The Best Value for Solo Travelers

If you’ve shopped around you’ve undoubtedly learned that most travel companies routinely charge a hefty supplement for the privilege of having your own room. Sometimes, it can be double the cost of the base trip itself! We think that is not just unfair — it’s bad business, which is why we are committed to offering the lowest single supplements around. Our hotel partners around the world know they can depend on us to fill their single rooms, no matter what, so they’re willing to offer them at the best rates available. Our solo travelers know they can depend on us for the lowest prices — not to mention a fantastic experience. So it’s a win-win for everyone.

Of course our low single supplements are just the icing on the cake. Every VBT trip already provides exceptional value because of all the comprehensive features you get for one low price: spectacular itineraries; outstanding lodgings, meals, and activities; expert Trip Leaders; bikes and helmets, walking poles and skis; and our reliable service and vehicle support. 

Here’s another win-win for solo travelers: If you request to share a room with another single traveler, we’ll work to match you with a same-sex roommate. If we find you a partner, you’ll pay no single supplement whatsoever. If we can’t find you a same-sex roommate, you’ll pay only 50% of the published single supplement. Either way, you’re going to save.

Because our groups are small, it’s easy to get to know everyone, and our Trip Leaders are trained to facilitate the group bond and help you break the ice. That’s pretty easy to do when there are only 14-20 like-minded peers on a biking, walking or cross-country skiing trip (14-24 on our Bike & Barge vacations), so you’ll never get lost in the crowd. Nor will you feel like a fifth wheel, since roughly 32% of VBT guests are traveling solo just like you. 

 

We like to think our groups are just large enough to be diverse, but small enough to remain intimate. As traveler Megan P. said after her Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands trip, “As a single traveler, I naturally was nervous about who the group members would be, and whether they’d include me. My worries abated immediately upon meeting them. I built friendships that will certainly last a lifetime. VBT has won me over. I don’t want to travel any other way again!” 

A bucket list moment atop Machu Picchu … swapping life stories as you amble down a Killarney footpath … cocktail hour on the deck of your barge … laughing over your four left feet at your first Argentinian tango lesson. It’s easy to bond with your travel mates when you’re sharing experiences like these. So we build in fun group activities that not only open a window on the local culture – they open the flow of conversation, good times, and new friendships. In fact, many of our solo travelers have met lifelong friends and future travel pals, and even mates on VBT trips.

Ladies, why not grab your girlfriends for a week of great exercise, discovery, cuisine, and pampering? Gents, kick your weekend warrior excursions up a notch by working out, winding down, and bonding with your buddies in spectacular new surroundings. Grab your sisters for the girls-only getaway you’ve talked about for years. A father-son adventure on wheels? A mother-daughter walking week? With travel this affordable there’s no reason to forestall your dreams any longer. Between our simple rating system, choice of routes and vehicle support, any man or woman in reasonable shape can enjoy a VBT active vacation. And if you get a group of 8 or more together, you’ll enjoy discounted or FREE travel. See our Group Travel page for details.

Aside from being excellent guides, our Trip Leaders are gracious hosts who will make you feel safe, comfortable and engaged. Upon arrival they’ll help break the ice by introducing you to other group members. Are you a wine enthusiast? A gardener? A collector of some sort? Let your Trip Leader know so he or she can connect you with fellow travelers who share your interests. Your Trip Leader will also manage all the logistics—from handling check-ins to making sure your bike is road-ready—so you can travel carefree.