Testimonials

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Thanks Janet for a beautiful picture of our fabulous group. Our Egypt trip was definitely the trip of a lifetime and I am so glad you reassured me before the vacation, and I did not listen to my kids discouraging me from going.  I always feel blessed to be part of your vacations. You went so far beyond my imagination on this trip and for that I am very thankful.

Yes, it was tiring and stressful at times, but you kept us all safe and we all had a great time and saw so much. My roommate was excellent also…great match as always.  

Thanks again Janet, you are the best!

–Cindy Elkins


Hi Janet,

I want to thank you again for another great trip!!  As you know, I have been an independent traveler around the world for many years now.  Of course I was initially apprehensive at the prospect of being part of a group and losing that independence!  However the New Orleans trip was another example of why I have enjoyed your trips so much.  I know how much time is required in pre-trip research to determine proper timing and sight visits to maximize time – so I appreciate the amount of research you do that results in such perfect timing and choice of sightseeing! In addition, the coordination required to lead to a group trip is pretty extreme, and you are able to pull it off beautifully!  The time and research you put into your trips result in a perfectly timed fabulous trip!  And I love that I do not have to THINK!  So thank you again, and I am certainly looking forward my participation in the next trips over the next few months!!! Keep up that incredible energy!!!!

—Linda Salo


Hats off to Janet and Solo Travel International!

I recently traveled with Solo Travel to New Orleans LA.  The trip was a true taste of New Orleans-visits to the Jazz and Mardi Gras museums, a Mississippi River cruise, beignets at Cafe du Monde, and a visit to the National WWII Museum. There was time to view the beautiful Mardi Gras floats and parades with free time to visit Bourbon Street and French Quarter for shopping, food and music.

The trip was well organized and safety was a top priority as we traveled in a group; something I truly appreciated as a senior traveler.

Thanks, Janet for a great New Orleans experience!

—K Antonelli


I have gone on 3 trips with Janets travel company, Solo Travelers International.
I have never regreted going.  I usally need a roommate which she provides if available.
I’ve had 3 and they were all great.  You will meet so many nice people.  Janet plans a great itinerary with some free time.
So I highly recommend traveling with STI.  You will have a great time!

—Linda Hahn


Janet,
I cannot thank you enough for making my first experience with Solo Travelers International seamless and fun. You may recall that I was apprehensive about traveling with a group of 29 people that I had never met but the adventures on the ABC Islands trip turned out to be extraordinary. I very much appreciate your encouragement and your ability to keep our group entertained, educated, and moving along as we traveled to three different islands. I now have many new friends and look forward to the opportunity to travel again with you in the future.

–Jane Lloyd


My very first trip planned and led by Janet Blair was active, fun, educational, with time available for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and leisure at my own discretion. In 7 days, the group of 29 travelers visited 3 islands – Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, then back to Aruba. What a great January getaway! The tour guides on the bus were engaging, the scenery and sights visited represented the islands well, with history elements and present day points mixed in for all interest levels. I would return to these islands and the resorts chosen and plan to continue traveling with Janet Blair and my new travel buddies.

–Raimonda


Just a quick note to say a BIG thank you! The ABC Islands tour was spectacular! This was my third trip with you, and it was as fabulous as my trips to both Egypt and Russia. Your knack for detail and making sure our comfort is a priority is above any tour group I’ve experienced.

Thank you and I look forward to my next trip to Portugal with you.

Thanks!

–Kim Uhlig


Hello Janet!

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed my 1st Solo Travelers Int (STI) trip. You do an amazing job “herding cats” and have the energy of a 10 year old!! I am still recovering from taking all those modes of transportation, but how else would we have seen so much in 1 week? I have to say that Bonaire was my favorite. The resort was beautiful and so well appointed, and our tour was so well done. The resort on Curacao was amazing as well. I definitely could have stayed there longer!
I have to say that one of the best things about my STI trip was the people on it. I so enjoyed meeting my fellow travelers who were all lovely fun people! Jane and I got along great as roomies.

Thank you again, Janet! Rest up before Mardi Gras in NOLA. I look forward to traveling again with you in the future!

Warm regards,

Deb Tenbusch


Hello Janet,

Thank you so very much for the wonderful trip to Tuscany.  This was my first trip with you and really out of the United States.  It was packed with so much to see, wonderful tours, great food, and friendly and fun people that went on the trip.  I cannot express how grateful I was to see all the attractions that you packed into the week.  My favorite was going to see Michaelangelo’s David.  It was breathtaking and so surreal!

I could not have asked for anything more.  I do know that you put your heart and soul into making the trip so enjoyable for us all, and I really appreciate all your hard work.

I look forward to taking more trips with you!

Thank you again,

–Gina Outman


Janet,
Thank you SO SO much for this amazing, incredible trip to Tuscany!  This would never have been possible without you.  We know you put up with a lot on this trip, but you made it happen in such a great way…With all these rail journeys it had to be very taxing, and we thank you so much for putting the time and effort that you did to make this happen for all of us.

Chip and I can’t thank you enough for one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.. we will remember this always! Kudos to you!!! ❤️

–Kimberly Rockwell


Good morning Janet!

Thank you again for making another wonderful trip come together. I had a great time and enjoyed all of the wonderful places we visited in Tuscany. The tour guides were fascinating with their wealth of information. They make me want to read more about the various places and their history. Italy was my number one bucket list and I am so happy that I got to experience it. I hope to go back to check out other regions as well.

Thank you again and I look forward to my next adventure with you.

–Sharron Saltarelli


I recently returned from the Best of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps with Oktobertfest, Janet’s trip 100! And what a magnificent trip it was! We started our trip in Munich, Germany, having a fun day sightseeing in this beautiful city. We traveled the next day to Oberammergau, and toured the Theatre of the Passion Play. Our knowledgeable guide provided the history of this world famous play, and toured us through the charming town. The next day was off to Salzburg, Austria by train. There we visited many locations from the Sound of Music, and also had time to explore this beautiful city. Both hotels in these cities were wonderful and located right next to the train station for convenience. From there we travelled to the Eagle’s Nest, with spectacular views of the Austrian Alps.

Janet went above and beyond to rearrange last minute schedule changes and navigate multiple forms of transportation to ensure we had a wonderful time without complaint.

This was my third trip with Solo Travelers International and it definitely won’t be my last!

–Donna Frame


I really enjoyed my first trip with Solo Travelers International. This was my first trip out of the country without family.  Needless to say I was out of my comfort zone. Janet does a great job in making all feel welcomed. She put me at ease through the entire process. She promptly returned all my calls and responded to all questions. I knew no one on the trip and she did a great job of matching me with a wonderful roommate. The roommate had some travel experience and her knowledge was valuable.

Janet has a great group of travelers that make you feel they have always known you. The tour was the Best of the Bavarian Alps, with trips to Salzburg, Erding and Munich ending with the amazing Oktoberfest. Janet made sure the group had the best experience possible, even rearranging itinerary as needed.

I am excitingly watching for her newsletter to register right away for the next trip that meets my interest!

–Joy Hendren


“I recently returned from a wonderful adventure … “The Mighty National Parks Tour with Las Vegas”.

This was my first tour with Janet Blair and Solo Travelers Int’l.  I truly enjoyed the entire tour and my time with all the other travelers.

Janet matched me with a perfect roommate, who was also traveling for the first time with Solo Travelers. I found it to be an easy and enjoyable way to travel and meet interesting, fun people.

Janet did an exceptional job planning a great itinerary, keeping us all on schedule and communicating with us before and during the tour.

Thank you Janet for all your hard work to make this trip possible and delightful. I am looking forward to more trips with you!

–Antje Carroll


Having traveled previously on multiple occasions with Solo Travelers International, I know that wherever Janet takes me, I will enjoy a quality trip for a good price. The Seine River cruise not only fulfilled, but exceeded all my expectations! Learn more


The Seine River Cruise was my first trip with Solo Travelers International. Repeat business is the best sign of a job well done, and I have already signed up for another trip!

One thing, of many, that I appreciated about my first trip with Solo Travelers International was Janet’s skill in scheduling and planning of each and every city and town we visited. Clearly, Janet thoroughly researches the countries, all transportation issues and the highlights of each site on the itinerary. She then goes that extra step and provides us travelers with local guides whose knowledge of each location is filled with interesting details.

Keeping a group of people attentive and on time is not an easy task which requires good
organizational skills and an engaging personality, as well as experience, which Janet
demonstrated on this trip. Flexibility and an ability to create a Plan B is also a necessary skill for
a travel agent. Twice on this trip, it was necessary to shift gears when the schedule did not go
as planned due to unforeseen circumstances. This gear shifting went smoothly and I believe all
on board enjoyed our trip through France.

Although this was my first journey with STI, I have traveled throughout the world solo, with
family, and on business. I can honestly say Janet offers a great value for her trips and I am
already marketing her trips to others.

–Craig Molter


Janet,

I want to say thank you for making my dream come true with the Seine River Cruise. I love Paris but always longed to see other parts of France. This trip was spectacular!

You made it so easy from getting our plane tickets/seating, where to go at DTW, to transportation to the ship…. THIS is the way to travel!

Your years of experience and professionalism definitely were shown by being able to keep on top of things, providing expert tour guides, the places we went to and the time we were able to spend….I am forever grateful.

The ship was spectacular, the rooms were incredible and all amenities, especially the FOOD, were beyond expectations!

When a few changes had to be made, the amount of time for you to reschedule some things and how smooth things moved along is a testament to your skills, contacts and working behind the scene to make it so smooth and enjoyable. And the last night’s event was spectacular. Not only did all of us enjoy it but overhearing the ship’s captain commenting on how spectacular it was to his contingency was awesome!

Janet, I’ve sung your praises to complete strangers and friends! You are the only one I will use to go anywhere! It was so much fun!!

–Christine Milne


Janet,

For  five years I continually asked for you to arrange a trip to Normandy. Even when we asked a group of travelers if they were interested in going, nobody showed any interest. But you kept looking for me. A few months back, I got a call from you saying you found a good deal on a river boat cruise which included the Seine River. And what do you know, you sold it out in a matter of hours. What a great trip!!! Great food, service and excursions. The travelers in our group were also wonderful. As always, you provided a trip to remember for the rest of my life. I thank you for always going the extra mile for your travelers. I can’t wait for my next trip!!!!

— Tish Gordon


I have had the great pleasure of participating in two of Solo Travelers International trips, the first one to British Columbia and more recently to New Orleans for a Pre-Mardi Gras Celebration. I have signed up for two more trips this year. It is always a pleasure traveling with Janet and her group of travelers. Janet pays a lot of attention to detail and ensures that we have a safe and enjoyable trip. She chooses the best hotels and tour guides for the area that we are visiting. I have made many new friends and feel comfortable traveling as a group. Janet goes out of her way to make sure we have a rewarding and enjoyable trip. I highly recommend Solo Travelers International.

–Louise Miller


Our Bermuda Cruise with Boston and Bar Harbor was one fantastic vacation! We were on the Norwegian Pearl, which was a beautiful ship! We arrived in Bermuda and excursions awaited. Everything worked well and Janet did a wonderful job keeping us going in the right direction! The people on our trip were like family and really looked out for one other! I would highly recommend Solo Travelers International for successful travel adventures!

–Julie Wagner


Janet,

I can see why my mom enjoys traveling with you and the Solo Traveler’s group. I can honestly say our recent Bermuda Cruise was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. The destination and port of calls were fabulous. You have everything so organized and offer many things to do as a group as well as time to do our own exploring. It’s obvious that you do your research!

The cherry on top was being able to go on the Bermuda Cruise with my mom. That made the trip extra special. I enjoyed getting to meet so many new people (you included)!

I am looking forward to our next trip on the Seine River cruise, seeing you, and meeting more people. Thanks for all that you do!

–Shelley Kasper-Schilling


My husband and I recently traveled with Janet Blair for the first time on a small group trip with 18 people to Dubai. Janet planned the flights, hotel reservations and excursions. Within 5 days of being in Dubai, our days were jam packed with visiting places like the Miracle Garden, Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, tour of the Meydan Racecourse, Museum of the Future and Al Muhara, one of the restaurant at the 7-star Burj al Arab. Janet planned a 4 x 4 vehicle jaunt through the desert where we enjoyed a camel ride and barbecue dinner with entertainment. The last night was tremendous with a sunset cruise on a private yacht and dinner at the renowned Sadam al Iraqi restaurant overlooking the Burj Khalifa light show and dancing fountain show.

 Janet’s attention to detail, conscientiousness, enthusiasm and commitment to safety made this trip one of the best we have ever been on. Because of Janet’s superior travel agent skills and knowledge, my husband and I will be talking about this trip for many years to come!

–Deborah Minichbauer


I want to share a strong endorsement for Janet Blair:

Janet escorted our group tirelessly through our recent trip to Dubai. She made sure we had the best experiences possible, and is a very strong advocate for her clients. Her planning was flawless, and we had so much fun while achieving the maximum exposure to the many experiences the area had to offer. I would highly recommend using Solo Travelers International for your next excursion!

–Mike List


Janet,

Dubai/Abu Dhabi was a trip of a lifetime and you made it great! Your attention to detail and planning to make sure every experience was executed perfectly was most appreciated. I can’t say enough about the events you planned for us, from riding camels in the desert, drinking champagne on a private yacht, to our farewell dinner overlooking the musical light show at the Burj Khalifa, and optional dinner your arranged for us at the Burj al Arab, the only 7 star hotel in the world…my head is still spinning.

You balanced the right amount of planned events with the perfect amount of down time. Because you have traveled there many times, your recommendations on places to eat and shop on our own time, proved very valuable.

Thank you so much for such a great vacation to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I will never forget it!

–Kim Yarboro


I took my first trip with Janet Blair to Dubai & Abu Dhabi in March 2023.  At first, I was not so sure about traveling with a group that I wasn’t familiar with, but pretty soon it was clear that my worries were unnecessary because Janet made sure everyone in the group got to know each other right away and we soon became friends.

During the trip Janet also made sure our needs were accommodated. Given the size of the group, that’s a huge task which requires tremendous organizational skills and experience.  All the details of our itinerary were carefully planned and handled professionally; from arranging all the transports, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, etc. to managing last minute unexpected changes.  Thanks to Janet’s professionalism and experience, we were able to enjoy all the major sights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi smoothly in just a few days.  I highly recommend Janet’s Solo Traveler International group for any trips she leads, and am looking forward to taking more trips with her.

–Christine Cheng


Janet,

Thank you for yet another wonderful adventure – Our New Orleans Pre-Mardi Gras trip was a fabulous experience filled will history, great food, music, exhilarating parades, and a wonderful group of fellow travelers.

From the time we arrived until we departed – as the French Quarter became more festive and populated – you always had everyone’s safety a priority, always making us feel comfortable in our surroundings.

You focus on booking the best accommodations and strive to please your clients – going over and beyond expectations so each traveler has a wonderful experience.

I’ve traveled with you on both international and domestic trips with COVID testing challenges, airline strikes, delayed luggage, missed connecting flights, and you have addressed the unexpected professionally with a positive demeanor, taking the best care of us.

I look forward to many more adventures traveling with you.

–Michelle S.


Janet,

My very first trip with you and your group to New Orleans Pre Mardi Gras Trip # 94 was a awesome experience and journey visiting historical places like WWII Museum, Destrehan Plantation, and the Riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The French Quarter and Bourbon Street were very festive as were the awesome parades in the evenings. The music and dancing were so fun along with a super great bunch of fellow travelers. What a great memory to have!

You definitely went over and beyond to make sure every one of us had a wonderful time and our safety was also your priority. Thank you for that. The hotel accommodations were great.

I very much look forward to participating in many more trips with you and other fellow travelers.

It was a delight to have met you and spend some time talking with you. I truly appreciate all that you did for us. We are all very fortunate to have you as a leader. I will definitely highly recommend your trips.

–Hazel D’Costa Kieta


I have been on 5 trips this past year with Janet Blair and Solo Travelers International. This last trip to New Zealand was the trip of a lifetime! I feel like we saw as much of this beautiful country as possible in two weeks. I am always amazed at with how well organized everything is. The time and effort that Janet puts into these trips is outstanding. I have made many new friends that I stay in contact with. I have now booked 4 more trips with her group. Recently, I mistakenly overpaid for one of the trips and Janet was honest enough to refund my money immediately. That says something about her honesty and integrity. I am looking forward to the next adventure with her.

–Dianne Dahl


So far, I have been to  Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, New Mexico and New Zealand with Solo Travelers International, and I plan to explore much more of the world with Janet Blair.  She not only arranges memorable, fun-filled days but she also gives you a little free time to wander on your own.  I have made many new friends while traveling with Janet and am still in contact with many of them.  Everyone looks after each other. After the first day you feel as if you are traveling with old friends. Solo Travelers International has opened my eyes to the world!

–JoAn Douglas


Janet,

Barb and I had an absolutely wonderful time on your Hawaiian Island Cruise!
It was a dream come true for me. I loved our group and everything about the trip.
Such a good happy vibe from everyone. They were delightful!

I would highly recommend your trips to my friends and family. I’m so grateful and impressed with your fine tuned skills of planning such a complex event.

Thank you so very much Janet!

–Colleen and Barb


Hi Janet,

I want to thank you for being one of our best clients and a true friend of the La Fonda family! Everything about you and what you do is top notch. You are detailed oriented, customer friendly, direct (which is a huge plus), you know what your guests’ requirements and needs are, you pay promptly, and you are a lot of fun! Your clients are very fortunate to have you as a leader.

Thank you for being you. Take care of yourself, and our hope is to have you back in Santa Fe!

-Desiree Quintana, Sales Manager
La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel


Janet,
Thank you for another wonderful travel experience. Although we had what a friend of mine called “record strange Fiesta” weather, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was incredible. You, once again, had the adventure well organized and made certain we got to see the best of the Fiesta and Albuquerque before whisking us off to Santa Fe! The accommodations and atmosphere of the La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel were amazing (not to mention the yummy breakfasts in the Hotel’s La Plazuela Restaurant).

The history of the city as explained by our guide on our walking tour was enlightening! So much to explore during our free time in the city. The guided walk through Bandelier Monument, the visit to Chimayo, the weavers studio and the docent guided tour of the La Fonda Hotel were a fitting closure to a wonderful trip.

Looking forward to what you have planned for us on the New Zealand, San Antonio and the Pacific Northwest trips that I have signed up for in 2023.

–Penny Holmes


Hello Janet,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to travel with you! The last 2 trips have been an over the top experience and I am looking forward to many more!!

Thank you also for the fabulous itineraries that were perfectly planned from the flights, meals, hotels, entertainment, all the informative tours, as well as all your hard work in keeping us safe!!!

We would never be able to see all that you showed us in Iceland as well as Dubai and I can hardly wait for our next trip!! I only wish I would have met you sooner!

You are the best and I appreciate all you do for us to make our trips so special!!

Thank you again,

–Colette Waugh


Hello Janet and Solo Travelers:

Where have I been ALL these years you have been travelling with such nice people? This was my first trip with you and the passengers you took on board were absolutely fantastic! You made it so enjoyable, relaxing and fun! You picked out great sights and our accommodating coach driver gave all of so much security and safety with his driving. The only thing that you did not give us was the tons of money we spent in Cape Cod, but you did again come shining true with the cost of our trip. It was very reasonable.

I cannot wait to go on our next outing. Your great planning has me hooked. I intend to go touring with none other than yourself as long as you’re in charge. Great, great work! Don’t stop. No one could replace you.

Truly,

–Carmel Black


Just wanted to share my good experience with the recent trip to the Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Although it was the first time taking a bus in a very long time, I found it to be interesting and not too bad! It was nice to dispense with the headache of the airport for a change and just see America the old fashioned way!
We covered alot of ground in a short period of time, the accommodations were good, the meals enjoyable and guide and driver were capable and kind. The tours to the areas of the outer cape and the vineyard, along with the ferry ride were informative and eye opening. I had never seen Plymouth Rock and the National Monument either, so that was a new discovery! The parts of Hyannis we explored like the JFK museum and wall brought back some history that I grew up with, so it was nice to see it all in a nice photographic and comprehensive collection.
Janet does her best to make sure we are going to have a lovely and informative time. We get to sit back and let her make the arrangements and enjoy what she provides for us. I always look forward to a great time and this was no exception. Well done! And Thank you!

–Susan DiPace


Hello Janet,
Just wanted to thank you for a great and most memorable trip to the Pacific Northwest.
It was so much fun and the weather was great.

I enjoyed meeting some new women and experiencing yet another beautiful area of our nation.
I so appreciate all that you do for us on these trips!

Thanks again – I look forward to many more adventures!

–Mimi Konicki


Thank you Janet for the opportunity to travel with the Solo Travelers International Group. My trip to Dubai exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was perfectly planned showcasing the points of interest with ample opportunity for discovery on my own. Dubai was picturesque and a complete contradiction of what my impression was before visiting.  This trip will be a memorable highlight of my travels. I was enchanted​! Thank you again for your efforts in making this amazing trip possible, your input regarding the history and customs of this region was an appreciated added bonus. Looking forward to traveling with you again.

–Meredith Burkard


Dear Janet,

I want to sincerely thank you for all the hard work and effort you put in to making a wonderful trip to Italy. It was an amazing experience that will last a lifetime.

Your organization of everything was fantastic. To keep that many people together and in line would not be something most people could do. The tour guides, the bus drivers, the meals were wonderful, and the weather was spectacular.

The farewell dinner and all the extra little things you did for us was much appreciated. I look forward to going on another one of your trips.

–Dianne Dahl


Hello Janet,

I am still “debriefing” from my absolutely AMAZING trip to Greece! It was well worth the wait as I knew that it would be.

You really ‘turned the country on’ for us……showing us the very best that it had to offer. With your knowledge of the country, you truly selected historic and beautiful sights, everywhere we went I was always amazed by the beauty of the architecture and the water. The activities were interesting, and you gave us time to explore on our own, another way to see a city. It was nice getting to know you as we walked up the hill to see the volcano.

When I get some downtime I will review my pictures, keeping the memories alive. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to visit such a wonderful country.

So until next time!
With appreciation,

–Wilma McKinney
PS: You gave me the right roommate, a true world traveler!!


Hey Janet or should I say Mama Mia!,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note. I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner but I wanted to thank you for putting on such a great trip for all of us to Greece. I know you have your challenges absolutely, but you handled them very, very well and like always, it was great.

Looking forward to traveling with you again sometime in the future. Keep me in mind for everything because I love traveling with you. You do it well.

Enjoy Italy and be safe. We will talk soon.

— Kathy Ritter


My second trip with you was to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and the Best of New Mexico. It was just as fun and amazing as my first trip with you to Iceland! Even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, the time spent at the festival was well worth it. I appreciated the VIP and “Plan B” service that you provided everyone. You certainly did your homework in providing knowledgeable tour guides. It definitely made a difference as I love to not only see new places but also learn about them.

Staying at La Fonda on the plaza was a special treat as I had read about the Harvey girls when I stayed at the sister hotel in Grand Canyon. The walking tour of the hotel was greatly appreciated.

The farewell luncheon was fabulous and I spoke with many who had a special experience when we visited Santuario de Chimayo, one of the holiest pilgrimages in the country.

I know that, especially during this pandemic, you worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make our experience amazing. Thanks for all of your hard work. See you Wednesday for our next adventure in Greece, then Hawaii in January. Can’t wait!
–Pam Espeut


The return to International travel during the pandemic was not only frustrating but a little intimidating. The trip to Iceland was booked in 2019 for summer 2020, but because of COVID, it was delayed until July of 2021. In the spring of 2021 I was thrilled to learn that the trip was on. And I am so glad my first overseas trip during this difficult time was with Janet Blair and Solo Travelers International. Janet took every step possible to make this a wonderful experience even though there were many unknowns that we were facing – what will be open; how we will get our COVID test to return to the US, do we have to wear masks everywhere, what special safety protocols would need to be followed, etc. Everything worked out perfectly, thanks to Janet’s extra efforts to make this an unforgettable experience.

The itinerary couldn’t have been better – we travelled the entire circle around the country and saw everything from glaciers, geysers, lava fields and oceans to the active volcano near Reykjavik. The only thing missing was the northern lights, but even Janet with her magical powers couldn’t make those appear in the middle of the summer when there is more daylight than dark. We were fortunate because Iceland had just reopened, the number of tourists was below what would be normal for this time of year, and we had many of our destinations almost to ourselves. Janet even ordered perfect weather, with only 1 day of rain and lots of sunshine, a rarity in Iceland during the summer.

This was my second trip with Janet, the first being Egypt in 2018. I cannot wait until another opportunity to travel with Solo Travelers arises, as the trips are filled with wonderful people, are well planned and organized, are an excellent value, offer a view into the culture and heritage of the country being visited, and are always an amazing journey to places I have never visited before.
— Diane Slinger


Hi Janet,

I have to thank you for an amazing vacation on our recent Rhine River Cruise. I had never traveled abroad and you made it a huge success. I need your skills for handling travelers like a mother goose, keeps her ducks in a row. All the different personalities don’t seem to waiver your kind and thoughtful personality.

I’m looking forward to my next trip with Solo Travelers. You are amazing and I truly don’t know how you do it all.

Kind Regards,
–Cathy Harte


My recent Rhine River Cruise was my 4th trip with Janet and it has been on my bucket list for years.  I was looking forward to seeing castles and cathedrals, but being there immersed in the beautiful, fairytale landscapes of the Rhine region took my breath away.

Our adventure began in Amsterdam with a bus/walking tour, a canal boat ride, then a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills.  Our luxurious cruise ship continued down the Rhine to Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, and ending in Basel. We had an included excursion package in most of the cities with plenty of time to explore on our own.

Janet always gives you more “bang for the buck” but she is also there to  help and support everyone, any time of the day or night. I was anxious about the mandatory Covid self-test that needed to be taken before reentering the United States. Janet kindly assisted me and all the other passengers through every step of the way.  This is one of the many reasons why I choose to travel with Janet. My other trips included Iceland, Nashville, and an Alaska Cruise and Land Tour, in which all I had to do was relax and enjoy, knowing that everything is being taken care of.

I look forward to crossing off more trips on my bucket list with Solo Travelers International!

Thanks Janet!
–Darlene Allman


Travelling overseas, especially during a pandemic can be risky, difficult and complicated. That’s why when I want to travel abroad, I contact Janet Blair and Solo Travelers International. No matter where a new destination is posted, I contact Janet. She handles all the details and I feel like I’m already on vacation from our first phone call. Whether it’s helping me the find the best deal, make changes to my trip, or being available to help out, answer questions about safety protocol or anything else along the way, Janet and Solo Travelers are there for me. Because of her vast knowledge and experience in the travel industry, it’s the only way I’ll go when I want to see more of the world.
–Paul Kanan


Thank you so much for another incredible destination trip. This was my seventh Solo Travelers trip with Janet at the helm, each just as incredible as this trip to Iceland was. I hope that I’ll have the opportunity to continue with many more exciting adventures with Solo Travelers. Great experiences, excellent people and with Janet’s dedication to making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, I found it so easy to entrust the details to her and just enjoy the trip!

I was truly amazed by all the places we visited while in Iceland. We literally circled the entire country and even made a few treks into the middle. We managed to take in so much of what Iceland has to offer: Mountains, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls (lots and lots of waterfalls…the land of over 10,000 waterfalls!!), historic lava flows both barren and verdant, black sand beaches, unique rock formations, along with colorful cities, towns and farms. A very diverse landscape that has hints of Hawaii, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, and some areas that have no comparison to anything I’ve seen. All incredibly beautiful. The highlight of the trip for me had to be the helicopter ride over Iceland‘s active volcano. We were fortunate enough to have perfect weather and a mildly active volcano to see.

Janet’s planning and choice of a local tour company made this a truly amazing trip. Thanks to both our guide and driver, our experience was enhanced with many relevant facts, a lot of the country’s history, and plenty of personal experiences.

Just wanted to thank you again for this great trip and experience. I had a wonderful time. I appreciate all that you do behind the scenes to make it all go smoothly!
— Don Ohman


Trip #81 was called “Iceland: A world beyond imagination” and this trip certainly was; not just because of what we saw and learned but also because of the conscientious way that Janet Blair went out of her way to ensure our safety on this, her first trip since Covid had locked everything down.

From ordering and carrying our IcelandAir required Covid tests, to going out of her way to oversee everything, she never stopped seeing to our needs.

Due to Janet’s amazing itinerary and after a traditional Icelandic breakfast and a visit to the Viking museum, we hit the ground running. That is until we were able to relax in Iceland’s legendary mineral enriched heated waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Janet had arranged for our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable tour guide, Leif, to help us learn about his country that he loved. We circumvented the whole country enjoying magnificent mountains, snow topped glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, spectacular ocean views and black sand beaches. Leif found us puffins, seals, Iceland’s famous horses and too many sheep to count as we explored darling towns along the coast while learning about Iceland‘s history.

Almost every day dawned brightly as Janet delivered good weather. (OK, so that might be a slight exaggeration; but, others who have traveled often with Janet say it’s the truth!)

The last night at the Viking Village’s traditional dinner we reminisced about all we had seen and done.

But, Janet saved the best for last, a helicopter ride over Iceland‘s active volcano in the Fagradalsfjall mountain range. Our guide had advised that it had gone quiet upon our arrival in Iceland, but that day it awakened and put on a show that none of us will ever forget.

This was my first trip with Solo Travelers International, but it surely won’t be my last.
— Pam Espeut


I could write about the four special trips I have enjoyed while traveling with Solo Travelers International but I’d like to take this opportunity to focus on a different aspect of traveling: SOLO TRAVELERS and JANET BLAIR.

The world is exciting, welcoming and unpredictable. How you travel and with whom determines much related to the experience. Janet Blair is a solid travel organizer. I have been in her presence when she’s reconciled travel concerns, hotel arrangements, lost luggage and travelers. All issues approached with grace, kindness and, sometimes even, a sense of humor. She’s always showed up and that’s a critical piece of a fabulous vacation. Join any excursion and you will be delighted.
— Violeta Majauskas


Janet, we would like to thank you for putting together a delightful and fun holiday trip to Nashville. This was our first trip to the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville and it could not have been any nicer. The attractions, shows and menus were exquisite. It was fun to get to know our neighbors on a personal level.

Thank you again for all your time and effort in making this a trip to remember.
— Art and Brenda Paradise


The Southern Belles & Whistles Tour to Asheville, Charleston and Savannah was amazing. We enjoyed the trip a lot. It was well organized. It was obvious that Janet put a lot of effort into putting it together. I will highly recommend this trip to others.
— Indra Uppal


I traveled with Janet and about 30 others on the first “Southern Belles & Whistles” tour on October 12-17, 2019 and had a great time! Air travel round-trip from Detroit to Charlotte was easy and reasonably priced, and the destinations of the Biltmore Estate, Charleston and Savannah were excellent selections. I have frequently been to both Charleston and Savannah on business trips, where the local company that I was visiting hosted us for dinners and some sightseeing. Janet had selected all of the highlights that I would have chosen to see again, and added some others that I might not normally have selected but actually enjoyed greatly!
The other members of the group were a pleasure to meet and explore with, and Janet was accommodating to all! This was the first “packaged” tour that I have ever taken, normally arranging and traveling on my own, but I will certainly be taking future trips with any group managed by Janet!
— Gordon H.


What a fantastic time! The Eastern European Trip was everything I had hoped for and more. This was my first trip with Solo Travelers’, Janet Blair. Each day our itinerary was posted, outlining the days schedule with optional trips available for those who wanted to see and do more. Our guide, Tamas’ family and friends had lived through the dark history of Eastern Europe from the communist era, WWII, the fall of communism to becoming a part of the European Union. Tamas was able to provide personal stories of how history affected the Eastern European people and their counties.

After a week or so I’m generally ready to be home, but not this trip. Too many things to see and do, no time to be homesick. I was so pleased with Solo Travelers, I’m going on another one of Janet’s trips, China’s Golden Triangle in May 2020. Thank you, Solo Travelers’, for such a wonderful trip.
— Jan Jones


It is hard for me to believe that I have almost been home a month. Just the right amount of time to digest the multi-culture experience of my recent trip to Eastern Europe with Solo Travelers. Janet’s planning and choice of tour conductor provided an experience I will treasure. Thanks to our guide, Tamas, our experience was a rich mixture of history, personal experiences and fun. Our after dinner walks is each city was a special treat. Janet chose top notch hotels situated in the center of each city we visited. This put us close to major sites to explore in our free time. My favorite night was a dinner arranged by Tamas in Berlin. Eat, sing, dance and be merry, followed by a run through the arches of the Brandenburg Gate in tribute to our freedom. I hope to see past and new friends on a future adventures as I explore the world with Janet and her merry band of Solo Travelers. Prost! Thank you Janet & my fellow Solo Travelers.
— Linda Gomez


I have just returned home from the most amazing magical Eastern Europe trip of my life. I have always wanted to go to Europe and all of my friends said, “well go then”.. but I didn’t how or where to go, what cities /countries / sites to visit. It was just overwhelming. I won’t have a roommate, I would be going by myself so I didn’t know anyone on the trip. How do I get through customs. Just so many things that would stop me from going.

Then I heard about Solo Travelers International, so I contacted Janet Blair and she walked me through all of the details. She hooked me up with a wonderful roommate. The friends I met in those two weeks will be new friends for life. I could not believe how wonderful and easy it was. This trip was for 2 weeks – 6 countries, 10 cities and thousands of awesome sites. Taking in all the history, churches, palaces and feelings that you can only have when you’re standing right there where it all happened -the good and bad through history. We always had time set aside to discover each city at our own pace.

Our tour guide was incredible! He stayed with us on the whole trip. Gave us the history of the next country that we would be seeing. Always had the itinerary laid out so we knew what we would be doing the next day. Gave us extra tours along the way and took us for walks after dinner to discover neat parts of the city we wouldn’t have known about. We could have dinner at the local restaurants so we could taste their food and experience their culture. We all had a ball laughing, dancing, drinking, and eating our way through Europe. With the 6 countries we visited, every hotel was exceptionally nice and the every morning breakfast was a huge spread. OMG, just thinking of it makes me hungry.

I usually don’t take the time to write about my trips but I want everyone to know how easy and wonderful seeing Europe for my first time was with Solo Travelers International. The only issue I can see about taking this trip is now I can’t wait to go on the website and find my next new journey. With time precious and funds limited, I better make every trip count and that is what I did by seeing Eastern Europe with Janet’s group.
— A Very Happy Traveler


Just wanted to thank you again for this great trip and experience in our Alaska Cruise and Tour. I had a wonderful time. I appreciate all that you do behind the scenes to make it all go smoothly! The favorite part of my trip was Denali National Park and we were very blessed to have a clear day for viewing that wonder. The cruise of the Inner Passage was fantastic! I really liked the delicious variety of food to choose from on the ship and the included drink package. It was nice being on a ship that wasn’t as large as some of Norwegian’s. I also enjoyed the Skagway scenic rail journey and touring Victoria, BC. They were just gorgeous! It was neat being in Canada for Canada Day on July 1 and then coming home to celebrate our own Independence Day the following day. Looking forward to seeing you on the Eastern Europe trip! Please keep me informed of upcoming adventures.
— Mimi Konicki


The Kentucky Derby trip was great in spite of the weather. Thanks for your efforts to really make it such a special event!! Everything was so well planned with as much to see as possible along the way!
— Elaine Garvin


Viva la aventura! And that’s what Costa Rica was, a wonderful adventure! Janet did a great job creating a marvelous trip! We experienced the city, jungle, wild animals, the locals with their cuisine, river trips, a coffee plantation along with “Villa Vanilla,” knowledgeable tour guides and terrific company! Every experience was pleasurable, venturesome, and extremely memorable. Traveling “solo” I have always been paired up with a roommate who I have become friends with. If you want to meet new people while exploring the world with splashes of down time, then Solo Travelers International is for you!
— Sharon Drochak


My recent trip to Nashville for A Country Christmas was the best ever! The Opryland Resort was the best resort I’ve ever stayed in. It was so much fun and the most reasonable trip I’ve ever taken. I am signing up for another trip with Solo Travelers in May I think. The whole thing including 5 excursions that were excellent and the best hotel I’ve stayed in was just $599 for 4 days including a lavish breakfast daily! This resort was much better than the wonderful Vegas hotel I stayed at. There was even an outlet mall within walking distance but the resort had a free shuttle to it too! I am so happy to have taken this first trip with Solo Travelers that I want to share this experience with everyone!

Thank you Janet!
— Sharyn Schymick


Since I met Janet from Solo Travelers International almost 2 years ago, I have traveled on 15 trips of hers and have signed up for many more coming up next year. The wonderful adventures I have been on so far include: Mediterranean Cruise, New Zealand, New York City, Paris, Iceland, Cuba, Morocco, Greece, Canadian Rockies, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Dubai, Egypt, Turkey, and Nashville.

Janet puts together affordable, active sightseeing adventures to amazing destinations. I have made many new friends that I see again and again on her trips so I never feel like I am traveling alone. I recommend her trips to other travelers often and I consider myself one of her biggest groupies.

Thank you Janet for showing me the world. I can’t wait for the next amazing adventure.
— Mary Kay Toussaint


Amazing … Awe Inspiring … A life time experience.

I just returned from a trip to Egypt with Solo Travelers International. Words barely describe the fabulous wonders of the ancient world which our group experienced. Our evening arrival in Giza began in a 5 star hotel, having been shuttled from the airport by our friendly, knowledgeable local guide. The adventures began early the next morning following an included breakfast buffet. By the end of the first day, I’d ridden a camel across the desert, sent home photos of me posing in front of the pyramids and the sphinx and relaxed at sunset on a lovely felucca sailboat ride on the Nile River.

The adventures continued to grow as each day unfolded. I saw the landscape of the Vallley of the Kings from a hot air balloon at sunrise, cruised the Nile River and shared fun and educational light and sound theatre where the pharaohs spoke from the temples of their gods and where the sphynx came alive. These excursions are rated the top 3 things to see and do in Egypt.

Egypt is my third trip with Janet. Each one has been magically unique in its own way. What is so remarkably consistent with Janet’s trips is the camaraderie that develops among the travelers, and Janet’s calm, professional and experienced manner in dealing with any and all unforeseen circumstances. Another indispensable aspect of Janet’s trips is AFFORDABILITY. I have researched other trips and bar none, Solo Travelers International provides the best travel opportunities for the least cost. Thanks to Janet, I’ve enjoyed world wide excursions on a solo travelers budget.

I highly recommend trying a trip with Janet.
— Patricia Custer


Dear Janet,

I just got done looking at a map of Egypt and reflecting on all the places we went. Needless to say what you and Wael did was nothing short of incredible. We literally traveled the whole country.

Thank you so much for a trip of a lifetime to see the greatest sights I have been fascinated by since childhood. This experience brought fantasy to reality, education and a great fondness for this vast world we live in. Not to mention a new appreciation for our U.S. The travel security efforts and improvisations to the busy schedule are appreciated with the highest respects.

Safe travels on your next journey,
— Michael


Janet,

Thank you for the Rockies Trip! My breath-taking photos appear other worldly. The diversity of this trip was perfect: the Art Museum in Calgary showcasing the First people’s story and power—essential for today’s needs and world. The hike in the mountains stretched my muscles and mind. Priceless jewels in the Canadian crown of BC and Alberta mountains, Banff and Lake Louise are ethereal mirror reflections of our best selves. As I walked on Athabasca glacier, I felt intense belonging on earth. Mountains are spiritual pilgrimage — above mundane, higher consciousness reveals Unity with all living things.

Thanks for incredible travel value in the lap of luxury! You are Mother Earth’s Chosen Guide.

Sincerely,
— Ellen Waara


My trip with Solo Travelers International to the Canadian Rockies was just breathtaking. I met the nicest people in our group. Janet is so helpful with any questions you might have. Our travel guide, Ralph was so full of history and knowledge about the Canadian Rockies. The trip itself and all we saw was beyond my expectations. I won’t hesitate to travel again with Janet’s group.
— Mary Jo Jennings


I just recently vacationed in Athens Greece and the Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini, with Janet Blair and my new group of friends. The Islands are absolutely breathtaking!

Janet took care of all the planning and organizing, All I had to do was show up and enjoy one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on. The accommodations were top notch and the side tours I went on had the most knowledgeable and amazing tour guides. I absolutely loved them!
As a group we became friends through our shared experiences on this wonderful vacation. My birthday happened to fall in the middle of this trip and the group helped me celebrate a very memorable birthday on a beautiful vacation. Although this was my first trip with Solo Travelers and Janet Blair, it most definitely will not be my last!

Sincerely and respectfully,
— Joel Merimee


Last week I returned from my first trip with Janet’s Solo Travelers International group. I retired recently and it’s been my goal to see the world. However, since I’m single and many of my friends are still working or otherwise are not in a position to travel, I’ve found the thought of traveling on my own to be a good excuse to procrastinate.

On Janet’s recent trip to Greece, my concerns were put to rest. Many of the others who took part in the trip were in my same position and it made for good camaraderie among all and it was nice to have others with which to share the wonderful experiences.

I’m now sold on group travel! Janet is well organized and she worked hard to make sure that all ran smoothly and that our needs were met. The confidence she instilled made it easy to put myself in her capable hands, kick back and simply enjoy the wonderful travel experience.
Another thanks to you, Janet, for a job very well done!

— Corinne


I’ve traveled with Janet Blair’s Solo Travelers Int’l group, both alone and with my husband, to several countries in the past few years. The trips have included Turkey, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa/Zimbabwe/ Botswana, Vietnam, Croatia/Slovenia/Montenegro, Cuba, Ecuador & the Galapagos, Singapore & Bali.

Having lived overseas for large portions of my life, in numerous parts of the world, and traveled extensively on my own overseas since I was a teenager, traveling with a group doesn’t come easily. However, the trips Janet has planned have been exceptional in quality, affordability, and convenience. I’ve found that on my own I can’t arrange transportation to cover as much territory, find such amazing centrally-located accommodations, along with the professional local guides, airport transfers and luggage management that her groups provide for a fraction of the cost or inconveniences of self-managed travel.

The groups are always congenial, there is always free-time to explore, the side-trips are excellent, meals are carefully chosen and delicious. Travel time is spent on enjoying the sights and experiences that you’re there to explore, rather than tied up with other travel details. Each trip is individually planned, so no two are ever the same even if returning to previous destinations. Few destinations are repeated more than once since many of the travelers have been on her previous trips, and like Janet, are eager to see new places. Happy Travels!

— Carole Davis


Hello Janet,

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for our wonderful trip to Singapore and Bali. For my first international trip it was an experience of a lifetime and I will cherish the great memories forever. You did an outstanding job organizing and arranging everything.

Thank you,
— Mike Myroniuk


Thank you so much for all the hard work you did to have our trip to Singapore and Bali a wonderful adventure. It was a trip to remember. I loved the hotel and resort we stayed in. We got a lot for our money. It was first class all the way. It was a amazing trip that you carefully planned out. There were so many memories made with good people. Again Janet, thank you for taking such good care of me and the others that got to share this dream of a trip.

Sincerely,
— Brenda Gagnon


WOW!!! What an amazing trip abroad that was indeed. As a first time solo traveler with Janet Blair I am blown away with her fortitude, energy, guidance, scheduling, patience, thoughtful care to all travelers and the mere magnitude of the logistics of creating a 21 day New Zealand/Australia adventure.

We traveled by plane, boat, train, jeep, gondola, city bus, tour bus and water taxi. We saw so much of the countryside that my head is still bobbing from trying to soak in all the sights. Even panned for gold.

I made so many new best friends having the time of my life on the best trip ever. Yes, dreams can come true and all things are possible. I do not know how one person can do so much trying to please all travelers, but you sure took care of us Janet. Thank you so much. Looking forward to traveling with you again.

Kia Ora!
— Judy Steele


Dear Janet,

Once again, thank you so very much for all of the hours you spent researching, planning and coordinating to make our recent trip to Cuba such a complete and unique experience. The amount of detail in all aspects of each and every day of our trip was incredible. I appreciate your diligence in personally checking and rechecking constantly to ensure that all of us were safe on each excursion during our tour, and on our flights from Detroit to Santa Clara, our return from Havana to Charlotte and back to Detroit. Navigating Customs and Immigration was something I hadn’t experienced for a many years and was relieved there were no unexpected issues. Your pre-travel messages, encouragement and follow-up, working to keep our group from getting separated and managing the process without any mishaps, was a huge task and much appreciated.

With the addition of our escorts and guides, Juanito and Legnay along with John/Juanito, our wonderful driver, we were fortunate to see and hear so much about the beautiful cities we visited. The sights and sounds of Cuba were outstanding. There were so many points of interest that it’s impossible to choose which was the most memorable. Each city provided opportunities for us to spend time learning and experiencing Cuban culture. As Americans, we are fortunate in so many ways and take for granted conveniences that others, unfortunately, are not privileged to enjoy.

Juanito and Legnay’s knowledge of their country provided us with a complete understanding of how various Cuban heroes fought for Cuba’s independence and sovereignty. Throughout our travels together Juanito and Legnay shared our enthusiasm and were consistently patient and positive to respond to our many questions and could be depended upon to explain and translate on our behalf.

Muy bien, Janet, Juanito, Legnay and John for ensuring we had so many wonderful moments during our nine day trip. Wonderful, smiling and friendly people welcomed us into their museums, stores, hotels and restaurants. There was laughter, music, dancing, companionship, Mojitos and so much food that we are left with too many wonderful memories to count.

With warm regards and appreciation,
— Natalie


Hi Janet,
I want to thank you for a wonderful trip to Israel. I enjoyed every minute of the trip. We saw a maximum number of important sites during our 12 day trip. The accommodations were great and our tour guide could not have been better. I felt totally safe while touring and exploring during my free time. I really enjoyed our group and will definitely tour with Solo Travelers International again.
— Nancy Amato


Thank you, Janet, for making my dream trip come true…Iceland. It was quite an Icelandic adventure. Not only was the hotel, the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik, and inclusive breakfast a treat but the tours were breathtaking. From relaxing in the Blue Lagoon to the viewing of the Northern Lights, all was well organized and delightful. We spent a day taking in the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, the spouting springs of Geysir, Pingvellir National Park, and the site of the Viking Parliament (also one of the locations of HBO’s Game of Thrones). If any of you travelers want to see unusually beautiful terrain, Iceland should be on the top of your list!

— Mary Nowak


The Iceland trip to me, was the trip of a lifetime! My favorite event of the trip was immersing myself in the waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Traveling with Solo Travelers International was a great experience! Janet Blair does an excellent job on the reservations and any other organizing that has to be done. If any unexpected mishaps occur, she handles all the details so you can have peace of mind and just relax and enjoy! For example, a woman left her purse on the bus from the airport to the hotel, Janet did what was necessary to make sure the woman got her purse back right away. Also our flight got canceled on the return and Janet did what was necessary to get us ret-ticketed immediately.

I am a true loner and with Solo Travelers International you can do as much with the group as you want. If you want to do things on your own, you are free to do so. You don’t have to have a friend or partner to travel with. Janet will match you up with a roommate if needed so you don’t have to pay for a single supplement. I like to have my own hotel room. For an incidental single supplement, I was able to have my own room.

In the past couple of years, I have traveled to Europe alone a few times. I just never got full value out of my trips, because I did not know the best tours to book. But with Solo Travelers International, Janet knows the best hotels, transportation companies and excursions available, and takes care of that for you. I highly recommend Solo Travelers International for anyone that wants the best trip possible for the lowest price available.

Thanks Janet for the great trip to Iceland! I hope to take another trip with your group in the near future.

— Don Ranoni


Hi Janet,

I want to thank you again for putting together such a fantastic trip to the Kentucky Derby. What an excellent time and life long memories.

Very well thought through with beautiful accommodations and excellent excursions. My ultimate favorite was the tour of the award-winning horse farm in the Blue Grass Region. I could have stayed all afternoon! Thanks again!

— Amy Skotzke


I just checked off the Kentucky Derby as one of my bucket list experiences, and even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, rain or shine – you always have a wonderful time with Janet ‘s group. Although I didn’t know anyone on this trip when I signed up, Janet makes you feel so welcomed and I made lots of new and interesting friends. Janet is so organized and all of the events are so well-planned out . She has knack for booking hotels, excursions, and restaurants that are top-notch yet very affordable. You can experience the same quality as other high end tours at a fraction of the price.

Everything on this Kentucky Derby trip May 5-7, 2017 was spectacular! Travel with Janet and you won’t be disappointed!

— Rosemary Carollo


Dear Janet and Ian,

I want you both to know how much I enjoyed the trip to southern Africa this past March. I’m still talking about it as if it were yesterday; in fact, I did so last night!

I do not have a lot of experience in guided tours; I plan and arrange most of my travel. For Africa, however, I put my trust in you, and I’m so glad I did!!! I still cannot comprehend how you were able to pack so much substance into a mere 10 days!! This was such a rich, vibrant experience, that even 5 months later, the details are still very fresh and sharp in my mind.

I love telling people about my trip. There were some situations that really stand out – like baboons on the balcony outside our room in Botswana; walking the Victoria Falls Bridge; walking with and petting the lions; dinners at Boma (including eating worms – I’m a very picky eater, and people who know me can’t believe I did that, but I did!!), the Gold Restaurant and Richard’s Supper Club (what fabulous entertainment!); Ian’s special gift at the Zimbabwe border crossing, all the fabulous safaris by land and water; wonderful accommodations; great meals; and even my spider bite!! I still marvel at Ian’s knowledge of the animals and plants we saw, and how he could identify each one. I only wish I could remember everything he shared with us!

I’m not a “morning person,” and there were days when we had to get up at 4:00 a.m., but it was totally worth it. Surprisingly, it wasn’t difficult, and the days were so full of wonder and enjoyment, that I wasn’t even tired by the end of the day.

I know that the two of you worked hard before and during the trip to make it enjoyable for everyone, and I want you both to know that I, for one, really appreciate your efforts. I’m sure everyone else on the trip did as well. I would totally encourage anyone and everyone to join this “tour of a lifetime.” It is an experience not to be missed!! Thanks again for making this adventure so rich – and so much fun!!

— Best regards, Sue Berke


The trip to South Africa, Botwana, and Victorial Falls March 2017 was fabulous! I have fallen in love with the beauty of Africa, its land, its animals, and its people. Your first hint of the continent is from the plane with a sunrise that turns the horizon a glorious orange, melting into a clear cerulean blue sky above it.

All the accommodations were exceptional properties. The first night was spent in a conveniently located next-to-the-airport hotel in Johannesburg with a sumptuous breakfast buffet. We were getting spoiled already. The next 7 days were spent in 3 different exotic locations with accommodations that reminded me of ‘Life Styles of the Rich and Famous’.

Chobe, in Botswana, had high-pointed ceilinged rooms with netting-draped beds and roaming baboons. You could watch the sunset across the river while sipping one of the poolside specialty drinks, followed by a wonderful torch-and-candle-lit buffet dinner on the patio. The two boat game drives put us up close and personal to crocodiles, birds, hippos, and a wonderful huge elephant swishing his freshly picked dinner salad in the river before chomping it down. At one point I counted 16 giraffes roaming across the plains next to the riverbank. My first 4×4 safari was superb. All I could think of at first was “Oh my gosh, I’m really doing this!” We saw all kinds of animals and birds. It was just so much fun.

The Victoria Falls Zimbabwe resort had beautiful views of the country-side, great food, a golf course, and a waterfall in the middle courtyard. Victoria Falls, “The Smoke That Thunders” was simply spectacular. Words do not do justice to the mile-wide rush of water churning, tumbling, and roaring into the 300 plus foot deep gorge created over the last 100,000 years. The spray rises about 1200 feet and drenches you at the last few lookouts. Every one of the ten lookout points sported a full rainbow. It was truly unforgettable.
The trip to to Entibini was like something out of a 40’s movie set: wild game in the plains surrounding it, groups of wildebeasts lying on the road between the ravine rooms and the main lodge, and a beautiful golden towering rock formation as a backdrop. We were restricted from walking about in order to not be considered a meal by the wildlife. The game drive scenery was spectacular as we drove from the high plains down a steep road past multicolored rock formations to the lower areas where a wide range of wildlife was spotted. The last few days were spent in cosmopolitan Capetown. We rode the lift to table mountain and explored the magnificent 360 degree views. The ocean waves are wild and beautiful, especially at Cape Point. It was truly an unforgettable two weeks. Thank you Janet and Ian for planning such an awesome trip!

— Jane B.


I cannot say enough about the Solo Travelers International Group and its host Janet Blair. Only two weeks before the Turks and Caicos Trip, my work calendar cleared and my aging mother was doing well, so I checked Janet’s website and there was room on her trip! She does all the research and finds the best accommodations and transportation that are reasonably priced too.That way you don’t have to spend the time on the internet making all the connections ahead of the trip. All the planning and arrangements were conveniently handled by Janet. I couldn’t have asked for more, leaving the cold Michigan weather in January was just what I needed.

It was wonderful to have the consistent sunny skies and warm weather that the Turks and Caicos islands provide. Everyone enjoyed the famous beaches along Grace Bay and vibrant coral reefs. There was plenty to do, para sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, bike riding, shopping and wonderful food and restaurants. Bay Bistro was the groups favorite meal. There were dining tables along the shoreline with beautiful lighting a glow.

I highly recommend traveling with Janet Blair at Solo Travelers International.

— Judy Fraser


I was lucky to experience Cuba with Janet!! Cuba is such a beautiful country….lush, green countryside and mountains, lovely botanical gardens with orchids, palm trees and butterflies that are so unique!

The Cuban people were so welcoming and made me feel right at home. Staying at their homes made this trip so memorable. Weather was perfect…85-90 degrees with that tropical breeze!! The cuisine, culture and history is so rich that I want to return again!

— Barb Morganti


Why Dubai?

There is something about skyscrapers bursting out of desert dust in the past fifteen years, like weeds, that deserves personal awe. Would I have ever have gone alone? As a certified travel daredevil, even I was shy…

Solo Travelers International, Janet Blair, opened the door once again, with open arms and a well-researched, enticingly affordable itinerary in hand. The other side was a ballroom of singles, just like me: looking for adventure and serendipity. They were fun. Together we walked the streets safely, where miracles were ceaseless.

We strolled though market souks, negotiated for the best prices for saffron and curry, silk scarfs, and gold. We asked for directions and Muslims, Pakistani, and Indian cultures literally walked the extra mile to hand deliver us, charmed and grateful. Miguel, a Construction Project Manager, stood dropped-jaw and awe-struck next to me at Burj Khalifa as we witnessed the planning and execution of the tallest building in the world. We drifted away proudly, envisioning the pure potential of our own lives.

A good trip does that to your Soul: erases non-existant country boundaries when viewed from top down. It takes you on wild safari rides, invites you to dine with Bedouin Nomads, and allows you to hold their treasured falcons on the edge of your forefinger. There the world blurs a bit on the edges, intensified beneath the stars that sparkle soundlessly.

It infuses you with the kindness of strangers turned charming international Facebook chums. We laughed, we ate, we hiked, we dined in Palaces by the sea. In every dance of a day, Janet extended her own patient hospitality and intuitive attention to the intersection between group desires and needs. At the end of the trail, our four star hotel was a welcome oasis.

Delivered home safely, I am changed and honored to be rotating as One human family on the sacred blue-green globe we call home. Honor yourself next time and go!

— Ellen Waara, Inside Solutions, Inc.


This was my first trip with Janet’s group and it far exceeded my expectations. All hotels, restaurants, and tours were exceptional, thanks in part to our fabulous tour guide Neil, who made history fun and interesting and to our driver, Fred, who went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable at all times. Along the way, I had so much fun with a great group of people. I want to thank Janet for the hard work that obviously went into the planning, which meant that we didn’t have to worry about a thing! I look forward to enjoying more of Janet’s trips.

— Liz Burrows


This was my first trip with Janet and I’m so happy I went. Montreal and Quebec City were fabulous! I met so many great new friends and plan on taking many more trips. We really had a wonderful group of people. Janet handles all the details and you just can sit back and enjoy!

— Ann Morrin


My recent river cruise in Russia with Solo Travelers International was another great experience in seeing the world. What a wonderful time we had visiting both St. Petersburg with its palaces and the Heritage Museum, and then Moscow with all the splendor of Red Square and magnificent architecture. It was a treat to sleep in one place for the majority of the trip. The cruise ship provided a very relaxed atmosphere as we crossed into the Volga and various other waterways of the country. It was also such fun to see what delicious plates the Russian cook would carefully prepare for dinner each evening. The hotels at which we stayed, both before and after the cruise, were also top notch.

Janet Blair goes over and beyond to give her travelers both a thorough understanding of the country they have chosen to visit, and a great value. This time she worked in a visit to the Bolshoi Ballet since the company was home in Moscow and not on the road. Although visiting the Moscow Metro system was a part of the tour, Janet also accompanied a small group on an extra trip through the Metros to Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, shopping tour, and then then to the Moscow Cathedral of the Christ the Savior. I have traveled with Solo Travelers International to Viet Nam, Croatia, and Russia and am going to South Africa in September. Janet Blair is sincere and works very hard to accommodate her travelers in any way she can.

— Marlene Appledorn


Hi Janet,

I wanted to thank you for putting our Russian River Cruise trip together. It was a wonderful trip to a fabulous location. I enjoyed meeting all of the group. They were delightful.

Warm regards,

Maureen Niemic


Janet,

I just had to let you know that the San Antonio Trip was FANTASTIC!!!

This was my first time traveling with your group and you made everyone feel right at home.

Janet, you are the best trip organizer ever. I can’t wait to share this experience with others and travel with you again.

Thanks Again,

Delores


Three years ago I signed up for my first trip with Solo Travelers International. I was single, had a love for travel and wanted a safe venue to explore the world. I signed up to go the Russia (not knowing anyone in the group). My trip turned into an amazing adventure!

Since that first trip to Russia, I have traveled to Eastern Europe (Prague, Vienna and Budapest), Turkey, Vietnam and now Croatia. All my trips have been life changing and I have met many life long friends who also share my love for travel.

Croatia was my fifth trip with Solo Travelers International. It was an amazing and unexpected find, a delightful cross between Eastern and Western Europe.

The trip had a really diverse variety of adventures and sights. We stayed in absolutely gorgeous hotels. The food was incredible mimicking the sea, olive groves and vineyards – I always had great, delicious and nutritious meals with plenty of choices. The red and white wines were outstanding, especially the Slovenian whites. We toured the coast of the Adriatic Sea from Pula into Montenegro, visiting the sophisticated Split and the picturesque Dubrovnic. Inland, we visited one of Europe’s most renown national parks, Plitvices, a forested waterfall wonderland. We got to see the most well-preserved Roman coliseum in Pula along with the beautiful aqueducts still in use and stayed in the Julian Alps in Slovenia on Lake Bled which was just like living a fairy tale. Did I mention the dragon bridge in Ljubljana and the fabulous rococo architecture, our accordion inspired dance party and apricot croissants – fantastic! All of our guides were funny historians who loved their cities. Jon, our 24/7 go-to-guy was delightfully laid back and totally engaging, and our driver, Marco, was the ultimate professional.

A small group of us left a day early to experience Venice, Italy. I highly recommend this if you have never been there.

Our group was upbeat with wonderful camaraderie’s, and everyone up for a good time. Thank you Janet for an amazing experience at a great price.

— Kristin Compau


Janet,

The trip in January 2016 to Brazil and Argentina was one of the best trips I have ever taken. From the moment we arrived in Rio de Janeiro, until we boarded the plane to come home in Buenos Aires…. everything was magical. The hotels that we had throughout the trip were top notch….the food was amazing….and our tour guide Pablo was second to none!

Seeing Iguazu Falls was breathtaking and brought tears to my eyes! The Tango show and Tango dancing in Buenos Aires was the best ever. Seeing Christ the Redeemer and walking the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro were moving, awe-inspiring experiences.

I have traveled all over the world, and this trip that Janet Blair organized was truly amazing! I will definitely join her travel group again and again!

Thank you for hosting such a fabulous trip Janet, and I look forward to traveling with you and your group again soon!

Thank you,

Suzy Brecht, Dance Instructor


Dear Janet,

I want to thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip to Vietnam. I absolutely loved the entire experience. Our Tour Manager, Thang, was so warm, friendly and caring. He had a delightful sense of humor and was so knowledgable and willing to share the history and culture of his people.

I loved the food and I found everything very affordable. I took advantage of all of the Optional Tours offered and found them to be a tremendous value….once-in-a-lifetime experiences for very little money. In particular, the cyclo ride through the streets on our way to a fabulous dinner at the family-owned restaurant, whose ancestors descended from an ancient Imperial family, was so very special and unique.

I have enjoyed all the trips I have gone on with you, and I look forward to the next ones.

Thank you again for everything you do to make these trips so fantastic.

Sincerely,

Kathy Herrnberger


Our trip to Tennessee was my first bus trip with Solo Travelers International. I had always wanted to go to Tennessee and it was everything I had hoped for and more.

The bus was comfortable and got to meet so many wonderful people. With the great entertainment, including dinner shows, beautiful mountains and the fantastic country music, I wasn’t ready to come home.

Thank you, Janet, for a wonderfully planned out trip to such a beautiful state!

Kris Bucci


Thank you Janet for planning such a great trip to Nashville. Staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort was amazing. Such a beautiful resort with lush gardens and waterfalls. Each show we saw was very entertaining and showcased the amazing musical talent in and around Nashville. The guided tours you arranged were very informative and gave everyone a closer look at life in and around Nashville over the years. We hit all of the Nashville highlights on this trip including a tour of the Belle Meade Plantation. Your attention to detail when planning your trips is excellent. You strive to ensure everyone has a great time and that is very much appreciated. Looking forward to the next trip!

Linda Gerard


What a fabulous trip to Montreal and Quebec City! I can truthfully share that I was apprehensive about being on a bus for a length of time with others I did not know but can honestly say it was a great experience. The bus driver (Magic Mark) was professional yet humorous. His ability to maneuver through the small streets of the cities was noteworthy and his humor kept us all interactive during the entire trip. At each stop, he was there at the bottom of the step to take your hand assuring you did not fall. There were sufficient stops along the way to accommodate those of us that needed to use the facilities or get a bite to eat.

Our tour guide was top notch!!!!! It was intriguing to know that an American actually moved to Quebec to be a tour guide and was so well versed that he actually taught other guides who live in the city. Neal’s knowledge far surpassed anything I expected and his patience with questions and concerns were genuine.

Janet…what can I say? This was the first time I had met her and been on one of her trips and was so satisfied that I plan to engage in another adventure with her in the future. Janet is a perfect hostess. Not only did she make sure we were all having a good time but was diligent about all of the stops, accommodations and sites being flawless experiences. The warm professionalism that Janet shared was a true testament to why so many passengers on the trip were frequent travelers with the organization.

I have brought back not only multiple pictures but fantastic memories and new friendships that I am already experiencing.

Thank you for the opportunity to explore!

Sharon Mariotto


Janet,

I wanted to say thank you and let you know how much I appreciated the hard work you put into the Montreal/Quebec City trip. I had so much fun and can’t wait to take another trip with your group.

Theresa Krol


You did an awesome job with our Montreal/Quebec City tour, Janet! Everything was great, especially our bus driver, Mark, and our guide, Neil.

I commend you for your organization and your patience!

Can’t wait to travel again!!

Kindly,

Jackie Bracken


Janet,

Thank you for planning a very memorable trip to Italy! The trip was well organized with an itinerary filled with interesting places to visit and fun activities. I appreciated the professional tour guides providing volumes of information, history, and interesting stories throughout the tour. I really enjoy traveling with your group. Each trip I meet interesting people and form new friendships that last long after the trip. Thank you for all you do to make these trips available to single travelers. I look forward to more travel adventures with Successfully Single in the future.

Craig Mikkelson


Hi Janet!

Thank you so much for planning our Aruba “Get Away”! Your choice of the Holiday Inn was perfect! The resort and grounds were beautiful. I loved the courtyard and one of my favorite pleasures was laying in the hammock, while the stresses from back home floated away!

Your idea for an all inclusive breakfast and drinks was the best. The breakfast bar was fantastic! The Holiday Inn location was ideal because we had so many choices of nearby restaurants and shops after spending the day in the sand.

I appreciate all your efforts to plan the trip. Aruba was a great choice and a wonderful getaway from this winter weather! I had a lot of fun!

With appreciation,

Joy Lewis


Janet:

Thanks so much for arranging this group trip to Aruba. I had a wonderful time. There are so many things to do in Aruba…..swimming, snorkeling, variety of water sports, sunset cruises, fabulous outdoor dinners at so many restaurants, walking the pristine white sand beaches, casinos in every hotel within walking distance, and of course dancing at a variety of venues. Shopping downtown was convenient using the city bus which ran every 20 minutes.

A few of us took a day trip to Baby Beach which is at the South end of the island. Along the way we stopped at several interesting vantage points and took pictures plus a restaurant stop which was built over the water.

Walking the beaches was one of my favorite things to do. The water was warm with a variety of blue shades. The air was 80+ degrees with trade winds making it very comfortable.

The hotel rooms were excellent. The open bar was a nice perk. Overall a great vacation. Thank you for all your efforts!

Fred Schroeder


Hi Janet,

I just wanted to personally thank you for coordinating our trip to Aruba. I had a great time and met some great people. The Holiday Inn Resort was perfect and met all of my expectations. They were very accommodating and friendly. The hotel was very clean and well managed. I would definitely return and stay there again.

Even though our trip got off to a rocky start with our flight being canceled, I think most of us made the best of that first 24 hours. I met some great people, had lots of laughs and will always have great memories of my first trip to Aruba.

Thanks again for planning this trip and all of your efforts to satisfy the group.

Linda Gerard


Janet,

Thank you from the bottom of my New Zealand heart for a journey down under into a new earth.

The Kiwi people were consistently warm, friendly and peaceful – No Worries – and your remarkable gifts of an ideal itinerary from north to south islands, affordable sights for one fifth the cost of other companies, and insightful roommate matching created a sacred space for a string of magical moments.

Days gathered momentum from extraordinary to miraculous, your bright eyed loving recommendations gave me confidence and freedom to step beyond who I was when I left. My passion for indigenous wisdom was nourished, accompanied by food for body and soul of exceptional quality.

Some tour guides show you a land, culture and people. Your guidance opened me to my greater self though Hobbiton tours, Abel Tasman visioning on the beach, Milford Sound waterfalls that stepped heaven onto earth, and New Years eve in Wellington with fireworks on the harbor.

I travel often, and this trip gave me more value, richness and expansiveness than I have ever experienced previously. Your skill, kindness and persistent commitment to exceptional service are a gift to the travel community.

May you be richly rewarded in return as you continue to give.

Gratefully,

Ellen Waara, President – Inside Solutions


New Zealand was for me the trip of a lifetime! Janet you are an awesome tour guide…picking the greatest attractions, the best restaurants with amazing food choices and atmospheres beyond words! It was such a pleasure touring New Zealand with you and your group (which I call my new family). Can’t wait for the next trip! Thanks for the memories!

Denise Vermillion, Successfully Single Volunteer


Three boats, three trains, and numerous luxury buses transported our tour group during 16 adventurous days in a country that is probably the cleanest and friendliest on our planet – New Zealand. Knowledgeable sea captains, locomotive engineers, and coach drivers described the history of the Kiwi seas, frontiers, towns, and historical personalities as we plowed the ocean blue in brilliant sunshine (and a short rain storm one day), and were driven through beautiful rolling and mountainous scenery. No matter the direction you looked on land, you saw small villages and cities surrounded by massive green pastures of grazing sheep, cow, and deer. When on the sea and ocean you saw mountains rise out of the deep waters into pristine blue sky.

From the North Island to the South Island, our group traveled through countless tree-covered green valleys and mountain passes. We saw majestic views from cliff-side highways, and looked down upon glacier-fed rivers careening rapidly into serene finger-shaped lakes. And we waited patiently at numerous single-lane bridges so to cross in old world fashion. We even passed through a one-lane mountain tunnel.

We wandered bustling cities of modern and mid-19th Century architecture, and strolled their ocean harbors, unique museums, and botanical gardens. We walked the dirt pathways of the famed Hobbiton movie set constructed within a deep rolling pasture, and visited an historic Maori village where we witnessed an ancestral song and dance performance, then took part in a tribal Hangi feast. We rode cable cars and gondolas and Range Rovers into the mountains, while spending our nights at clean, safe and economical accommodations, youth hostels, conveniently located in many New Zealand cities and towns.

I thoroughly enjoyed New Zealand. Its scenery was spectacular. Its people, offspring of the original Maori explorers and later-arriving European settlers, were friendly and helpful. And it was commonplace for Kiwis to ask: “How do you like our country?” and “How have you been treated?” New Zealanders wanted you to enjoy their remote bit of paradise down under.

I would definitely return to New Zealand, to revisit some of what I experienced, but more so, to explore that which I did not have time to see.

Janet Blair did a fine job of planning an event-packed trip that offered numerous optional tours and different events daily, which included free time for us to explore towns and their surrounding locales. I believe Janet’s previous five visits to New Zealand made it possible for her to organize such a trip – and Janet did save the best scenery and towns for last. If anyone is interested in visiting New Zealand, I would advise researching it first, as I had, then contacting Janet Blair with questions about her leading another trip to the island nation of the Kiwi. Kia Ora!

— James Carr, Professional writer and Award-winning playwright


Dear Janet,

I want to compliment you on your expertise in travel. I have been on 4 trips with your group and am looking forward to my fifth trip – The Born Free: South Africa and Wildlife Safari Experience from September 6-17, 2014.

My first experience traveling with your group was the The Fall Color Cruise from New York to Nova Scotia in October, 2011. Not only was the shoreline color beautiful but I learned where the “Bay of Fundy” is located and the significance of that and the original “Rum Cakes” to our American history.

Next, I experienced the thrill of the Thailand trip in November, 2012. I really loved seeing the Buddha temples, city of Bangkok and the lush tropical terrain. I enjoyed the wildlife, riding the elephant at the Maesa Elephant Camp and petting the full-size tiger and tiger cubs at the Tiger Kingdom in Chiangmai.

I was a little leery of going on the Russian River Cruise in July 2013, but the Russians were so nice and wanted us to learn their language. The ballet in St. Petersburg and the dancers and acrobats in Moscow were like I’ve never seen. The cruise along the Volga River and it’s tributaries was a great way to see this country. The elegant ship had delicious food, musicians, singers, dancers and wonderful accommodations. Not to mention the experience of walking the grounds and seeing the Kremlin, churches, museums and other buildings in Moscow.

We have just returned from Panama. I was surprised to learn this year is the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal. I enjoyed the boat trip through the canal, a rich part of our history and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. What a relaxing week and you ordered such beautiful weather! In the 80’s every day – a wonderful escape from the frigid winter we have had this year.

Thank you, Janet! Your trips help fulfill my dream of traveling to different places of the world. I am grateful for all you do in choosing, planning, organizing and managing these excursions. You put in a lot of time and effort and I don’t have to worry about myself. You can count on my participation on your future planned trips.

Tricia Lloyd, Member, Successfully Single

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