RSVP Blog

slightsynchronicity- thanks for useful info on Intrepid deal 2day. I'm goin solo to both Peru & Galapagos l8r this year as I found it difficult to motivate friends in my age group to join me(49)
What happened to young minded fit 40 somethings with a desire to try new and adventurous things..?
There does appear to be limited tours in this age group, probably due to lack of demand...then i wanna go to the antarctic ; )

Posted by: oceancalm58 at February 2, 2008 11:12 PM

There are study opportunities overseas, I meant - possibly for Australians with a better grasp of the written word!

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at February 2, 2008 7:42 PM

All the destinations bloggers have posted about sound marvellous. Today on an Intrepid Travel newsletter, they had an article on travel to Bhutan...sounded lovely and also 20% off Galapagos Island by boat combined with the Inca Trail. Galapagos Island sounds very interesting. I think I would not mind to travel alone, not going to wait for "The One" am just going to get on with life. At least I got motivated to get a job and put the travel plan as a high priority...uni studies may have to fit in with travel plans. There is study opportunites overseas of course. One day at a time though!

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at February 2, 2008 12:03 AM

Hi aliane and woodnwine.
It's really a matter of perspective isn't it? There's adventure, extreme, insane...and then there's down right dangerous teetering on the suicidal. All of them memorable in their own way. Where a holiday fits in these classifications is purely a personal perspective.
My preference to avoid tour groups is because, in my opinion, a tour focuses on the place you're visiting rather than the company you're with. You have to stick with the itinerary and everything you do you have to share with the group.
Don't get me wrong. I think tours are great, but they're best enjoyed AFTER you've found your significant other...and you're not constantly wondering if you'll find a significant other in whatever place you're in.

Feel free to disagree. Rhyming optional :)

Posted by: stuvik at February 1, 2008 11:20 PM

stuvik - I'm a bit like you, I much prefer to have holidays with someone else and don't really like the idea of joing a "tour group".

Posted by: woodnwine at February 1, 2008 10:30 AM

I've been holding out on going anywhere..mainly because I don't have anyone to go with. Yes, I could join a tour group but generally they're filled with people not of my age group. I've thought of Contiki tours too but I'm not a heavy drinker/partier/nightclubber/etc and would probably be designated 'luggage carer' before long :P

I guess I'm a little old fashioned. If I did find someone I'd probably pay for the entire holiday for the both of us.
My idea of a 'relaxing adventure' holiday would be some sort of road trip. Perhaps a road trip to visit Australia's fantastic vineyards. Anyone who has seen "Oz & James' Big Wine Adventure" on Foxtel will know what I'm talking about...yes, including the camping :)
I've been to many places around Asia but have never been as far south as Woolongong(!). Perhaps it's time to see my home country for a change :)

Posted by: stuvik at January 31, 2008 11:47 PM

Ms T...where are we going ?

Posted by: ridersonthestorm74 at January 31, 2008 10:02 PM

Looking at the very little responses, there does not seem to be many travelers regardless of whether they are extreme or not!

Okay who wants to take me traveling even if it is only for a week end?

Posted by: mstingle at January 31, 2008 3:32 PM

I have never been on an adventure trip and tours in general I do not go on because I like to take my time and do what I like, when I like. I am one that studies books like 'Lonely Planet' and the Internet and then I plan my itinary thoroughly except I do not book accomodation except the first and last night in another country, incase I have not allowed enough time to do what I set out to. accomplish.

I wouldn't mind going to Cape York, for this I do not have a 4WD, therefore I would probably go with a company for that and the roads are long and can be difficult, plus it is far from large towns and experienced guides would be an advantage (plus the safety in numbers thing, in remote places).

Posted by: mstingle at January 30, 2008 9:22 AM

ridersonthestorm74, I agree with you about the inner self assurance required for travelling alone. I enjoy a lot of "aloneness", but 2 weeks travelling in France totally alone, living in hotels and barely speaking to anyone except in my very bad French, really brought home to me how much I rely on the people in my life outside of travel.
When I arrived in Rome, I did things totally differently. I stayed in a youth hostel, spent my days on my own doing my own thing - and loved that - but always had someone to chat to or have dinner with in the evening. That was a great balance for me.
I am interested in the emotions that being alone like that brings up and learning how to deal with them, though. Like many other things in life, it teaches you a lot about yourself and inner resources.

Posted by: malsie at January 28, 2008 12:36 PM

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at January 28, 2008 9:15 AM

Yes when I travel overseas I only book the first nights accommodation and the last night's. The rest of the time I travel and sight see. Then when it ges to approximately 4.30pm I start looking for a cheap motel. Then look for dinner etc before settling in for the evening.

I have done this with a baby or small child in tow (also was with ex at time).

I only book those two nights so not to be restricted to how long I stay in each place before moving on. Most places it is only one night unless it is a truely interesting place and needs to take a little long.

When I went to England last time my brother other there who is a contract broker working in London, thought I was a little nuts leaving accomodation till I ended up where ever, especially with a baby.

(Then again all my brothers are in top jobs and have often been amused at what I have got up to over the years. They say it can be explained because I was found left on the back doorstep as a baby and they chuckle, saying it may explaing why I am such a gypsy):)

However I do this in Australia and have never had a problem finding accomodtion at the last minute. I could not travel any other way.

Posted by: mstingle at January 28, 2008 12:29 PM

MsTingle...the 15000km trip started in Florida, up through Georgia, the Carolinas and into New York, then we did big zigzags, across the country. Highlights, NYC, a re-enactment of an Indian drama in Ohio somewhere, New Orleans (now THAT is an amazing place), Vegas was great, Texas was....well BIG, Utah was amazing, especially Zion National Park. We stopped at little tiny towns where everyone would come to see the "strangers". Hospitality was amazing, we'd have African-American people offering us some all kinds of food and stuff in tiny Southern towns. The only accom we booked was NYC, Vegas and New Orleans, the rest was just travel as we felt like it. Route 66 is fun, The Canyon is amazing and the Arizona deserts and Native American hospitality is amazing.

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at January 28, 2008 9:15 AM

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 28, 2008 12:55 AM

I have been to the Barossa Valley, the country is beautful with race horses in some of the fields. I went to see a house open to the public whilst there called Colling.... something or other but it was closed when I passed by.

I visited here when I used to live in Mildura but I will definately meet up with you one day, if I am in South Australia again.

Posted by: mstingle at January 28, 2008 7:22 AM

misstingle: you would also like the Barossa I think and there are some great cheesemaking places also for tastings. Let me know if you get to SA.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 28, 2008 12:55 AM

Absolutely I will visit the place one day.

Posted by: aliane at January 28, 2008 12:22 AM

Hi aliane, if you visit Adelaide I can show you some sights if you wanted. Lots of nice restaurants and so many wineries for tours, lots of other things to see and do. Yes the German heritage is quaint in the Barossa Valley but also the McLaren Vale wine region is nice too. (Mediterranean climate) Handorf (German settled village) is sweet also. Google Earth is great.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 28, 2008 12:54 AM

Hi Aliane

Good to hear from you! Always a pleasure.

Hunter Valley I have not been there. Have you been to the Barossa valley? If so how do they compare.

Posted by: mstingle at January 27, 2008 10:40 PM

Posted by: whatididforlove at January 27, 2008 1:32 PM

Yes the Gold Coast id great for family packages with children.

I don't agree with your comment about RSVP advertising single's holidays. After all this is a single's website, so I for one would like to go on a sigle's holiday.

What could be good however if RSVP advertise single holiday's and holiday's with children in tow holiday's where singles and children can both have a good time. Children entertained while the parents are entertained with something else.

Posted by: mstingle at January 27, 2008 10:09 PM

whatididforlove - yes. I couldn't think of anything worse than a RSVP singles tour. aura of I don't want to know!
The idea of a designated chat room I don't think would get a guernsey from these powers that be - they wouldn't get the profit from the tour prices. oh dear I'm not very positive today! Your other idea though was a winner!

Posted by: today122 at January 27, 2008 7:14 PM

The Gold Coast is still a good place for a holdiay with kids. The Paradise Resort(Mercure Hotels) has the Gecko Club for kids which is very good. I am presuming there would be others in that location. If you want to get a good deal book through wotif.com.au or lastminute.com.au you can get some great deals and discounts and still book a fair way in advance.
There are stll Whitsunday Islands which cater for kids(take them off your hands) and I know lots of people who go to Fiji with the kids as they get the stay and eat free deals(and sometimes fly almost free) and they get really well and safely looked after while the parents have a holday too.
The saddest thing was the last official family holiday with my kids...it was torture for everyone. They were too old to hang around parents or go to kids clubs but too young to go out anywhere at night and still had to be transported during the day and amused and paid for endlessly...we all breathed a sigh of relief when we got home... a few years later we were able to go again as all adults and the family holiday was back in business.

Now to answer the marketing survey.. truly adventurous trips do not appeal at all . Well organised but not overly planned trips to unusual or remote destinations do. Iceland or Greenland perhaps. I would pay to be able to contact people with similar interests in destinations and arrange own trip or small tour group. A designated chat room and notice board for travellers perhaps? I know there are lots of singles who would like to go in small groups or even one other person, rather than large groups of designated Singles and the expectations and stigma that inevitably brings.

Sorry RSVP although your trips and tours look good and are what I would like to do the "Singles" label is a big turn off.

It reminds me of something in my past years ago...the only way my parents would let me out of the house was when I joined a religious based "Singles Group" supposed well chaperoned forced fun...the square dancing was a hoot...
I fear the same people might be on the tour bus......

Posted by: whatididforlove at January 27, 2008 1:32 PM

Graceandcharms, when my pair were little (so hard to believe they ever were!), we went to Daydream Island - it was incredibly child friendly and not too expensive now that VB flies to Hamilton Island etc. Beautiful place to go, lots to do and the food wasn't bad either....

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at January 27, 2008 9:56 AM

any comments on the RSVP hosted adventures...

this escape has caught my interest..

Phuket & Bangkok (45 to 59 years)
9 days/8 nights
18 May to 26 May 2008

all I need is the time off, who's coming??

Posted by: gopiesdotcom at January 27, 2008 8:41 AM

SSC - sounds wonderful.
Volunteering and therefore "working" along side the community would be different as I am a Westerner and hopefully I will get an appreciation of a different culture and see how their values etc are.
Do it wisely. My daughter has just fled Indonesia after not heeding local customs. But I think by our stage of life we are better able to recognise and respect the customs, value, religion etc of places that aren't Western. And appreciate them totally.
I'm a chicken too I think. I would love to do some of these trips, but just don't. Why? maybe due to the lack of company to really share the experience. But we shouldn't miss out, should we.

Posted by: today122 at January 27, 2008 7:43 AM

graceandcharm
Does anyone have any child-friendly holiday destinations/resorts they have really enjoyed within Australia?
The Byron Bay Beach Resort is fantastic for kids. I used to take my girls there every year when they were little, and so many kids activities you had trouble knowing which one to choose. It may have changed now of course - this is 10 years ago. But reasonable price too, even better!

Posted by: today122 at January 27, 2008 7:36 AM

mstingle...are you saying that I will get drenched on a plane when I go to Spain!!! Sounds extreme to me.

Doing the Inca trail near Macchu Piccu and up those hills/mountains would be adventurous enough for me. Staying in a "homestay" with locals would be challenging but an experience of a lifetime. My aim is to do some travel like that and to stay with local people. Volunteering and therefore "working" along side the community would be different as I am a Westerner and hopefully I will get an appreciation of a different culture and see how their values etc are. Most places I would like to travel to first are tropical so I suppose there is some risk involved..

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 26, 2008 5:57 PM

"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plane"

Posted by: mstingle at January 26, 2008 12:53 AM

Travelling with children is always a fairly extreme business.Does anyone have any child-friendly holiday destinations/resorts they have really enjoyed within Australia? Just trying to plan my next holiday........

Posted by: graceandcharm at January 25, 2008 9:00 PM

Angel!

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 8:44 PM

I could just go and take off right now. Pack my bags, spread my wings and fly!

I suppose at times it get's like that in Singledom.

A province where at times you really could do with someone to share a good time with.

Hopefully the stage coach, ocean liner, winged angle what ever will be not to far ahead in the future for me to climb aboard and relax while I go full steam ahead into a blissful adventure. An adventure made for two.

Or what about traveling say to Paris France, Tuscany or Venice and you wistfully look into the water or into the sky at night and then turn and you stare right into the face of a true love that was waiting for you all along.

Yes I know it is being fanciful but the classics have at times had some basis for their tales.

Here I sit in my weather board tower awaiting my prince. One day I wont have to just have a glimsp at what other singles do but I will be out there having fun too.

Location, location, location.

Well back to seeing to the lamb roast and no, it is not code for something:)

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 8:43 PM

Posted by: bubly13 at January 25, 2008 7:44 AM

I have travelled Overseas at least 10 times on my own over the last 12 years and have always loved every minute of it. There are a few things that I have learnt and some of them are that when I was younger I loved nothing more then meeting people in foreign lands and getting to know each country and its culture. But I have realised that I liked travelling on my own because I wanted to get to know myself and who I was as a human entity and what value I brought to the world.
Now I want to travel with someone else and see the world with them as I am ready to explore this world of ours with another person.
What I am saying is …in order to travel alone you must be very assured within yourself, as travelling alone especially for a long period of time is very rewarding yet challenging to say the least.

Posted by: ridersonthestorm74 at January 25, 2008 3:32 PM

Woodnwine:

I agree that it would be great to travel with someone else if your were romantically inclined; for there would be not much that would surpass the feeling of after a great day travelling, eating together at the end of the day and reliving what had happened in the course of the day, as we discussed our own experience and crawling under the covers together to seal that day.

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 2:55 PM

Posted by: bubly13 at January 25, 2008 7:44 AM

Being single would not stop me from travelling, as I see, it has not stopped you either, great!

It is better to travel alone then not at all or with a travel companion that makes the trip less than enjoyable especially when you are not like minded or do not give each other space to do your own thing if that is the case.

However yes as you said there are times when you are in awe of something, sight, sound, vibe or what ever it is that makes you stop and think gee I wish I had someone here to experience that great feeling with. It is that social being in us all that wants to say “Look mum no hands”. When we experience something we have the natural urge to alert someone else. It is that wanting to share, that can catch us of guard at times.

When these moments come the experience will only be heightened by the presence of someone else, especially if that person appreciates the same things as you.

It can be also more embarrassing if you feel an emotion whilst alone like something comes to mind, which makes you laugh. It could have been something that you found amusing earlier in the day and later on whist seated on a tram say in Melbourne and you burst out laughing. On your own people will give you a look to say they are questioning your mental health. However if you were seated with someone else they would think that was okay because they must have shared something that was quite funny.

The worst one would be if your face were all puffy from crying over a rather emotional play or operetta. Again people would think you had escaped from somewhere because not only is it better experiencing things that either make you happy or sad or in what ever way it moves you in company but others who see you will be accepting of what ever emotion you are displaying if you have company.

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 2:52 PM

Sounds fabulous sue4you ... I'm sure you'll have a great holiday. My sister and her partner are also going to Africa this year ... they are great travellers as they have no kids and live for their holidays abroad.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 25, 2008 12:06 PM

Hi, I recently stepped out of my comfort zone and took a trip on my own to Greece and the Greek Isles - wow, what a fabulous trip ... I saw what I wanted, went where I wanted, ate what and where I wanted ... BUT there was that little something missing, the ability to ooooh over things with someone, talk about the experience, laugh at the funny things seen and done - that special someone to share it all with especially not knowing if you will get the chance to go back again.
All that said, I had a great time and dont regret doing it solo. I want to see more of the world, regardless of the companionship.

Posted by: bubly13 at January 25, 2008 7:44 AM

I think sharing travel experiences with a new person would be good .... it would immediately give you some life experiences in common. Plus you get the opportunity to eat and sleep together every night .... nice.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 6:33 PM

True WnW however I am going to do overseas travel with my youngest child and probably alone as there is no point waiting for the ideal male travel partner (just going to go myself). Sounds romantic to travel with a partner though...Yes its true that we do speak the same language as the UK more or less. sue4you, that sounds amazing...what you are doing in August.

wishfulthinker03 its nice to know Fiji is good to visit, a guy at work is buying land there and has invited everyone from work to visit. Some of you have had adventures then, good on you!

Hope to do an Intrepid Travel trip ASAP, who capilo mentioned.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 25, 2008 12:29 AM

Posted by: sue4you at January 24, 2008 11:15 PM

Hi, It was good to meet you last Sunday at the Brisblog get together. I remember you mentioning your trip there. Very interesting!

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 12:26 AM

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at January 24, 2008 9:26 PM

What were the highlights of your 15,000km drive through the US. Where did you start and finish. I would love to do something like that one day. I have mostly driven in the U.K.

Posted by: mstingle at January 25, 2008 12:20 AM

I’m off to Africa by myself in August. Canoe down the Zambezi, week volunteering at a village for ch.ildren who are orphans, gorilla trek in Uganda, Victoria Falls. I can’t wait

Posted by: sue4you at January 24, 2008 11:15 PM

istj54 - that could happen it's true but hopefully you would know each other well enough before setting off on holiday together.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 10:53 PM

oops, sorry. I think I misunderstood.

Posted by: caplio at January 24, 2008 10:38 PM

But twoeyes, scouts would have been all boys, yes???

Posted by: diamondblue2 at January 24, 2008 10:37 PM

Sorry, i thought they (the carriers of stuff) were human beings. Oh how silly of me. Well must be off now--my sherpa is dying to get going up mt everest. They always like to please.

Posted by: diamondblue2 at January 24, 2008 10:35 PM

Diamondblue2, the companies I mentioned do similar trips to those that iSTJ54 mentioned. They also do really extreme ones too if that's your preference.

I'm not one for camping either but it's great being out trekking all day and be able to go to the hotel or villa, have a hot shower and then go out for dinner in a local restaurant. And of course finish a great day by sleeping in a comfy bed.

Posted by: caplio at January 24, 2008 10:24 PM

"They" are the people who work for the Companies, I guess....could be camels or donkeys depending where you are:))

I think that you can book them through a variety of agencies, Diamondblue2. I can check with a friend for you if you are really interested and get back to you.

Posted by: istj54 at January 24, 2008 10:18 PM

iSTJ54: Your 1st post: Who are "they"?? Sounds great.

Posted by: diamondblue2 at January 24, 2008 10:12 PM

Having trouble posting a comment so hopefully I'm not doubling up here.

I enjoy travelling with small group companies like Explore, Intrepid, Peregrine etc as you have the peace of mind knowing that the tricky things are taken care of for you whilst getting off the beaten track, immersing yourself in the culture, using local transport and visiting local places that the big coach groups can't go to. It's a great way to meet like minded people from all over the world too. Some of my closest friends are people I have met on various tours over the years.

My next adventure is Morocco, can't wait. Will also be returning to Dubai.

PS. Avoid YHA's in Dublin unless you like being surrounded by drunks... I was so scared there and couldn't get out quick enough.

Posted by: caplio at January 24, 2008 10:09 PM

Fiji is a great place to go. We did one of the first "adventure" holidays onto a remote island that hadn't had any white visitors other than health workers - it was an experience. Cheap, great food, but no electricity and a shower in the middle of the village with no hot water - that made it interesting but the people were starting "tourism" so they could get money to their island to get these things. Very safe, clean and hospitable and the kids had a blast - great fun, fresh food etc.

I would love to travel through the Middle East - it'd be an adventure. Saw some amazing places in a 15,000km drive through the US, staying off the beaten track...but still would love to travel other places too. I'd love to see Alaska.

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at January 24, 2008 9:26 PM

Woodnwine...for the tenth time today...I think this post should be in the Relationships Matter too.

It is a wonderful fantasy but what if things went awry on about day three?
That could make it an Extreme adventure.

Posted by: istj54 at January 24, 2008 9:10 PM

I think sharing travel experiences with a new person would be good .... it would immediately give you some life experiences in common. Plus you get the opportunity to eat and sleep together every night .... nice.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 6:33 PM

Wouldnt mind doing this, Was a scout in a past life and found that to be enjoyable, and rekon this is just an extension of that...........but on a larger scale

Posted by: twoeyes at January 24, 2008 2:25 PM

Have found that when travelling in countries or areas where you don't know anyone or don't have 'safe havens' with family or friends, YHA's are a good solution.

They are no longer "Youth" and Backpacker only hostels. Many have single, double and family rooms in addition to the old dorms.

They are a great place to meet and mingle with other like minded travellers and are the best source of what to, or not to go see and do in the area.

The bigger, 'flashier' ones have booking desks for adventures, tours and onward travel. Their websites are pretty good and provide heaps of links to travel related stuff and discounts.
And, you find them in just about every country.

If you're a five star kinda traveller, this is not for you.

Happy Adventuring.

Posted by: cheeqee1 at January 24, 2008 1:46 PM

slightsync - I have been to England on a business trip but never holidayed there. I think country England, Scotland and Ireland would be fabulous to visit ... and we speak (basically) the same language.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 12:46 PM

Denmark mstingle, me too...Norway, Sweden also.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 24, 2008 12:12 PM

WnW and isjt54 Ireland would be divine. Its on the top of my list as is Ankor Wat (spelt wrongly am sure). A trek on the Inca trail sounds like it would be the adventure of a lifetime. Also I would like to go to Nepal to satisfy my curiosity. Not to climb up big mountains though. Anywhere out of Australia (as I have not been out of this land yet) that is safe I would like to go. Egypt, Turkey..............
mstingle...I agree camping is fine but not too much to carry on the back as it is hard to walk around then. (Do enough of it as a uni student :)))

Does anyone think Fiji is safe enough to go to?

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 24, 2008 12:11 PM

Travelling with HER is extreme travel.

So I told her there is great swimming in the Daintree. Who needs the Amazon anyway

Posted by: neuroticfish at January 24, 2008 12:08 PM

I don't mind camping but I don't fancy carrying anything on my back.

My countries of Choice would be , England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, U.SA, and Denmark.

When I can afford to go I am going to England next probably around August- September so that I can fit in a visit to the place in London.

Posted by: mstingle at January 24, 2008 10:57 AM

istj54 - friends of mine just walked the Milford Track and said it was a wonderful experience.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 10:21 AM

...I did a camping tour of Ireland when I was in my twenties...it was truly extreme...everyone(except me) ended up in hospital with food poisoning...yes, I was chef that night!

I just find camping to be too extreme for me...let alone in the Artic.

I wouldn't mind one of those trekking holidays where they carry your stuff from hotel to hotel but that is as extreme as I would be willing to go. They have those in some wonderful places...Milford Sound...Katmandu...Nepal...Africa.

Posted by: istj54 at January 24, 2008 9:53 AM

Yes, and for many people, going on that first meeting is akin to risk taking when going on a trip... nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I have never signed up for an adventure trip...prefer to find my own. Which isn't hard!

Posted by: lamuse at January 24, 2008 9:42 AM

I find RSVP to be an extreme trip, full of risks and dangers. My ideal adventure would be any adventure spent with someone special so I could share the experience .... maybe a holiday in Ireland.

Posted by: woodnwine at January 24, 2008 9:04 AM