Traveling alone can be a great idea. It's exciting, difficult and relaxing. Unfortunately, some types of travel are structured in favor of those traveling in pairs or groups, which results in the simple cost. Check out our tips on how to avoid paying a premium when traveling alone.

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What is a simple fee?
A simple charge is a charge imposed by a company to avoid losses, which are the result of a room that is not used by two people. Hotel rooms and cruise cabins are large enough to accommodate at least two people, so if only one person books the room, managers cannot charge two occupants. Companies will often force the traveler to pay a premium that is between 10 and 100% of the costs. 

 

How to avoid simple fees (or pay less)?
Simple. Find companies (and individuals) that favor solo travelers. Remember that there are some companies specifically geared towards solo travelers, even if it requires an open mind about the type of trip you want to take. Adventure tour companies like Intrepid and G Adventures are among the best for solo travelers. Some cruise lines even reserve a block of unique rooms - the Norwegian Epic started this strategy by making more than 128 unique rooms available on each of their ships. Check out the best cruise lines for solo travelers . Additionally, some bloggers , like Solo Traveler , are committed to finding the best deals for solo travelers. You can also visit other websites like Connecting: Solo Travel Network .

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Do your research

If you are determined to have a certain type of vacation or a hotel in particular, do your research. Checking is the best way to find out who is charging premiums and how much they cost. As you begin the online shopping process, check to see if the price changes when you indicate a traveler or two. Try alternative dates or a different hotel in the same city to see if the price changes. You will see the final price long before you have entered your credit card information.

Book early (or late)

If you book early enough, you may be able to take advantage of the uncertainty of a company when planning its shipments. The company does not know if it will be able to sell enough seats, so it will keep prices low at the start of the sale. Conversely, if you wait until the last minute and there are still places available, the company could forgo the bonus - if it still has a lot of places to sell.

 

Travel in the middle seasons

Some hotels will waive simple fees during the low or middle seasons when they realize that they will not fill all the rooms. For a trip to Europe, try to book during the months of May, June, September, and October, when the weather is nice but it is not yet the high season. For trips to the Caribbean and Mexico, book during these mentioned months and during the summer months, as several hotels waive fees during this period. Be aware that if you plan to book during the high season (Christmas, spring break, etc.) it will be difficult to avoid the exorbitant fees, since all rooms will probably be reserved.

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Consider a shared arrangement

Several shipping companies will offer shared accommodations for two people who book their trip separately. If you're brave enough to embark on a social adventure, pair up with someone else. There are also many companies dedicated to this task, such as TravelCompanion Exchange, which is geared towards travelers between the ages of 50 and 60.

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Consider different modes of travel

Adventure shipping companies like Intrepid and G Adventures are created with the lone traveler in mind. There will often be a difference in price compared to other booking methods, but this method is cheaper than most hotels. These companies offer cultural vacations, beach vacations, culinary expeditions and many other types of travel.

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Just ask!!!

Sometimes the best strategy for the trip is to reach out and ask the company to just waive the fees. You rarely think about it, but many companies are ready to negotiate if they see that they are going to lose you as a customer if the price is too high.