What is a "forced single" in the context of travel?

A "forced single" refers to an additional charge that a traveler must pay when they are traveling alone and cannot find a roommate to share accommodations with. This scenario often occurs in group tours or package deals that are structured with shared accommodations in mind to keep costs lower. When a single traveler cannot be paired with another, they may be required to pay a 'forced single' supplement, which compensates for the fact that they will not be sharing the room and, therefore, not benefiting from the reduced cost of shared lodging. This term is particularly relevant in the travel industry since it affects pricing structures for individual travelers who wish to go on group tours or shared experiences.