Traveling solo offers freedom and adventure, but one frustrating hurdle often stands in the way of a perfect getaway—the dreaded single supplement. This surcharge unfairly targets individuals booking as solo travelers, forcing them to pay more than their fair share in double-occupancy pricing.
But here’s the good news: avoiding the single supplement is possible. Over the past 15 years, the travel industry has made strides toward accommodating solo adventurers. Many companies now offer no- or low-supplement options, and some even design trips specifically for solo travelers. With the right strategies, you can save money while enjoying the solo adventures of your dreams.
Here's everything you need to know to sidestep the single supplement fee and find incredible solo travel deals.
What Is the Single Supplement?
A single supplement is an additional charge applied to solo travelers booking accommodations or packages designed for double occupancy. For example, hotels and tours typically factor the cost of a shared room into the "per person" rate. When one person occupies that space, businesses often pass on the full cost to the customer.
This can lead to significant price discrepancies. A solo traveler might pay 50% to 100% more than the advertised double-occupancy rate. For instance, a package priced at $2,000 for two (or $1,000 per person) could cost a solo traveler $1,800-$2,000 if the supplement applies.
The good news? You don’t have to accept this penalty. With some insider knowledge and a bit of research, you can discover ways to bypass or minimize these extra costs.
10 Tips to Avoid Single Supplements
1. Check Curated Listings of No-Supplement Deals
The fastest way to find solo-travel-friendly options is through curated deal pages. Many websites, like Solo Traveler's Deals page, provide regularly updated listings of tours and cruises that waive the single supplement. These are consolidated resources that save you time and showcase the best offers available globally.
Want instant updates? Sign up for alerts like the Solo Travel Advisory.
2. Use Google to Your Advantage
Sometimes, a simple search is all you need. Combine keywords like “no single supplement” or “single supplement waived” with your desired destination (e.g., “no single supplement Italy”). To stay ahead, set up Google Alerts tailored to your trip goals. This way, you’ll receive email notifications whenever new deals appear online.
For example, head to Google Alerts and create one like this:
“single supplement waived” “Australia.”
3. Browse Travel Company Websites for Solo Deals
Many travel companies are becoming more inclusive of solo travelers. They provide dedicated pages outlining their solo-travel policies and available deals. Use on-site search tools with terms like “solo travel” or look for clear menu options promoting no-single-supplement trips.
Companies aiming to cater to solo travelers will make these pages easy to find.
4. Calculate Supplement Costs Before Deciding
When pricing isn’t transparent, take proactive steps to calculate the single supplement rate. Here’s how:
- Find the double-occupancy rate.
- Check the cost of booking as one person.
- Subtract half the double rate to isolate the extra charge.
For example, if single travelers pay $1,200 for a trip where two people pay $2,000, the single supplement equals $200 (or 20%).
Having this knowledge helps you negotiate or decide if it’s worth the cost.
5. Take Advantage of Tracey’s List
For solo travelers looking for quick, dependable options, Tracey’s List is a game-changer. Curated monthly, this shortlist highlights the top solo-friendly trips, prioritizing zero-supplement options. It’s perfect for those who don’t have the time to sift through endless listings.
6. Book Early for Better Deals
Timing is everything. Solo-friendly spots tend to fill quickly, so book well in advance. Tour operators often waive or reduce single supplements for early takers to ensure their trips get off to a smooth start.
Alternatively, last-minute deals can also play in your favor. To fill spaces, companies sometimes discount or eliminate the supplement altogether on near-sold-out trips.
7. Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Peak seasons are expensive for all travelers, but solo discounts are especially scarce when demand is high. By traveling during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak periods), you’ll find less-crowded destinations and better chances of avoiding single supplements.
8. Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
You’d be surprised how often travel agencies and operators are willing to negotiate on pricing, especially if demand for a trip is low. Ask whether they can waive or lower the supplement rate for solo travelers.
Pro tip? A travel agent can often leverage relationships with tour companies to negotiate on your behalf.
9. Be Open to Roommates
While sharing a room with a stranger isn’t for everyone, it’s an effective way to bypass single supplements. Companies like G Adventures often offer roommate-matching services, pairing travelers of the same gender. Many solo travelers report forming lifelong friendships through shared accommodations.
10. Find Irresistible Offers
Sometimes, a deal is so good that paying the supplement doesn’t sting as much. Keep an eye out for discounted trips or packages with unparalleled value that offset extra costs tied to being a solo traveler.
The Industry’s Efforts to Support Solo Travelers
Over the last decade, the travel industry has begun to recognize the growing market for solo travel. While single supplements still exist, more companies are stepping up to cater to individuals traveling alone.
- Many new cruise ships now include single cabins.
- Tour companies are proactively offering solo-friendly policies, dedicating a portion of spaces to single travelers.
- Awards and campaigns like the Solo Travel Awards encourage organizations to prioritize inclusivity for solo adventurers.
With more data showing the popularity of solo travel, the era of unfair surcharges may soon become a thing of the past.
Plan Better, Travel Smarter
Solo travel enriches lives with unforgettable memories and unparalleled self-discovery. Don’t let the single supplement stand in your way. Armed with these strategies, you can find trips and deals tailored for solo adventurers.
Stay connected with Solo Traveler’s latest updates and exclusive offers by subscribing to the Solo Travel Advisory. Explore budget-friendly adventures that liberate, not penalize.
Happy travels!
