Why use Costco Travel for bookings?…Pluses and minuses…Is a membership required?…

Note: We do not receive compensation for mentioning Costco Travel

Recently, we booked four cruises through Costco Travel for several reasons, including:

  • Pricing, plus the benefit of price reductions before the final payment is made
  • Complimentary Costco Shop Cards are provided for certain bookings including cruises.
  • Annual shopping credits for spending money using membership
  • Perks acquired on Costco Citibank card
  • Ease of booking (they’ve greatly improved their phone response time).
  • Reliability with the Costco brand

See more below:

Booking travel through Costco Travel can be a great option, especially if you’re already a Costco member. Here’s why:

1. Exclusive Member-Only Deals

Costco negotiates discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages, often bundling in extras like resort credits, free breakfast, or complimentary room upgrades. These deals are only available to members, making them a great perk.

2. Added Value & Extras

Many Costco Travel packages include Costco Shop Cards, which can be used for future Costco purchases, as well as perks like free airport transfers, daily resort credits, or waived resort fees.

3. Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees)

Unlike some third-party travel sites, Costco Travel prices are straightforward. Taxes and fees are typically included upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges later.

4. Bundled Convenience

Costco offers vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and sometimes even rental cars—saving you the hassle of booking everything separately. This can also mean better pricing than booking each component individually.

5. Rental Car Discounts

Costco Travel offers some of the best rental car rates, often including a second driver for free (which is usually an extra charge with other providers). They work with brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, giving you flexibility.

6. Strong Customer Service

Costco is known for good customer service, and its travel department is no exception. If something goes wrong with your booking, you have Costco’s backing, which can be helpful compared to dealing with an online booking site with limited support.

7. Luxury Hotel & Cruise Benefits

For those booking higher-end travel, Costco Travel often includes perks like room upgrades, late checkout, onboard cruise credits, or specialty dining packages—sometimes matching or exceeding what you’d get by booking directly with a hotel or cruise line.

8. Trust & Reliability

Costco has a reputation for vetting its vendors carefully. If a travel deal is offered through Costco, you can generally trust that it’s a good value.

Potential Downsides to Consider:

  • Limited Flight Options: If booking flights, Costco’s travel packages may not offer the same flexibility as booking directly with an airline.
  • No Loyalty Program Benefits: If you frequently earn points with hotels or airlines, you may not receive full rewards or elite status perks when booking through Costco.
  • Must Be a Costco Member: You need a Gold Star or Executive Membership to book through Costco Travel, though the savings can often justify the membership cost.

If you value simplicity, bundled deals, and extra perks, booking travel through Costco can be a fantastic option! Would you like recommendations for specific destinations?

In the past, we frequently used VacationstoGo.com, an excellent cruise booking service. However, when comparing overall benefits and pricing, Costco was a winner for us, even factoring in the price of their annual executive membership.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 29, 2015:

The colors in the tunnels at Tunnels Beach at Napali Beach are varied. For more photos, please click here.

For now, we’ll continue to post travel news updates that may save you time and money…

Ten years ago in Kauai, Hawaii, we began to experience the joy of watching, almost daily, the Laysan Albatross couples nesting with their single eggs, which eventually hatched while we observed the chicks growing, planning to fledge months later. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

There are only 34 days until we leave Nevada for South Africa; with little activity happening on our end as I continue to recover from this two-week virus, we don’t have a lot of news to share. I should be back to normal within a week and be able to return to working out, after which I’ll feel even better.

My son Greg and his girlfriend Heather arrive here in 11 days, and I plan to be up to the flurry of activities that will ensue while they are here for five days. Once they leave, it will only be a few weeks until we start packing and preparing to depart. The month of February will fly by.

As a result, most of our upcoming posts will consist of the latest travel news that may impact your travel experiences, expenses, and booking processes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time and stamina right now to delve into more detailed topics. Once we settle in Marloth Park, we’ll post stories and countless photos of the world around us.  We can hardly wait.

One of our dear readers/friends, Lisa, wrote that we don’t have to be concerned about our readers judging our content. Few have said anything negative or pressured us to add more entertaining content during quiet times. Thanks, Lisa, for the vote of confidence. Of course, our goal is always to provide interesting and fun content.

For today’s bit of current travel news, this article may be of interest to those considering travel during Spring Break:

“American Airlines Has Spring Break Flight Deals to Cancun, Miami, and More — Starting at Under $200

A variety of popular destinations are available. By Michael Cappetta

Photo from ten years ago today, January 26, 2015:

Our new friend Richard gave us the gift of The Majestic Albatross by Robert Waid, a neighbor whom we later met, as we began to experience the wonder of the Laysan Albatross in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Updated information on ETA (electronic travel authorization) fees for the UK…

Hanalei Beach in Kauai.

On January 7, we posted new information about the UK requiring ETAs (electronic travel authorization) even when only flying through on a flight layover. This policy change would directly impact us when we fly to South Africa on March 1. See our post here.

We had noted the calendar to apply for the UK ETA in plenty of time for our upcoming flight in only 35 days. Now, we won’t have to.

Their new policy, which went into effect on January 8, 2025, received much criticism from flight passengers who never left the airport during a layover. According to the article below, the ETA for transit passenger layovers will not be required. However, all other listed requirements will remain the same.

Weirdly, the UK is proposing an increase in the ETA fees, established on January 8, as described below:

From Travel and Leisure

“The UK Is Dropping Its ETA Fee for These Specific Passengers — What to Know

It also is proposing an increase in the fee just weeks after launch. By Alison Fox

Part 2, no passport?…Travel to These Stunning International Destinations Without One (with alternate documentation)……..

The beautiful pier in Hanalei, Kauai.

I stumbled across the following article, which may appeal to Americans (or others) who do not have a passport.

Americans without a passport can still travel to these tropical (and international) destinations. By Evie Carrick, Travel and LeisurePublished on January 22, 2025

Booking using a travel agent/agency as opposed to booking travel yourself…

This was Birdie, a red Cardinal, a popular bird with whom I developed a special connection. Within days of “meeting him,” we became fast friends, and he visited several times a day, singing a special song for freshly chopped nuts. Later on, his mate joined him. He was a precious treat during our four months on the island.

Often, we are asked if we use travel agents/agencies for any of our travel. The answer for us is simple…if it’s a cruise, we use Vacations-to-Go or Costco Travel. On a rare occasion, we may book a cruise directly through the cruise line when there is a perk-related benefit. We check multiple sources for pricing before committing.

We use Expedia or Hotels.com for hotels, which can be found on our site. We use our Expedia link or Costco Travel for car rentals, whichever offers a better price. For rental cars, we usually get the best pricing using Expedia. (We suggest you carefully review the base prices for any travel, plus any port charges, taxes, tips, and other fees).

(Please use the links on our site for Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO for vacation rentals. These are all located on the right side of our homepage on your laptop or computer and at the bottom of the page on your phone. We receive a tiny commission to offset some of the expenses of managing our site, and we appreciate your patronage. You do not pay more to use our links. They are the exact pricing you’d receive on your own. Thank you to our many readers who’ve been using our links for years).

Thus, whether or not to use an agent/agency is entirely up to you. However, at Costco, we get “shop cards” when booking cruises through them and rewards for using Costco’s Citibank Card. Plus, we receive monetary rewards from shopping at Costco since we have an Executive account (check with Costo for details here). A credit card through Citibank is not required, but the Costco membership is required to book travel through Costo Travel.

However, there are still over 500,000 travel agencies worldwide, which we expect will eventually be replaced only by online services/agents. In the interim, many seniors or others who are not adept at booking travel online use travel agencies, and if you fall into that category, we suggest you find a good agent you can use by phone, email, or text.

Booking travel through an agent versus doing it yourself comes with its own set of pros and cons. The best approach often depends on your priorities, experience, and the type of trip you’re planning.

Using a Travel Agent

Pros:

  1. Expertise and Connections: Agents often have insider knowledge and industry connections that can unlock perks like upgrades, exclusive deals, or access to fully booked destinations.
  2. Time-Saving: Planning a trip, especially a complex one, can be time-consuming. A travel agent takes on the research and logistics for you.
  3. Tailored Advice: Good agents take the time to understand your preferences, budget, and travel style, curating options you might not think of on your own.
  4. Support During Emergencies: Agents can quickly troubleshoot and adjust your
  5. plans if something goes wrong, such as missed flights, cancellations, or natural disasters.
  6. Special Packages: They may offer bundled deals for flights, hotels, and tours that can save money or simplify planning.

Cons:

  1. Less Control: You’re relying on someone else to make decisions that might not perfectly align with your preferences.
  2. Service Fees: Some agents charge fees for their services, which can add to your overall cost.
  3. Availability: Not all agents are equally knowledgeable or responsive, so finding a good one might take effort.

Booking Travel Yourself

Pros:

  1. Complete Control: You decide everything, from the itinerary to the exact seat on the plane.
  2. Cost Transparency: You can directly compare prices and choose the most budget-friendly options.
  3. Flexibility: When you’re in charge, making changes or experimenting with different routes is easier.
  4. Tools and Reviews: Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Airbnb offer user reviews and tools to fine-tune your planning.
  5. Learning Experience: Researching and booking independently helps you learn about your destination and makes you a more resourceful traveler.

Cons:

  1. Time-Consuming: Searching for the best deals and figuring out logistics can take hours, even days.
  2. Risk of Overlooking Details: You might overlook essential factors such as visa requirements, transit times, or cancellation policies.
  3. No Backup: If something goes wrong, you’re on your own to navigate the fixes.
  4. Overwhelm: The sheer volume of options can make decision-making stressful.

When to Use a Travel Agent

  • Planning a honeymoon, luxury getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
  • Traveling to a remote or less-known destination.
  • Booking group travel or multi-stop itineraries.
  • If you value personalized service and peace of mind.

When to Book Yourself

  • Taking simple trips (e.g., one flight and one hotel).
  • Traveling on a tight budget and you’re comfortable researching.
  • If you enjoy the process of planning and learning.
  • For last-minute or highly flexible travel.

We hope you find this information useful as more and more services roll into the digital/AI age and fewer and fewer face-to-face interactions for various services are implemented.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 10, 2015:

A single cactus-type plant against the backdrop of the roaring sea in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Speaking of visas…Important news for cruisers and other travelers…

Ten years ago, we traveled to Kauai to stay for four months. Known as the “garden island,” Kauai is exceptionally lush and green.

When we first began cruising in 2013, the cruise booking company we used provided some, although not all, visa requirements for countries we’d visit along the way. Many countries require visas for cruising foreign visitors whether they get off the ship or not. In many cases, in the past, the cruise line would have local immigration officers board the boat, and we’d receive visas, one by one, in lines formed to accommodate this purpose.

Since the pandemic, a lot has changed, and neither cruise lines nor cruise booking companies are providing information about required visas for any ports of call. It is entirely up to the passenger to figure this out on their own, although some travel agencies, as a unique service to their customers, may explain the visas needed for the cruise to their customers.

To verify if visas are needed (for US citizens) to any country worldwide, click here for the US Department of State.

For citizens of the countries, check with your embassy or Department of State.

Cruise lines typically don’t assist passengers in obtaining visas for the countries on their itinerary. Still, they may provide the name of a travel document company to help get the required visas for various countries in the itinerary. However, these companies are costly, and what might be a $15 fee for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) if a person applies on their own suddenly costs almost $100.

Many cruises with multiple ports of call may require four or five ETAs, resulting in extensive fees when using a travel document service. On occasion, when it’s been challenging and time-consuming to obtain a specific visa, we have had no choice but to use such a company.

When boarding a cruise, your visa documents (ETAs) will be verified, or you won’t be allowed to board the cruise. This disaster could result in lost cruise fares, added air travel costs to return home, and other related expenses.

Here’s why cruise lines operate this way and how you can prepare:

Why Cruise Lines Don’t Handle Visas

  1. Individual Requirements Vary: Visa requirements depend on the passenger’s nationality, the countries visited, and the type of cruise. Handling this complexity for every passenger would be a logistical nightmare.
  2. Legal Responsibility: It’s up to travelers to comply with international travel laws. Cruise lines cannot be held accountable if passengers are denied boarding or entry into a country.
  3. Timing and Process: Visa processing times and procedures vary widely, and some require in-person appointments or specific documentation that cruise lines cannot facilitate.

How Cruise Lines Support You

  • Pre-Departure Communication: Cruise lines previously (before the pandemic) provided detailed information about the required travel documents for each destination. You can try to get this information, but most often, you will be referred to a travel document company. Thus…
  • Partnerships with Visa Services: Some cruise companies work with third-party agencies to assist passengers in obtaining visas, though this comes at an additional cost. Using the recommended company doesn’t ensure discounted prices.
  • Onboard Immigration Support: In rare cases, cruise lines might arrange for visas on arrival in specific ports, but this is usually limited to certain destinations and itineraries.

How to Handle Visa Requirements as a Passenger

  1. Research Early: Check visa requirements for every country on your itinerary as soon as you book your cruise.
  2. Consult Experts: Use services like VisaCentral or your local consulate for detailed advice and processing help.
  3. Allow Extra Time: Start the application process months in advance to account for delays or additional requirements.
  4. Carry Copies: Bring digital and physical copies of your visas and travel documents during the trip.

A Pro Tip for Smooth Sailing

If you’re unsure about visa needs or processes, join online forums or social media groups dedicated to your cruise line or destination. Fellow travelers can provide firsthand insights and tips based on their experiences.

Have you encountered visa challenges while cruising, or are you planning a trip where this might be an issue?

The proper preparedness and handling of the visa process is crucial for a good cruise experience.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 8, 2015:\\

A map illustrates how tsunamis wiped out the city of Hilo near the bay. A notice at the Lyman Museum, which we also visited in December, is at the top of this page. For more photos, please click here.

Five places to travel with the current value of the US dollar…Seven days and counting…

The surf was so strong on the Big Island that we could feel the spray, even from the house.

The countdown has begun. We leave Cleveland one week from today. Yesterday, I packed one bag, and over the next several days, I’ll pack more. It’s easy to pack when we’re driving to our next location when the weight of our bags isn’t an issue. Next time we pack for South Africa, the weight will be important, at a maximum of 23 kg, 50 pounds.

Flying internationally on many airlines, the baggage allowance is two bags each, which helps since I want to bring my frying pan and some kitchen items I’ve accumulated over the past year.

Speaking of South Africa, this morning, I stumbled across the following article about how the value of the US dollar positively impacts travel in some countries, five of which are listed below.

“5 places to travel while the US dollar is strong to get the most bang for your buck

Story by kvlamis@businessinsider.com (Kelsey Vlamis)
  • The strong US dollar can go further in countries with weaker currencies.
  • Americans looking for value in their travel plans may want to consider exchange rates.
  • Here are some popular tourism destinations where the US dollar goes far right now.

The US dollar is strong right now, meaning Americans’ spending in countries with weaker currencies could go further, making it a convenient time to consider taking that impromptu trip you’ve been dreaming about.

Some Americans are already seizing the moment.

“American travelers are looking for value right now,” Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, a market research consultancy that specializes in the travel tourism industry, told Business Insider.

Historically, the value of currencies can influence travel behavior. A weaker currency generally attracts travelers but makes it more expensive for the residents of that country to travel abroad. Likewise, a strong currency can raise outbound travel demand but might deter international tourists from visiting that country.

Eylon said demand for leisure travel is still at record highs, but more Americans say they actively seek value and deals when planning trips. One way to maximize that value is by visiting a place with a weaker currency than the US dollar.

Here are five popular tourist destinations where Americans can take advantage of the strong US dollar.

Japan

Japan is often considered an expensive destination for Americans due to the long flight and accompanying airfare. Still, the weak Japanese yen has fueled a surge in tourism and international travelers visiting the country.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the country attracted a record 3.31 million tourists in October.

As of writing, $1 was equal to about 150 Japanese yen.

Egypt

Egypt, a common bucket list travel destination, is among the countries where the US dollar goes the furthest right now, according to data compiled by NetVoucherCodes. This British travel deal site analyzes exchange rate trends.

According to the site, the strength of the US dollar compared to Egypt’s currency has increased by 207.5% in the past five years.

Argentina

Argentina’s peso hit a record low this year, making it a cost-effective place for an inflation vacation, as The Wall Street Journal previously reported. An Airbnb spokesperson told the outlet the number of nights booked by Americans in Argentina increased by 40% in the first few months of the year.

According to NetVoucherCodes, the value of the US dollar against the Argentine peso has risen by $1,589% in the past five years.

As of writing, $1 was equal to about 1,012 Argentine pesos.

South Africa

South Africa’s currency has also declined significantly in value compared to the US dollar, making the country’s famous safaris potentially more affordable for wildlife lovers.

According to NetVoucherCodes, the dollar’s exchange rate to the South African rand has increased by about 23% over the past five years.

Brazil

The US dollar will also go further in Brazil, where the Brazilian real recently reached an all-time low. Tourists are taking advantage of the record spending by foreign visitors in the first eight months of the year.

According to NetVoucherCodes, the exchange rate of the US dollar against the real rose by about 22% in the past year alone.

As of writing, $1 was equal to about 6 Brazilian reals.”

Over the past many years since we’ve traveled to South Africa, we’ve enjoyed the benefit of the value of the US dollar, enabling a very affordable stay, including the cost of housing, rental cars, dining out, and groceries.

We hope you have an opportunity to travel to any of the above-mentioned countries to “get a bang for the buck.”

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 7, 2014:

Last night’s moon, rising over the sea on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

Flight delays during holidays?…What are your rights and options as a traveler?…

Hawaii is a treasure trove of unusual flowers and plants.

This morning, we encountered this article that may impact many of our readers as they go home after the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Is my flight delayed? Here are Sunday’s flight delay cancellation numbers
Zach WichterKathleen WongJosh Rivera, USA TODAY

Early reports signal little travel disruptions nationwide as millions of Americans hit the road or take to the skies post-Thanksgiving.

According to FlightAware’s flight-tracking website, only 43 U.S. flights had been canceled by 8 am ET, and another 568 had been delayed. It is worth mentioning that Saturday saw 6,357 flight delays, while today is expected to be the year’s busiest travel day.

Airlines have urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, and a few have issued waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather concerns.

TSA reminders
Today, TSA projects are one of the busiest travel days.

Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies.

“Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week, and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a news release. “I encourage travelers to plan, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier.”

As a reminder:

The TSA advises passengers to start packing with an empty bag to reduce the likelihood of bringing prohibited items through a checkpoint. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag.

Certain foods—considered liquids or gels —such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves—must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.

“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit,” TSA said. “As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoint.”

And yes, breast milk is an exception to the liquids rule.

What day will be the least busiest one to fly?
Today will be the busiest day for air travel, while the least busy days were Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28; Black Friday, Nov. 29; and this coming Tuesday, Dec. 3.

What is the DOT Dashboard?
The Department of Transportation created a dashboard so travelers can easily access information about U.S. airlines’ services in case of cancellations or delays.

Click here to access the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A new DOT rule that went into effect at the end of October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the carrier’s control. The rule also makes airlines more responsible for following their own customer commitments in those cases.

What is a significant delay?
The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival three hours late or more for a domestic flight or six hours for an international flight.

What is a controllable delay?
According to the DOT, an airline-caused delay is controllable. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling. Weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline’s control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays, and other benefits.

No U.S. airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays. Still, the big four (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays due to a flight cancellation.

What to do if your flight is canceled
Your best bet is to know your airline’s policies before your trip and be your advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether through the app, social media, phone, or at the airport help desk if you’re already on your way. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.”

Hopefully, the above information may be helpful for you during the busy holiday season. With more and more travelers after the end of the pandemic, the entire scenario has changed, and it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on your rights and options. Although “reading the small print” is irritating and time-consuming, it may be a good resource for transportation issues.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 1, 2014:

The bananas in the yard in Maui grow bigger each day and are soon ready for picking. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back!…Planning future international travels!!!…Looks like a new itinerary for us is upcoming soon…

A manmade pond on the golf course in Maui created a pretty scene.

We’ve got the bug! As much as we wanted to wait to start making new plans, Tom spent considerable time yesterday checking out cruises for 2025. When new sailings are posted, they are often at their lowest prices for some time, which has proven to be a good time for us to begin booking cruises far out.

The disadvantage is that the cruise line will have deposit(s) for so long. If something goes wrong, passengers can get the deposit back if they booked a “refundable” fare, which we don’t prefer due to the increased cost.. Before COVID-19, depending on the cruise line, passengers had 60 to 90 days before departure to cancel. But everything changed since the pandemic. It’s essential to check on cancellation policies for each cruise.

Of course, if the cruise line cancels at any point, which happened to us for eight cruises booked for 2020-2022 due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the entire deposit and/or total payments were refunded to the original credit card we used for the bookings.

Once the final payment is made, each cruise line has its refund schedule for customer-generated cancellations, depending on how close to the sailing date the cancellation has been made. There are no exceptions for illness, only for a death confirmed by a certified death certificate.

Right now, we are considering four cruises for 2025/2026. The deposits for each cruise are either $450 or $500 per passenger and non-refundable. Thus, the total deposits will be $4000 if we book these four cruises. In an earlier post, after sailing on Azamara, we made a statement in a few posts that for future cruises, we’d most likely book Azamara’s smaller ships with about 600 passengers.

However, as time has marched on and prices have changed due to losses incurred by the cruise lines during the pandemic, it makes more sense for us if we book all four cruises on Royal Caribbean. Yes, their ships are more significant, with more passengers, but we always had fun on those ships, regardless of the size.

We will report back with the information on these cruises, which we may book with Costco Travel over the weekend. It is exciting to be at this point after all this time.

Otherwise, we’re doing well. Three weeks from today, we leave for Nevada, but we won’t begin packing until a few days before we depart. Since we’re driving an SUV, we have no concerns over the weight of our bags. That will only become an issue when we leave for South Africa on March 1. Wow! Having this extended break from international travel certainly makes planning future trips exciting.

As for my workout schedule, I am up to 18 minutes on the treadmill and have recently added elevation to make climbing hills easier. Walking around the Village at Lake Las Vegas, there are numerous hills, which I struggled with a year ago when we were there. Hopefully, I’ll experience enough progress in the next three weeks to improve over last year’s hill walking struggles. We shall see.

If we book these four cruises, we’ll share pricing, itinerary, and details in posts over the next few days. Hmmm… it looks like an itinerary posting is coming soon now that we’ve started to accumulate enough international travel.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 23, 2014:

It was a lovely drive into the Kahili Golf Course in Maui. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Solo travel…Added costs…

A vendor cutting a coconut for me in Maui. I prefer the meat over the milk.

With such a lengthy post today on potentially added costs for single travel/supplement, we decided to extend this post topic to three parts. Tomorrow, we’ll cover precautions for single travelers, whether domestic or international. Please check back for Part 3, keeping in mind that many of these precautions also apply to couples and groups of travelers.

Singles often face additional charges while traveling, primarily due to the price of travel accommodations and packages. Here’s a breakdown of expected extra costs that solo travelers might encounter:

1. Single Supplement Fees

  • Hotels and Cruises: Most accommodations are priced based on double occupancy, meaning a solo traveler might have to pay nearly the same rate as two people. This “single supplement” can add 25-100% to a room or cruise cabin cost.
  • Tours and Group Trips: This fee is often included in group tours to offset the cost of an unused spot in shared accommodations.

2. Limited Options for Shared Rooms

  • Many budget-conscious travelers save money by sharing rooms with friends or family. Solo travelers usually don’t have this option, making private rooms the only choice—and often the pricier one.

3. Transportation Costs

  • Car Rentals: Splitting the cost of a rental car or gas with travel companions is not an option for solo travelers, leading to higher per-person expenses.
  • Ride-sharing: Similar to car rentals, taxis and ride-shares aren’t shared, so the total cost falls on one person.
  • Group Discounts: Many transportation options, like train passes or guided tours, offer discounts only for groups.

4. Meal Costs

  • Dining solo can sometimes feel more expensive, as set menu deals or shared dishes aren’t as feasible. Additionally, some regions’ minimum restaurant charges or tipping standards can disproportionately affect singles.

5. Custom Itineraries

  • Solo travelers might opt for private tours, guides, or custom itineraries for convenience or safety, which often come at a premium compared to group tours.

6. Limited Package Deals

  • Vacation packages frequently cater to couples or families, bundling their prices to reflect double or group occupancy. Finding solo-specific packages can be a challenge.

7. Specialty Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance doesn’t necessarily cost more for singles, but policies may be tailored to individuals rather than families, sometimes lacking the discounts available to groups.

Tips to Minimize Extra Charges

  • Seek Single-Friendly Deals: Some companies specialize in solo travel and waive single supplements. Examples include Solo Traveler World or companies like Intrepid Travel.
  • Book Shared Accommodations: Hostels, shared Airbnb stays, or co-living spaces can provide affordable alternatives.
  • Look for Off-Peak Deals: Traveling during less popular seasons might help avoid extra fees.
  • Join Travel Communities: Partnering with other solo travelers to share costs, such as through forums or Facebook groups, can help.

While these extra costs can feel like a penalty for wanting to explore the world solo, with strategic planning, they can often be reduced—or avoided entirely!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 19, 2014:

“Another boring day in Paradise.” Ha! No boredom here! For more photos, please click here.