What is the single traveller tax?

Key takeaways

• Single travellers are often charged more than couples on package holidays and cruises. This is called the single supplement.

• Travellers can find cheaper hotels by looking for deals on booking websites or calling the hotel directly.

• Travelling during the off-peak season and on weekdays can also help solo travellers save money.

What is the single traveller tax?

The extra costs incurred by single travellers have been dubbed the ‘solo traveller tax’, ‘singles tax’ or ‘single supplement’.

Single travellers usually feel they shouldn’t have to pay double the cost of someone in a couple. The extra cost can be especially galling when a hotel is half empty – meaning solo travellers aren’t occupying rooms that could been sold to a pair, but instead filling a room that would otherwise generate no income at all.

Singletons might also wonder why more big hotels aren’t designed with a certain number of single rooms. After all, hotels usually offer triples and quads for families and groups, so why not have more rooms for one?

How much will I pay as a single traveller?

A study by Which? in January 2023 found that single travellers who book a package holiday with Tui typically pay 47% more than a person travelling as a pair. 

The single tax can be even worse if you go on a cruise – researchers were quoted almost £1,400 for a solo cabin on a P&O Mediterranean cruise, while a couple sharing a bigger cabin would pay just £749 each.

Why do hotels charge a single supplement fee?

Travellers are often charged an extra fee for solo occupation of a room designed for two people. The majority of hotel rooms are built for two, with most hotels refusing to discount them if they are only occupied by one person.

The travel industry justifies this by claiming the cost of maintaining the room and the hotel remains the same, regardless of the number of occupants. Hoteliers also view single travellers as less profitable as a single person will spend less on food and drink than a couple.

Should I book a package holiday on my own?

No, package holidays are designed for couples and families. If you book one alone, you’ll pay a lot more for your holiday compared to holidaymakers in pairs or groups on the same holiday.

A quick Google of “single package holidays” brings up ads from tour operators such as Tui and Jet2 advertising solo or singles holidays. But single travellers still pay over the odds for these deals – which generally include flights, transfers and accommodation – compared to couples.

How do I avoid single supplement charges?

You can avoid a lot of single supplement charges by booking a DIY holiday.

Whether you’re off to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, or another European country, or further afield to somewhere like Australia, Bali or the Caribbean, doing the legwork yourself can save you money.

You’ll need to research flights, transfers and hotels yourself – but it can be easier to put together a trip that won’t be double the cost it should be.

Start your search at hotel booking sites such as Booking.com, Trivago.com, Expedia.com, and Travelsupermarket.com, and look for either single rooms or cheaper double/twin rooms.

Once you’ve found a hotel you like the look of it can be worth calling directly to see if it will negotiate on the price. If the hotel won’t lower the price, you might be able to haggle for extras during your stay such as a room upgrade, half board, or spa access.

What type of accommodation is good for single travellers?

Hostels offer cheaper beds than hotels, with options ranging from a bunk bed in a mixed dorm (which may not be everyone’s cup of tea) to completely private ensuite rooms.

If you want to save cash but sleep alone, opt for a private single or double with a shared bathroom – this will be cheaper than an ensuite.

Airbnb is another option – listings where you rent the entire home might be prohibitively expensive for one person, but stays where you live with the host can be super cheap, plus you have a local on hand for advice about that local hidden gem.

Can I save money by travelling off-peak?

As a single traveller, you can usually save money by travelling off peak. This means avoiding school holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter.

If you’re booking flights and accommodation separately, single travellers often have more flexibility to look for the cheapest travel dates as it can be easier to adjust your holiday dates with just one person’s annual leave and other commitments to worry about. Several studies have found that Tuesdays tend to have the cheapest flights while Saturdays are the most expensive.

Should I join small group tour?

Yes, as a single traveller you should consider small group tours - these can work out cost effective and you’ll meet other people too.

Tour operators such as G Adventures, Flash Pack, Much Better Adventures, Intrepid Adventures, Exodus and Explore all offer small (usually up to 15 people) group tours with no single supplements. Tours typically include accommodation, selected meals, transport and activities.

📣 Did you know? If you travel alone, these operators all offer to pair you up to share a twin room with someone of the same biological sex.

If sharing your personal space with a complete stranger for a fortnight isn’t for you, you can usually pay an extra fee to guarantee your own room. This cost tends to be much more affordable than the single supplement levied on package holidays.

There are also several travel companies, such as Flavours Holidays, Friendship Travel, Just You and Saga, which offer singles or solos themed holidays where everyone has their own room by default.

What is a tourist tax?

Some countries and cities have introduced a ‘tourist tax’. This is usually a fee charged per person, per night. It’s typically an extra charge on your accommodation - or charged at the airport or port when you enter the country.

The money usually goes to the Government or a local tourism agency and is used to improve facilities and infrastructure in the area.

Do I need travel insurance as a single traveller?

Yes, it is best to have travel insurance as a single or solo traveller.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance offers protection against a wide range of events such as cancellation, lost baggage, accidents or illness or if your accommodation provider or airline goes bust.