The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: December twelfth, cutting the cost of traveling alone.

"Price based on double occupancy." That phrase is painfully familiar to anyone who travels alone. As we explained last time, solo journeys can be great. Unfortunately, they can also cost a lot more.

One fourth of all hotels, tours and cruises are booked by people traveling alone. Many tour operators and cruise lines charge singles a supplement to cover the revenue they say they lose when one person stays in a room meant for two. Single supplements generally start at about 15 percent of the per person price for a double. On cruises, one person staying in a double cabin may pay almost as much as two people traveling together. Getting around single supplements on tours and cruises isn't simple, but it can be done. Here are a few hints.

The easiest way to cut your costs is to change your single status. Find a friend to share your trip. If you can't or don't want to, the cruise line or tour operator may be able to help. Many companies often pair willing single travelers of the same sex, giving each the savings of double occupancy. Ask when you make your reservation.

If you're choosier about your traveling companion than this blind date approach, investigate one of the traveler matching services, which for a small annual fee, will provide a list of possible partners.

If you really prefer your privacy, ask about single rooms, both when you make reservations and when you check in. You can still find specifically single cabins and rooms, especially in older ships and hotels. FMI Some tour companies that cater to single travelers

Saga Holidays (877-265-6862 or www.sagaholidays.com)

Grand Circle Travel (800-955-1034 or www.gct.com)

Elderhostel (877-426-8056 or www.elderhostel.org)

Backroads (800-462-2848 or www.backroads.com)Organizations that can help finding a travel partner:

Travel Companion Exchange 631-454-0880 or www.travelcompanions.com

The Go Solo Travel Club 800-354-4484 or www.gosolotravelclub.com

Solo Travel Network (a Canadian organization) 604-8869099 or www.cstn.org

Singles Travel International 877-765-6874 or www.singlestravelintl.com

Other resources:

Travel Alone and Love It 800-557-1757 or www.travelaloneandloveit.com

Traveling Solo, (Globe Pequod Press)

The Single Woman's Travel Guide (Citadel Press)

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