Solo Travelers Face Higher Costs in Popular Destinations
Research indicates that individuals traveling alone can pay significantly more than couples for vacations, with some locations imposing a 'solo tax' upwards of 80%.
Solo travel has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade, with departures increasing by 89 percent. Despite this growing demand, individuals embarking on solo adventures often encounter higher costs compared to couples, who can share expenses like accommodation.
New research from Travel Supermarket analyzed the average price per person for a seven-night holiday for one adult versus two adults sharing, calculating the additional cost, or 'solo tax,' imposed on lone travelers. The findings reveal that while some destinations are more forgiving, others significantly penalize solo visitors.
Destinations with the Highest Solo Tax
Barcelona, Spain, emerged as the most expensive destination for solo travelers. The research found that an individual exploring the Catalan capital faces costs 84 percent higher than the average per person for a couple. A week-long trip to Barcelona costs solo travelers an average of £1,834, compared to £1,001 per person for a pair.
The Greek island of Corfu ranked as the second priciest, with solo visitors paying approximately 81 percent more. A week on the island averages £1,687 for a solo traveler, while a couple would spend around £931 each.
Ibiza, Spain, followed in third place, with solo travelers facing 80.4 percent higher costs. A solo trip to the popular party island can cost around £1,911, compared to £1,057 per person for a couple.
New York City in the U.S. ranked fourth, imposing a 71.5 percent solo tax. A week's stay in the Big Apple averages £3,465 for a solo traveler, versus £2,023 per person for a couple.
Marrakesh, Morocco, rounded out the top five, with a solo tax of 70.6 percent. A week-long stay for one person costs around £1,540, compared to £903 each for a couple.
Destinations with the Lowest Solo Tax
Conversely, several destinations offer better value for solo travelers. Khao Lak in southern Thailand was identified as the most affordable, with a solo tax of only 21.4 percent. A week there costs approximately £1,400 for a solo traveler, with a £245 difference compared to the £1,155 each a couple might pay.
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, ranked second for affordability among solo travelers, with a 23 percent solo tax. A week's trip costs around £1,967 for one person, compared to £1,603 for a couple.
In Europe, Bourgas in Bulgaria offered a low solo tax of 30.6 percent. A solo visitor could expect to pay £777 for a week, while a pair of holidaymakers might spend £595 each.
Dubai in the UAE presented a reasonable price tag for solo travelers, with a 31.4 percent solo tax. A solo trip costs around £1,848, compared to £1,407 each for a couple.
Athens, Greece, completed the top five, with solo travelers facing a 32.7 percent increase. A solo visit averages £1,274, while a couple would pay £959 per person.
