Traveling Solo Doesn’t Mean Traveling Alone

Three cabins in the photo above were solo occupancy.

Can you tell which ones?

Probably not.

These are real travelers from one of my hosted groups. When I look at this picture, I don't see “the solo travelers.” I see people talking, laughing and sharing an experience.

And that’s exactly the point.

What Does Solo Travel Really Mean?

When people hear “solo traveler,” they often picture someone taking an entire vacation completely alone.

But that isn't always the case.

Sometimes solo travel simply means having your own cabin or hotel room. You may be traveling independently, joining friends or family, taking a guided tour, or becoming part of a hosted group.

The important distinction is this:

Having your own room does not mean you have to spend your vacation alone.

For many travelers, having their own space is actually part of the appeal.

You control the thermostat.

Nobody is taking up your half of the closet.

You can go to bed when you want, wake up when you want, and retreat to your own space at the end of a busy travel day.

Honestly, there is something pretty wonderful about that. 😂

And when you're ready for company, the right type of trip can provide plenty of opportunities for it.

What Is a Solo or Single Supplement?

This is one of the most important things for solo travelers to understand before comparing vacation prices.

Most cruise cabins and hotel rooms included in guided tours are priced based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing the room.

That's why you'll commonly see travel prices advertised as:

$2,499 per person, based on double occupancy.

If one person wants that room or cabin alone, the price usually isn't simply $2,499.

The cruise line or tour operator may charge an additional amount known as a single supplement or solo supplement.

The amount varies significantly.

It can depend on:

• The cruise line or tour operator

• The ship or itinerary

• The departure date

• The cabin or room category

• Current promotions

• Availability

That's why solo travelers shouldn't automatically dismiss a vacation after seeing a double-occupancy price.

Find out what the actual single-occupancy price is first.

It may be considerably better than you expect.

Do Solo Travelers Always Pay a Single Supplement?

No.

Some cruise lines and tour operators offer reduced or completely waived single supplements on selected departures.

AmaWaterways, for example, offers several options for solo river cruisers. Depending on the sailing, these can include reduced single supplements, waived single supplements and a limited number of specially designed single-occupancy staterooms on select ships.

Globus also offers opportunities for solo travelers on selected Escapes guided tours where the single supplement may be waived, subject to availability.

These offers change, and that's important.

A company that has a wonderful solo offer on one itinerary may have a very different price on another.

That's why I wouldn't automatically label one cruise line or tour company as “the best for solo travelers.”

The better question is: Which option is best for this traveler, on this trip, at this time?

Why Can Cruises and Guided Tours Work Well for Solo Travelers?

One challenge of completely independent solo travel is that meeting people may require more effort.

Cruises and guided tours naturally create opportunities for interaction.

On a cruise, you may repeatedly see the same people at meals, activities, lounges and excursions.

River cruises can be particularly social because the ships are smaller, many excursions are included, and travelers tend to see familiar faces throughout the sailing.

Guided tours create similar opportunities. Travelers share transportation, sightseeing experiences, meals and time together throughout the itinerary.

And hosted groups add another layer.

You may have your own room and your own plans, but you're traveling among people who quickly become familiar faces.

Can You Join a Group and Still Have Independence?

Absolutely.

This is something I think is important to understand about group travel.

Being part of a group doesn't mean everyone needs to move around in one giant herd. 😂

At least that's not how I like to travel.

Want breakfast by yourself one morning?

Enjoy it.

Want to join others for an excursion?

Wonderful.

Want to skip something and go shopping instead?

Go.

Want to sit on your balcony with a cup of coffee and watch the scenery?

Please do. That's one of my favorite places to be.

A good group experience should provide opportunities for connection without taking away your independence.

You can have your own space and make your own choices while still having familiar faces around when you'd like some company.

What If Everyone Else Is Traveling as a Couple?

This is an understandable concern.

Nobody wants to spend a significant amount of money on a vacation only to feel like the odd person out.

But something interesting happens when people travel together.

They start mixing.

Someone asks what you're doing in port tomorrow.

Someone else has an extra seat at dinner.

A few people decide to listen to music after dinner.

People sit beside each other on the bus, talk during excursions and start recognizing each other around the ship or hotel.

Eventually, who originally traveled with whom becomes much less important.

They're simply people sharing a trip.

I've watched that happen in my own hosted groups.

The photo accompanying this article comes from one of them.

Three cabins in that group were solo occupancy.

But you can't identify those travelers by looking at the picture.

That's what I love about it.

What Should Solo Travelers Look for Before Booking?

Price matters, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.

Before choosing a solo trip, consider:

• The true single-occupancy price. Don't rely solely on an advertised double-occupancy fare.

• Dedicated solo accommodations. Some ships have cabins specifically designed and priced for one traveler.

• Reduced or waived single supplements. These can make a significant difference.

• The size and style of the trip. Smaller ships and guided groups may provide more natural opportunities to meet people.

• Included activities and excursions. Shared experiences can make connecting with other travelers easier.

• Your desired level of independence. Some travelers want lots of interaction; others simply want the option of company.

• The itinerary itself. A great solo price isn't a bargain if it isn't somewhere you actually want to go.

The goal shouldn't simply be finding the cheapest solo fare.

It should be finding the right trip at the right value for the way you want to travel.

Sometimes Solo Travel Is Really About Not Waiting Anymore

Not everyone who travels solo dreamed of becoming a “solo traveler.”

Sometimes they simply dreamed of traveling.

Friends can't coordinate schedules.

A spouse isn't interested in the destination.

Someone can't get away from work.

Plans keep getting postponed.

Everybody keeps saying:

“Maybe next year.”

And next year becomes another next year.

Meanwhile, there are places you still want to see.

At some point, you may decide:

I'm ready to go.

That doesn't mean you suddenly want to spend two weeks completely by yourself.

It simply means you're no longer willing to keep putting the trip off.

A cruise, guided tour or hosted group can offer a middle ground: the freedom to travel on your own terms with opportunities for companionship built into the experience.

Traveling Solo Doesn't Have to Mean Traveling Alone

I keep coming back to that photograph.

Three solo-occupancy cabins.

But that's not what you see.

You see travelers.

People talking.

People laughing.

People sharing an experience.

That's why I don't automatically equate solo travel with traveling alone.

You can have your own cabin.

You can make your own choices.

You can have your independence.

And you can still have a community around you.

Sometimes the best travel companions are simply people you haven't met yet.

About Gina Renee’

Gina Renee’ is a travel advisor and experienced hosted-group leader. Her group travel experience includes coordinating a 60-cabin, 124-traveler Alaska cruise as well as hosted ocean cruises, river cruises and international travel.

She writes about cruises, group travel, destinations and the practical details travelers should understand before they go.

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