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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 23, 2007 - 35 Letters from Sam's mailbag Hi Sam: Could you please tell me if there are any groups (women) or if you know of anyone who wants to travel, but not alone. I'm a newly single woman and would love to travel, specifically to California, but I don't want to do it alone, as it would be my first time, literally. I've never been to an airport, travelled on an airplane, (scares me, wouldn't know what to do), all previous travelling was done in a family situation, driving by car, within Canada, but I want to go to California, but none of my friends or relatives can go. Any suggestions? Thanks Green at Travelling Dear Green: My colleague and pal Evelyn Hannon was in your position once, and ended up starting an award winning website called www.jouneywoman.com. Have a look on there, it might be very helpful. If you're nervous about driving you might want to look into a coach tour to California. For your first trip, it might well be less scary, and you'll make new friends along the way. Dear Sam: Your column on the cruise was absolutely fascinating, in that I've been reading The Secret, have seen the movie, and am trying very hard to live the way they've suggested. I had already decided that my next holiday would be a cruise, and a "Secret Cruise" is just perfect. Thanks for writing about it. New Believer Dear Believer: I think you,ll find a lot of Canadians on this cruise, judging from the mail. The people who missed my column on the upcoming cruise The cruise is Oct. 6 -12. For more information on this cruise, visit: http://www.bobproctorcruise.com Dear Sam: By way of introduction, my name is Donna. I teach travel and tourism at a community college, I have a consulting business, write books and articles for publication and conduct numerous training seminars and workshops. Being on the road a lot in my car, I listen to a lot of books on CD. The one I've recently studied is The Secret. Just this week, I was thinking "cruise." Then today I read about the Bob Proctor cruise in your article. What a wonderful coincidence (but I'm wondering now if there is really such a concept as a coincidence?) Thanks for sharing -- will you be on the cruise? Donna Hi Donna: I'm not sure about coincidence either. My travel plans for fall aren't set yet, so I'm not sure. I am sure though there will be lots of people for you to network with. Dear Sam: I read with interest your article regarding a Mexican Riviera Cruise. I have done this cruise in the last year or so and enjoyed it very much. While in Mazatlan, we walked the Malacon and saw some cliff diving. The best place for cliff diving though has to be Acapulco. GF Dear GF: I know Acapulco has the best cliff diving, but as a destination, I prefer Mazatlan. The beauty of a cruise is that you are able to see the highlights of various cities and towns, and get a better idea of where you would like to return to. -- You can reach Sam Ion at sion10@cogeco.ca wanted me to write about it again. Not only does this cruise offer opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally, but you can bring the kids.There is also a special children's program. The Secret is a book and movie as you know that teaches the Law of Attraction. That Law basically states that what you give out, you will get back. You attract into your life, what you think about -- negative thoughts, negative results; positive thoughts, positive results. Canadian Bob Proctor is featured in the movie and is the author of You Were Born Rich. He has recently appeared on Larry King Live and The Ellen DeGeneres show. The Secret has also twice been the topic on Oprah Winfrey. Proctor has leased the MS Oosterdam from Holland America for the seven-day cruise that leaves from San Diego with stops at the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. All-inclusive prices start at $1,338,US each, with gratuities for dining and room service included. That doesn't include air. BEAVER TRAILS TO MEXICO: Madison and Ryley Gould read The Oakville Beaver outside their hotel, the Occidental Grand Xcaret, at the Mayan Riveira in mexico. Take along a copy of The Oakville Beaver on your next vacation and send it in for publication to Beaver Trails, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4 or e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. TRAVELLING WITH TEENS...COOL! Mood swings, sleeping until noon, two-word vocabulary ­ cool and gross ­ such are the joys of travelling with teens! Well-travelled families agree that once you get kids involved in the planning and decision-making process of where to go and what to do ­ it makes life a whole lot easier! All-inclusives are great for families with teens because of the extensive array of sports and activities that they offer ­ everything from windsurfing to rock-climbing to eco-outings and unlimited food and beverages ­ all with "no surprise" pricing for Dad. Cruises are now catering more and more to teens with "Coke-tail" parties and teen movie nights. The great thing about an all-inclusive or cruise is that you can safely let your teens have some space to explore on their own ­ within the boundaries of the property or ship. When you are flying with teens, arrange seat selection so that Mom and Dad are together and the teens are sitting a few rows away. When you arrive at the all-inclusive resort or board the ship, make sure you attend the welcome briefings that outline all the activities, the do's and don'ts and optional excursions, etc. Give your teens some independence, but set ground rules such as a specific time they must check in with you each day and an evening curfew. Perhaps there is a common interest such as tennis or sailing that you may want to participate in as a family for an hour or two each day. Some families eat all meals together while others only insist that their teens join them for dinner. For more information on teen-friendly vacations, give us a call! Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com Welcome to Spice Your Kitchen. Making Your Cooking Fun & Easy ing Fu · Knives and Garnishing Tools · Spice Racks · Small Appliances · Cookware and Tableware · Linens, Aprons and Mitts · Bakeware · Barware · Espresso Makers and Accessories Hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday CLOSED River Glen Mews Plaza 2530 6th Line, Oakville (905) 257-3500 Relax... you're with us 221 Lakeshore Road E. Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com oakville@selloffvacations.com 146 Lakeshore Road, East Oakville, On L6J 1H4 (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-842-4999