How to Travel Solo on a Budget

Solo travel has become increasingly popular; however, one of the biggest challenges for solo travelers often revolves around finances. With additional costs like single supplements, the total expense can exceed initial expectations.

Solo travelers might find it unfair, but hotels and tour operators explain it’s fundamentally about the math. They not only lose potential income by accommodating one person instead of two, but they also don’t maximize value from extras like meals and beverages. Consequently, many hotels and cruise lines impose single supplements, which can be disheartening. Nevertheless, as solo travel continues to grow, many travel providers are adapting to meet this trend.

Avoiding Single Supplements

The much-dreaded single supplement remains the primary financial hurdle for those traveling alone. Tour operators typically advertise rates based on double occupancy, meaning solo travelers often face charges up to double the per-person cost. Fortunately, the industry is listening, and numerous travel companies are either reducing or eliminating these supplements. To navigate this landscape effectively, it’s vital to know what to look for and how to advocate for yourself. Here’s how:

Choose Tour Companies Wisely

Tour operators like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures, along with cruise lines such as Adventure Canada, are increasingly supporting solo travel. In some cases, they waive single supplements for certain numbers of solo travelers on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, some companies coordinate room sharing among solo travelers, enabling them to pay a lower rate.

Check Deals Pages

Janice Waugh, founder of Solo Traveler, has made significant strides in highlighting companies with no (or very low) single supplements via her regularly updated solo travel deals page. This resource can prove invaluable for finding affordable options tailored for solo adventurers.

Book Early

It’s advisable to book early. Tour companies often allocate limited spots for solo traveler discounts, which tend to sell out quickly.

Book Last Minute

Conversely, booking last minute might also yield discounts. While it carries risk, if space remains, providers may offer solo travelers the chance to book without single supplements to fill any remaining spots.

Call and Ask

If advertised discounts for solo travelers aren’t visible, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. Asking for a deal could yield positive results!

Travel in the Shoulder Season

Planning your travels during the shoulder season greatly enhances your chances of securing solo travel discounts. Companies are often more willing to reduce prices during these quieter times as they work to fill available spots.

Booking Accommodation

For solo travelers, booking a dorm bed in a hostel typically offers the best rate; however, this may not suit everyone’s preferences. In the case of hotels, the room cost remains a flat fee regardless of occupancy. This reality can lead to higher costs for solo travelers who cannot share expenses. Here are some strategies to keep accommodation costs manageable:

Hostel Private Rooms

Private rooms in hostels generally offer lower rates compared to hotel rooms. While most hostel accommodations come with en suite bathrooms, those with shared facilities are even more affordable. Access to a communal kitchen and the opportunity to meet fellow solo travelers can also enhance your experience.

Hotel Single Rooms

According to Waugh, an increasing number of hotels are now offering single rooms. An excellent example is the Z Hotels in the UK. While these rooms are designed for efficiency, they can be quite small and often lack windows.

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels, which gained popularity in Japan and are now emerging in other regions, present another compact but solo-traveler-friendly accommodation option.

Get Free Accommodation

One of the best financial decisions I’ve made is securing free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of volunteering each day. This approach allows for some incredible stays worldwide, offering culturally rich experiences ideal for solo travelers. Certainly, not all opportunities involve manual work; there’s a diverse selection of volunteer positions available. For tips on obtaining free accommodation, explore various platforms and programs.

Other Ways to Save

The two primary costs impacting a solo travel budget are single supplements and double-occupancy hotel rates. However, with these additional tips, you can stretch your travel funds further.

Transportation

If you are traveling with companions, taking a taxi or using Uber may be more convenient. Conversely, solo travelers can save significantly by opting for shared van services or public transportation. If available, UberPool is also a cost-effective option.

Tours and Activities

Waugh notes, “We often hear from solo travelers who are unable to join day tours due to a two-person minimum set by the provider.” While cost may not be an issue here, it can certainly be frustrating. Consider free walking tours as an alternative. They not only help you meet other travelers but also provide valuable local insights and personalized recommendations from your guide.

Classes and Meetups

Engaging in cooking classes, language learning groups, and couch-surfing meetups are great ways to meet locals. Waugh recommends the Global Greeter Network for individuals looking to connect with local residents and delve deeper into a destination.

Opportunities to Cut Your Budget

Here’s the good news: according to Waugh, solo travelers often have unique chances to save. For instance, flight prices can vary greatly; if only one discounted seat remains, a solo traveler will pay that rate. In contrast, if a couple books two seats at once, they’d pay higher prices if only a single discounted seat is left. Furthermore, securing last-minute theater tickets is often easier for solo attendees. Always remember, even if discounts aren’t advertised, it never hurts to ask.

Nora Dunn traveled full-time for 12 years, over half of which were spent exploring solo. Her website, The Professional Hobo, assists readers in managing lifestyle logistics, including the essential aspects of earning, spending, saving, and managing money, enabling them to travel indefinitely.

This article was first published on September 11, 2019, and was last updated on December 15, 2020.