Ray has recently retired and is looking to spend this years Christmas holiday somewhere in Asia. But because he is travelling alone he thinks having to pay the single supplement may make the cost too inhibitive.
Q. Having recently retired, I am interested in a holiday this Christmas somewhere in Asia. For the first time I will be a solo traveller and find the cost somewhat inhibitive because of the single supplement. Guess there is little one can do about this, either pay the premium or decide not to travel.
A. Hello Ray. Travelling does not necessarily mean spending a kings ransom. There are a few alternatives we can suggest.
Solo travel – Asia
Asia is one of the most fascinating continents to visit but when faced with going there alone, many people would have second thoughts. Travel IndoChina arranges small group tours, with numbers varying between 12 and 18, to all areas of Asia. Cambodia, India, Japan and Vietnam are just some of the countries of which you can enjoy a flavour. Travel Indo China also offers a ‘willing to share’ option, where, if you are happy to share with someone, you don’t pay a single supplement. And the bonus is that if no one is available to share, you get a room to yourself with no supplement.
For more details, visit travelindochine.com.au
Solo travellers club
Many travel agencies have responded to the need for affordable solo travel deals by forming solo travellers clubs. Through such clubs you can meet like-minded travel companions before you head off on a trip, suggest places to visit and find someone to share with, thus avoiding single supplements. Seniors Holiday Travel is one such agency which has formed a club and there are planned trips to Egypt and Italy next year.
For more details, visit seniorsholidaytravel.com.au
Houseswapping
If you are looking for truly free accommodation, and you own your own home, you may wish to look into house-swapping. This involves using a company to match you up with a homeowner in another country. Both homeowners co-ordinate their travel and, quite literally, swap houses for an agreed period of time. It can be a great way to experience new places as a local might. Why not take a look at the HomeLink website to learn more?
The Couchsurfing website services millions of members in more than 230 countries and territories worldwide. It offers contacts for locals who are happy to have you stay, travellers seeking companions and lots of low cost or free events. It’s a community benefit site and we highly recommend you check it out.
Formerly published as Does travelling solo have to cost the earth?
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