Many people now like to travel alone. In the past, solo travelers often paid more because prices were made for two people. This extra cost is called a “single supplement.” For example, a gondola ride in Venice has a flat rate of €90 whether you are one person or four, so one person pays the same as a group. Recently, interest in solo travel has grown a lot. Google searches reached a record high last summer. After the pandemic, more people wanted to travel again. Social media also inspires people: they see beautiful photos and want to try it for themselves. Remote work gives some travelers more freedom to work from other countries.
Because of this demand, some travel companies are changing. A few safaris in Tanzania now waive solo fees. Norwegian Cruise Line has added many cabins just for solo travelers. Sometimes, when a cruise is not selling well, companies remove the single supplement. A travel network (Virtuoso) says 68% of its solo clients are women. Bloggers like Caitlin Rosati, who has visited 90 countries alone, say it is a good time to travel by yourself. Many people enjoy choosing their own plan and not having to answer to anyone. With more changes coming, it may be the perfect moment to book a solo trip.
Vocabulary :
• solo traveler (noun): a person who travels alone.
• single supplement (noun): extra fee paid when only one person books a room or tour.
• waive (verb): to remove a rule or fee so you do not have to pay it.
• fee (noun): money you pay for a service.
• flat rate (noun): one fixed price for everyone.
• cabin (noun): a private room on a ship.
• cruise (noun): a holiday on a large ship.
• tour group (noun): people traveling together with a guide.
• record high (noun): the highest level ever measured.
• trend (noun): a general change or direction that becomes popular.
• remote work (noun): working from home or another place, not the office.
• infrastructure (noun): basic systems and services that support a place or activity.
• to penalize (verb): to make someone pay more or suffer a disadvantage.
• to capitalize on (verb): to use a situation to get an advantage.
• dedicated (adj): made or used for a special purpose.
• sector (noun): a part of the economy or market.
• safari (noun): a trip to see wild animals, often in Africa.
• gondola (noun): a long, narrow boat in Venice with a person who rows.