Travel Tips for Single Seniors
Learn about the travel cost known as a single supplement and how solo seniors can avoid them. Enjoy single travel vacations without any hidden fees.
How Solo Seniors can Avoid Single Supplements
Traveling alone for the first time can be an exhilarating experience. Seasoned travelers will likely look forward to the freedom and independence that solo trips can provide. Yet even the a veteran road warrior may be surprised to find out how expensive single travel can be.
Solo seniors hoping to see the world on a singles budget may get sticker shock when they run into something called single supplements. A single supplement is the dollar amount charged to solo travelers to help hotels or cruise lines overcome the assumed losses they will incur by only housing one person in their room. Most hotels and travel packages are based on two person occupancy with no modifications built in for singles.
Ways to Avoid the Single Supplement
Begin with a travel agent or other organization that specializes in senior travel. Some companies that focus on senior travel purchase rooms or vacation packages in bulk and then sell them based on a per person rate. A savvy travel agent will also know how to find single accommodations and supplement waivers for her customers.
Traveling off-season always yields a better deal and it can also get you a supplement-free vacation. You may have to do a little negotiating, but resorts are usually more reasonable when their hotel is below occupancy.
Look for cruises that advertise single supplement waivers to seniors. If you are flexible about where you go and what ship you take then it will be much easier to find an affordable option.
Speaking of flexibility, last-minute travel deals often include supplement-free pricing. Sometimes a traveler can save half-off their vacation simply by being able to grab a last-minute offer.
If you are willing to make some new friends you can allow the cruise line or a travel agent to match you up with a traveling companion. Tour companies like GAP Adventures and Intrepid Travel also offer roommate matching. [See sidebar for more roommate options]
If you are comfortable with the roommate idea than maybe you would be interested in staying in a hostel which charges per bed instead of by the room. Hostelling International can provide you with a list of hostels in 90 different countries including the U.S.
Roommate Matching Services for Solo Travelers
AllSinglesTravel.com guarantees a roommate if you pay for your trip in a timely manner. They will help single travelers obtain single supplement waivers whenever possible.
Connecting: Solo Travel Network not so much a service, but a network of travelers looking for match ups.
Singles Travel International will help you find a roommate or they will pay your single supplement fees.
Women Traveling Together The company offers tours, retreats and other getaways for women who prefer not to travel alone.
