Single Supplement--Don't Get Charged Extra For Traveling Solo

How to Avoid the Single Travel Supplement

There's something no one tells you about when you start traveling alone

• Solo travel can cost you more

• Not because you're doing anything wrong

• Not because you're "extra"

• But all because the travel industry is still built for two

I'm sorry, but I really hate this. Costs on everything are skyrocketing and the idea that I’m being penalized for traveling solo really burns me up. You would think traveling solo would save on costs, not add costs to a trip. So far, I have been fortunate enough not to endure these stupid single supplement costs, but there are a few vacations I have in mind for the future that may charge me extra for being solo. I'm going to do whatever I can to avoid or at least reduce those extra travelling fees.

I've done some research to help you avoid these costs. Let's go over what the single supplemental costs are, why it hits single travelers so hard, and seven great tips to avoid these crazy costs. There are ways to get around this thing.

This is called single supplement. It is a pain that is unnecessary and unfair. It can be one of the most frustrating aspects of single travel. However, you can find ways to get around it.

What is single supplement why does it exist

The single supplement is an extra fee charged when one person stays in a room or on a vacation package designed for two.

Hotels, cruises and tours assume—

• Two people will split the costs

• Rooms will be occupied by two people

• When you’re solo, the company will lose money because two pay twice as much

These tips can get you around these ridiculous charges:

1. Book places that charge per room, not per person.

I've not yet had a problem with a hotel charging me for single occupancy, but it does happen. Make sure you check at the time of booking that there is no extra charge for a solo traveler. Otherwise look for:

• Budget hotels

• Motels

• Guest houses

• Vacation rentals

Businesses usually charge per room not per head. Be diligent in paying the same price whether you're a solo traveler or not.

2. Use hostels (even if you're not a hostel person)

I’ll be honest. The idea of staying in a hostel is not really appealing to me. Sleeping in a bunk and sharing a room with college kids drinking and making noises all night is not my idea of a peaceful vacation. However, hostels have gotten a facelift.

Modern hostels offer private rooms (you may have to share a bathroom), female only dorms, age restricted (50 and up) and quiet spaces among other things. I have stayed in a hostile style hotel. It was a private room with one bathroom on each floor everyone had to share. It was very pleasant.

Hostels can be a practical option to keep costs down while still enjoying privacy. If you want to meet people, hostels are a great way to go. Common areas are where people from all over the world meet. Make new friends with folks who love travel like you!

3. Look for no single supplement deals

This is especially important for accommodations that usually charge that supplemental costs. Especially like some tours and cruise companies. You’ll have to search for the deals, but they're out there. Search for phrases like:

• no single supplement tours

• solo tour deals

• single occupancy no fee

4. Be careful with cruises

Cruises are notorious for charging single supplements. The idea is their business model relies on double occupancy revenue. Since the room is meant for two, that room will spend twice as much on alcohol, excursions and casinos. Basically, cruises fear they will only get half the money with a solo traveler staying on their ships.

Cruises charge 100 to 200% of the standard per person rate. That means solo travelers pay through the nose and are punished for traveling single.

But there are ways you can get around these excessive charges:

• Ask if part or all the fees can be waived (they can only say no)

• Book dedicated solo cabins

Cruises cruise lines like NCL, Virgin and Ambassador offer studio or solo cabins for solo travelers. Norwegian offers several studio suites on their cruises. Check out promotions—some lines, especially in the off season offer deals with lower or zero single supplements.

5. Book late or early

Solo cabins sell out fast so book early. Unlike airline tickets, you can get last minute deals on a cruise line. So, if you have a hankering for a cruise in a week or two, ask the cruise line to waive a single supplement fee. You might get an additional discount as well!

6. Ask for a better rate

This is one of my favorite ways to save money, just ask. You never know what options are out there if you don't ask and see. Try this scenario:

Hi, I'm traveling solo, and I'm interested in staying with your company. Do you offer any reduced rates or flexibility on single occupancy? I’d love to book with you if there is an option that fits my budget.

Just about every time I travel, I ask for discounts and more amenities. You'd be surprised at what you can get. That includes getting fees reduced, upgrades, and discounts. All they can do is say no. If they say no, ask is there anything else you can get. Check out my article, 17 Hacks To Save Money On Vacation-The Ones No One Tells You for more ways to save money on vacation.

Remember the nicer and more pleasant you are, the more likely the person you're talking with will be willing to help. A bad attitude and a nasty disposition won't get you far. Think of the old adage, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Even if you don't get everything you want, people will want to help you more by being positive!

Remember sometimes you can get what you want simply by asking.

7. Book with specialized solo friendly tour operators

Intrepid, G Adventures, and Solo Traveler use roommate programs. They do have single occupancy rooms, but you'll have to pay for it. However, it will likely be much less than average single supplement charges.

Remember you have every right to travel solo. Moreover, you shouldn't have to pay exorbitant prices to do so. The travel industry is recognizing more people are traveling solo. They also know travelers will go somewhere else if they are forced to pay excessive prices for traveling the way they want. My article-Get The Gumption and Solo Travel! will give you ways to get prepared to solo travel. Look for and patronize businesses that appreciate your choice to travel solo and won't punish you for it. Use these seven tips to keep your budget on track so you can enjoy the best vacations of your life!