Opinion
The two words solo travellers hate and how to avoid them
Ben Groundwater
Travel writerAsk any solo traveller the two words they hate the most and I guarantee they will be “single supplement”. The mere mention of this concept causes everything from sighs of exasperation to outpourings of rage.
Why should you have to pay more just because you’re travelling by yourself? Why is the world weighted to favour those moving around in couples?
Going it alone.Credit: iStock
Obviously, it’s basic economics – hotel rooms are designed to house two people and are priced accordingly, so one person is taking a space intended for two – but that doesn’t make the single supplement any easier to swallow.
Rather than sigh or rage, however, you have to look for other ways to deal with this issue. How do solo travellers save money in other areas to make up for the single supplement, and thus make travel affordable?
The first is to avoid the single supplement on a tour or cruise, by opting to share a room with a stranger. This isn’t ideal, and for some will be a flat-out non-starter. You’re travelling by yourself, so you want to be by yourself. Fair enough.
Another way to dodge this extra fee is to keep an eye out for sales and specials from cruise companies and tour operators, which periodically offer their products to single travellers for no extra fee – though admittedly these are often shoulder or off-season packages.
Solo savings... cruise companies periodically offer their products to single travellers for no extra fee.Credit: Greg Straight
Still, that can be a good way to cut costs, regardless of whether the single supplement is charged or not because prices outside peak season tend to be lower, and often the experience is just as enjoyable, with fewer crowds. Booking early, too, can help you save even more.
(It’s worth noting here that you might be travelling independently, rather than on a cruise or tour, but will still effectively have to pay a single supplement, as you’ll be paying for hotel rooms and meals alone, rather than splitting the cost.)
Another option for accommodation, for those travelling independently, is to stay in hostels or guesthouses rather than traditional hotels. Private rooms at these establishments can still be very comfortable, and yet charge a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. And you will be in a social environment, too.
These types of stays will also allow you to cook your own food occasionally, which can represent big savings. Also, there’s a good chance of meeting people to share the expenses of things like local day-tours, or transport to attractions.
Keep an eye out, too, for free attractions in your destination, from walking tours to museum entries and more.
It’s also a good idea to embrace slow travel if you’re going it alone – stay in one place for longer, rather than try to pack in multiple destinations, as you will save money on transport expenses, and probably find a cheaper accommodation deal, too.
And finally, choose your destination wisely. A solo trip through North America or Western Europe is going to cost you a lot more than a similar journey through South-East Asia, much of South America, or Eastern Europe.
Choose to travel through those latter destinations, and suddenly the occasional single supplement doesn’t seem such an issue.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.