I live in Charleston and the ratio to men to women is not in our favor. A group of us are wanting to take a vacation in the us or mexico that will fit a working women's budget. Any thoughts or ideas?

Are you specifically looking for someplace to meet men??

Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta in Mexico are nice spots that can be very reasonable priced.

But if you are looking specifically to meet men you might want more to look at a singles resort or cruise of some sort.

Meeting men would be a plus but where older singles may vacation, not college kids.

Buenos Aires

the bahamas and hawaii are male-heavy. perhaps nassau? turks? maui? the big island? all very fun!

Just get a long lay over at the air-port, they'll swarm also, wear heels, the men seem weak with a lady in heels.

If you're looking for a trip where you can meet single men, avoid a cruise. Back in my single days I took a cruise thinking it was the Love Boat. Instead it was older people, couples, and single women.

Hey all you single guys out there who want to meet women--TAKE A CRUISE!!

I must say that these days I enjoy cruising with my husband.

Good luck and I hope it's a fun trip, whatever you decide.

Is traveling with a "group" of women really the most efficient way? I would think you'd be much more likely to meet people if you traveled solo.

I agree Suze. I've been told by male friends that they are more likely to approach a woman alone than one in a group. Their reasoning is that the woman is more likely to actually talk to them and that if they are rebuffed, it's not in front of an audience. Apparently a group of women whispering and giggling can have a detrimental affect on a man's confidence.

That was my thought exactly! Ditch your girlfriends, if meeting men if the primary goal

Picturing a group of women laying out by the pool, having cocktails in a bar, whatever... hardly invites strange men to come up and introduce themselves.

That said, traveling solo, I often strike up a conversation with a single male... usually by the hotel pool or at a restaurant or bar. Sometimes we've hit it off well enough to make other dates together during the rest of our trip.

Just to lend a point of view...I'm not interested in developing a heartfelt relationship- one night or otherwise- when I travel. I'm a family man.

But I will admit that I'd be more willing to strike up a conversation with someone alone rather than in a group. It just seems more conducive to social interaction than trying to impose on a group...for what it's worth.

Traveling solo is a good way to meet people. Traveling with a group of friends... not so much
;-)

fantastic thread. Just what I was looking for, and ruminating on in another forum.
I'm a single male in mid-30s, travelling to France for a week in end-November (Paris + Provence) And I was wondering where to meet other interesting people - whether for romance, or just hanging out after a long day alone.
Does anyone have specific suggestions for Paris (hotels, hostels, cafes, bars) or general suggestions?
And I agree with comments on this thread - groups of women are not exactly inviting a man in. I'm a social and extrovert person, but even then, talking to more than two strange women at once can be quite intimidating for a man.

My advice is of a general nature, with the disclaimer I've not tried it myself!

I would attempt to make some arrangements ahead of time over the internet. First simply finding schedules of various local events, street fairs, lectures, classes, live music, whatever, & secondly to try to arrange a "coffee date" with someone specific who you have hooked up with over the internet who living in Paris and open to meeting you.

thanks for your reply Suze.
I'll find some local events taking place that week.
Do you know of online resources where I can find people travelling to Paris at the same time? Besides Fodors of course, which is for everyone travelling everywhere.
Internet hook ups??? hmmmm....I'm afraid those are difficult and tricky to come by - especially cross Atlantic.

I know what you mean about internet hookups, but I'm not sure it's any trickier than wandering around Paris hoping to find a date -lol!

Other travel websites similar to this format you can check The Thorn Tree at www.lonelyplanet.com. Loads of people from all over the world post there (it's an Aussie website).

I'm not sure if 'travel companions' are commonly asked about, but you can also check the Paris forum over at www.tripadvisor.com. Some people think of them for hotel reviews only but they have a very lively forum section of the website these days also.

The idea of local events is a good one, and actually goes back to the original question on this thread in a way! I've found when the town is out in the streets for something festive like the weekly market or a wine festival or whatever people talk with each other more naturally.

Hi,

I am going on my first solo trip abroad to Argentina and I recently came across this website. It has been a great resource and may be what you are looking for to meet other solo travelers as well as locals who are open to meeting up. People on there are from all over the world:

virtualtourist.com

Also, you could try posting on craigslist.com for the area you are going to be traveling to.

Cheers!

Everyone is right when they say it's easier to meet guys when traveling alone. This past weekend I was in Utah skiing and I went to a sushi place for dinner. I sat at the sushi bar and next to me was a single guy. We ended up talking the entire time and I gave him a ride home as we were both at the same hotel. Nothing happened but it was fun and interesting.

In Buenos Aires once I was sitting alone at a restaurant next to two cute guys speaking Spanish (I speak none). All of the sudden I heard one of them say "Propecia" and I started laughing. Turns out they spoke English too so we started talking and I ended up sharing a few drinks with them. It was also really fun.

Finally, while skiing in Colorado two years ago I met an Australian guy on the lift. Having just spent 2 months there I was very excited and we ended up skiing together for a few days. We IM all of the time on google mail, and since I will be in Sydney for a wedding next month we have planned a side trip to Tasmania together! Just friends, but really funny and it should be a great trip.

If you want to go with friends I suggest going with 1 or 2 people and maybe to a Club Med? Never been but they seem like pickup type places.