If there’s one phrase guaranteed to make solo travellers roll their eyes and reach for the wine, it’s “single supplement”. That cheeky little charge you get slapped with just for daring to travel on your own. Apparently, booking a room for one in a two-person world is still a rebellious act.
According to a recent JourneyWoman survey on travel habits of women over 50, single supplements – not safety, not finances – are the biggest barrier for a whopping 78% of women who want to travel solo. That’s right, it’s not fear of getting lost or running out of euros, it’s the cost of sleeping alone that’s holding us back.
As one woman put it rather succinctly: “Too many places charge the full rate for a room based on two adults, which basically penalises you for not dragging someone else along.” Honestly, it’s like being fined for being fabulous and independent.
And it doesn’t stop at hotels. Leonie, a seasoned solo traveller from Manchester, chimed in: “What gets my goat is all the ‘free flights for your partner’ and ‘2-for-1’ deals. I’d be thrilled just to get a ‘1-for-1’ deal!” Same, Leonie. Same.
We solo adventurers might be a growing, spend-happy group, but that hasn’t stopped the travel industry from making us feel like the odd one out. With a bit of imagination and a lot more fairness, surely there’s a way to accommodate us without making us cough up extra?
Why Do Single Supplements Even Exist?
In defence of some smaller travel companies, it’s all about the maths. Kathy Wood, who runs European Experiences, explains: “The biggest cost is the hotel, and they charge us the same whether one or two people stay in the room.” In other words, if you go solo, someone’s got to pick up the tab for the empty pillow – and guess who that is?
So yes, while it may make economic sense, it still feels a bit like a punishment for not having a travel buddy. And let’s be honest – paying more because you’re not sharing a room with someone who snores is hardly a perk.
Small Tour Companies Trying to Do Better
Thankfully, not everyone is sticking to the status quo. Some small operators are rethinking how they price their trips. Take India for Beginners, founded by Mariellen Ward. She suggests pricing rooms for solo travellers as the default, and offering a discount if you do decide to share. Revolutionary, right?
Her current model is beautifully simple – like hiring a taxi. “If you rent a car and driver, it costs the same whether it’s just you or a group.” Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Over in Scotland, Flavours Holidays is another travel company doing things differently. “Solo travellers – especially over 60 – often have more disposable income and loads of wanderlust,” says founder Lorne Blythe. “We see them as a priority, not an afterthought.”
And rightly so. It’s 2025 – why are we still being shoved into broom cupboards and charged a premium for the pleasure?
The Rise (and Rise) of the Solo Female Traveller Over 50
Here’s the exciting bit: we’re not just travelling more, we’re taking over the world. Studies show that women over 50 are the fastest-growing travel demographic – and we make 98% of our own travel decisions. No offence to the fellas, but we’re running the show.
Our spending power is serious – worth a jaw-dropping $15 trillion in the US alone. Companies are starting to sit up and take notice, even if they’re a bit slow off the mark. Some now offer room-sharing options, reduced supplements, or even solo-specific tours. But let’s be real – those are still the exceptions, not the rule.
Even the well-meaning smaller companies admit they’re struggling. Kathy Wood adds, “We already keep costs down by doing our own bookkeeping and avoiding pricey advertising. There’s only so much more we can cut.” Fair enough – but large tour companies have no such excuse. They’ve got the resources, and it’s about time they used them to support solo travellers.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. More travel providers are realising we’re not just a niche – we’re the new norm. No more being palmed off with the tiny room next to the lift. We deserve better. And finally, some companies are delivering.
So, What Can You Do About the Dreaded Single Supplement?
It might feel like a losing battle, but there are a few clever tricks that can help you avoid (or at least reduce) the solo surcharge:
- Book with companies that cater to solo travellers – they get it, and they don’t penalise you for flying solo.
- Consider sharing a room – not ideal, but sometimes it’s worth it if you’re really watching the pennies.
- Travel off-peak – fewer crowds, better rates, and more flexibility from hotels.
- Ask for a discount – go on, be cheeky. Contact hotels or tour companies directly and ask. The worst they can say is no.
- Use loyalty programmes or credit card perks – some offer reduced or waived single supplements.
- Chat to a travel agent – the good ones know which companies are solo-friendly.
- Book last-minute – a bit risky, but some companies would rather fill a spot with one person than none.
- Sign up for newsletters – especially around holiday times. You might just stumble upon a deal without the solo sting.
Final Thoughts
We might be travelling alone, but we’re not in this alone. The solo female travel tribe is strong, smart, and absolutely not settling for less. Whether you’re eyeing up Tuscany, Tokyo, or a trek through Transylvania, don’t let a single supplement spoil the fun.
Let’s keep speaking up, supporting the companies that support us, and demanding the deals we deserve. Because honestly, if anyone deserves a “1-for-1” deal – it’s us.
