Single Supplements

The How’s & Why’s of Single Supplements on a Group Tour

If you are new to solo travel or considering it, we have put this blog together to help you understand what single supplements are and, if you want to, how to avoid them.

1) What is the Single Supplement?

In the simplest of terms, single supplements are applied to people traveling solo on a group tour where overnight accommodations are part of the tour package. Single supplements occur on cruises and overnight trips, both nationally and internationally, when overnight stays are involved and a single room is desired.

2) Who Determines a Single Supplement?

The cost of the single supplement is dictated by the hotel, not by the tour operator that has setup the trip. For example, let’s say the room is $200. If you are traveling as a a double occupancy, the cost of the room is $100 per person.  If you are a solo traveler, you are paying $200 for the room because you are just one person. In essence, you are taking 1 spots as a single traveler. The single supplement priced is derived from the single traveler. 

The key to remember is that in terms of the cost of the tour itself, the ONLY factor that increases the trip price is the cost of the hotel room for those traveling solo.

3) How Much is the Single Supplement?

The cost of a single-room supplement depends on the tour company, the type of trip, and if you book during the high, low, or shoulder season. Some tour companies charge up to 50% and others charge 100% of the cost of the room. Tours of Distinction has been in business for more than 50 years and has powerful relationships with many accommodations around the world. Our network of contacts and negotiated contracts helps our company leverage some of the lowest single supplements in the industry.

4) How to Avoid the Single Supplement

The good news is that there is a way to avoid single supplements and still travel solo on a small group tour. The easiest way to avoid the supplement is to travel with a trusted friend or relative.

If this is something that doesn’t work for you, there is no need to panic.  Tours of Distinction waives the single supplement fee, when applicable and requested, by placing two solo travelers of the same gender in the same room. 

5) Should You Share?

There are pros and cons to anything in life including sharing a room on an escorted group tour. Deciding whether or not to share a room with a stranger is a very personal decision.  In general, you should be open to the idea of sharing and be willing to compromise. If you like your privacy and space, have health issues, or are a loud snorer, perhaps sharing is not a good idea.  Here is a snapshot of some things to think about if you are considering sharing.

Pros:

• By sharing the room, you save money by avoiding the single supplement fee.
• You will be rooming with someone that has similar interests as you because you have both chosen the same destination.
• You will have someone to share your experiences with at the end of the day.
• Sharing offers the opportunity for you to make a new friend. It also opens the door for future trips together as travel buddies. 

Cons:

• You have to be willing to give up some privacy. 
• If you like to unwind alone after a long day of touring, sharing a room may not be for you.
• You have to take the gamble that you may not like your roommate.
• You don’t know the habits or routines of your roommate.

At the end of the day, it is up to each solo traveler whether they want to share a room to avoid paying the single supplement price. There are no quick and easy answers to this. Our advice is to think about your routine and expectations, think about the destination you are visiting and how long you will be sharing the room, consider the pros and cons, and do some soul-searching before deciding how to book your trip.