Thank you for subscribing!
Got it! Thank you!

When One Isn't the Loneliest Number: Deals for Solo Travelers

With extra costs tacked on here and there and a supplement for single occupancy that's a good 30% more than the rate for doubles, it's no wonder solo travelers sometimes feel like the pariahs of the vacation industry. But fear not independent voyager, some travel package dealers and special interest groups feel your pain.

Solo Travel News (www.cstn.org) is a non-for-profit group that specializes in deals, packages, and tips for solo travelers. Membership costs $28 per year or $44 for two years and includes a newsletter, a directory of businesses offering price-reductions to people traveling alone, and access to other solo travelers. Non-members are also welcome to surf the site, which features tips for traveling alone and recommendations for accommodations catering to singles. It also lists packages offered by single-oriented travel agencies, of which there seem to be millions.

Most single travel agencies match travelers with a roommate or a "traveling partner" to cut the costs of the double occupancy price. Could be rough living, though, sharing a hotel room with someone you don't even know -- images of the Steve Martin/John Candy comedy "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" come to mind. Travel Buddies Singles Travel Club (www.travelbuddiesworldwide.com) aims to dispel those fears by sending similar-minded travelers to exotic locales. The Canada-based company offers a December 2004 16-day cruise trip from Beijing to Bangkok for the solo traveler that includes port charges, airfare, and taxes for $2,275.25. Trips for 2005 include a tour of the Danube and an Egyptian Adventure.

Singles In Paradise (www.singleinparadise.com) also packages trips for solo travelers. They offer several Maui trips designed to showcase Hawaii as a destination for more than just honeymooners or lovers. An eight-night package from October 24 to November 1, 2004 celebrates Halloween Hawaiian style. For $1,149 you get lodging at Mahina Surf (www.mahinasurf.com) an oceanfront condominium property, and airfare from the West Coast.

For those interested in meeting a mate while seeing the world, many tour packagers try to make romantic matches. (Stop snickering, we're not going to run down the list of mail order bride tours to Russia.) The legit cupids at MatchTravel.com (www.matchtravel.com), an offshoot of the well-known online dating service Match.com, offer discounted trips to romantic destinations that cater to singles on the prowl. Partnering with Contiki Travel (www.contiki.com), Matchtravel.com has trips both to Europe and the Hawaii islands. The European trip includes London, Paris, and Rome and is available exclusively to 18 to 35 year olds. Prices for the 11-day tour start at $1,195, not including airfare. Match.com will use its compatibility expertise to try and supply a like-minded roommate, but if you prefer your own room, there is a single supplement.

A warning: While doing your own research for single-travel deals, steer clear of singles-only sites offering more than just dating. They verge on porn, and who knows what kind of spam you'll get if you register your e-mail address with them.

Talk about the ups and downs of the single traveler on our Message Boards today.


advertisement