Skip to content 
If you’ve ever planned a trip on your own and browsed a group tour or cruise, you may have run into a frustrating extra charge labeled as a “single supplement.” What is it? Why does it exist? And how can you avoid it?
Let’s break it down because understanding this one term can save you hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars as a solo traveler.
The Simple Definition:
A single supplement is an extra fee charged to solo travelers when they want a private room on a tour or cruise that’s priced based on double occupancy (i.e., two people sharing a room).
In other words, if you’re not splitting the room with a travel buddy, you often have to pay more. Not exactly a solo traveler’s dream, right?
Why Does It Exist?
Hotels and tour operators set their prices assuming two people will share the cost of a room. So when only one person books it, they often pass the difference on to you in the form of a “supplement.”
But here’s the good news: Many tour companies are starting to drop the supplement for solo travelers, either by offering free private rooms or by helping pair you with a same-gender roommate at no extra cost.
What “No Single Supplement” Actually Means:
When a company advertises “No Single Supplement,” it means:
- You can have your own room without paying extra, a total win.
- Or, if you’re open to sharing, they’ll match you with a roommate, and if they can’t find one, you’ll still get a private room for free.
Either way, it’s a huge perk that makes solo group travel more affordable, inclusive, and accessible, especially for women traveling on their own.
Who Offers It?
Several women-friendly and solo-friendly tour companies now promote no-single-supplement options:
- G Adventures
- Intrepid Travel
- Flash Pack
- Explorer Chick
- AdventureWomen …and more!
Pro tip: Always check the fine print. Some tours only offer it on certain departure dates or have limited spots available.
Why It Matters
For solo female travelers, the “No Single Supplement” movement represents more than just a budget benefit. It’s about being welcomed (not penalized) for saying yes to adventure on your own terms.
At Just Go Solo, we love finding these kinds of trips that make solo travel easier, more affordable, and way more fun.
