Single Supplement advice

Consider calling to find out the tours that still have single-supplement space.

Assuming you are on a RS tour, call the office and explain the situation. They should be able to guide you to alternatives.

You can also look on the website and see which tours have an odd number of seats remaining.

I feel your sister’s pain. Lots of tour companies limit the number of single spots so they often sell out early. I wish the RS website would show whether or not there are single spots available.

An odd number of seats left doesn't necessarily mean there are single rooms available.
I had this happen with a tour I signed up for that didn't have a limit listed. Got an email saying that no singles were available.

We have done what you all suggested and have felt the disapointment you all have pointed out. RS needs to be transparent about the availabilty of Singles. Sure took the wind out of our sails today.

RS needs to be transparent about the availabilty of Singles.

As a solo traveler I understand the disappointment, but the tour conditions do clearly state there are a limited number of single rooms. It may not be as forthcoming as some would prefer, but it is there. See https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/tour-conditions

Solo travelers and single supplements: For solo travelers, we offer a
limited number of single supplements on each departure for an
additional fee, which will guarantee a private room. (Refer to your
tour's web page at ricksteves.com for current single supplement
prices.) If a private room is not available when we receive your tour
order, we will notify you as soon as possible, and you will have the
option to either cancel your reservation for a full refund or transfer
to another departure with single supplement availability.

I agree with a few others. There should be an immediate posting once no singles are available that says "No Single Supplements Available at This Time".

Very disappointing to sign up, pay a deposit and then get an email that says, sorry no singles available.

An odd number of seats left doesn't necessarily mean there are single rooms available.

That is strange. If it says there are 3 seats left, I would think that would mean at least one space would be for a single.

It's a bad policy to not inform solo travelers that there are no single spaces available until after they pay their deposit.

Since they did away with the "single share" option, if there are an odd number of spaces available, either there has to be space for at least one single, or they will not fill the last space at all. But I suppose what could happen is that there are an even number of total spaces on the tour, but an odd number of single slots based on hotel room availability. So depending on the number of singles who sign up, they may not be able to fill the last slot.

I travel frequently with OAT, and when you are looking at tour availability on their website, it is crystal clear when there are or aren't single spaces available. It's a shame RS can't do the same thing.

That is strange. If it says there are 3 seats left, I would think that would mean at least one space would be for a single.

As Lane suggests, the dependency is on the availability of single hotel rooms, and not the number of remaining open slots on the tour. And that would imply available single rooms across all of the hotels on the tour.

the dependency is on the availability of single hotel rooms

Solo travelers are not necessarily placed in single hotel rooms. On my last 2 RS trips all of my rooms could have accommodated 2 people.

It is illogical that there would be 3 spaces but no room for a single traveler. If so, that implies that there are really only 2 spaces available. Sounds like an error to advertise 3 spaces when you only have room for couples.

Has your sister asked to have the deposit refunded, since there's no way that she can join the tour? I would think that that would be something that they could do. I get if there are no single supplements available, but surely her deposit is refundable.

But I agree with the others that you or she should call the Rick Steves office and talk to them about your problem. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you find a solution.

My "deposit" was never charged to me when I sought a single supplement on a tour. And I got a prompt call/email from the office about it. If you think about the situation re: the cost of the bus, the guide, the number of hotel room nights etc don't change for any tour operator whether they have singles or couples. There is no way to avoid this kind of disappointment because the single supplement cost is not double what the couples cost is, though they will use everything that the couples use - except for the meals. Thus the limitation on the number of single supplements, which is a simple economic decision. They may be great folks, but they are running a business. And you will have to call the office and see what else is available and not count on "4 seats left."

Has your sister asked to have the deposit refunded, since there's no
way that she can join the tour? I would think that that would be
something that they could do. I get if there are no single supplements
available, but surely her deposit is refundable.

Mardee the policy I quoted above indicates they give a full refund or allow you to transfer to another tour.

I do agree it would be more informative to specify how many single slots are available but also understand it may be difficult to manage that information with the number of tours on offer and the variable number of single slots for each. I suggest the OP and her sister send feedback to the RS tour office for their consideration as they might not be tracking this specific forum conversation.

I suggest the OP and her sister send feedback to the RS tour office for their consideration as they might not be tracking this specific forum conversation.

Definitely this.

It would be a great software enhancement if they could at least add a Y/N indicator to show if there were any single spaces available. Displaying the number of single spaces would be even better.

When I was booking my solo room to get the early bird discount I didn’t even think about them being sold out as there was no filling fast notification. I got an email a few days later informing me and giving dates with vacancies before and after my requested date. My original date and the two after had no single room. I didn’t pay the deposit until the date was confirmed. In your situation I think I would ring the office and check before any online booking. I don’t know how many solo rooms are held but I have learnt to book early.