• No reason to go alone
• Now you're cooking!

No reason to go alone

When it comes to vacation time, a divorcee can find it a very lonely and frustrating experience. Many divorced people who were accustomed to traveling with their spouses find that traveling solo is expensive, lonely, and frightening. But one company has gone out of its way to help solo travelers enjoy their vacations -- without having to pay the single supplement, without fear of isolation, and without feeling like a fifth wheel.

Vacation Partners (VP) is a database registry that matches solo travelers together. After listening to feedback from his clients, travel specialist Manny Segall founded VP in 1993. During his 25 years in the business, a lot of singles wanting to travel had come to him for help with their vacation plans. Many admitted they didn't really want to go alone, with no one to share their enjoyment, and they also hated having to pay the single supplement. So Segall created a service that not only provides compatible companionship but also eliminates the costly single supplement that distorts travel budgets.

"The single supplement is a consideration," says Segall. "Land tours regularly cost 12 to 38% more for a single traveler, and cruise prices can increase 50 to 100%."

But Segall cites another reason: "Most people just don't like to travel alone; they want someone to be with. And if a family member or friend isn't available, they either go alone or don't go at all."

Vacation Partners can help. After would-be travelers fill out a questionnaire, the company matches potential compatible partners -- very carefully. "We look for compatible companions," Segall explains. "We try to cover all the bases in our questionaire, so that when we come up with a match, it will be a good one. We match people who can communicate with each other. That's what it's all about."

The confidential information is entered into a computer, and matches are made on the basis of likes and dislikes and personal characteristics, as well as the destination preference, time of year availability, and budget limitations. The registration fee of $100 keeps you in the registry for a year, and the company guarantees four cross-matches a year.

Once a potential traveler receives his or her four matches and their profiles, they can contact each other via the telephone, in person, or through video conferencing. It's up to the individual to decide which match has that special quality to be a great traveling companion.

Many people have enjoyed their vacation partner so much that they plan subsequent trips together. "Their database 'gave' us each other, and we really enjoyed our sojourn in Spain and Portugal. Next year, we're planning on the Scandinavian Countries. We couldn't have done it without Vacation Partners," say happy clients Louis and Kathy.

Segall says many of the travelers registered are divorced and looking for travel partners. "A perfect match might be two divorcees who are compatible and can offer each other a bonding experience while continuing to enjoy the wonders of travel," says Segall.

For more information, call the Vacation Partners visit their website: www.vacationpartners.com.

Now you're cooking!

Brian Kanee, the author of the bestselling cookbook How to Boil Water -- A Bachelor's Guide to Cooking At Home, now offers The Divorced Dad's Cookbook, which offers hope to cooking-impaired single fathers everywhere.

Whether cooking for yourself, your kids, or that "special someone," you'll find something great to prepare from the more than 200 easy and tasty recipes. From your kid's birthday party to dinners for two by candlelight to TV snacks for the guys -- this book has it all.

Here's a small taste:

Poached Chicken Breasts, Asian Style
3/4 cup defatted chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sliced scallions
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
4 slices fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tsp. dark sesame oil
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (4)

In a large skillet, combine chicken broth, water, scallions, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger garlic, oil and red pepper flakes. Cover, bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken breasts to poaching liquid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover, cook for 5 minutes, then turn, and poach another 6 minutes. Put on platter, and spoon scallions over chicken. Serve with brown rice, cooked well.

Tuesday, May 15
at 8 pm to 8:30 EST
Out With the Tragedy: Turning Divorce into a meaningful experience
with Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh, founders of Divorce Detox
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