Single supplements are going the way of the...well, they're not quite going away yet.

I'm in shock. Two things. One, hotels and tour operators are recognizing that lots of people travel solo. Two, they're actually giving deals and discounts to solo travelers. Scrape me off the floor.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from solo travelers is that they get rooked by the travel industry. Either they have to pay a single supplement. Or they have to share a room with a stranger (an option on some, but not all tours). One solo scribe called it, "A Hobson's Choice" (see previous post).

But this just in from msnbc:

"We've found four beach vacations where your solo self can revel in the same benefits usually extended to couples - without paying a single supplement for the privilege."

They exaggerate a tad. Not all of the single supplements have been waived at the places they mention. And these places aren't inexpensive.

But Tauck World Discovery is offering to reduce or waive the single supplement on nearly 45 river cruises and tours. That could save a traveler as much as $1,190, according to the story.

One Caribbean option at The Westin St. John Resort is a "Solo-cation" program that starts at $2,549 for three nights. Youch. That's an expensive resort. Not my idea of a relaxing vacation. (I'd spend the whole time dwelling on the draining of my bank account.)

Still, it's nice that solo travelers who like to live luxuriously aren't being gouged above and beyond the normal rates. 

I was amazed to read that Club Med is offering solo guests a double occupancy room at a reduced rate, or removing the singles supplement altogether at some destinations. That's a hefty savings. As much as $1,400 off the price for a week at some clubs.

Still, it's just a start. At the Westin in St. John's, for instance, solos still pay $350 more than the price offered to double-occupancy travelers. Who, as we all know, already get to split the price. And where are the cheaper places in this equation?

But it's a good-faith effort for now. Let's just hope this trend keeps up. And that single supplements keep going down.

Stay tuned for "solo" offers for Valentine's Day.

Photo: Ellen Perlman

Comments

[placeswegopeoplewesee]

When I was single, those supplements drove me bonkers. Now that I'm coupled, I couldn't care less. Kidding! I do think that SS's are in part justifiable because the outfitter does have to pay more for another room. However, in order to bring in customers and just plain be good to them, both the outfitters and the hotels should discount the supplement so it's not so freakin' painful for the traveler. On the other side of the coin, many European countries charge all hotel rates per person, sometimes for the same room. That hurts when you're coupled!

[Ellen]

Just remember, placeswegopeoplewesee, even if you have to pay per person when you're a couple, you've got two incomes to do it with. I'm not sure what hotels can do to make it feel more equal for all of us but I'd love to see them try.

[Wild Writer]

Hi Ellen,

I just wanted to stop by and say "Hi!". I love your blog and I was really happy you mentioned it in Travelwriters.com. It's about time more attention was paid to solo travellers - especially solo female travellers!

[Ellen]

Thanks so much for letting me know, Wild Writer (love the moniker).
I really do think there's a huge audience out there of solo travelers, female and otherwise (hm, there's only one other "otherwise" isn't there?)
Now I just need to get the word out so that people who are sitting home, dying to travel, but too scared to go alone, can read the blog and get themselves out the door!

[Nicole]

I will be soooo glad when the single supplement goes away! I found what I thought was an unbelievable deal to Bali, and was on the verge of booking it when I realized that it would cost me $400 more than advertised because I am a solo traveler. Ugh.

Maybe if more hotels had single-occupancy rooms??

[Ellen]

I heartily agree. Something has to be done about the single supplement.
And it's something I'm going to be looking into a lot on this Web site. I'm a reporter in "real life" so I WILL be making many phone calls about this.