Does anyone know how to avoid paying extra when you travel alone, can't a person travel solo w/o penalization?

Answer 1

You do not get penalized for traveling alone. You get a discount rate for traveling multiple.

Look for discounts on line, or look for a person traveling to the same place that can become your travel partner, on paper that is. They will benefit also. Put an ad in the paper or on line. Ask your travel agent if they are aware of anyone. etc...