It’s pretty easy to meet people at hostels.
But if there is a particular tour group that you’ve heard about which appeals to you, such as Macbackpackers in Scotland, I would think this might enhance your trip.

I agree with Cil on this one.

I am not against small 2-3 day tours (I did a 3 day Haggis tour of Scotland), but as far as seeing all of Europe in one big tour group like Contiki, i’d pass. It’s really easy to meet people in hostels. I’ve met people at some hostels and ended up hanging out and travelling around together for a few days.

If you are at all outgoing, you will have no trouble meeting people at hostels. Try staying in dorm rooms or places that have common rooms.

my son is doing a combo of travel with a mate and then they will join a contiki tour ..about 18 days
its his first time in europe
im not against tours..if its ur first time
it allows u to get a feel for the places and as a parent i think at least my boy will be looked after for part of the way …
hell be doing the netherlands and spain/portugal just with mates
if ur doing it on ur own …it really depends i think where u want to go
for a girl travelling alone..hmm thats not for me..i have travelled on my own ..its ok ..but theres nothing better than doing it with a friend
second choiceif i had to do it on my own ..id choose some regions and do some daytrips…combination of organised tours and some on my own
id not have a problem travelling round the british isles on my own of course…but i was glad i had a friend to help me out with the gypsies we encountered everywhere thru france and italy
contiki tours that go on for more than 20 days really become a blur…u just crash on the bus after partying and really u miss the fun of the travel..if u book one ..dont be tempted to see a lot of countries…its just a grab bag and u wont absorb anything… at least choose itineraries with as many two night stays if u decide to go the organised tour path
its quieter in fall …not the height of the party season .. but u wont have trouble meeting people thats for sure..just depends on if u want to hook up with them and be flexible with ur plans…
i hear that organised tours attract more females than males…does that sound like it might work for u ? lol i dont know what gender u are…tbonec2 sounds male??

I agree completly. I went to Europe by myself in 2004, and had the time of my life. In fact I met one of my dearest friends (we are meeting back up in Europe again this summer), and my boyfriend (he’s from a city an hour away from me, and we’ve been together ever since). If I had been with a group, I’m not sure if I would have taken the time to meet these new people, so I think going solo is the way to go. There are the occasions when you might be a bit lonely (especially in the less social hostels, but that never lasts for long). Good luck!!!

If it was me, I would go solo. First you don’t have to consider other people’s plans. Just concentrate on where you want to go. You will have much more fun this way. And second I guess you want to meet people with similiar interests to yours. It’s most likely to find them in places you picked yourself

There is a downside that you have to plan the whole trip alone. But there are lot of resources on the web that can help you. If you are flying check out www.lessno.com I got a couple of good deals to Europe last summer.

Solo is the best adventure possible.

Hostels are full of people going solo, in groups, in couples. These people want to meet people too. While abroad, it is the easiest time in your life to meet people and make friends. This is what everyone wants to do.

Tours, blah. If you’re concerned that you don’t know how to backpack and stuff, don’t worry, that’s just part of the adventure. I’ve gone on small tours hither and thither, but I’d never join one long term. I agree with Sparks, they become a blur and you won’t accomplish much.

You’re in Europe, if all you’re going to do is party you could just stay home and do that. Myself, I like to party, lots, but I get out see and learn things, and enjoy the fact that I’m there.

Some hostels will even have daily walk-abouts and different nightly activities designed specifically for travelers to join so they can meet other people.

Great backpacking advice: www.europeanpilgrima…

Cheers

Don’t take a tour unless you want a very expensive sanitized experience. You always have to get your hands a little dirty to get the most out of anything.

I did 

I would definately say going solo gives you the best experience and adventure possible. Your not obliged to do anything and you really take in the atmosphere and ambience of a city more acutely. I’ve just come back from my first trip which was around Adalucia, Southern Spain and had THE time of my life. I met so many friendly folks and seen and done things I could never have imagened myself doing. Alreadly looking forward to planning my next trip….solo is the way to go go!!!

Solo for sure, can you imagine trying to drag yourself out of bed at some un-godly hour of the morning after a previous good nite on the tiles for your tour bus for another full day off travelling on a bus, NAH, you seem to enjoy your partying, and not into Bus tours, so go SOLO
PS I have done tours myself, but then I can adhere to tours