It’s officially spring! I hope that many of you have plans to be somewhere warm in the next month. If you do, and you’re single and mingling, you may be on the lookout for a vacation fling. Perhaps even just a vacation flirtation. If you are, check out these three travel scenarios. They’ll help you put your best foot forward when meeting women while on vacation.
The Flight Flirtation
You’re boarding a plane to the vacation you looked forward to through all of grey January and snowy February. You stow your bag, find your seat, and settle in. A casual glance up at the other passengers in the aisle, and you double take. A woman who could pass for Emilia Clarke is making her way through the plane…slowing down…wait…she’s sitting in the seat next to you. Whaaaa? The flight flirtation is a delicate dance. You have to sit next to each other for several hours, so you don’t want to be too forward, too interested. Let her get comfortable. Wait until there is a natural interruption to begin conversation–the pilot saying you have to wait on the tarmac for half an hour (“Ugh, seems like this always happens to me”), or you recognize the book she’s reading (“My sister loved that book, are you enjoying it?”). Then, be careful to read her body language. If she turns away, if she doesn’t make eye contact, if she doesn’t follow up with questions to you…leave it be. Most women have had uncomfortable flights with pushy or inappropriate men, and you don’t want to be that guy. If she does respond, keep it casual and light, ask her questions and listen to her answers. After you’ve gotten off the plane, if it feels right, see if she’s free to grab a drink with you sometime during your vacation.
Airplane cabin, or love incubator?
The Poolside Play
It’s another perfect day in paradise. You’re at the pool or on the beach with friends, soaking up the rays. Maybe you’re enjoying an ice cold beer or catching up on your reading. The only thing that could make this moment better is sparkling conversation with a pretty lady. When you spy someone who looks interesting, I’d encourage you to approach her. You have so little to lose–you’ll never see her again if she turns you down. In this scenario, I like a group approach. Take a couple of your buddies over to her group of friends and strike up conversation. Try to approximate the number of people she’s with. That is, if you’re traveling with ten of your friends and she’s traveling with two, don’t take your whole group over, it’s too intimidating. Be sincerely friendly with all of her friends, engaging each of them in conversation. Once you’ve been chatting for a while, you can zero in on the woman who’s caught your eye. Propose meeting for dinner as a group later on, or arrange a group excursion somewhere fun for the next day.
For the record, this is not the type of “picking up” I recommend.
The Tour Tease
You’re not the type to lounge or relax on your vacation. You pick destinations where there is a lot to do–hiking through rainforests or checking off museums. If you meet Lupita Nyong’o‘s doppelganger while on bike tour through Andalucia, you may be tempted to make a move. The downside to pursuing someone while on vacation in a group tour setting is that you’ll be spending most of your time together so you can’t run away from embarrassment or rejection. The upside is that you have much more opportunity to work your charms. Use it to your advantage. Take the time to strike up meaningful conversations and show real interest. Then make a move once you’ve established a connection.
The bad news about this trip is you have to jump off a cliff. The good news about this trip is you get to kiss Mila Kunis afterwards.
Happy travels!
About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .