5 Top Solo Travel Deals for Spring Before Summer Price Increases: If you move fast, you can still catch late spring deals abroad. As soon as June comes, airfares and lodging go up when large numbers of vacationers arrive. The good news? If you can’t make it now, look for mid-Sept. rates. As early as Sept. 9, rates can drop 50% in the south of France.
Here are five top solo travel deals to look at. Just click each link below for more information.
Number One: Sunny south of Spain:
The south of Spain is famous for beaches, history and colorful Moorish architecture. The best known vacation spots are: Marbella, Torremolinos and Malaga. However, last week I learned of Benalmadena from a friend that goes there often for the great prices.
The Benalmádena Palace Spa has one of the best deals for May. The hotel has on-site an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, spa and fitness center. It is a mere 4 minute walk to the beach, or you can take the minibus. There is a golf course next door as well.
Guests have a choice of studios (perfect for solos!) or full apartments with private bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV and a kitchenette. Don’t forget to join the hotel’s Happy Hour, and see the sun set.
There is easy access from the Málaga International Airport, 12.4 miles away.
Number Two: Rome, Italy:
Il CuCu (Named, yes, for the venerable Cuckoo)
It would be hard to beat that price anywhere in Rome. The key is that this charming bed and breakfast is in the Rome suburbs rather than in the city center. There is a commuter train that speeds you right into town and back again. The station is a 5 minute walk. I checked out the train schedule and saw as many as 16 trips back and forth in one day. More good news? At that time, it was only 3 Euros!
Il Cucù only has two guestrooms so don’t delay. Dust off your passport, and make your plans while there is an opening. Guest rooms have a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom. The days begins with an Italian breakfast of pastries, croissants, coffee and tea. One added benefit for solos? You may meet fellow travelers when you stay in a small bed and breakfast rather than a large modern hotel.es.
Number Three: An Amazon Adventure:
Caesar Business Hotel, Manaus, Brazil
I recommend combining a stay in Manaus, Brazil with its Science (Wildlife) Center and then going Upriver on the Amazon. (For Amazon river cruises, follow this link.) Although I did that one Christmas during rainy season, it is a trip of a lifetime year round. The prices are very low, and flights from North America are fairly short.
The Caesar Business Hotel is right next to the banks of the Rio Negro, a main Amazon River tributary. It has the convenience of a modern hotel with a taxi stand outside while outside the hectic city. The hotel is a short drive (or bus ride) into the city center. It has an outdoor pool/hot tub and fitness center as well as free Wi-Fi access. Air conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, a minibar and TV. There are two restaurants on-site plus a bar for evening cocktails. The airport is less than a half hour’s drive. (Many international flights arrive at midnight. I recommend planning for a pick-up ahead of time. As a woman solo traveler, I was concerned coming in at that late hour but found it was bustling with activity even then!)
Number Four: Kyoto, Japan’s Ancient Capital:
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae
When you arrive in Kyoto, you can step back into history. It is hard to imagine that it dates back to the 8th century. In fact, the height of its glory was reached by the 12th century. At that time, Europe was still in the Middle Ages filled with fabled kings like Richard the Lionheart. At a time when the “New World” was unheard of, Kyoto as an imperial city built some of the key cultural treasures of Japan. As a result, Kyoto and the region nearby have more of the UNESCO sites than elsewhere in the country.
That makes the Daiwa Rovnet Hotel ideal as it is in the heart of Kyoto near top sights. There is 24 hour service at the front desk to help you find the many 1,000+ year old monuments. You will be within 1.6 miles of the Kyoto International Manga Museum, Samurai Kembu Kyoto and two leading temples.
The air conditioned guest rooms include satellite TV and private bathrooms.
Osaka’s Itami Airport has the closest access 23 miles away.
Number Five: Endless White Sands Beachcombing in the Caribbean:
Marina Resort-Tracadero, Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Beyond the beaches, the Dominican Republic has a history that dates back to Columbus. Columbus arrived in Dec. 1492 on his first voyage to the New World. Thereafter, the country became a vibrant mix of Spanish and Caribbean cultures. The island rhythm is felt everywhere, especially in the salsa. (Fair warning: Watch out! You may find yourself as I did: drafted on stage to join the professional dancers!)
The Marina Resort & Beach Club has both beachfront and four outdoor pools and a spa. Tennis courts are available on a first come first serve basis so do book early. The resort is made up of air conditioned apartments with a full kitchen. That can be one way to save by not eating out every meal. Be sure to ask for either a view overlooking the pools or the sea.
It is about an hours drive from the Punta Cana International Airport. Other options are to fly to the capital, Santo Domingo, 1.5 hours away or La Romana Airport 20 minutes’ away.)