My husband has become ill and cannot travel anymore. I have a serious need to get away from time to time. The people I would consider traveling with are not really available. Has anyone found a traveling companion through this board? I did a search and didn't really come up with anything. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

Have you considered travelling solo? There are tons of resources on the subject

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband--and I'm sure that you do need some time away from time to time! I can't recall seeing too many people who have met and agreed to travel together on this board, but I do have a couple of suggestions for you:

1. http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm There are a number of us who travel alone and love it! It's a leap the first time, but it's amazingly worthwhile.

2. Small group travel like Overseas Adventure Travel--they really do well with the single traveler, and sometimes there isn't any single supplement. www.oattravel.com

Seriously, it's not easy to travel independently even with people you know well. (You know them a whole lot better after the trip, and that's not always in a good way.) Solo travel has downsides for some (nobody to hold the luggage in the airport restroom is about the only one for me) but then so does travel with others!

Wishing you pleasant journeys.

So sorry to hear that husband can no longer travel.....Are you affiliated w/any groups or professional associations? A local church or community organization that might offer--even short--jaunts?

You may have already investigated such resources but I would also google any combination of traveling solo, trips for singles, and other such terms to see what arises.

It is good that you asked here, as well. Others may share your same wish.

I know of three women in Hawaii who met on Fodor's and have traveled extensively in Southeast Asia together over the last several years.

You might attend some GTG's in your area to meet other Fodorites in person, many people have made life long friends thru some of the GTG's.

What part of CA?

There are semi-frequent GTG's in the bay area and in SoCal. Every few months from 3 to 30 Fodorites get together, usually in a restaurant. Watch for threads in the Lounge and on other forums -- primarily the United States board -- announcing GTG's.

Then after you've met a few of us in person, you can take it from there just like w/ any other group of friends.

I traveled without my husband for a while, and traveling alone was not an option for me. Tried it and did not like it!

Are you looking for a companion to share the cost? Would you join a tour group? Some of them either find somebody to share the cost, or you get the room to yourself for 1/2 the price.

Another option is a cruise. You can be alone in the cabin, but there are so many activities, tours and classes that you are hardly ever alone.

Also, what is your age? Elderhostel is a wonderful opportunity for those 55 and up. For young people under 35 it's Contiki tours.

Thanks for your helpful replies. Traveling alone is not an option for me. How could I have forgotten about Elderhostel??

I'm not looking for someone to share cost. I'm just not a very outgoing person, so would like to have someone I "know" to hang out with.

Thanks again.