Solo Traveller Surcharge: the Extra Costs of Going Alone

Solo travel can be a liberating and transformative experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for self-discovery and adventure. However, there’s a side to solo travel that often goes unnoticed or unspoken: the solo traveller surcharge. Whether it’s higher accommodation costs, the challenges of dining alone, or the dreaded single supplement on tours, going solo can sometimes mean paying more. So today im going to explore the concept of the solo traveller surcharge. From everything from why it exists, and how you can reduce it on your next solo adventures.

The solo traveller surcharge, also known as the “single supplement,” is an additional fee that solo travellers often face. This can be when booking accommodations, tours, or even cruises. It is essentially a way for travel providers to recoup some of the costs associated with providing services for one person rather than a pair or a group. The surcharge can vary widely in price and application, depending on the type of travel and the destination.

There are several reasons why the solo traveller surcharge exists:

1. Occupancy Costs: Most accommodations and tours are priced for double occupancy. When a solo traveller books a room or tour designed for two or more people, the business loses out on the revenue from the second traveler. To compensate for this, they charge a single supplement.
2. Fixed Costs: Some costs, like maintaining a hotel room or running a tour, are relatively fixed, regardless of whether one or two people are using the service. The single supplement helps cover these fixed costs.
3. Profit Margins: Businesses may charge a single supplement as a way to maintain their profit margins, as it can be more challenging to fill every slot on a tour or in a hotel room when catering to solo travellers.

1. Accommodation Alternatives: Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or boutique hotels that cater to solo travellers. Some places offer single rooms at reasonable prices.
2. Share Accommodation: Look for platforms that help solo travellers find roommates to share accommodations. Allowing you to reduce costs and making new friends in the process.
3. Group Tours: Join group tours, which often do not have single supplements, and can provide an instant travel community.
4. Negotiation: Sometimes, you can negotiate the single supplement or request that it be waived, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
5. Research and Comparison: Always compare prices, read reviews, and research to find travel providers that are solo-traveller-friendly and offer reasonable rates.

While the solo traveller surcharge can be a hindrance, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. By understanding why it exists we can make choices to minimise its impact. Allowing you to enjoy the freedom and independence that solo travel offers without breaking the bank. Embrace the opportunities for self-discovery, adventure, and new connections that come with travelling solo. But just remember that the surcharge is just a small part of the journey. So don’t obsess over it and enjoy your trip. Safe travels!