That's the very reason why a lot of people join bus tours, city tours or cruises.

I don't know where you're going but you could possibly join a day tour or a short 2-3 day tour for part of your time away. A week alone, 2-3 days with a group, a week alone, etc.

I don't know if it was luck of the draw or what - but I have done day tours, bus tours and walking tours...couples or travelling companions in all but one.

Singles Travel International has a variety of singles vacations and cruises for single adults to choose from
(877) SOLO-TRIP www.singlestravelintl.com
Many sites like this I did 5000 miles solo in SA last fall had
no problem finding travel buds in top Hostels particularly.
journeywoman.com another goodd site for this.

Happy Travels!

<into this particular trip I get into planning>

Where are you going? This will help us answer your question.

Sorry but I hate that journeywoman website. It's really dumb imho.

@suze - I am looking into France. More specifically, Paris and environs.

For Paris, I'd just go solo and try to find some activities to sign up for, like you've tried in the past. Cooking classes, bicycle tours, lectures, etc.

I don't know the details exactly but I have heard of people who get online in advance and 'meet' people that way, who they then get together with on their trip.

Maybe check on Trip Advisor for any Paris locals posting there? Ask their suggestions. Or maybe make a friend that way (you can PM other posters thru the TA forum format).

Also check here on Fodor's on the off chance there is a GTG in Paris or another solo person there your same dates (more of a long shot but a possibility).

Last spring, in Paris on my own, I finally decided to go to Dinner at Jim Haynes' home. It was quite a crowd, I met several women also on their own and had a great time. Here's his website:
http://jim-haynes.com/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99172304

The American Library in Paris has all kind of activities:
http://americanlibraryinparis.org/?device=desktop

Kelsey, when will you be in Paris?

Suze, thanks for your thought on Journeywomen. I thought I was alone.

Another thought, you might enjoy joining an organization I love called Women Welcome Women World Wide. I've been a member for a while and everywhere I go I make a point of contacting local members who are all over the world, to get together with or to stay in their homes. On an upcoming trip to Paris I'll be going overnight to a member's home for a break from the city for 24 hours.
http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/

Excellent suggestions from MmePerdu. That's exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of but didn't know any exact details.

I'm particularly down on Journeywoman this week. I was helping a newbie on another thread here on Fodor's. From reading that website she was convinced she needed to wear long skirts in Italy(!) to be modest and not look like a tourist (hahaha). Another post also giving advice for Italy actually said that blonde women needed to cover their hair so as not to stand out and attract attention from local men. GIVE ME A BREAK!

Suze, I'm not surprised. I've tried time and again to read the newsletter and the website but the style & vocabulary tends be so inane that I've just given up.

It took me a bit to figure out what was going on with that thread I mentioned (it over on travel tips branch about non-wrinkly clothing). The woman clearly had out-of-date and just plain dumb advice she'd was reading somewhere. They had her believing she shouldn't wear pants or jeans in Italy to be "culturally sensitive". Finally she mentioned where exactly she'd been reading and it was Journeywoman. I think we were able to convince her to read elsewhere or at least take that site with one large grain of salt.

Sorry for getting your thread off-track but I guess it's still kind of about solo travel (haha).

If you're going to Paris maybe you'd consider posting a GTG here on Fodor's. Anyone in the area on a particular day might be happy to join you.
That way, you're only obligated for a lunch or dinner and you can take it from there.

It is easy to meet other solo travelers at hostels.
There are 4 HI Hostels in Paris and many more throughout France and Europe. http://www.hihostels.com/dba/list.php?lang=E

@tomfuller - I did the hostel thing in my twenties - I hardly think I fit in that crowd anymore. I am well into my forties. Thanks though.

I'm in my 60's and still use them and see other people over 30 there. Big difference between the ones in cities and the ones just off a hiking trail.

@tomfuller - then I stand corrected. I just don't think it is my thing anymore. I feel too old to bunk or share facilities. Just me. I admire anyone that can do it though.

Kelsey22,
I was actually getting ready to submit a post similar to yours when I saw yours! I'm also in my 40s (SWF) and have a trip scheduled to France from May 25-June 11, and while I've traveled solo a lot (and love it!), I'd like to find a travel partner for all or half of my trip. Not sure if you have your dates set yet, but I'd like to do a cycling trip for 1 week, and a week in Paris. Shout back if you're interested. If not, hope you have a great trip!
BTW, what is a GTG?

GTG = Get ToGether

Where folks from the board/forums meet up in a city for drinks and or dinner.

Regarding a possible GTG, will be in Paris, 2-9 June with few plans yet. Lunch anyone?

MmePerdu,
Whether I find a travel partner or not, I'd love to GTG for lunch (a picnic, maybe?) while in Paris. I'm not into spending HUGE amounts of $, but am flexible & openminded.

Jayhawk, I'm not a big spender on restaurant meals, by any means, so it sounds like fun. I have 1 out of town overnight planned which will preclude lunch on the Tues.-Wed. so that week on Monday, Thursday or Friday will be good for me. I'll be staying in the 18th to the west of Sacre Coeur and there are some likely places in the area. We could plan to meet and proceed from there. I probably won't have a phone but will have email so we can stay in touch. Let me know what you think.

Jayhawk, I reread the above and it sounds as though I'm limiting the possibilities to that particular area, which I'm not. Any other suggestions will be fine with me.

Sounds good, MmePerdu. I don't know where I'm staying yet in Paris, but that doesn't matter. Monday or Friday would likely work well for me (I might be going to Normandy mid-week). I'm not planning on having phone or take my laptop, but I'm sure I can check email somewhere to confirm details.

Very good. Send me a note, if you will, so I've got yours too:

mmeperdu@gmail.com

Sorry I will miss it - I am going later on in the season. Please write up a trip report. I would love to hear how it all went.

I'm a little late to this party, but you can meet up with people through couchsurfing (it's not just for staying for free with people!). Alternatively, I've heard of people going on the personals of dating sites like match.com or craigslist to meet people, of course saying up front they are just in town for a day or so and just want platonic company.

Following this thread I thought I'd check out 'journeywomen'.
OMG! "Skirts must be ankle length"???? "Cover your blond hair"???? "Deodorant is not the norm in Italy"?????

Where are these women from? The 1800's?
I pity anyone who takes their advice to heart.