Single surcharge a rip-off?

QUESTION: I am single and enjoy my privacy while travelling, so I always book a single room for myself. However, what I have discovered is that single travellers are severely discriminated against in terms of pricing. We always have to pay a substantial surcharge compared to couples and family groups, sometimes as much as 40 percent more. I believe this is unfair, as we are on the same tour and enjoy the same facilities in the hotel. Is there a travel company that does not subscribe to this unfair practice? - Louis van Heerden

ANSWER: The travel companies are not really to blame for single surcharges. The increased cost is directly related to the price of hotel rooms. In the past, hotels had single rooms, which were smaller than double rooms and often contained a single bed. However, these days most hotels use the same rooms for single and double bookings. If only one person occupies that room, it makes sense that they should pay more than each of the two people who occupy an identical room. In fact, many hotels no longer have a single or double rate - the price is per room. Some tour companies will offer to find you a traveller of the same sex to share the room with you (thus bringing down the cost to what other travellers are paying). However, if you want the privacy of your own room, you will have to continue to pay for it.