Expert advice from one in the know

I must have been 27 when I met *Ben while vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard. He was British, intelligent and very droll (God, I love that word). We spent a good three hours talking and drinking at the Sand Bar before going our separate ways. He noticed me not because I was wearing a tiny, island-friendly bikini — I was fully clothed, thank you very much — but because I seemed like the the life of the party. I chatted non-stop, refused to stop smiling and chatted up everyone that crossed my path.

Fast forward one year. I was in London, where he lived, visiting a friend. He, quite inconveniently, was in Paris for work. As I was planning on heading to France for the weekend anyway, I decided to meet him there. It was there that I had one of the most romantic moments of my life…and for those who have never been kissed in plain view of the Arc de Triomphe at night, I highly recommend it.

My point here is that I would have missed this epic, fairytale moment had I not been open to meeting a stranger on vacation. Sure, there was a fair bit of flirting on both of our parts, and a healthy attraction as well. But I’m sticking to this: nothing is more attractiveness than a) joy and b) confidence. Even now I find that when I’m genuinely happy, I get hit on far more often.

But I know that’s easier said than done, which is why I suggest you take in these tips from relationship expert Dina Colada. Check out her tips for meeting men on vacation here!

1. Get connected to people, not your smart phone.
If you have to get connected, at least do it in a busy coffee shop where there are lots of other people checking their Facebook notifications. When you’re traveling single, you have so many opportunities to meet interesting men. While you’re walking down the street, don’t keep your attention on Google maps. Instead, ask a local for directions to the world’s biggest ball of yarn.

2. Don’t hide those baby blues.
Take off your sunglasses, unless you want to remain in your little sunglasses bubble. This way you can make delicious eye contact with all three of the handsome strangers telling you to make a left at the second light.

In the new town you’re visiting, there are loads of new people everywhere. Just keep your eyes open and look around. Enjoy the scenery…and I don’t mean just the trees and the mountains. Check out the men and keep yourself open to everyone. It’s great being the tourist in a sexy sundress who just doesn’t know where anything is!

3. Keep the ruby red lipstick off of your teeth.
You packed your cutest, most comfy, strappy red sandals that will carry you gracefully and in style in your adventure, now you’ve got to unpack those pearly whites. When you’re traveling single, you have to smile. When you dazzle the security guy at the art museum with your ivory charms, it’s an invitation for him to smile back and start a conversation. Keep things fun and flirty with him; he’s probably not going to be your new husband.

4. Rendezvous with strangers.
Make a point to meet as many people as you can when you’re traveling solo. Asking for directions is an easy excuse and you can use it all day long. You can also ask locals about the history of the area. Guys love to be useful, especially when they get to show you how smart they are. And when they’re pointing you this way or that, you can check out his toned arms and ask him about his gym. You can also ask that cutie who has the best latte in town or where to get the best spicy tuna roll. Maybe he’ll ask if you want to share some your time with him over Thai Pho.

5. Meet the bartender.
Look for the purse hanger under the bar at the restaurant the seventh guy told you about, but curb your cosmopolitan consumption. Sitting at the bar — even if you don’t drink alcohol — is a great place to meet traveling single businessmen and nifty locals. Bartenders are connecters. They know everyone, or at least everyone knows them.

You cocktail connoisseur is the eyes and ears of the town. They know where the best band is playing and who has supreme artichoke, pesto chicken pizza. I don’t want you to blackout and really forget the directions he has given you to your hotel. When you’re traveling single, you’ve got to keep your head about you and only have faux direction forgetfulness.