| Traveling on your own | |
| By Leonard J. Hansen | |
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It isn’t yet a case for equal opportunity activists, but it could be. Those who travel alone have historically been discriminated against, paying more per person when it comes to tour, cruise and resort prices, receiving less than the best seating in restaurants, and being overlooked for many social events. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As a single, you ban travel economically, dine and socialize as your desire, and have more time for exploring more of what you want. And if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to bunk with strangers or take the third cot from the left in barracks-like hostels. Here are seven strategies: Beat the single supplement charges. Most cruise and tour rates are quoted on double occupancy of a room, with added charges of 25 percent to 50 percent for travelers who prefer not to share with a stranger. "Book cruises early or late, requesting a guaranteed share but stipulating some conditions," advises Cathy Gaffney, a national cruise expert based in New Orleans. Stipulations might include non-smoking or someone who won’t be awakened by your snoring or reading in the middle of the night. "The chances that the cruise line will find a stateroom companion are then doubtful, and you could have the accommodation all to yourself for the per-person price quoted for double occupancy," says Gaffney. "Few men want to share a room with a stranger, so the probability of single use of a cabin is good if booking on a guaranteed share basis." Some cruise lines, such as Holland America, offer single rooms on selected cruises without a supplemental charge. Ask your cruise agent to search out these advantages for you. Shop tour operators. Several tour companies periodically offer single rooms without premium charges. Saga Holidays is recommended as one possibility by Adele Malott, co-author of The Mature Traveler’s Book of Deals. "In order to find these deals, shop hard and book early," advises Malott. "We also found that some Abercrombie and Kent tours charge some single premiums of only five percent." Consider sharing "Being a single traveler does not mean you must travel alone," says Diane Redfern, who 12 years ago created Connecting: Solo Travel Network, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. "There are organizations that match travelers they believe are compatible. Others operate singles-only tour programs. And yet others, such as ours, provide listings and directories where members or subscribers list their interests and desired travel destinations." Investigate a college vacation. Many Elderhostel and college-and-University operated adult summer programs welcome singles. Although some programs do charge premiums, they have per diem costs of less than $100 per day (including accommodations, most meals, classes and social events), so the add-on cost is reasonable. Find out where to dine. "Ask the hotel staff where they recommend," advises Sharon Wingler, veteran of 32 years as a flight attendant and author of Travel Alone & Love It: A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Solo Travel. "I always make friends with hotel staff whether I am in Australia, Singapore, Greece or anywhere on the North American continent. Ask them where you will be best received as well as menu recommendations and pricing." Arrive at the restaurant before rush hour so you can request and expect to get a good table. Also, for safety recommendations, ask your hotel staff where to walk and those areas and streets to avoid. Dress like a business traveler, not a tourist You’ll be treated better, according to Wingler, Malott and Redfern. "Forget the Bermuda shorts, imprinted sweatshirts and athletic shoes," advises Wingler. "Dress for business – even business casual – and you’ll be treated as a traveler, not a tourist." Look into social events. Consider vacationing at an active retirement community where you’ll be welcomed at social events, on the golf and tennis courts, and at other activities. Per diem rates are typically very reasonable. Perhaps when the travel industry finally realizes that nearly 40 percent of Americans are single, the current price inequities will be addressed. For now, those traveling solo can and do travel without paying more or being directed to the back of the bus. |
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