Why Do Solo Travellers Pay More? The Truth Behind the ‘Solo Supplement’—and What’s Changing
For many, the thrill of solo travel is about freedom—choosing your own path, discovering new places at your own pace, and embracing the confidence that comes from exploring the world on your own terms. Yet, for all its liberating promise, solo travel in the UK often comes with an unwelcome surprise: the notorious “solo supplement.”
Despite a steady rise in the number of people booking solo holidays—ABTA’s 2024 Holiday Habits Report notes that over 15% of UK holidays are now taken alone—single travellers still routinely face higher prices than those travelling as a pair. According to research by Which? Travel, the difference can be stark: solo travellers may pay up to 47% more for the same trip, with supplements sometimes adding £500 or more to the cost of a week away.
Why does this persist, especially as solo travel becomes ever more popular? The answer lies deep within the travel industry’s pricing structures. Most holiday and tour packages are constructed around double occupancy, a model that assumes two people will share the cost of a room. When only one person books, accommodation providers and tour operators typically pass on the full cost of that room to the solo guest. As ABTA explains, “Accommodation providers base their rates on double occupancy. When only one person books, the cost isn’t split, so the single traveller is asked to pay more to cover the fixed costs of the room.”
There’s also the matter of supply and demand. Single rooms are often limited, and when they’re gone, solo travellers are left with the option of paying a supplement for a double or twin room. Some in the industry even frame the privacy of a solo room as a kind of luxury—an “upgrade” that justifies the extra charge.
The impact is more than just financial. For many would-be solo adventurers, that extra cost is a real barrier—turning what should be an empowering, confidence-building experience into something that feels exclusive or unfair. As Lonely Planet put it in a 2023 feature, “The single supplement is one of the biggest barriers for people who want to travel solo. It can feel unfair—especially when solo travel is all about independence and freedom.”
But there are signs of change. A growing number of travel companies are recognising the needs of solo travellers, with some offering no-supplement departures or solo-only tours. Progress is slow, but the conversation is shifting—and more specialists are stepping up to challenge the old ways of doing things.
One such specialist is Solo-Tripper, a UK-based agency dedicated to supporting and empowering solo travellers. Founded by Gem, herself a passionate advocate for independent travel, Solo-Tripper has built its reputation on making solo holidays more accessible, friendly, and value-driven—offering guidance from the first enquiry through to safe return, and a wide range of handpicked fully protected trips.
In response to the persistent challenge of single supplements, Solo-Tripper is soon launching a unique, time-limited initiative: for one week only, the agency will waive all commissions and charge only a minimal booking fee. This move is designed to help solo travellers save significantly—potentially hundreds of pounds—by making trips more affordable and offering even greater value for money.
While the industry as a whole is still catching up, initiatives like this are helping to level the playing field for solo travellers—proving that travelling alone doesn’t have to mean paying more. The future of solo travel looks brighter, more inclusive, and—just maybe—a little fairer for everyone ready to take that first step.
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