Travel is one of the great luxuries of retirement, and the pandemic has been “a real wakeup call” for single tourists, says Janice Waugh, founder of Solo Traveler (opens in new tab). The website, which is aimed at single travelers, found that those over 65 are especially eager to make travel a priority once the pandemic is over.
But post-pandemic, single travelers are looking to take charge. “In previous years, if a friend wanted to go someplace they might just go along, but now they’re saying, ‘I’m going to go where I want to go, even if it means traveling solo,’” Waugh says.
What will become increasingly popular, she predicts, are so-called hub-and-spoke tours, where the tour group stays in one hotel for the duration and individuals take day trips to nearby places. From a health safety standpoint, people will feel more comfortable after the pandemic sleeping in one place rather than hopping from one hotel or inn to another, Waugh says. These kinds of tours are also especially good for lone travelers who may want to explore on their own during the day but dine out with people in the evening.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Of course, solo travel comes with an extra cost: Premium hotels or cruises charge for a single room.
Although single supplements will continue, whenever the travel industry has had to recover from a rough economic time, such as after the Great Recession or now, it tends to woo the solitary traveler, Waugh says. Often, that has meant waiving single supplements.
If you don’t want to pay the supplement, don’t be shy. Ask a hotel or cruise if it will waive the extra charge, or Google “no single supplement” to find hotels or cruises that don’t charge the additional fee. You may also want to sign up for alerts from websites that cater to those traveling on their own. One way of avoiding the supplement—rooming with someone else on the tour—probably won’t be available for a while because of health concerns, Waugh says.
-
-
Fed Raises Interest Rates Yet Again: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve The Fed's quarter-point rate hike was welcomed by the market and market pros, alike.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Swing Higher After Powell Presser
The Fed raised rates by 0.25%, as expected, and Powell promised to "stay the course until the job is done."
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards February 2023
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders may pay hundreds of dollars, with minimum hassle.
-
I-Bond Rate Is 6.89% for Next Six Months
Investing for Income If you missed out on the opportunity to buy I-bonds at their recent high, don’t despair. The new rate is still good, and even has a little sweetener built in.
-
What Are I-Bonds?
savings bonds Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. How do they work?
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
-
How to Make The Most of a Travel Insurance Claim
More travelers are buying insurance. If your trip is canceled, take these steps to increase your chances of recovery.
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
-
As the Market Falls, New Retirees Need a Plan
retirement If you’re in the early stages of your retirement, you’re likely in a rough spot watching your portfolio shrink. We have some strategies to make the best of things.
