Travel Expert
Dawn Bartizal | Solo Travel Club
Jean Melcher Travel
Bend, OR | La Jolla, CA
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday,
9:00am-5:00pm PST and by appointment.
About
Dawn Bartizal is a travel advisor with Jean Melcher Travel, affiliated with Cruise and Travel Experts (CTE), a member of Signature Travel Network. After a successful executive career in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, Dawn returned to her first professional love — travel — building on experience she gained during an earlier stint in the industry. The precision, attention to detail, and comfort managing complex, multi-party logistics she honed in regulatory affairs now shape the way she plans every trip for her clients — anticipating problems before they arise, tracking every detail, and keeping every moving piece on track from booking to return home. She brings a rare combination of meticulous planning skill and genuine, firsthand wanderlust to every itinerary she creates.
Dawn's specialties reflect the way she herself travels: actively, purposefully, and with curiosity. She has explored New Zealand extensively across multiple visits, including sections of all four major Great Walks, gone on safari across Africa, explored the islands of the South Pacific, and completed the Camino de Santiago — walking 120 kilometers of the Portuguese route. Her love for the water has taken her sailing across the Seychelles, the Greek Islands, Turkey, Tahiti, Tonga, and multiple Caribbean islands, canal boating through the French countryside, and cruising to destinations around the globe. This firsthand experience across so many styles of travel — active, nautical, cultural, and everything in between — gives Dawn an instinct for matching each client to the right trip, not just the right destination. Her passion for wellness and pilgrimage-style travel, active and experiential adventures, and off-the-beaten-path exploration further shapes the kind of trips she loves to design, whether that's a multi-generational family journey, a milestone celebration, or a solo traveler's next great adventure.
Dawn's current projects showcase the range of her work: a multi-family journey to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, and a 12-traveler group trip through Brazil's Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, and the wildlife-rich Pantanal and Bonito regions. She also brings hands-on experience with Nordic sauna culture and a growing specialty in polar and remote expedition cruises.
Dawn also brings a genuine understanding of solo travelers, drawn from her own experience welcoming them into her group trips. She knows that solo travelers often have different needs and priorities — from room configurations to feeling connected within a larger group — and she takes care to plan with those needs in mind. Whether someone is joining a multi-family journey or a larger group adventure on their own, Dawn makes sure they feel just as considered and supported as those traveling with a partner or family.
Based between Bend, Oregon and La Jolla, California, Dawn approaches every client relationship with the same care she brings to her own adventures — asking thoughtful questions, planning down to the logistical details, and staying personally invested in how a trip unfolds. Whether she's arranging a family reunion abroad, a solo traveler's dream itinerary, or a large group expedition, Dawn's goal is the same: to craft travel that's not just well-organized, but genuinely transformative.
Treasures of Cape Cod & The Islands
Women's Only Tour
October 15, 2027 | Roundtrip Boston, MA
Rates: $7,854 per solo traveler
Visits: Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard, Newport
Highlights: Embrace history and glamour on this 8-Day women-only tour as you travel with a small group from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. Follow the red-brick Freedom Trail in Boston to see where the U.S. took shape. On the shores of Cape Cod Bay, see Plymouth, a coastal town famous for its rich history as the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620; visit the living history museum at Plimoth Patuxet. At Martha's Vineyard, visit Oak Bluffs, an idyllic town with gingerbread-like cottages. Indulge in a Sea-to-Table feast filled with fish caught from local fishermen, fresh produce from nearby farms and delicacies picked by foragers. In the seaside city of Newport, meet your female captain and jump onboard the Madeline, an 80-foot schooner to cruise the coastline, taking in views of historical buildings and the homes of the rich and famous — and learn about the area’s past as a pirates’ haven.
Includes: Stylish hand-picked accommodations, 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners. All on tour transportation, Expert guides, all entrance fees, and more!
Book your own hotel room for only a 20% solo supplement fee!
Switzerland Lodge-to-Lodge
Women's Hiking Tour
June 21, 2027 | Zweisimmen to Spiez
Rates: $8,749 per solo traveler
Visits: Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Lenk, Abelboden
Highlights: Get away from the tourist crowds in the serene western arm of Switzerland’s iconic Bernese Oberland. From a morning gondola ride and mountain-hut lunch, the journey winds down into elegant Gstaad, where cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and sweeping views from Wispile Mountain lead to a trailside stop at a local cheesemaker's dairy before an evening train carries the group into French-speaking Switzerland for fondue. A local guide then leads the traverse to Lenk through otherworldly gypsum formations, looping past thundering waterfalls like Simmenfall and the misty Seven Fountains, with a true farm-to-table lunch and a hands-on lesson in traditional Swiss paper-cutting along the way. The trip closes with a final crossing over the historic Hahnenmoos Pass, an optional summit bid up the Regenboldshorn for 360-degree views, and a scenic descent into Adelboden, ending in a toast as alpenglow lights up the thundering Engstligenfall.
Includes: All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners; the expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders; snacks and beverages between meals; additional guides and experts from the region on many trips; van shuttles to support a variety of route options; a comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information; private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries, and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner; all gratuities at hotels and restaurants; special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner , entry fees; fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner; select coach transfers; and baggage transfers and porterage.
Book your own hotel room for only a 30% solo supplement fee!
Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise
14-Night Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise
December 5th, 2026 | Bridgetown, Barbados to Balboa, Panama | Star Clipper
Rates: $9,860 per solo traveler
Visits: Bridgetown, Barbados → Tobago Cays, Grenadines → St. George's, Grenada → 2 days at sea → Kralendijk, Bonaire → Willemstad, Curaçao → Oranjestad, Aruba → day at sea → Santa Marta, Colombia → Cartagena de Indias, Colombia → day at sea → San Blas Archipelago, Panama → Panama Canal Transit → Balboa (Isla Flamenco), Panama
Highlights: This 14-night Star Clipper voyage sails from Bridgetown, Barbados, through the Tobago Cays, Grenada, Bonaire, Curaçao and Aruba before continuing to Colombia’s Santa Marta and UNESCO-listed Cartagena, blending secluded beaches, vibrant cultures, exceptional diving and historic cities. The journey’s highlight is the remote San Blas Archipelago, home to the Kuna people, followed by a full transit of the Panama Canal before concluding in Balboa on Panama’s Pacific coast.
Includes: All meals, including specialty restaurants. Sodas, Specialty Coffee’s and Tea. 24-Hour room service. Destination Discovery Events. Entertainment Experiences. Gym and Spa Sauna access. The Marina (complimentary kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and floating islands available on select voyages) and open bridge tours.
Book your own stateroom for no solo supplement fee!
Avalon Waterways The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles with 2 nights in Amsterdam
10-Day River Cruise
August 27, 2027 | Avalon Tranquility II | Remich, Luxembourg to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: $6,380 per solo traveler
Visits: Luxembourg, Remich-Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, Koblenz, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Nijmegen, Amsterdam
Highlights: Explore the waterways, wine regions, and historic hills from Luxembourg to Holland. You’ll board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Remich on the beautiful Moselle River. A guided sightseeing tour of Trier reveals ancient remnants dating from 144-152 AD in Germany’s oldest city! Enjoy a guided walk in the charming wine village of Bernkastel and taste some of the region’s best wines. Continue on the Moselle River to the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated and soar above Koblenz on a cable-car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view. Discover Düsseldorf by bike, sweet bites, or a tour of fascinating sights. Step through history in 2,000-year-old Nijmegen—the oldest town in the Netherlands that still perseveres from the Roman era to WWII and today. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. Experience spectacular scenery and discover legendary cultures on your Moselle and Rhine River cruise vacation. Your European river cruise vacation concludes with a two-night stay in Amsterdam! Join us for a guided canal cruise through the iconic waterways of this city of the Golden Age. Take free time to explore the colorful streets, galleries, and restaurants galore!
Includes: All meals, Free Style Dining, wine beer and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner, included excursions to choose from, wellness classes, complimentary WiFi, exterior facing stateroom with view, live music, trivia, dance parties, themed events.
Book your own stateroom for no solo supplement fee!
Collette Tours: Colors of Morocco
15-Day Tour
February 28, 2027
Rates: $6,149 per solo traveler
Visits: Rabat, Morocco, Fes, Erfoud, Merzouga, Boumaine du Dades, Marrakech, Casablanca
Highlights: Discover the vibrant culture and colorful backdrops that are distinctively Morocco. Explore Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world, on a walking tour in the medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still walk the ancient market. Journey to your desert camp in a Jeep 4x4 and spend a full day exploring the Sahara Desert. Travel the rugged “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou. In Marrakech, experience a true taste of Moroccan hospitality during an interactive cooking class at a women’s cooperative. Immerse yourself in Morocco's deep history and unique atmosphere and encounter welcoming people on an unforgettable journey.
Includes: Tour Director, 7 Handpicked Accommodations, 27 Meals, Tours, Cultural Experiences, Culinary Inclusions, Transportation and more
Book your own room with only a 25% single supplement fee!
Virgin Voyages (Adults Only)
True Crime Caribbean Cruise
March 20th, 2027 | Roundtrip Miami | Valiant Lady
Rates: $2,009 per solo traveler Sea Terrace Suite
Visits: Miami, Grand Turk, The Beach Club at Bimini & Miami
Highlights: Luxury cruising meets spine-tingling entertainment. Back by popular demand, the mystery and fun continues. Calling all true crime aficionados and podcast lovers — our second True Crime Voyage sets sail March 20, 2027 to Grand Turk and the Beach Club at Bimini on a 5-night escape stacked with fan-favorite podcasts and unmatched immersive entertainment. The most engaged podcast audiences want to be immersed. On Air at Sea gives them exactly that. Each voyage is purpose-built around a podcast universe, turning five days on the open ocean into a shared, immersive experience that no streaming platform, live event or social feed can replicate. Featuring: Disgraceland, Wisecrack, and Buried Bones Podcasts, LIVE!
Includes: Always included Luxury: 20+ Eateries, Soda, Water, Coffee and Juice, Fitness Classes, Entertainment, WiFi and more.
Book your own stateroom on this cruise with a 25% Reduced Solo Supplement fee!
Holland America Line
29-Day Canary Islands & Northern Lights Collectors Voyage
October 2, 2027 | Roundtrip Rotterdam | Nieuw Statendam
Rates: $11,803 per solo traveler
Visits: Rotterdam, Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Santa Cruz, Las Palmas, Lisbon, London, Alesund, Andalsnes, Trondheim, The Arctic Circle, Tromso, Alta, Kristiansund, Bergen
Highlights: Delight in contrasting scenery, from sun-swept isles to majestic fjords. Cross the Arctic Circle, spending back-to-back nights in Tromsø and Alta, the City of Northern Lights
Includes: Meals, entertainment, enrichment programs, wellness, pickleball, pools and more
Book your own solo ocean view stateroom on this cruise with a reduced single supplement!
Cunard
13-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
November 19, 2027 | Queen Mary 2 | Roundtrip New York
Rates: $4,449 per solo traveler
Visits: St. Thomas, Castries, Bridgetown, Roseau, Basseterre, Philipsburg
Highlights: This 13-night adventure on the elegant Queen Mary 2 sails roundtrip from New York, taking in six sun-kissed islands in the Caribbean in between.
Includes: Meals, Entertainment, Gala Evenings, Dancing, Queen Room, Enrichment classes and more
Book your own stateroom with only a 20% solo supplement!
Azamara
12-Night Transatlantic Cruise: Bermuda, The Azores & Lisbon
March 29, 2027 | Azamara Journey | Miami to Lisbon
Rates: $4,969 per solo traveler, Premier Veranda Stateroom
Visits: Miami, Bermuda, Horta, Azores, Lisbon
Highlights: Sail from the eclectic shores of Miami to historic Portugal on this transatlantic cruise that also calls on the British territory of Hamilton, Bermuda and the port of Horta, Azores where it has become traditional for yachtsmen to paint scenes on the marina walls.
Includes: Variety of dining venues & 24-hour room service, beer, wine, & spirits All day and night, signature AzAmazing Evenings, unlimited self-service laundry, onboard gratuities. Solo Rates: $4,969 per s
Book your own stateroom with only a 50% solo supplement!
Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure: Women’s Journey
October 8, 2027 | Manitoba, Canada To Winnipeg
Rates: $11,290 per solo traveler
Visits: Manitoba, Churchill, Cape Merry, Winnipeg
Highlights: Join this all-female fleet to witness the Queen of the Arctic—a powerful symbol of strength and endurance—on our flagship polar bear tour! You’ll come away awed by encounters with these magnificent marine mammals and empowered by the exploits of women who have made crucial contributions in the Canadian North. Your polar bear Expedition Leader is a consummate naturalist and outdoor explorer, eager to share her knowledge of this regal apex predator that is a bellwether species for tracking the impacts of climate change. As you head out on the tundra in search of polar bears, Arctic fox, Arctic hares and other tundra dwellers, you'll receive expert interpretation from the comfort of our custom Polar Rover vehicle. In the smallest groups available—capped at just 16—meet the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears, as they gather to wait for freeze up on Hudson Bay. An exclusive tundra excursion after dark provides a unique perspective, including the chance on a clear night to view northern lights away from town.
Includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and assistants, Polar Rover excursions, dog sledding excursion, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on nal day, including the use of a parka and boots during your trip, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and return day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
Book your own stateroom for only a 20% solo supplement fee!
