Holidaying alone can be a traumatic experience and, if being a single traveller isn't enough of a challenge, it can include an added premium to pay for the privilege. For years, solo travellers have complained about being hit with extra fees when booking trips.
Holidaymakers travelling alone are also hit by higher costs for a host of activities, from getting to and from the airport to in-resort taxi fares. Most of the time, this can be attributed to not having a companion to divide the bill.
But the travel industry responds by claiming extra charges are necessary and not a rip-off.
Hotels have traditionally provided services on the basis of people travelling in pairs with a limited number of single rooms. Since hotels charge per room, not simply the number of people staying in them, solo travellers will proportionately pay higher prices, though many hotels will offer a discounted rate to solo travellers rather than charging them the full room rate.
Even when single rooms are available they are not generally half the size of a double and also will usually have en-suite facilities, so consequently hotels will not usually charge half the rate they would for a double.
To keep costs down, travel out of the peak summer months as rates are much lower and hotels will be more likely to offer discounts to solo travellers. But with the number of singles growing, and the popularity of solo holidays soaring, tour operators are now realising that travel is not restricted to couples or larger groups.
Travelling solo can also be a liberating experience. However, particularly for female travellers, a solo trip brings its own risks and challenges.
Travel trade group ABTA has listed a series of tips to keep costs down:
- If you would prefer to travel in company there are many ABTA travel companies that offer organised tours aimed at solo travellers.
- Activity holidays in particular guarantee that you will be travelling with like-minded people by the very fact that you have all chosen the same kind of trip and are a great way of meeting people and making new friends.
- You can also avoid the dreaded single supplement by sharing your room with a fellow traveller, though this is usually optional not obligatory.
There are also now many more options for anyone who wants to travel alone: whether that’s joining a group activity trip or taking a cruise, many travel companies are expanding their offering for solo travellers.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “There has been significant growth in the number of people travelling by themselves over the last few years – with the majority choosing to holiday solo so that they can do what they want.
“Going on holiday by yourself means you don’t have to compromise on your choice of destination, your itinerary or the activities you take part in. Whether they’re single or just want some ’me time’, people now have an incredible choice of holidays and destinations to choose from and it has become so much easier to explore the world. Travel companies have responded to demand by offering a diverse range of options for people booking by themselves.”
The UK's biggest tour operator TUI offers dedicated trips for singles. It says: "We know it can be hard work finding holidays for solo travellers without huge room supplements to pay. But with TUI, you can choose from a fantastic range of hotels with single rooms – all with great deals to suit every kind of budget.
"TUI reps in each resort are there to make sure you discover the best of the local culture, from historic monuments to hidden gem restaurants. If you want to stay at your hotel and meet other people, there’s communal dining, as well as plenty of activities to join in with.
"Marella Cruises specialises in tailored cruise holidays, which include sailings for solo travellers. The list of things to do onboard is endless, with lots of chances to mix with other passengers during daily activities."
Jet2 also offers a range of breaks for single travellers. Ranging from its luxurious Indulgent Escapes to the young and lively VIBE options, solo holidaymakers are given unique discounts when booking. The firm claims it has made solo holidays simple and stress-free.
Other companies offer specialist breaks for solo holidaymakers. Friendship Travel, an established specialist tour operator for solo travellers, leans towards the more mature end of the market, with most guests aged 45 or above - and there's definitely no single supplements.
Tours run across the UK, Europe, North Africa and to the USA - some are fly and flop, others are more cultural and activity-based like walking and sailing, or planned around a specific theme, such as skiing and dancing. Many are accommodated in hotels exclusive to the Friendship Travel group and for others it’s a case of being a group within a larger hotel - dining together in the evenings, going on excursions together but otherwise free to mix as much or as little as guests wish.
Another travel firm basing its singles' options around a theme is wellness holiday specialist Health and Fitness Travel. It's single-friendly holidays range from yoga in Bali, weight loss in Spain or a choice of worldwide group retreats. Clients are all like-minded singles with group activities, group tables at meal times and dedicated holiday months for solo travellers.
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