Diners' Club

"We should look for someone with whom to eat and drink before looking for something to eat and drink," Epicurus once advised—and it's a sentiment many a lonely road warrior would agree with. To expand your culinary and social horizons, join any of these welcoming dining societies:

MUNICH Briton James Pearn runs the Munich Dining Club for young English-language speakers, which meets every few weeks. "The club's aim is to go to some of the best restaurants," says Pearn. A typical dinner starts from $24, usually with a $7 cover charge.

TORONTO The Serial Diners Club has but one laudable goal: working through the restaurant listings in the local Yellow Pages (except for venues "playing music at volume level 11"). The club, which offers free membership, meets weekly and has so far eaten its way through to the letter g.

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LONDON The Champagne Dining Club is a lesbian-only dining society that meets about twice a month for lunch or dinner. The joining fee is $134 (less if a couple of friends join with you), annual subscriptions are $89 and meals start from about $90.

CHICAGO The Eight at Eight society brings together four males and four females per function—though officially it's not a dating service. Members must be at least 21 and have college degrees. Dinners typically begin at $25. Also in New York and other U.S. cities.

TAIPEI The Taipei Cigar Club meets once a month for food, drink and a relaxing stogie. Members are mostly expatriates, but anybody can join and membership is free.