One of the fastest-growing demographics in travel is the solo traveller.

Whether you travel independently or simply have different travel interests than the people around you, it’s easy to understand the allure — solo travel lets you do what you want, when you want.

In 2024, award-winning travel tour company Globus reported that 27 percent of travellers surveyed said they planned to do it alone on their next trip — more than double the number reported in previous years. And while you can’t put a dollar value on exploring the world at your own speed, prospective travellers are often surprised to discover that this independence comes with a hidden cost: the single supplement.

Check the fine print of your booking, and you’ll notice that many hotel rooms, resorts, and cruise packages are priced for double occupancy. This means that to keep costs down, operators have priced your accommodations on the assumption that they will be split between two people who will share the costs of the room, amenities and staff services.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can avoid or offset this expense. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

Alone Together

Many operators now offer experiences curated and priced for groups of like-minded independent travellers.

CAA, for example, has a collection of solo travel packages, as a part of their Extraordinary Explorations® Solo Collection, designed to fit different styles and schedules.

Most of these itineraries include round-trip airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg, tours, accommodations, all destination transfers and CAA Member-exclusive benefits. Best of all, these immersive tours allow you to take part in events and return to the privacy of your own room at the end of the day without paying the single supplement.

If you are looking into solo travel for women, such trips can also offer a feeling of safety in numbers, though travellers should still do their own research to find reputable roommate matching services and carefully consider the pros and cons of sharing accommodations.

Be Flexible

Another reason solo travel is becoming more popular is the flexibility it offers, allowing travellers to plan trips on their own schedule and follow their own interests without having to coordinate with others.

This is where doing what you want when you want can help you plan a budget-friendly vacation. Many travel booking deals can be found in the off-season. Another benefit of off-season travel? If you like travelling alone for the peace and quiet, you can enjoy your trip without the crowds.

Phone a Friend

One way to save on single travel fees is to find a travel buddy to help share the costs. While it seems at odds with the idea of travelling solo, for someone who wants to take advantage of every activity a tour or resort can offer, how much time are you planning on spending in your room anyway?

Be upfront about your travel style and need for some alone time. Many tour operators also offer roommate matching services, which can help solo travellers avoid paying a single supplement by pairing them with another traveller.

If you are considering this option, take time to research the company’s matching process and carefully consider whether sharing accommodations with someone new is the right fit for your comfort level and travel preferences.

Another way to reduce solo expenses is to book your trip with a CAA Travel Consultant to take advantage of Member-exclusive savings and benefits. Visit caasco.com/travel to explore CAA’s extensive collection of tours.