Understanding the Single Supplement in Travel
Travelers—especially those going solo—often come across the term “single supplement” when booking hotels, cruises, or tours. In this post, we’ll explain what the single supplement is, why it exists, and how you can sometimes avoid it.
What Is the Single Supplement?
Most hotels and cruises price their rooms for double occupancy. For example, if a hotel charges $200 per night double occupancy, two travelers split the cost at $100 each. However, if just one person occupies the room, that traveler pays the full $200. The additional cost—$100 in this example—is called the single supplement.
Do Solo Travelers Ever Get a Break?
Yes, though it’s rare. Some travel companies, including The Traveling Professor’s small group tours, work hard to reduce the single supplement for solo travelers. While a few tours advertise “no single supplement,” these are uncommon.
Why Don’t Hotels Offer Smaller Rooms?
A few properties do have dedicated single rooms, but they are limited. Most hotels are designed with double occupancy in mind, so they must charge extra when only one person books the room.
Is It Just Hotels That Charge a Single Supplement?
Typically, yes. Since hotel rooms are the shared element of most tours, the supplement usually applies only there—not to flights, activities, or transfers.
Why Do Hotels Charge a Single Supplement?
At first glance, it may seem unfair or greedy. However, hotels need to cover their costs. If they allowed single occupancy at half the rate, they would lose significant revenue. Cruises take this even further: fewer guests onboard means fewer passengers spending money on dining, drinks, excursions, or shopping, so some cruise lines charge more than the single supplement for solo travelers.
Is the Single Supplement Fair?
From the traveler’s perspective, it feels like an added burden. But from the hotel or cruise company’s perspective, it offsets lost revenue. For example, if a 1,000-room ship is filled with single travelers, it hosts only 1,000 passengers instead of 2,000. That means fewer sales in restaurants, bars, and shops.
How to Avoid the Single Supplement
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Stay in hostels or dorm-style accommodations – These are usually priced per person.
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Look for tours that reduce or waive single supplements – Some small group tours, like those offered by The Traveling Professor, provide discounts to solo travelers.
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Share a room with another solo traveler – Many tours can help match solo guests who wish to avoid paying the extra fee.
Travel Smarter with The Traveling Professor
At The Traveling Professor, we welcome solo travelers on our small group tours to Europe, South America, and Canada. We do everything possible to minimize or reduce the single supplement, making travel more affordable and enjoyable for those exploring the world on their own.