Common Discrimination Against Solo Travelers by The Travel Industry
Solo travelling has its amazing perks. That is why it is a must for you to try travelling solo at least once in your life time. It can bring you amazing experience. Many people are worried about being lonely. Also, they are concerned about their own safety throughout the trip because they basically on their own without having someone to rely on. However, you can solo travel safely by taking necessary precautions.
Discrimination often faced by solo travelers
Solo travel means you have freedom to create your own custom itinerary. You can also make your own transport arrangement. Not to forget that you can meet other solo travelers. However, there are also common discrimination against solo travelers you should be prepared for if you plan to go solo for your next trip. Most of the common discrimination is the price rates for everything related to the travel such as transportation, accommodation, and tours. Here are some of the most common discrimination:
More expensive accommodation
Most hotels still prioritize couples, which is an outdated travel model today. With the rise of solo travelers, many hotel have not yet come to realize how important it is to provide solo travelers the better deals. Many of them assume double occupancy on their booking platforms. Solo traveler still have to pay for full cost for a room meant for couple. You have no chance to split the cost with someone else. Even if there is any ‘solo-friendly’ room rates, the fee is till more expensive for singles. They just mask it by inflating the prices across the board.
Awkward restaurant experience
Dining alone is still not a common thing in many places. People still have cultural bias of it. Some restaurants even don’t include an option for one person reservation. In some cases, the waiter even keep bothering the solo diner by asking so many questions about why they are dining alone and if they need company. It is uncomfortable for solo traveler to experience this kind of behavior.
Being place in worst rooms
As many hotels still prioritize couples over singles, solo travelers often face discrimination in which they are given the least favorable room. The worse is, they do it despite the hotel is not being fully booked. And the reason behind this behavior is just because they prioritize couples over singles. They want to keep the more favorable rooms for guests who will give them more money. Even worse, solo travelers still have to pay premium for those less-than-choice-rooms.
Some changes needed within travel industry
The rise of solo travelers is so undeniable within travel industry. Hence, it is important for travel companies to reconsider old policies. Today, there are few travel companies offering more options for solo travelers regarding to the accommodation such as Roommate-Matching Tours and Discounted or Waived Single Supplement. However, the majority of travel companies are still unaware or unwilling to make some changes to their policies. Hence, be smart and creative in making the most of your solo travel.
