Solutions for Solo Travelers

Literature is full of wonderful stories about the adventures of intrepid solo travelers. Many people I speak with want to have their own adventures, but would also like some companionship along the way. If you travel by yourself, you are not alone. Tour companies and cruise lines are all starting to offer options designed for single travelers as well as those who are part of a couple.

Typically, cruise and tour brochures and ads show prices that are calculated as a per person rate for a double occupancy room. The infamous “single supplement” for only one occupant is often 100 percent, which means singles pay the same rate as a couple. Tour companies have devised different solutions to make their vacations more singles-friendly. Cosmos, a value division of Globus, offers a roommate matching service. Abercrombie & Kent started a solo division in 2011, and estimates that 11 percent of their clients are solo travelers. They offer tours with low or no single supplement, so travelers can occupy their own room without a roommate. These tours, which run the gamut from fully escorted to completely independent travel, offer opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers or take time alone to have that adventure.

Cruise lines have noticed that they must cater to solo travelers as well. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first major line to offer dedicated staterooms for singles. Their newest ship, the Norwegian Epic, has studios for single occupancy with a large, studios-only lounge area where people congregate to mingle. Many expedition ships and the newly re-launched America Queen river boat all have single cabins. Crystal Cruises, a luxury line, offers most cruises with a single supplement of 25 percent. They estimate that up to 20 percent of their passengers are solo travelers. Onboard programs like dedicated tables in the dining room and Ambassador hosts make mingling easier. American Express Mariner Club sailings on a variety of cruise lines provide an on-board host, cocktail party to meet and mingle, and an exclusive shore excursion for Mariner Club guests.

Most ocean and river cruise lines will offer specific sailings where the single supplement is greatly reduced or eliminated. 

Another option is to join an arranged group and travel with them. Some possible groups might be found at your church, community center, garden club, and so on. Specialty tours and cruises are available for just about any interest you can think of.

Solo travelers out there – send us your tips and suggestions!

peggy@sandpipervoyages.com