Why solo travellers face harder road and higher costs

ONE in three Aussie travellers say they have felt disadvantaged by choosing to travel alone, according to research released by Lonely Planet

One in three Aussie travellers say they have felt disadvantaged by choosing to travel alone. Picture: iStock

ONE in three Aussie travellers say they have felt disadvantaged by choosing to travel alone, according to research released by Lonely Planet.

As the number of solo travellers grows, Lonely Planet says people travelling alone face higher costs than those on trips with family or friends..

Costs can include an average of almost 20 per cent on insurance and more than 50 per cent on accommodation.

While solo travel is no longer just a rite of passage for young travellers, despite changing trends and demographics, travellers’ reports suggest many their needs are not met by travel and hospitality companies.

Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Dean Gould says the city’s reputation as a welcoming and safe destination made it appealing to solo travellers was high. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Examples of poor service from the industry given by those solo travellers surveyed included lack of choice in organised excursions and poor service in restaurants and bars.

Restaurants were also particularly criticised by respondents to the survey, with participants citing cases of poor service from staff, being seated in the worst places and in some cases, being refused bookings.

Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Dean Gould said catering for the cross-section of visitors, including solo travellers, was important for all tourism operators.

“We can always improve what we’re doing to make sure these visitors are well catered for,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is renowned as a welcoming and safe destination so our appeal to solo travellers is high.”

As the number of solo travellers grows, Lonely Planet says people travelling alone face higher costs than those on trips with family or friends. Picture: iStock

Mr Gould said almost all of the city’s major attractions and tours catered for single visitors.

“And with so many group-based tours available, solo tourists can find instant company,” he said.

“Developments like Local Yokel connect people immediately with the local community and we see that type of offering growing in the future.

“The Gold Coast also has some of the best hotel concierges in Australia who will go out of their way to ensure individuals are looked after.”

Lonely Planet spokesman Chris Zeiher said most travellers would find themselves alone on the road at some point in their travelling lives.

“Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding ways of experiencing any destination,” he said.

“Sadly, a significant number of travellers cite a lack of choice or increased cost as a barrier to this type of travel.”

Mr Zeiher said the profile of the solo traveller had changed substantially in the past few years and was now spread across age groups, diverse backgrounds and evenly balanced across gender.

“Over the coming years we expect the desire to travel alone to continue its growth, setting the challenge for tourism providers to better serve this popular and lucrative travel trend,” he said.

The research also revealed:

— 85 per cent of those surveyed have taken or plan to take a solo trip in the future.

— One in two Australian travellers said they have had to pay a single person supplement when travelling alone.

— 90 per cent of those surveyed said they would look more positively on a company that did not charge a single person supplement.