Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/365611
(right) jen roberts/culver-stockton college f a l l 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A 27 Cuba on Her Own AMA member Christine Allin travelled to Cuba by herself this April. She spent a week basking in the sun at Meliá Peninsula resort, near Varadero, and chatted with us about the experience: This was a trip of firsts for you: your first trip alone, your first time in Cuba and your first stay at an all-inclusive resort. How did that come about? I decided a week before that I was going. My AMA Travel agent recommended Cuba – because of the cost and timing – and the weather was exactly what I wanted (32 C every day). I'm recently divorced and I just needed a break. Plus, I hadn't been to the ocean for 30 years. What were the highlights? The resort and the beaches were beautiful. I also took three group excursions from the resort – a catamaran day trip that included snorkelling and swimming with dolphins, a day trip into Havana and an interior Jeep adventure where you get together with some other people from the resort and drive your own Jeep along back roads. One day I also just walked out and hopped on the bus and went into the town of Varadero, which was about 40 minutes away. I walked along the beach for two hours and never reached the end of it. Was there anything you didn't do because you were on your own? I decided not to go to Havana at night. But I never felt in harm's way, ever. Any tips for other solo travellers, or anyone heading to Cuba? I would say be open to sharing your table with people. One of the more satisfying things I did was to bring gifts to give the resort service staff – they were just so appreciative. Pantyhose, tooth- brushes, toothpaste, combs, colouring books, crayons, lip balm, cosmetic samples – because they can't get that stuff. Final verdict? It was relaxing and very well worth it. I'm in my 50s and it was my first time doing something like this on my own. It was very good for my spirit. If I have a spontaneous moment next spring, I might go back. Why Group Travel Works – When You ' re Travelling Alone by Mike Morrison T here are many reasons why you might end up travelling by yourself. Maybe you're newly single, or your friends want to cross some place else off their bucket lists. or perhaps you simply like to go it alone. if you find yourself planning a solo trip to a destination like Cuba – captivating but also potentially intimidating – here's why to consider joining a group: You're safer in a pack. some tours allow travellers to join the day's activities or strike out on their own. so you have the safety of the group, but if you want to go for a quick tour of a museum or shop at the local market, someone knows where you are and when you're expected back. You avoid the singles' supplement. Many tour companies – like AMA Travel, with its Go solo program – will do their best to pair individuals travelling on their own with another solo traveller for hotel accommoda- tions, helping singles avoid extra charges that come with booking double-occupancy rooms alone. You won't miss a thing. exploring any destination with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide can ensure that you see both the well-known attractions and the ones that aren't in the guidebooks, without wasting precious vacation days. You'll meet travel buddies. Chances are you'll wind up surrounded by a group of people who, like you, are excited to discover the world. And thanks to them, you'll actually get to be in your photos, instead of depending on selfies. AMA member Christine Allin travelled to Varadero, Cuba, by herself this spring. Book today! Spend four nights in Varadero and three in Havana from $1,279. Departs January 12, 2015, from Calgary. 1-866-667- 4777; AMATravel.ca Or, enjoy a week at the all- inclusive, four-star Hotel Villa Cuba, Varadero Nov. 6–13. Go Solo for $1,176 from Calgary; $1,206 from Edmonton. Includes taxes and airfare. 1-866-667-4777. For more on travelling solo, visit AMATravel.ca/GoSolo or call 1-877-589-8413. iPad and online readers: check out our tips on how to take street photos in Havana.