The difference between 35 and 37 shouldn't be a big issue for an 18-35 group. We had one guy traveling alone who was 39 on an 18-35 trip I took.

Is there a reason you are only considering tours? All of those places are easy on your own . . .

I know why I would - single traveling women are more easily found on tours . . .

"single traveling women are more easily found on tours . . ." Single traveling women are even MORE easily found not on tours

Yes and no. Single women with vacation attitude very easily found on tours of 18-35 year olds. Plus, Contiki tours are loaded with Aussies and a great story a former colleague told me is simply not reprintable here.

If I were you I would run in the other direction from any tours - but that's me. And before I found my DH I did a lot of traveling to europe alone - either several days tacked on to the front or back or business trips or just taking a week or two on my own. (I learned not to travel with friends after 2 tries when I ended up wasting lots of time with 1) a giant cheapo and 2)a helpless blob).

I encountered a lot of other people on these trips that I did things/had meals with - single men or couples or even a pari of other women. It's easy to meet people - sit on the hotel lobby or bar and look at a guide book. Strike up a conversation in the breakfast room.

Really, tours are so painful unless you really need someone to hold your hand or carry your luggage - I would never consider it. And are you thinking all the 22 year old girls want a 37 year old guy - I don;t think so. (My daughters make fun all the time of the "old" guys - over 30 - who hit on them,)

Maybe I should clarify my intentions.

I already have plans to travel for a time myself and I figured it would be nice to join a tour so that I am not on my own the entire time I am in Europe. I'd be fine to be on a tour with folks that are 20s, 30s and 40s but most of the tours I am finding for 30s and up are being filled with folks that are 50s and 60s. I've asked the operators.

I don't want the crazy 20s tour where people get wasted every night or romance with someone that is 15 years younger than me, I simply want people around my age. It would be really helpful if someone could post the name (or names) of a good operator that fits that description.

Thanks

Also, this reply is for BigRuss. The tour you mentioned that had the person that was 39: Which company was that? Did you like the tour company?

"I simply want people around my age."

That is your main problem. Most 'young demographic' tours are party central and trend very young. While most upscale tours attract well off, older folks (much older than you).

Now, anecdotally - the occasional 'young' tour will have folks your age, and the odd 'old' tour will have comparative youngsters. That doesn't mean either will happen on the tour you book.

Taking a tour is fine -- just don't expect a certain age group.

Basically the tours that aren't for young singles that want to party - mostly late teens/20s with a couple of 30s - are general tours - which, by the nature of things will have a ton of people in their 50s, 60 and 70s.

I have been on one tour and on epackage. The tour was Russia, when that was the only way to go - and I (late 30s) was the youngest on the tour. There was one single guy in his 40s and a woman about 40 accompanying her mother - and the rest of the group was couples or single women 60 plus. He and I spent a couple of quite boring evenings together (the other woman had to dance attendance on her mother) when most of the tour members retired to bed after dinner (due to the 7 am starts).

The other time was a package of London, Amsterdam, Paris that I joined because it was free. That group was more mixed because there was much more free time. While ther were some couples in their 60s and 70 there were people from late 20s up.

Perhaps you should look at a package (air, hotels, half day city tour and then several days to do whatever yuo want)rather than a tour. This gives you the opportunity to meet the other people on the time you spend together - but then go separate ways in smaller groups that are more congenial to you.

Your other option is to sign up for a package or tour that is much more physically demanding (hiking or long-range biking or something) which is more likely to attract people that may be younger - or just fitter.

I did an Intrepid Travel tour a few years ago and the age range was 23 to 52 but mostly women. However, impossible to guarantee age range or gender. Had a great time. No single supplement if you're prepared to share. Lots of free time and because small groups a fair degree of flexibility.

Try also Gecko, Peregrine, Gap, Kamuka (none of which I've personally used). I definitely recommend going with a company with small groups (less than 14).

You can never tell. When my son was on a semester abroad in London, he took a backpacker (class, bus) tour of Ireland. He expected it to be filled with late teens, twenties sorts. Instead, it was full of drunken thirty-something Australians. I guess they don't understand when the party is over.

Your suggestions are appreciated. I welcome more of them.

Staying in hostels is actually a fantastic way to travel alone and meet up with others. As lone as they aren't dorm rooms, its really not bad.
There are also plenty of events/organizations that allow you to meet people your age. The free waling tours in London come to mind. During the tour you are bound to meet people and then you can hook up for dinner afterwards and maybe even plan an excursion for the next day.
The do-it-yourself approach is less certain, but at least you are sure to like the people you choose to spend your time with.

I've gone w/ G Adventures (used to be GAP, but the clothing company kept suing them) twice & yes, you'll be w/ an age range from 20's to 60's so ask the demographics of specific trip dates & choose accordingly. As Darcie says, more active tours will attract fitter individuals. My friends & I have often wondered why there are no tours geared towards the 30-50 crowd joking that we should start one. Also, don't be so fearful of hostels. I was afraid of them in my 20's but use them often now when traveling solo. Some even have private rooms. It's a great way to meet fellow travelers who most likely are traveling solo as well.