Solo travel is a vibe—total freedom, deep self-reflection, and the chance to craft an itinerary that’s all about you. But let’s be real: solo supplements?
They’re trash. If you’ve ever tried booking a room or a tour and been hit with that extra fee just because you’re rolling solo, you know the struggle.
The good news? There are ways around it. Here’s how to outsmart the system, keep your budget intact, and still enjoy your travels on your terms.
What is a solo supplement?
Plainly put, a solo supplement is a fee you have to pay if you want to travel alone. They typically come into play when you book a trip on a tour where the company counts on travelers traveling together.
My first exposure to this came when I found an excellent deal on Groupon: Ten days, nine nights in Thailand with tours, roundtrip flights from San Francisco, amazing hotel rooms, excursions, and food included for $1200. I was amazed!
Sadly, the group trip didn’t make it out of the chat so I ended up going alone. And then…I had to pay an extra $400!
I decided to go anyway and I don’t regret it.
But if I knew then what I know now, I could have used some of the tips below to create my own experience and avoid the extra fee.
1. Stay in Solo-Friendly Accommodations
Check Out Hostels
Hostels aren’t just for backpackers in their early 20s—they can be a goldmine for solo travelers. Booking a dorm bed instead of a private room keeps costs low and gives you built-in social opportunities. Some even have private rooms at a lower rate than traditional hotels.
If you choose this option, make sure you do your research and do all you can to remain safe!
🛏️ Try:
- Selina (great for digital nomads & creatives)
- HI Hostels (solid, reputable hostel network)
Opt for Guesthouses & Boutique Stays
Small, locally-owned guesthouses and bed & breakfasts are often more accommodating to solo travelers. Many don’t charge extra for single occupancy, and you’ll get a cozy, personalized experience.
🔎 Find them on:
- Booking.com (filter by “single occupancy” rooms)
- Agoda (great for solo-friendly deals in Asia)
Use Platforms That Welcome Solo Travelers
Couchsurfing isn’t just about free stays—it’s also a way to connect with locals and fellow travelers. If you’re open to house-sitting, Trusted Housesitters lets you stay in beautiful homes for free in exchange for pet-sitting.
🏡 Try:
- Couchsurfing (free stays & local connections)
- Trusted Housesitters (stay for free, care for cute pets)
2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons to Avoid Solo Supplements
Timing is everything. Many hotels and tour operators hike prices during high season when demand is high. But in off-peak months? They’re just trying to fill rooms, which means fewer (or no) solo supplements.
🗓️ Pro tip: Look up shoulder seasons—those in-between times when the weather is still nice, but crowds have thinned out. For example, hit Thailand in May instead of January or Italy in September instead of July.
3. Book Group Tours That Don’t Penalize Solo Travelers
Some tour companies get it—they want solo travelers to feel welcome. Booking a group trip where accommodations and activities are bundled often eliminates extra fees.
An added plus: going on one of these trips could increase your chances of forming connections abroad!
🚐 Solo-friendly tour companies:
- Intrepid Travel (small groups, no forced supplements)
- G Adventures (great for adventure trips & culture)
- Flash Pack (for solo travelers 30+)
4. Seek Out Solo-Friendly Travel Packages
Some companies specialize in trips designed for solo travelers, meaning no ridiculous extra fees. These are perfect if you like the idea of independent travel but want the option of group activities.
🎒 Check out:
- EF Go Ahead Tours (small groups, lots of solo options)
- Travel Noire (curated experiences for Black travelers)
5. Negotiate Like a Pro
Hotels and tour operators don’t love empty rooms or last-minute vacancies. If you’re flexible, shoot your shot and ask if they’ll waive the solo supplement—especially if you’re booking directly. Worst-case scenario? They say no. Best case? You just saved yourself some cash.
💬 Tips for negotiating:
- Call or email directly (instead of using third-party booking sites).
- Ask about discounts for long stays or last-minute deals.
- Mention if you’re celebrating something (some places will throw in a freebie).
6. Find a Temporary Travel Buddy
Maybe you want some solo time but wouldn’t mind splitting costs here and there. Apps like GAFFL and Backpackr connect solo travelers looking to share expenses on specific legs of their journey.
👯 Try:
7. Research Solo-Friendly Destinations
Some places cater to solo travelers more than others. Southeast Asia, Portugal, and Mexico are known for budget-friendly accommodations that don’t tack on solo fees.
🌍 Great destinations for solo travelers:
- Portugal: Affordable hostels, friendly locals, great public transport.
- Thailand: Cheap private rooms, easy to meet people, safe for solo women.
- Mexico City: Vibrant, budget-friendly, tons of solo traveler options.
For more destination-specific solo travel tips, check out other travelers’ blogs like:
The Bottom Line
Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you should pay more for it. With the right strategy—choosing solo-friendly stays, booking at the right time, and using platforms that cater to solo travelers—you can explore the world without the financial penalty.
Got a tip that’s worked for you? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making solo travel work without breaking the bank. ✈️
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