Expert Answer:

Malcolm O’Brien, Talk2Us manager, Lonely Planet, writes: '
"Travelling alone definitely has advantages and disadvantages. The freedom can be great, but sometimes it can seem a shame not to be sharing the experience.
There are some great companies around offering small-group travel to an amazing range of destinations – and there are trips to suit different types of travellers, from the laid-back lounger to the hardcore trekker. We’ve heard good things about Intrepid Travel, which started in Australia and has expanded into the UK, (intrepidtravel.com.au). Another company dedicated to travellers wanting to break away from solo travel can be found at singlestravel.com.au.
Alternatively, before your trip you could log on to Lonely Planet’s online bulletin board (thorntree.lonelyplanet.com) and find a companion. You can either search for a trip you would like to join, or advertise the trip you are planning and ask if someone else would like to accompany you."