Single Person Supplement fees...

imposed by airlines are to me outright prejudice against singletons.

I almost became a victim last year when booking my flight to Las Vegas. Faye and Chris’s wedding package included a deal for the guests of flights and hotel £750 per person. Their travel co-ordinator, a lady so cheerful that she made feel like Ebenezer Scrooge-meets-the-Grinch, told me that the price is actually £1,500 for each couple (hence £750 each – Carol V eat your heart out!)

As I am travelling alone (cue sympathetic tone) she says, I would have to pay an extra £290. Cheerful Lady explained that because the hotel rooms are doubles, for couples, owners would essentially lose out. Hence me paying more. On one hand I understand the supplement but I’m not being funny, there is no way that I will gladly fork out £1040 to stay in a hotel that is not even my first choice.

I have since bought a return ticket for £400 and based on the hotel quotes received, I should spend no more than £700 in total during the six days in Sin City. A friend recently told me that she became a victim to this single person supplement having paid an extra £180.

In an era where more people are shouting loud and proud ‘we are single and fabulous’ (tell me it’s not just me?) why do we have to suffer financially because we dare to travel alone? Why the ‘oh shame’ looks when we make no apology in eating alone or having a drink in the bar, wait for it, alone? Why, oh why, do most people find it hard to understand the excitement, self satisfaction and privilege in being able to grab our passport and fly off somewhere far away from everyday life for quality me time?

I love solo travelling. I love the freedom in not having to answer to anyone, or rearrange my schedule for that other person, nor settle for second, third and fourth choice in destination. I travelled to Cape Town by myself and along the way met many wonderful, weird and wacky people. No plans, no rules, no compromise… time of my life.

Yes I understand why most people would prefer to have that special someone beside them, to share those moments, creating lifelong memories and knowing loved ones back home are jealous. That’s not me. Don’t get me wrong though, obviously I’ll go crazy if I didn’t have any human contact at all. Thankfully making friends comes easy to me. Travelling alone is all about befriending new people, different people who I would never get the chance to meet back home or through work.

The first two nights alone in Vegas with the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon (I will somehow be there at sun rise) and casinos with free alcohol? Can’t go wrong.