Solo Travel: Budget-Friendly Tips for the Adventurous

Solo travel has never been more popular; however, one of the major challenges faced by solo travellers is often financial. With extras like single supplements, the total cost can be higher than expected.

Many solo travellers feel that the charges are unfair, yet hotels and tour operators argue that it’s a matter of economics. They lose the revenue from hosting two guests in a room and don’t achieve full value from additional services like dining. Consequently, hotels and cruise lines often impose a single supplement, much to the frustration of solo adventurers. Nevertheless, as solo travel continues to grow in popularity, many travel providers are beginning to adjust their offerings to accommodate this trend in various ways.

Avoiding Single Supplements

The dreaded single supplement remains the biggest financial hurdle for solo travellers. Tour operators typically advertise rates based on double occupancy, leading to solo travellers being charged up to double the per-person rate. However, the industry is starting to hear the voices of solo travellers, as many companies are reducing or even eliminating single supplements. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this challenge:

Choose Tour Companies Wisely

Several tour companies and cruise lines are now embracing solo travel and even waive single supplements for a limited number of travellers. Research companies like Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Adventure Canada, which accommodate solo adventurers by offering lower rates or matchmaking services for shared rooms.

Check Deals Pages

Check platforms like Solo Traveler that highlight companies with minimal to no single supplements. Accessing regularly updated deals can also save money on your travels.

Plan Early

Planning ahead gives you the best chances for discounts. Tour companies often have limited spots available for solo travellers, which tend to fill up quickly.

Last Minute Booking

Alternatively, consider booking last minute. While it’s a risk, if space permits, companies might offer solo travellers spots at reduced costs to fill vacancies.

Inquire Directly

If no solo traveller discount is advertised, don’t hesitate to call the company and ask for a deal. It never hurts to inquire!

Travel During Shoulder Season

Your best chance to secure discounts occurs during the shoulder season. Companies are likely to offer more attractive rates when they have fewer bookings to fill.

Accommodation Strategies

When it comes to accommodation, solo travellers can find reasonable rates by considering the following options:

Hostel Private Rooms

Private rooms in hostels often come at a lower cost than hotels. Choosing a room with a shared bathroom can save even more, plus access to kitchen facilities adds value and social opportunities.

Hotel Single Rooms

More hotels are starting to offer single rooms. For instance, the Z Hotels in the UK have embraced this model, although note that such rooms tend to be compact and might lack windows.

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels, which gained popularity in Japan, are also becoming available globally and serve as a budget-friendly option for solo travellers seeking accommodations.

Free Accommodation Through Volunteering

Volunteering in exchange for free lodging can lead to significant savings. Many solo travellers report personally rewarding experiences while enjoying unique cultural insights from around the globe. For tips on how to secure free accommodation, consider exploring available options.

Other Money-Saving Strategies

To help mitigate the financial impact of solo travel, consider the following additional tips:

Transportation Choices

For solo travellers, utilizing shared vans or public transportation can lead to substantial savings, compared to taxis or Uber rides. If available, try UberPool to further reduce costs.

Tours and Activities

Many solo travellers express frustration when they cannot join group tours due to minimum participant requirements. To circumvent this, consider engaging in free walking tours, which not only connect you with other adventurers but also provide valuable local insights.

Classes and Meetups

Explore opportunities available through cooking classes, language exchanges, and couch-surfing meetups. Joining resources like Global Greeter Network can enhance your travel experience by facilitating connections with locals.

Extra Opportunities to Save

According to industry experts, solo travellers frequently enjoy unique savings opportunities. For example, certain last-minute deals on flights often favor solo passengers. Always remember to inquire about discounts, as you may be pleasantly surprised.

Nora Dunn has travelled full-time for 12 years, with a significant portion spent exploring solo. On her website, The Professional Hobo, she provides insights on lifestyle logistics, enabling fellow adventurers to journey indefinitely.

This article was originally published on September 11, 2019, and has since been updated for relevancy.