring visually the world around you. You will never be bored again and it will give you a much better collection of photographs.
  • Finally, get a big enough card for your camera. A 4GB one will give you over a thousand shots’

Michael will be running our Photography in Richmond short break this October.

Solo’s and Michael X

Top 10 things not to miss in Kenya

4 Aug 11

  1. Safari – to see ‘The Big 5’ – Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos and Rhinos
  2. Visit a traditional tribal village-  Kirepwe Island was a thriving Arab trading centre in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The island offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet local villagers and explore unexcavated ancient Swahili ruins, open water-pools and bosks of palm trees.
  3. Take a Mida Dhow trip – cruise along the calm waters of the Mida Creek with beautiful views of Kirepwe island, the sunset and the mangroves.
  4. Dolphin Watching Trips
  5. Birdwatching (Aruboke-Sokoke Forest)
  6. Watersports – snorkelling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing
  7. Watamu National Marine Park – pristine white sand and a coral wonderland
  8. Taste the specialty Kenyan drink “Dawa”, which translates into "medicine" or "magic potion" in Swahili
  9. Diving at Turtle Bay – diving and snorkelling is highly rates by professionals at Watamu National Park. There are more species of fish here, than in the Red Sea.
  10. The Turtle Bay Hotel – It is situated within 10 acres of exotic and beautifully landscaped gardens, with the beach just a few steps away.

Check out Solo's Holidays to Kenya.

Solo's X

A long weekend in Torquay

 By Tour Leader Penny Doran

26 July 2011

This week we have a guest post by Solo’s Tour Leader Penny Doran, who has recently returned from our Torquay holiday.

"A few weeks ago I hosted one of our leisure weekends down in Torquay.  It was a super weekend, only made better by the superb weather we encountered!!  It was a jam-packed - with a steam train journey, two boat trips (watch out for the hilarious commentary during them!) shopping and walking in Dartmouth (with time for a pub lunch!) - and lovely Totnes - more shopping, more ice-cream - and a walk up to the castle....  We also walked down to the really picturesque village of Cockington - a step back in time - and after looking at the craft fair, the house and the lovely gardens - yes, we indulged in a cream tea!!
 
We stay at The Grand - where Agatha Christie spent part of her honeymoon - so it’s quite an historical building.....  It boasts one of the most stunning facades I have ever seen in a UK hotel.... with amazing views over the bay......  At night-time it’s all lit up.... palm trees and all (for you romantics out there!) The food is excellent, the staff really friendly - and a 10 minute walk to the marina....
 
Solo's are hosting a Christmas break to Torquay this year.... and it’s bound to be buzzing with parties, music, singers, bands - so get your dancing shoes on!!  I would highly recommend this venue as a place to be festive and merry!
 
Book it now!!
 
Penny"

Find out more about our short break in Torquay on the 2 & 16 Sep and Christmas in Torquay.

Solo's & Penny X

The Merchant of Vegas

- A Tour Leader’s take on a thoroughly modern Shakespeare Weekend

19 July 11

This week we have a guest post by Solo’s Tour Leader Angela Burns, who has recently returned from our Shakespeare Weekend.

'It was a very successful weekend with enthusiastic clients lingering over Sunday breakfast and all thanking me for such a good time.  This was due in no little part to the play, which was amazing.

A lot of us were wakeful on the Saturday night as we couldn't switch off from the stimulation of the performance.  Many stayed up until the early hours talking about it.

The Las Vegas style, with music and dance, works really well and is visually and aurally very exciting.  The scenes where Portia's suitors have to choose between the boxes of gold, silver and lead are played as a televised reality show, and are hilarious.  All the actors have American accents, Patrick Stewart's Shylock is very low key, whilst some others have a deep southern drawl, and an ‘Elvis’ features largely.  I'm usually a purist and don't like modern, ritzy productions of Shakespeare, but this was so well done, and they all speak the verse so perfectly, that I couldn't recommend it more highly.  

I can't wait to see it again, and I would guess it will transfer to London if there is a theatre available in the autumn.  I'll suggest it to all my theatre going friends.  It's on in repertory until 26 September and you must try and see it!

It was lovely to be back in the hotel again and the clients were loud in their praise of the staff.  The service and food were very good.' 

Find out more about our Shakespeare Weekend, on the 26 August.

Angela & Solo’s X

'From Canadian 'mounties' to California dreaming' - A right royal tour of North America

15 July 11

William and Kate’s recent royal tour of North America has got us dreaming of snow topped mountains, stunning coastlines, cosmopolitan cities and California sunshine, here at Solo’s Towers. Here’s what we wouldn’t want to miss on a (not-so-royal) tour of North America:

  1. Vancouver – vibrant, cosmopolitan harbour city with mountains, rainforests and the ocean on your door step.
  2. Wildlife in Western Canada – From black bears to whale watching
  3. Niagara Falls – truly one of the natural wonders of the world
  4. Boston – Famed as the most historic and culturally rich city in the U.S
  5. The Grand Canyon – you’ll spend awe-struck hours staring at the view
  6. City of Angels – Hollywood; Beverley Hills; Santa Monica. Los Angeles is the famed movie capital of the world.

Take a look at our Canadian and American tours below:

Canadian Adventure

New England & Niagara Falls

America’s Grand West

Solo’s X  

100th year anniversary of Machu Picchu

28 June 2011

It has been 100 years since the discovery of the famous Machu Picchu and there has never been a better time to make the trek to the Inca icon.

View the article in Metro earlier this year that gives you a taste of the breathtaking views you could experience.

If this whets your appetite then don’t delay and book Peruvian Highlights online now with Solo’s to experience this fantastic holiday.

Highlights not to be missed

  • The capital of Peru involves a guided tour of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Contrasting coastal views to mountainous landscapes
  • A guided city tour unravels the mystery surrounding the city of Cuzco, one-time capital of the Inca Empire.
  • Soak up the atmosphere of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, within the unforgettable Urubamba Valley.
  • The magnificent train journey, followed by a scenic coach ride, to the dramatic site of Machu Picchu; a life-long dream of many.
  • Scenic train ride across the high Andean landscape

Departuring 9 September 2011 for 9 nights - find out more...

Solo’s x

Diary of a newcomer's first Solo's Holiday

22 June 2011

Solo’s newcomer Amanda Seaward recently returned from Forever Turkey - one of our best-loved Sun holidays. Read her honest, day by day account of her first group holiday:

My week on the Forever Turkey tour

-By Amanda Seaward

ARRIVAL & TOURS

I arrived late Monday afternoon at the hotel and we were warmly welcomed by our Solo’s rep Naci and the hotel staff. Guests were then shown to their rooms and everyone then converged at the bar. There were some guests already there from the previous week and in total there were 16 of us.

There was not a welcome dinner as originally planned on this night, so people quickly made their own arrangements as to what they wanted to do for dinner. Some people were familiar with the resort and were quick to venture out. Everyone was invited but me and a few others were less adventurous and were happy to stay at the hotel as there was the option to eat in. A Meze was prepared and it was beautiful - Early night and off to bed for me.

Tuesday morning after breakfast we had our welcome meeting where information on the resort and trips were provided. I signed up for a few, as I was keen to explore the local area, the first one beginning that afternoon which involved a trip to Fethiye Market, Town and Kaya Koy (ghost village).

This was a very good trip and well worth it. It was lovely that the Naci acted as tour rep and his knowledge and passion was excellent as was his company. I experienced the beautiful colours and smells of the market and was able to purchase some gifts for home. I also got to experience Turkish pancakes.

The ghost town was amazing and was the first time I had experienced a place like this.

Later, when returning to the hotel, the weather was not great and this was the ideal opportunity to have a traditional Turkish bath. After a long day travelling the day before and after an afternoon of adventure it was ideal. It made me feel so relaxed and was good fun. Tuesday night was our welcome dinner and a good opportunity to meet the other guests.

On Thursday I went on another trip, this time to visit Tlos (ruined castle and tombs).  Naci again acted as our tour rep. Lunch was included at a lovely restaurant in a stunning location between the trees. Food again was excellent as was the hospitality. After lunch we visited Saklikent Gorge where I got to walk through the rapids and springs at Turkey’s largest canyon. This will be one of my most memorable experiences of the holiday as it was breathtaking and I was able to feel like a kid again as I fought to stay upright in the rapids whilst holding on to everyone else in a chain.

On Sunday I went on a trip to Dalyan on a boat travelling through the reed beds. Solo’s offer this trip but due to lack of numbers it was cancelled so a few of us arranged it independently as an identical package was available and I did not want to miss out. The trip included: a mud bath and sulphur pools; view of Lycian rock tombs from the river; watching loggerhead turtles being fed; a beach stop plus lunch. Again I can’t fault this trip, it was well worth it and I have lots of photos of the mud bath as a memento.

RELAXING BY THE POOL, MEALS & ENTERTAINMENT

Other days were taken up by lazy days by the pool or visits to Olu Deniz for lunch and the lagoon.

Evening meals and entertainment, which were included at the hotel, were well organised particularly the Turkish night which was really enjoyable and we were all encouraged to join in - music and dancing into the night was great. Staff at the hotel went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and to make your stay enjoyable. They took an interest in you as an individual and shared a good sense of humour.

ACCOMMODATION & THE GROUP

The hotel is basic but clean, the grounds were very well maintained, the garden is pretty and there were plenty of places for you to relax. The hotel is excusive to Solo’s and as a group we got on very well which was invaluable. I was able to decide what I wanted to do and there was always someone willing to join you for lunch, dinner, trips etc or you could spend time on your own if you wanted to. I did not feel uncomfortable going to breakfast etc on my own and it was reassuring to know that any one you saw would be with Solo’s as opposed to a larger hotel which is not exclusive. As single travellers we were all in the same situation, and people would spend time asking what your plans were and sharing information on activities they had done.

I can’t wait to plan my next holiday with Solo’s and have been telling everyone who will listen about my adventures.
 

 Solo's & Amanda x

Anyone for tennis?

 17 June 11

Yes it’s that time of year again. For the next two weeks hoards of tennis fanatics and tourists will descend upon Wimbledon, as the nation crosses its fingers and pours its hopes and dreams upon triumphant Queen’s winner Andy Murray.

If all the tension and excitement leaves you aching to dust off your racket and head to the court, you’ll be pleased to learn that we’ve released a new departure for our popular holiday Tennis in Crete. The All-Inclusive break will now run on the 4 October for intermediate players, who know the basics of tennis well enough to play a doubles match. Find out more here.

Take a look at our other Activities holidays, Tennis in Corfu and Tennis in Majorca.

Come on Murray!!!

Solo’s x

Getting some 'me' time, meeting new people and trying something new

10 June 11

This week we have a guest post by Spice UK, friend of Solo’s and the popular social, adventure and activity group. MD Dave Smith writes here about the benefits of treating yourself to some ‘me’ time, meeting new people and trying something new…

 

It’s great to have some ‘me’ time – focus on being a happier person, take some time to enjoy yourself, try new hobbies and activities, meet new people and add to your life experiences' bank!

It’s so much easier meeting people when the focus is on an activity or an event. Why not do something outrageous to add some Spice to your life? Try attending a Fire Eating Workshop or a Ghost Sleepover. As the focus is on the activity, and everyone is in the same boat, usually you’ll have a much easier time of making friends – and even ‘bonding’ over a shared experience – than a casual encounter in a wine bar!

At Spice, the emphasis is on making friends and socialising within a natural environment. Many members have met their significant other through Spice, although we are most definitely not a ‘Singles Club’; we have a casual and fun ambiance at our events.

We share this philosophy with Solo’s and that’s why they’re happy to recommend that their members add some Spice to their life with a Solo’s discount on our membership.

Find out more at www.spiceuk.com . Spice UK have a Center Parcs Weekend, including an 'It’s a Knockout' tournament, on 24 June 2011.

 

Solo’s & Spice x

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