Single Travelers Get Some Respect

Folks who travel alone, whether due to circumstance or inclination, have often had to pay a hefty price for the privilege. Tour operators and cruise lines are finally waking up to the fact that there are a lot of people who would take a trip, if only they didn't have to pay the dreaded "single supplement". This charge, which can be twice the cost of a single cruise or tour fare, means that single travelers occupying their own room pay the same rate as two people occupying the same room would. This practice never seemed fair, but is standard operating procedure.

The New York Times explored this subject in an article on Sunday titled "Singled Out (for the Single Supplement) . According to the American Express Spending and Saving Tracker, up to 12% of Americans plan to travel alone this year. Many of these travelers are not looking for a "singles cruise", and they don't like the idea of being matched up with a roomate who is a stranger to them. Some worry that they may be the only singles in a group, alone with a tour full of couples.

The best cruise lines and tour companies are starting to offer vacations that reduce cost and provide opportunities to socialize. Norwegian Cruise Line has been successful with the studio rooms introduced on the Epic. These single occupancy rooms have a lounge and bar area strictly for the studio guests, where everyone is a single traveler. River cruise lines and small ship ocean cruises have an intimate, friendly atmosphere on board, where most people choose to sit at larger tables to get to know fellow passengers. Some tour groups are just for women, or focus on a particular interest that makes it easy to talk to fellow enthusiasts. Big ship cruise lines have nightly cocktail parties for singles to meet and mingle.

Another way to avoid feeling isolated is to travel with a group you already belong to. Garden Clubs, Condo Associations, quilters, runners, - you name it, and a group like it has sailed or toured before.

Maybe this is the beginning of a trend, and we will see single supplements disappear sometime soon.  Until then, you can find some of the best deals for solo voyagers on my website. 

Happy travels!