any body have any knowledge of any resources for solo travelers to meet up with other travelers in europe for socializing. My friends/family at home do not share the same desire or means to travel to Europe as much as I want to so rather that wait around and never go, I decide to go myself. My first trip was in 2006 to Provence and it was the trip of a lifetime.

While I loved the freedom to go wherever I wanted and have my own itinerary, it would be nice to meet other English speakers to hang out with in cafe for dinner or to have a few drinks. I had looked into some of those women traveler tour companies but I hate the idea of being on a set schedule with these pre-set itneraries, hearded around like cattle. Plus, I do mch better with planning my accomadations and activities from home ahead of time and save money. Is there any kind of communication portal to find people who may be the same area at a certain time.

Hello cmrey4. Something that some Fodorite's do is to start a thread with the title along the lines of "Want to have a GTG in (insert name of city or area) between (insert the dates you will be there)?

Many Fodorites have met each other that way and have had lots of fun together. Unless they previously have met most people seem to set up a GTG by deciding on a restaurant, the day and date and the time. I can be for coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner. That was you are meeting in a public place which is good to do when first meeting unknown people. But I have never heard of any Fodorite having a bad experience when meeting other Fodorites. And some have ended up getting to again more than once.

Also, there are tours that you might enjoy that are for X number of hours. Usually a walking tour. You might meet some other interesting people and end up having a drink together at the end of the tour. No guarantee of course but even if that doesn't work out you will have the company of people with the same interest for some hours which can be fun.

Just two thoughts. And do have a lovely trip.

There's a solo traveler selection if you click on the "smart tips" forum.

I know this isn't what you want, but I'm throwing it up there to consider. Lots of biking companies have trips for singles. That means you may have breakfast and dinner with the same people, but once you're on the bike (and you can choose NOT to bike) after breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy in any manner you like.

On our trips,I've met many a wife who has chosen this option when the husband has refused to travel, and each one of them loved it. I swear all of them have used your exact phrasing, "...rather than wait around and never go..."

On any biking trip we've taken, we've arranged pre- and post-trip days on our own, so perhaps you could get the best of both worlds in terms of your own planning but some great socialization.

No matter what you choose, God Bless You for doing rather than waiting.

Virtualtourist.com is a great site for connecting with travelers. There are members from all over the world and you can look at their pages, read their tips and email them directly. Many times there are people who would be happy to connect for a meal or a drink or even take you on a tour of their city.

They also have a place to post notices for meetings or get togethers.

What about a day tour wherever you are? We took a Mike's Bike tour in Amsterdam and everybody stopped at a pub for a drink at the end. London has pub crawl tours which sound like fun and probably a good way to meet people, although I haven't been yet. Maybe a cooking class somewhere, where everyone eats what they've cooked? Some places have people that volunteer to give visitors a tour of their city - New York City has a program like that.

Hi CMREY4: I too travel solo because it's hard to find reliable people to travel with and plus most of my friends while would love to travel with me can't due to financial or other reasons. So I travel alone and love it. I must say that there are times when it would be nice to meet up with someone to have dinner or a drink. But for the most part I never leave home when traveling without a book so that when I'm in a restaurant I can occupy my time with reading. That said, while, like you, I do enjoy the freedom to go wherever I want to and have my own itinerary, it would be nice to meet up with other travelers for dinner and/or a drink in whatever city I'm in.

Google In Touch Travel. It's a worldwide group of people who host visitors to their respective countries. I believe you pay for the hosting, but it's worth looking into.