Solo travelling

It's important to establish from the beginning that solo travel is not the same as singles travel. The solo traveller is not looking for a like-minded partner, indeed, he or she may have a partner at home, but chooses to travel alone for many reasons.

Maybe a couple can't get away from work at the same time. This is a situation I often met with when a husband and wife both worked in my department. I tried my best to accommodate them, but couldn't always manage it. Or, they could have different interests. When my wife and I come across a military museum on our travels, I take my time and examine the exhibits minutely, while she goes through almost at a gallop, and is on her third ice-cream by the time I emerge.

But, neither of us gets heavy about it . because the reverse applies if we come upon an art gallery.

It might be suggested that separate holidays might fit the bill, but here, we're often confronted with the spectre of the Single Supplement.

Now, when it comes to paying a supplement for a sole person occupying a double room, it seems reasonable. But, to pay a single supplement for a single room in a garret, where you have to lie on the bed to change your trousers is not so understandable.

You'll come across this mainly if you've booked through an operator. The best price will have been ruthlessly negotiated with the hotel owners by the operators. They will be looking to make as much saving as they can, for only a few pounds difference can cause a customer to move on, and look elsewhere.

The contract is usually based on a price per room while holidays are sold per person including flights, transfers, excursions etc. Therefore, the 'per person' price for a lone traveller normally includes the entire room cost.

'We do not make additional or excessive profits from these sales' states the Voyages Jules Verne website (www.vjv.com) 'The prices charged merely reflect the real cost to us.'

Nevertheless, Voyages Jules Verne say they always try to negotiate the best possible rates for single travellers. In some cases, this sometimes results in no single supplement being applicable. But, it's emphasised that availability of these places is limited.

I wondered if a traveller could get a better deal by booking directly with the hotel. I enquired of a number, both online and by actually visiting. Nowhere did I find the price I paid if my wife and I walked in from the street was exactly double that if I walked in on my own.

Prices varied considerably. It is possible to negotiate a reasonable, discounted rate, but a solo traveller can still usually expect to pay more than a couple would. However, at quieter times, it's not unusual to find the 'single supplement' waived, rather than leave the room empty.

Allan Wright, the owner of American company Zephyr Adventures (www.ZephyrAdventures.com) told me:

'If a solo traveller signs up with us he or she can pay the single supplement to get a single room or can sign up under the standard double occupancy rate. We will find that person another solo traveller of the same gender as the roommate. If we can't do that, we will give the person a single room for free.'

There are a few places on the more adventurous holidays where the solo traveller might find a solo supplement isn't applicable. Seascape Sailing (www.seascape-sail.com) and Tussock Cruising (www.tussockcruising.com) , both of which operate small-boat cruises in the Aegean, are two examples. But, you are likely to have to share a cabin, which isn't always acceptable to everyone.

But, here's a vast untapped market. Mintel, a global supplier of consumer, media and market research, found, in a 2006 survey, that 19 million people . that's 39% of the adult population . are currently single. Add in the people who just wish to travel without their partners, and you come up with a lot of single supplements!

One company which caters solely for the solo traveller is Just You (www.justyou.co.uk).
Just You was re-launched in September 2005, and is already a market leader, with over 20,000 customers. They emphasise they aren't a dating agency, like their nearest competitor. They do not impose any restrictions to maintain a balance between genders and ages. In fact, they say 20% of their customers have partners, but choose to holiday alone.

It's a big operation, too. Their 2007 brochure offers over 80 holiday ideas in 40 countries around the world. Most of their accommodation offers a double-bedded room in a four-star hotel; I'm sure many people share my preference for a double bed, even if I'm not expecting company.

There's one other factor to be considered, and that depends on whether you like to eat alone, or not. I once, successfully, asked if I had to pay a single supplement, surely I should be entitled to eat alone?

Although others may not share my ideas, I've found, if you're on your own, the only thing to avoid is being given a table right next to the kitchen or the toilets. Most places I've been, they'd rather let me make my choice than lose my custom.

Being male, I don't usually suffer from unwanted attention, but, to avoid looking 'sad' when I'm eating alone, my usual ploy is to bring my notebook and voice recorder to table. If the waiter knows I'm a writer, that's one way to ensure excellent service!

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