SOLO TRAVEL – Travel your way

Whether you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery or simply seeking the thrill of exploring the world on your terms, solo travel can be an empowering experience. The benefits are clear, from setting your own pace to choosing your dream destinations without compromise. However, travelling alone can also come with its unique challenges, such as higher costs due to single supplements.

Why choose solo travel

Once you have travelled solo, it is hard to go back to planning and travelling on a group trip. Travelling alone has so many benefits that travelling with a partner or friends seems less like a holiday. Solo travel allows you to travel on your terms, go to your dream destination, connect with fellow travellers or spend time alone it is completely up to you. It is not just travelling at your own pace that makes solo travel great. It can also affect your whole life and encourage you to get out of your comfort zone. Coming away from solo travel can leave you feeling more confident, independent and a better problem solver.

See the world your way

Costs of Travelling Alone

Unfortunately, solo travellers can incur additional costs even when travelling on a tour or a cruise. Most are priced based on double occupancy, so the rates are only available to customers sharing accommodations with a second passenger. If you want to book a cruise or tour alone, you will usually be charged a “single supplement”, which is an extra charge that covers the second-person space in your cabin. In some cases, this can be 100% of the ticket cost.

The Good News

Tour and Cruise providers are starting to recognise that solo travel is on the rise. Many cruise lines, in particular, are adapting their cabin types to suit a wider variety of customers. Norwegian Cruises recently announced plans to roll out nearly 1,000 new solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet. Silversea and Tauck also welcome solo travellers with lower single supplements and even welcome drinks specifically for solo travellers to get to know one another.

How to get a discounted single supplement

• Research tour and cruise providers and compare how much the fee is for each for similar experiences.
• Look out for last-minute deals. When it gets close to departure, many tour and cruise suppliers will drop the cost of their fees to get the tour as close as possible to capacity.
• If you prefer to lock in a plan earlier, be flexible with your dates and the experience you are looking for. Some providers will offer discounts on selected tours and dates.
• Be prepared to pay in full, some tour and cruise providers will require payment in full at time of booking to lock in a discounted single supplement fee.

Our Favourite Tours and Cruises Providers as Solo Travellers

Scenic

Scenic offers discounted single supplement fees on selected river cruises and dates. Usually, this is around 10% off, but it can sometimes be up to 100% off! However, discounts like this are on very selected tours and sell out quickly.

Why we love it:

This all-inclusive journey will give you a carefree experience. Every detail is thought of when you travel onboard a Scenic River Cruise, including excursions, premium beverages, dining experiences, and Wi-Fi. In addition to being fully inclusive, you will also have a fully immersive experience while travelling with local guides, experiencing regional cuisine, and participating in multiple shore excursions. There are also multiple opportunities to take some alone time away from the group, relaxing in your luxurious room or visiting the Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge.

Destinations:

Scenic offers a range of river cruises throughout Europe, from the romantic Rhine to the mighty Danube. Find your perfect Scenic River Cruise here.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is perhaps the most welcoming solo passenger provider, with a single supplement of only 25%. This is only available on selected cruises and dates, but unlike other providers, Silversea has availability on departures more than 12 months away.

Why we love it:

Silversea goes out of its way to welcome single travellers with a champagne Welcome Reception to make it easier to meet other solo travellers. This is on top of the already amazing service experience onboard Silversea, which includes spacious suites, butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment, and entertainment programs. Take a look at our latest Silversea cruises here.

Destinations:

Thanks to the smaller ship size, Silversea can visit more of the less visited destinations from Antarctica to the USA, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. Our latest Silversea deals include small ship cruises to Antarctica, Alaska and Copenhagen.

Uniworld

Boutique River Cruiseline Uniworld offer big discounts for last-minute bookings, waiving the single supplement fee. Again, you must book these quickly, as availability is usually extremely limited. When booking further in advance, you can take advantage of early booking discounts, up to 20% off the total cost of the cruise, but there may still be a single supplement fee.

Why we love it:

Uniworld offers a unique experience for travellers, taking care of all the complicated details so you can sit back and enjoy your cruise. Onboard, you will enjoy a range of all-inclusive benefits, including luxurious amenities, locally sourced cuisine, unlimited premium drinks, and unique local experiences.

Destinations:

Explore all of the major European rivers and the Nile with Uniworld. Look at our latest Uniworld deals and experience everything from wine tasting in Bordeaux to castle spotting on the Rhine to Christmas in Vienna. There is a Uniworld Cruise for every type of solo traveller.

Abercrombie & Kent

Unlike cruises, group tours are more lenient with their single supplement fee for solo travellers. Abercrombie & Kent, for example, doesn’t charge a single supplement on most of their tours and small group journeys, giving solo travellers more opportunity to explore the world. Plus, guaranteed single accommodations at every stop.

Why we love it:

With A&K, the options are unlimited. From an African safari to exploring Italy, there is something for every traveller. Hosted by local experts, the small group journeys will introduce you to the authentic side of your destination, going beyond the guidebooks to give you the best experience possible. The best part is having these life-changing experiences with like-minded travellers with common interests, sparking conversations and building connections with fellow travellers.

Destinations:

A&K welcomes solo travellers on tailor-made journeys, luxury expedition cruises, and small group journeys all over the world. Look at our latest A&K deals and explore every corner of the globe, from Tanzania, Peru, and Cambodia to the idyllic French countryside and everything in between.

How to Book:

Each tour and cruise provider has different terms and conditions for solo travellers. Take the guesswork out of it and speak to one of our tour and cruise specialists, who can help you plan your epic solo travel adventure.

Summary

While solo travel comes with its share of extra costs, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. It offers the chance to travel freely, gain confidence, and form meaningful connections—whether with locals, other travellers, or even just yourself. With more cruise and tour providers acknowledging the rise in solo travel by offering reduced single supplements and special accommodations, it’s easier than ever to embark on your dream adventure. If you’re ready to embrace the world on your own terms, connect with our travel specialists to start planning your next solo escape!