Boldly Go Solo

A few weeks ago I wrote about shorter organized tours offered by Backroads. I heard back from Undiscovered Country Tours and learned that they too offer weekend road bike tours. All in California. They say they offer more three- and four-day biking tours in California than any other company. Easy to believe, since California is their focus.

They offer regular-size tours too. What's great is having a choice of some bike tours in the winter months. Many adventure companies are dormant in the winter. Obviously, the company can do so because the weather is nice in parts of California year round.

In 2009 there's at least one tour and as many as four per month in February, March, April, September, October and November. (None in January. December, to be announced.)

Last week I wrote about "vacation layaway" – paying for a trip in installments. I learned of another company, Adventurous Wench, that offers to help travelers out by splitting your trip cost into monthly payments. (Sorry guys, this particular company offers women-only trips.)

I found out about this via their monthly newsletter. You can sign up for it at their site. Plus, they offer specials each month. The company also says it's offering more affordable domestic trips this year. Of course, "more affordable" is in the eye of the vacationer, so you'll have to assess whether it's affordable for you.

Photos: Apples. Washington, D.C. farmers' market. We're solidly into fall now. Where are you traveling this winter?