SOLE CONCERN

HOW TO AVOID A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Single supplements are one of the biggest and most expensive annoyances for solo travellers. But there are some ways which you can get around them. Here are a few strategies. In May and June and September and October, many hotels are quieter and more willing to offer better rates for single occupancy. This is the time when you are most likely to find tour operators offering tours and hotel stays without supplements.

Book with an operator that specialises in singles holidays

Some of those companies – and cruises – specialise in offering holidays for single travellers. They may have a policy of not charging supplements but offer a single or double room for sole occupancy and price accordingly. Note that that does not mean they are necessarily cheaper overall than an operator which has a lower base price but adds a supplement for singles – so do compare prices before booking.

Consider sharing a room

Some tour operators and cruise lines will offer to try to arrange a shared room with another single traveller of the same sex. Alternatively, you could try to find a travelling companion through a specialist singles website.

Consider adventure travel

Trips where most nights are spent camping or in refuges, youth hostels or simple lodges, and food is paid per person out of a kitty, are far less likely to charge significantly more for single bookings.

5 Cut out the middle man

Finally, if you aren’t having any luck with tour operators, and if you are willing to book and travel independently, try contacting the hotel by phone or email to negotiate the best possible rate for a single room or single occupancy.