Solo travel offers unmatched freedom, but it comes with financial challenges. Costs designed for two don't split well for one. Here's how to minimize the solo traveler penalty.
The Single Supplement Problem
Many travel products are priced for couples:
- Hotel rooms: Same price whether one or two people
- Tours: Sometimes charge single supplements of 50-100%
- Cabin accommodation: Cruise ships, overnight trains
- Rental cars: No splitting fuel and rental costs
These costs can make solo travel 50% more expensive than traveling as a pair.
Accommodation Solutions
Hostels
The great equalizer—dorm beds cost the same for everyone. Modern hostels offer:
- Female-only dorms for comfort
- Pod-style bunks with privacy curtains
- Social events for meeting people
- Private rooms still cheaper than hotels
Single-Friendly Hotels
Some properties cater to solos:
- Japanese business hotels with tiny single rooms
- Capsule hotels
- European single rooms (smaller but cheaper)
Homestays and Guesthouses
Often more flexible on solo pricing than hotels.
Finding Tour Value
Avoid single supplements on tours:
- Join group tours designed for solo travelers
- Ask about roommate matching programs
- Day tours rather than multi-day (no accommodation factor)
- Self-guided alternatives when possible
Social Strategies
Meeting people isn't just nice—it saves money:
- Splitting costs: Taxis, group tours, apartment rentals
- Local connections: Invitations to local experiences
- Travel companions: Meeting others heading your direction
Where to Meet People
- Hostel common areas and events
- Free walking tours
- Couchsurfing hangouts (not just for staying)
- Cooking classes and food tours
- Solo traveler Facebook groups
Meal Strategies for One
Eating alone has its own challenges:
- Street food: Single portions by design
- Market grazing: Try small amounts of many things
- Bar/counter seating: Solo-friendly, often social
- Takeaway: Avoid feeling awkward at sit-down restaurants
- Cooking: Portion control in your own kitchen
Safety Costs
Solo travelers sometimes need to spend more for safety:
- Better-located accommodation (avoid isolated areas)
- Reliable transportation (not hitching)
- Avoiding late-night walks
- Phone with data for emergency communication
These aren't optional costs—budget for them.
The Photo Challenge
Practical solutions for solo photos:
- Small tripod or phone mount
- Asking strangers (most people are happy to help)
- Hiring photographers for special locations (cheap in many countries)
- Embracing scenery-only shots
When Solo Travel Saves Money
It's not all penalties:
- Complete flexibility in itinerary
- Ability to take spontaneous deals
- No compromising on budget style
- Eating exactly what you want, when you want
- Moving faster (or slower) without coordination
Planning for Solo Success
- Budget 15-25% more than couple travel estimates
- Research solo-friendly accommodation in advance
- Plan some social activities into your itinerary
- Build in safety margins (money and otherwise)
- Embrace the freedom—it's worth the premium