Tauck Expands Single Traveler Program For 2009

Single Supplement Waived Or Reduced
On 22 Itineraries, 100+ Departures

NORWALK, CT (March 30, 2009) Tauck is coming to the aid of solo travelers feeling the combined pinch of the economic slowdown and the “single supplement” typically levied on those traveling alone. The company is expanding its annual single traveler program for 2009, either waiving or dramatically reducing the single supplement on 106 departures of 22 land and cruise itineraries in Europe and North America.

According to Tauck, nearly a quarter of the itineraries in the program have had their supplement waived entirely, and the average supplement reduction is 70%. This translates into cash savings as high as $3,000, with an average savings of $1,276. Additional price reductions through Tauck’s “Partner Savings” program, in which Tauck passes pricing considerations from its suppliers along to Tauck guests, also apply to a number of itineraries in the singles program.

Itineraries in Tauck’s single program include five European river cruises and five “Tauck At Sea” small-ship ocean cruises, including four Mediterranean voyages. Land itineraries include five European journeys in Tauck’s popular “A Week In” collection, and seven trips in the U.S. and Canada.

“The single supplement can be a significant barrier for many solo travelers, and in a tough economy, it can loom even larger,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “We’ve done our best to reduce it or eliminate it on selected trips and departures for a number of years, but this year our team has gone above and beyond to make sure that solo travelers get the very best value possible with Tauck.”

Beyond the substantial cost savings, Mahar pointed to other benefits to the Tauck program. “Eliminating or reducing the single supplement on any departure virtually assures that there will be other solo travelers on the same trip,” explained Mahar. “Having other solo travelers along provides camaraderie and companionship at meals, and eliminates any self-consciousness that a single traveler might otherwise feel.” The escorted group setting provides other benefits to the solo traveler, added Mahar, including the assurance of having a tour director on hand in the event of unforeseen circumstances, eliminating the difficulties of navigating in unfamiliar territory, and assistance with everything from luggage handling to dinner reservations.