Going solo is a popular term these days people jokingly refer to it when they show up at a party without a date - but AAA takes the term to a whole new level with the Solo Travelers Club. With the AAA Solo Travelers Club, travelers don't have to miss out on the thrills of travel just because they don't have anyone to go with. There's no reason to shy away from going solo! 

The Club is popular with folks who want to travel [although] they may be widowed or their spouse might not want to travel. They are likeminded people that enjoy being together, said Brian Murray, director of travel at AAA Western and Central New York. It's a great program with meetings throughout the year and fabulous trips all over the U.S. and the world for that matter.

Being part of the Solo Travelers Club also means saving money on travel. Anyone who has traveled alone realizes that it often costs more because pricing for hotel rooms and cruise ship cabins is based on double occupancy. A solo traveler has to pay an additional supplement, but many times it is reduced when traveling with AAA's Solo Travelers Club.

We do our best to reduce or eliminate the single supplements for our Solo Travelers Club members. If you would like to avoid paying the single supplement, we also offer a roommate connection listing, where we can set you up with a compatible roommate, and it's been working great, said Michelle Putnam, general manager of Group Travel at AAA Western and Central New York. As a Solo Rewards Member, you earn travel reward certificates as you travel, which can be applied to future travel so it's like earning free money for travel, and who doesn't like that? We pay you back. It's a really great way to travel.

Joining the Solo Travelers Club costs $30, but that small investment gets you year-round programming. What's nice about being a member is that you can come to every meeting and you don't have to pay at the door, so your meal is included, Putnam said. You're able to travel on our Solo exclusive trips. What's great about them is that members meet people from all over the region. Friendships are formed from Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

Trips include motor coach tours, cruises and more. For example, this fall the Solo Travelers Club will enjoy Early Yuletide Treasures a motor coach trip to Ohio with visits to Root Candles and Castle Noel, America's largest indoor year-round Christmas entertainment attraction. Solo members will also ring in the New Year together in Boston with a fireworks display, a trip to Quincy Market and more.

It's great socialization, Murray said. You meet so many new people and make new friends.

It's one of our fastest-growing segments in travel, Putnam added.

For more information, call 1-855-862-6651 to reach out to Sue Smith and Lynn Richau, the program coordinators, or visit AAA.com/Solo.