As owner of SoloMate Travel, I thought this was a perfect experience for a group of single and solo travelers in search of a unique, thought-provoking and fun-filled evening. Moreover, someone close to me and to SoloMate Travel is blind.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were asked to make our menu selections and to place watches, cell phones, and any other light-projecting items, in a locker.

We were then asked to put our hand on the shoulder of the person in front of us so that our blind server could safely lead us to our table in the pitch black dining room. We all treaded carefully for fear of bumping into something or someone, but we made it to our table without incident.

Our efficient and friendly waiter then proceeded to serve us. What were we to do now? We were sitting in total darkness with a plate of food before us.

We tentatively felt our way around to pick-up utensils and started poking around our plates, hoping to successfully bring food to our mouth. Though I chose to use my fork to eat the Fillet Mignon which had thankfully been cut, other members of my group of single friends quickly gave up and opted to use their hands, which lead to sounds of enthusiastic finger licking and much laughter.

In fact, one of the evening’s high points was hearing laughter coming from every corner of the room. It seemed like everyone, including us, was having a fantastic time, and bonding in a very real way.

Oh no! Where was my glass? How was I going to find it without knocking it over? I accomplished that, but forgot where I had put my fork… I spent so much time just searching for my utensils or my glass. I must admit that I also ended up helping myself with my fingers many times since it was difficult to pick-up food I couldn’t see. All of us ended up missing our mouth more than once, or bringing up an empty fork.

It was fascinating to realize how different the eating experience becomes in the absence of visual cues. As much fun as we had, we were all very grateful to see light when we left the dark dining room, and heavy-hearted knowing that many never would.

Though I have known my blind friend for many years, this allowed me to develop a whole new appreciation for some of her daily challenges, and for a segment of the population that experiences a 70 percent unemployment rate.

If you want to share this amazing experience with a wonderful group of travelers on a single travel trip to Montreal this summer, call SoloMate Travel today at 1-855-290-7050. One of our Travel Experts will be happy to help you plan the perfect singles summer getaway to Montreal. You can also visit www.solomatetravel.com for details on this or any one of our other single and solo travel trips.

Single and solo travelers in search of a fun-filled summer singles travel trip have no doubt heard of Montreal and Quebec City, two fantastic singles destinations. Perhaps less known though, Mont Tremblant is a summer sports enthusiast’s dream. Located in the magnificent Laurentian Mountains, about 80 miles (130 km) northwest of Montreal, this picturesque resort town is ideal for a group of single travelers in search of outdoor summer fun. Members of our single travel group can choose from numerous activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, tennis, golf or pure relaxation. A fabulous day will be spent at a pristine private lake only accessible by boat. Skim the water on skis, kayak along the shore or revel in the natural beauty and swing in a hammock.

Quaint restaurants and shops fill this pedestrian village, and there is even a casino and spa. From covered bridges to northern sunsets, this is a photographers dream.

During the Tremblant International Blues Festival, the town comes alive to the sounds of some 150 free outdoor concerts, featuring the world’s top blues performers.

Call us today toll free at 1-855-290-7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com. Let us help you plan the perfect summer singles travel trip. Feel like you’ve traveled to Europe without ever leaving the continent.

Have you ever wondered who Uncle Sam actually was? Well, Samuel Wilson (1766-1854) was in fact a real man whose parents had emigrated to the New World from Greenock, Scotland.

During the War of 1812, Samuel Wilson’s meat-packing company was contracted by the U.S. Army to supply meat to the troops fighting along the Canadian border. The meat was packed in barrels stamped U.S. for United States. But, because Samuel Wilson was so popular, many of his employees began referring to him as Uncle Sam, and word spread to the troops who started calling themselves Uncle Sam’s soldiers. Later, Uncle Sam became synonymous with all things American.

Of course, the image of Uncle Sam portrayed today bares no resemblance to the real man. Nonetheless, Uncle Sam remains one of the most widespread and familiar representations of the U.S. Government.

In September 1961, the U.S. Congress formally recognized Samuel Wilson as “the progenitor of America’s national symbol of Uncle Sam.”

Call SoloMate today for more information on our September Scotland Spree, and join an exciting group of single and solo travelers. Dial 1-855-290-7050 (toll-free) or visit www.solomatetravel.com.

Comfort

1. As you pack for your solo travel vacation, pack carry-on items in clear, resealable plastic bags. This helps avoid nasty spills and makes it easier to get through security.

2. Include these items in your carry-on bag to help ensure comfort: eye mask, face mask, earplugs, earphones, tooth brush, toothpaste, extra socks and underwear, compression socks, extra over-size t-shirt, premoistened sanitizing wipes, moist towelettes (face), inflatable neck pillow, and healthy snacks.

3. Wear loose, comfortable, cotton clothing, and dress in layers. Wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to get in and out of.

4. Avoid wearing contact lenses if possible. Put them in your carry-on in their original sealed package or make sure there’s plenty of liquid in the container.

5. Remain properly hydrated by drinking lots of water, and by avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

6. Do stretching exercises at your seat, and walk up and down the isle when possible to minimize swelling and muscle discomfort.

Entertainment

7. Bring a pen and paper. You can make a list of things to see and do on your single travel trip and you’ll be ready to fill-out the customs form.

8. Make sure your electronic devices (iPod, iPad, e-reader) are charged and ready to go, and don’t forget your earphones.

9. Bring that magazine or book you haven’t had time to read, or pack a book of crossword puzzles or Sudoku puzzle.

10. Try to get as much sleep as you can.

Call SoloMate Travel today to plan your next single travel trip, and we will give you more flying tips adapted to your particular situation. Dial 1-855-290-7050 (toll free) or visit www.solomatetravel.com.

You won’t find Louis Vitton, Chanel, Cartier or well-known restaurant chains, but there’s a wealth of experiences to be had. Here are some of our favorite things to do, see and taste. Please be assured that SoloMate Travel was not paid by any of these suppliers, nor were we asked to write reviews.

The Polynesian Cultural Center, on the island’s north shore, is mentioned in all the travel guides, and really is one of the best attractions. There are fun shows, and on your way there, you can enjoy some magnificent beaches and a vibrant surf scene. Enjoy the town of Hailea, which has a laid-back feel, and where artists and surfers mingle. www.polynesia.com

Koko Head Crater offers the best views on the island. You will have to climb a very challenging 1,048 stairs (railroad ties) to get to the top, but the view is well worth the effort. This famous landmark is located on the south-east part of the island, just past Diamond Head. Travel east on H1, and the trail is across from the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and USS Arizona Memorial (www.pacifichistoricparks.org) are the best FREE attractions on Oahu, and will most certainly move you. You may also visit the USS Missouri Memorial, the Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum, but these are PAID attractions, and you will need an entire day.

We found ourselves wandering through the Korean part of Honolulu, and decided to try Sushi ii, a restaurant that a friend had recommended. Owner Evyan Oshiro serves the freshest and most delicious sushi on the island. Be sure to order the spider roll… No, there’s no spider in it, simply the best soft-shell crab ever. It’s a tiny place, so call first. (808.942.5350)

The Kalapawai Cafe is a MUST. This great little neighborhood restaurant is a cafe at lunch, but offers evening wine tastings along with its original, delicious, but always healthy food. The staff is friendly and the price right. This is fusion cuisine at its best! (www.kalapawaimarket.com)

Waikiki Beach: Want to spend time lounging on fabulous beaches? The resorts of Ko Olina are the place to be. Each hotel has its own lagoon, and a walkway joins them all. Our favorite hotel is Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. The service was outstanding, and the newly renovated rooms all have a private balcony and large bathroom. This establishment is tops in design, size and functionality. Honolulu airport is 30 to 45 minutes east.

We end on the delicious topic of shave ice (not shaved ice). The Obamas savor theirs while in Kailua, but this ice-based desert can be found all over the island and comes in over 50 flavors.

Call a SoloMate Travel Expert today if you would like more information on the beautiful island of Oahu. Better yet, join us on our exciting single travel trip to Hawaii in 2014. You can call us anytime at 1‑855‑290‑7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com for information on any one of our singles vacations to destinations all over the world.

Every summer, the Montreal Jazz Festival welcomes 3,000 performers from 30 countries, who entertain some 2.5 million visitors. The shows, many of them free and covering just about all musical genres, are spread out among 8 outdoor stages and 15 concert halls.

Among the musical legends performing during the 34^th edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival: George Benson, She & Him, Dr. John, Leon Russell, Joshua Redman, Holly Cole, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and James Hunter, Oliver Jones, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Woodkid, Ravi Coltrane, and Nikki Yanofsky, Montreal’s own darling of jazz.

Join SoloMate Travel on our single travel trip in Montreal, as it comes alive during one of the world’s greatest music festivals. Call 1‑855‑290‑7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com to learn about the summer singles getaway that’s right for you.

1. I have created meaningful relationships.

There’s a reason why our motto at SoloMate Travel is Live, Connect, Explore. Throughout my solo travel adventures, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most fascinating and kindest people in the world. The friendships I have formed and maintained through my travels have most definitely had a positive impact on me. I have chosen to specialize in small group travel because it allows solo travelers to form meaningful relationships with like-minded travel companions. After all, who wants to laugh alone…? But being just another number on the bus is not much fun either.

2. I have developed an increased appreciation for differences.

For me, the most fascinating and enriching thing about traveling is learning about other countries, cultures, religions and customs. As Stephen Covey puts it: “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” The more I travel, the more I learn, and the more I want to learn. I gain a whole new appreciation for different cultures when I return home, and I have become much more tolerant towards others because I understand them better.

3. I have become more daring.

Another amazing thing traveling solo has done is to make me more adventurous. I have always loved to try new and different things. But if I didn’t travel, I know I would not be half as adventurous as I have become in past years, thanks to encouragement from my fellow travelers. I have experienced so many fantastic things just because I was travelling and knew that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while still knowing there was safety in numbers. It’s much more reassuring to try new things with a small group of trusted friends than on one’s own.

Call SoloMate Travel today and give yourself the gift of travel. You can always reach us at 1‑855‑290‑7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com.

Ambience: This city boasts graceful bodies of water and unspoiled beaches. SoloMate’s guests will enjoy a scenic river cruise from which to admire historic homes and stunning coastline.

Culture: Visit a living museum. Members of our single travel group will have a chance to stroll through Charleston’s historic district during our walking tour. We will savor a delicious lunch at Middleton Place, where the gardens are sure to delight.

Friendliness: Watch Gullah ladies weave baskets, listen to their low country dialect, and experience true southern hospitality during our guided carriage ride.

Lodging: Take advantage of SoloMate’s roommate matching service, allowing you to benefit from the savings only available with our exclusive singles vacation package.

Restaurants: Charleston’s culinary boom is fueled by top chefs like Sean Brock, Mike Lota and Robert Stehling. Join your fellow single and solo travelers for authentic southern cuisine at Hominy Grill for our welcome dinner (included).

Shopping: From local crafts to antiques and high-end fashion, you can shop till you drop without the added cost of foreign taxes or a long flight.

Call SoloMate Travel today, and let one of our Travel Experts help you select the perfect getaway. Dial 1‑855‑290‑7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com.

Here are a few key words and phrases solo travelers might find handy during their singles travel trip to Montréal, Mont-Tremblant and Québec City:

Yes = Oui

No = Non

Hello, good morning, good day = Bonjour

Good night, good evening = Bonsoir

Please = S’il vous plaît

Thank you = Merci

You’re welcome = Bienvenue, de rien

How are you? = Comment ça va? (or simply Ça va?)

Where are the restrooms? = Où sont les toilettes?

Where is…? = Où est…?

I don’t understand. = Je ne comprends pas.

Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous l’anglais?

Taxi = Taxi

Subway = Métro (metro)

I really like traveling with SoloMate Travel. = J’aime beaucoup voyager avec SoloMate Travel.

Contact SoloMate Travel today, and experience the best Québec’s French culture has to offer, while taking-in some of the world’s top musical acts. Members of our solo travel group will be visiting the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Festival d’été de Québec and the Tremblant Blues Festival. Call 1‑855‑290‑7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com.

Last September, during SoloMate’s singles vacation to Ireland, we had the opportunity to broaden our knowledge of this fine spirit, and refine our taste for it at the world-renowned Kilbeggan distillery.

To make sure we do not leave out the purists, we are going on a singles vacation to Scotland in September 2013, where we will sample many of the best single malts the country has to offer a lively group of single and solo travelers.

Stateside, one of the best pubs, or CRAFT BARS, as they are known now-a-days, is Boston’s Citizen Pub and Oyster Bar, located behind Fenway Park. This modern neighborhood tavern serves over 100 different whiskeys.

During our SoloMate Travel Boston Reunion and Pub Crawl, from March 8 to 10, 2013, you will have a chance to catch-up with old acquaintances or make new friends, while discovering all that Boston has to offer the single or solo traveler, including The Citizen Pub.

Brush-up on your scotch and whiskey vocabulary, and join SoloMate Travel for a fun-filled and unforgettable singles trip to Boston or Scotland, where you will be able to savor this golden spirit, which can be light or complex, and have scents of vanilla, sherry, licorice, spice and honey.

Contact a SoloMate Travel Expert today to find out which one of our fabulous solo travel adventures best meets your particular needs. You can call us toll-free at 1-855-290-7050 or visit www.solomatetravel.com for more information regarding our solo travel trips!