Don't pity the solo traveller any longer! (Comstock Complete)

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Pity the solo traveller. Many are unable to find someone with whom to travel or unwilling to share accommodations with a stranger, and when they go alone, tour operators and cruise lines charge them a supplement.

There are millions of them out there. Most have lost a spouse through death or divorce, or have never married. Some are saddled with a partner who doesn't share their love of travel.

What to do? I'd start by checking out Connecting: Solo Travel Network. Diane Redfern founded this B.C.-based organization in 1990 and, I'm happy to report, is still at the helm. Network members have access to Solo Travel News, a bi-monthly, online newsletter that contains a raft of practical information, including:

- Two calendars of trips of interest to singles, one on cruises and the other on tours and getaways. Connecting's website, cstn.org, explains that to qualify as "single-friendly," a trip must avoid single supplement charges, either by offering a "guarantee share" option, or single occupancy rooms without added single supplement surcharges, or, at least, a low single supplement of less than $25 per day.

- Links to agencies catering to solo travellers, such as B.C.-based Travel Buddies Singles Travel Club and Just You, a U.K. tour operator.

- Information on accommodation and hosted hospitality.

- A place to obtain and share travel information.

- Travel companion ads. Among them was one from a woman seeking someone to travel to a third-world country and do volunteer work, one from a man wanting company on a hiking holiday in the Caribbean, and another from a woman seeking a companion for culture-theme cruises.

Redfern says there are more members aged 55 to 70 than before and that the proportion of male members has increased to nearly 50%.

She's also seen a big increase in the number of companies catering to single travellers and in ones pitching trips exclusively to women.

One thing that hasn't changed: "People are still looking for a comfortable and economical way to travel on their own."

Connecting's Internet e-membership fee is $35. Redfern can be contacted by phoning 1-800-557-1757 or by e-mailing info@cstn.org

Womens Travel Network, which also originated in Canada, operates tours for women only. According to its website, womenstravelnetwork.ca, "the concept came from realizing there was a need for women who love to travel, but don't always have a companion to travel with and are not comfortable travelling alone.'' Phone 1-888-419-0118 or e-mail info@womenstravelnetwork.ca

MONEY-SAVER

Ski New Hampshire's Anywhere, Anytime Pass allows skiers to choose from a variety of mountains at different prices and create a package of a minimum of 20 lift tickets. Savings range from 25 to 50% off the ski area's weekend/holiday rate. Tickets are transferable so you can share with family and friends. They're also valid any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. No more than half the lift tickets can be bought for any one mountain. Order passes by phoning 1-800-887-5464 ext. 0. Visit skinh.com for details.

UNIGLOBE TOURS

British TV series and movies is the focus of an escorted, small-group tour Uniglobe Plus Travel Group in Brampton is planning for May 5-17, 2008. It includes stops at Lake Windermere, York, Buxton, Bath and London. The cost is $3,995 per person, double. Call 1-800-254-7598.