Originally Posted By alexbook Here's the scenario: You're signing up for a package tour as a single traveler. The tour operator informs you that double occupancy is 30-40% cheaper than single occupancy, and offers to pair you with another single traveler. Do you take the discount? Note: All rooms will have twin beds, so it's not a question of "sleeping with" a stranger. ----- I'm undecided, but leaning towards taking the offer. I like my privacy, but I like the discount, too. I've stayed in hostels and dormitories, where you sleep in a room with a bunch of strangers, but that was a long time ago. Somehow it seems like an okay thing to do as a "kid" in your 20's, but not so much as a "grown-up." Anyway, your thoughts?
Originally Posted By dshyates How long is the tour? For a weekend, it may be tolerable. For 2 weeks I think I would pay the extra money.
Originally Posted By -em Depends on how long of a trip, if it was guaranteed to be the same gender as I, and if there was a chance of "meeting" before hand I would consider it...
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin Nope, no way. I saw Psycho and the whole vacation would be me with no shower and not falling asleep in the presence of a stranger.
Originally Posted By EmmaJayne I'd go for it! Maybe because I am a 'kid' in my 20's (actually I'm just 20) but even still chances are they wont be a psycho. just another traveler also happy to save some money.
Originally Posted By avro_imagineer Also what is the typical profiler of those who take this tour? If it's Contiki you may end up with a party hound. Some tour companies primarily get older people. See what this company gets and ask yourself "Can I be happy with this person?" keeping in mind you may end up with someone else. Also they won't guarantee full compatibility, but see if there is an established method to deal with problems. Ie if the person does something unsettling or makes too much noise how do they handle it? Do they have a "code of conduct" or a means of addressing this? keep in mind most operators will give you a single room if no other singles (Or you're the last single pair) at no extra cost. So if you take the offer cross your fingers and hope they don't have a traveller to pair you with.
Originally Posted By Mary Poppins Why not join a singles' club that includes travelling among its activities. You could find somebody there to travel with and could find out ahead of time if you compatible. We have a singles club in the next city and they do all sorts of activities. I'm too shy to join right now.
Originally Posted By LuLu There were 2 matched-up women on my France tour. They seemed to get along fine (I thought they both seemed pretty agreeable), but the 1 gal said next time she'd rather pay the single supplement. I don't think I'd want to pop for that. I'd probably try to get a friend to go with me, which would be the best of all worlds. Not always possible, of course.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin I would be afraid that at the end of the trip my friend wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore...
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb If it's Disney World and a value resort, I say go for it. You really won't be spending much time in the room. So long as your agent can assure that the other traveler will be respectful of your need for quiet after a certain hour and be good about sharing counter/dresser space and the bathroom I think you're cool.
Originally Posted By iamsally I did this for a trip to Hawaii many years ago. It worked out just fine and we became friends. Four years ago, when I was 52; my sister (5 years older than me) and I stayed in youth hostels in Hawaii. We also got bus passes instead of renting a car. I would never do it any other way. Not only did we save money but we met so many great people. I would go for it.
Originally Posted By ajnhollysmommy For Disneyland's 50th I split a room with a fellow LP axe murder whom I had never met or even talked to in person. I say go for it!
