JOAN SCALESanswers your travel questions
Is there a travel company for thirtysomethings?
Q I’m a thirtysomething singleton and love travelling. I am thinking about travelling with a company that deals with people who are single, like-minded and sick of paying single supplements. I am sporty and would love an adventure holiday that involves meeting people and doing activities like hiking, surfing, mountain biking and so on. I would ideally love to go with a mixed group that are 35 and under and up for an adventure. Is there a company that fits these criteria?
M, Kerry
There is no dedicated agency in the Republic for singles holidays. Some holidays appear without a single supplement, like yoga and surfing holidays with Freerangeholidays.com. Friendship Travel, based in Northern Ireland, has a few holidays coming up that might be of interest. In France the alpine activities holiday includes hiking, mountain biking, rafting and summer skiing. It’s from £525 (about €630), flights to Lyon extra.
Discover Corsica on a trip that includes sailing and wind surfing, canoeing, waterpolo and aerobics. Optional activities include mountain bike hire and guided hikes. The trip, including meals, is from £795 (about €955) plus flights. Visit friendshiptravel.com or tel 048-94462211.
UK-based Solo Holidays has a range of activity breaks for August and September. Choose from a multi-activity holiday in Monte Bondone in the Italian Dolomites to hiking in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. It also has a walking weekend in the New Forest in the autumn. See soloholidays.co.uk or tel 0044-844-8150005.
Q I intend to go on a cruise later this year which will go to a number of countries outside the euro zone (Sweden, Latvia, Denmark, Latvia and Russia). Any advice in relation to the currencies I need?
JOB, Kildare
You can book and buy currencies in advance from your bank, but it’s probably cheaper and more efficient to use an ATM card and withdraw what you need in each country.
Normally cruise companies organise sightseeing tours and that means you are unlikely to need cash as you pay on board in advance. There is usually a free transfer from the ship to the city centre and you can then use a credit card for most other purchases.
Go contact
Email questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com