Travel Solo and Save

Posted on July 7, 2009 - by Janice

Those of us who travel solo can be burdened by the single supplement for tours, cruises and resorts– essentially a surcharge because the business model for such operations requires two people to a room. But we can choose to travel differently and avoid this. There are even ways to travel solo and save.

Travel Solo and save money.
There are many services that don’t have a surcharge for those of us who travel solo – hotel rooms, restaurants, city tours… But, occasionally, there are opportunities to actually save money.

Save on meals – Eating is more of a necessity than a social event when traveling alone. Find healthy, cheap eats that satisfy.
Save at high end restaurants – Sit at the bar and choose from the appetizer menu. This is much more acceptable for those who travel solo than for couples. It’s less expensive yet you still enjoy a special meal!
Save on accommodation – Many B&Bs have a room for singles that is less expensive and just as nice as their other rooms.
Get a last minute deal – Tour companies will often sell off extra space to singles without a supplement. Consult no one. If it works for you… go!

As you travel Solo you will also experience money differently. As I meet people on my travels their first thought is safety. Yes, it can be done safely. Then they often realize that I have it good when it comes to the cost of things.

When a couple travels, the entrance to a museum or tour may only be double mine (simple math), but psychologically, it seems very much more – especially if it’s a one income couple. Travel solo and get a freedom that couples don’t have. I can spontaneously add something to my itinerary – a great meal or a new tour – without blowing my budget.

Travel Solo and save time.
I equate this benefit to choosing the singles line for a chairlift. Anyone who skis knows that those who are willing to travel the lift with strangers will get many more runs in a day. It’s the same when you travel solo.

If you’re by yourself you may be:

Seated faster at the bar.
Get that last seat on a tour.
Get the best rush tickets available.

There are actually many ways to save time and money when you travel solo – you just have to look for them.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 at 9:21 am and is filed under How to Travel Alone. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.