Single supplements are a controversial extra charge that annoy many solo travellers. The levy has been called the "Singles' Tax" by some and it's a very unpopular surcharge among the growing number of holidaymakers travelling alone.
Why is it add to bills? 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.
But away from the main travel firms, there are operators who specialise in travel for singles - and there's not a supplement in sight. Here are some of the options available for anyone looking for a solo trip without being forced to pay the dreaded extra charge,
Rainforest Cruises
Specialist in exotic riverboat and small ship cruise packages in bucket-list destinations across South America and South-East Asia. The company creates custom once-in-a-lifetime holiday packages, with a focus on adventure travel, and prides itself on offering ‘no single supplement’ options to solo travellers.
Jayavarman Riverboat - Cambodia, South East Asia
Four and eight-day trips, blending French and Vietnamese colonial charm and art-deco features with the romantic nature of Indochinese culture. Setting sail to charming colonial towns where you’ll view the gorgeous historical architecture, and walk amongst the bustling local markets that trade on the water.
There is no single supplement on entry-level cabin categories on selected 2022 departure dates. To learn more about the Jayavarman, visit https://www.rainforestcruises.com/cruises/jayavarman-mekong
The SS Mary Anne - Galapagos, South America
Every part of this cruise is an adventure, making it perfect for solo travellers who really want to get out of their comfort zones and live their wildest adventurer fantasies. There’s no need to share with strangers on board. With eight single cabins available, there’s plenty of room for solo travellers and those travelling alone won’t have to withstand a single supplement to enjoy this spectacular archipelago adventure.
More information about the SS Mary Anne Cruises here.
InsideJapan
An 11-night ‘Japan Solo’ self-guided adventure which is especially designed for single travellers The trip ensures that the solo traveller has interaction with people throughout the trip with guides, group experiences and more as well as having the flexibility to do their own thing whilst on a cultural adventure of Japan.
The trip cost from £2750pp (excl. international flights) and includes 11 nights accommodation with breakfast every day (except in the Capsule Hotel) including a stays at a traditional ryokan guest house, all transport across Japan, airport transfers, private guiding in Kyoto, a group cooking lesson in Tokyo, streetfood tour in Osaka, samurai sword lesson in Kyoto and more.
Titan Travel
Escorted tour operator Titan Travel has a great range of holidays that are exclusively available to solo travellers and has recently expanded its collection of solo breaks with four brand new tours added to its 2023 programme. The latest Small Group and Solo Holidays brochure can be viewed here.
With no single supplement included, solo tours are perfect for individual travellers who wish to travel independently with confidence and create memorable moments with like-minded people.
Caravan and MotorHome Club
Get away with the expert guidance of seasoned local tour leaders on an escorted holiday to a number of incredible worldwide destinations, including Canada, New Zealand and Southern Africa. On the trip-of-a-lifetime, alongside other like-minded members whether travelling as a couple, with friends or as a solo traveller.
Escorted tours follow a carefully curated set itinerary that features the highlights of each destination, but the ability to drive at your own pace and make stops along the way wherever you wish. Experienced local tour hosts help get the very best from a holiday, whether that's helping plan a route, recommending somewhere to stop for lunch or places off the beaten track.
An escorted motorhome tour offers freedom and independence at the same time, combined with friendly local leaders sharing their passion and knowledge of the place they call home. The 25-day escorted tour in Canada, comes with flights, transfers, two nights in hotel, 21 nights in campsites across sought after areas, a motorhome for 22 days, local guide, welcome dinner, BBQ dinner, and an itinerary app.
Meanwhile, for those who want to stay closer to home, the club has a range of value glamping deals in the UK. Its Experience Freedom option list a variety of options to enjoy the countryside as a single traveller.
Ramblers Holidays
A great solution for solo travellers to enjoy an expertly led walking holiday in the company of other like-minded travellers with a number of their best loved itineraries available with no single supplement. A dedicated section for solo and single travellers on the company’s website makes it easy to identify holidays and departures where there is no single supplement.
For those who are happy to share a room and avoid paying a supplement, there are also pointers as to how to request this option in cases where hotels still levy a single supplement.
Ramblers Walking Holidays also includes women specific holidays - Women’s Activity Week which is very popular with solo travellers.
Just Go! Holidays - Going Solo Coach Break Galway, Limerick & Cliffs of Moher
This coach tour has been created specifically for solo travellers. A coach break takes away the stress of making all the arrangements – everything is organised and taken care of, so all guests need to worry about is having a good time. Transportation is sorted, hotels are booked and excursions are included.
Departing on September 3 and 17, 2023, this tour is priced from £819pp and includes return coach travel from various pick-up points in England and Wales, return ferry crossing, five night’s accommodation including breakfast and dinner, plus all the visits and tours mentioned above. A tour manager is on hand to assist in Ireland and no single supplements apply.
Luxury river cruises
APT, and its flexible four-star sister brand, Travelmarvel, have waived single supplements on all their 2022 European river cruises. Savings for solo travellers can be combined with the brands’ Balcony Sale, meaning even more incredible savings.
Solo travellers looking for flexible, four-star river cruising in Europe this year can enjoy up to 50 per cent off plus a free upgrade to the best available cabin, as well as no single supplement. For example, solo travellers can now enjoy Travelmarvel’s 15-day European Gems itinerary, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest, from £2,290 (was £7,795 for solo travellers, saving £5,505), with no single supplement, based on the November 4 departure.
All prices include return flights, accommodation aboard one of Travelmarvel’s new Contemporary River Ships, dining, drinks and sightseeing.
APT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest, will cost from just £2,648 for solo travellers (was £6,770 for solo travellers, saving £4,122), with no single supplement, based on the November 16 departure. The price includes door-to-door UK airport transfers, flights, accommodation aboard a luxury Concerto River Ship, onboard dining, unlimited drinks, sightseeing and signature experiences. For more information, visit www.aptouring.co.uk.
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