Holidaying/cruising solo - any tips/bargains etc

MATTR5

If you are booking a trip for 1 person with TUI, Jet2holidays, Easyjet Holidays etc we can usually (almost always) beat direct prices so don't forget to pop it on the Beat my Quote thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/509598/beat-my-quote-travel-agents-thread/p1239

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onomatopoeia99

I do a mix, some where I manage everything myself (flights, hotels etc) and in more recent years with tour companies.  I use the companies for things that would be too complex to organise myself, for example the last one was a tour of Turkey visiting historic and archeological sites which covered around 2000 miles.  That was with Jules Verne and very well organised, and I picked a date where there was no single supplement (most of their travel dates do have supplements though).  Only thing I would say was that at 54 I was very much the baby of the group and almost the only one still in full time employment!

Suzycoll

zagfles said:

I travel on my own a lot but would never consider a package holiday when travelling alone, they're generally designed for couples/families. I just book flights/hotels independantly. I think there are some package holiday companies which target single people, they're generally the more adventurous type holiday where you'd probably share a room/dorm.  

For cruises you're best looking/posting on the cruisecritic forum which is excellent for cruises. But I imagine the issue is that most cruise ships only have double cabins, there's not a lot of point having single cabins as they won't really be that much smaller when you consider the ensuite etc. So as you take up a space that 2 could fit in they'll probably want to charge you as much as a couple.

Yes you won't eat for 2, but then again if you buy extras like dining upgrades, drinks, shore excursions etc you'll only buy one of them, and have you seen the prices they charge for excursions? Sometimes they come to more than the cruise cost!! They'd probably prefer a couple in a cabin to a single as they'll make more on the extras, more than offsetting the extra food cost. 

As with most holidays, it's usually cheaper booking late than early. 

thanks for the reply Zaglfes. Yes that's generally what I do book separately although sometimes a package deal just makes life easier . re cruises yes your right, as for excursions I mainly just do my own thing, unless it is a place I really want to see and is far out - i will then book an excursion 

twopenny

I tend to use travel companies that do flights, hotel and transfers but it takes a while to find the place you want. It sometimes includeds a single supplement but with research it can still work out cheaper than diy.

Besides, it's a holiday. I want something organised for me.

But once there I do my own thing and seldom use their days out unless they are cheap or included.

Do be aware that often the extra activities are not insured as included on the companies insurance which is often taken for granted by people. Or if you are diy-ing and booking local tours you may need cover.

You need to get your own to cover what you want to do. The best way is by phoning the company to check. If you think you've got a beginner on the phone and things don't sound right, phone back at another time and check again.

And unexpected oportunities may not be on your insurance.

One of the easiest places I've travelled is Australia. They are really geared up for all the small stuff and most information can be found online for you to make your own trip at a fraction of the price of an organised one.

I also found them kind and helpful when I've got myself in a pickle or want something special.

Suzycoll

OnlyLoki said:

I regularly go away alone and usually go with Intrepid Travel to join a group and do something adventurous. I’m touring Thailand later this month inc a sleeper train, a home stay in a fishing village and island hopping. My own room throughout. 

Travel Republic are good for a resort type holiday and offer decent solo deals and a BlueLightCard discount (plus clicking through Topcashback of course!). Otherwise a separate flight and accomm on Expedia or Booking.com has worked well. 

oh Thailand sounds great. thanks for the reply