Ok, so you know how some states and countries push tourism on a romantic level?

For solo female travellers, what would be some of the favorite European countries to visit if one were interested in meeting new people and possible romantic interests?

From what I have heard from my girl friends you have to swat them off in Roma.

Should one bring a fly swatter or a newspaper?

I get the funniest image in my head of a woman going "shoo shoo" to eager potential Roman lovers! Ha!

Is "romantic interests" a euphemism for one night stands/ short holiday flings?

If so, I'm sure many places will fit the bill - Greece and Italy spring to mind first.

If not, and you're genuinely hoping to meet Mr Right then nowhere is better than anywhere else for how can anyone predict where and when you will fall in love. It could be in the most romantic city in the world or the least... one never knows!

Romantic interests is a euphemism for harmless flirting---not into the 1 night stand thing...not my kind of taste.

Your funniest image is right on, if you are as good looking as my former girlfriends. Just WTH are you looking for?

You're traveling abroad to...harmlessly flirt? Seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to make googly eyes at some guy.

You sure you're not looking for, in the words of Eleanor Lavish, "an adventure"?

An adventure sounds kind of nice....i don't really flirt in my home town, nor do I get flirted with.

So a little acknowledgement of being female would be nice.

Come on, honey. It's an anonymous forum. We won't tell...

Guy18--you are too funny!

I will say that I will relax a bit more and be more open to actually smiling at people for a change.

And it doesn't hurt to have a nice glass of wine in the middle of the day!

We posted at the same time.

So it IS an adventure you want. Glad you've admitted it. Yes, the beaches of the Greek isles do come to mind. I can't tell you exactly where, however. Perhaps someone on the forum can tell a shy young lady where she can let her tempestuous side run free for a change?

(Bring protection and, in all serious, don't get into any situations you don't want to be in. Know what I mean? You sound a bit...innocent.)

Ha! I am far from innocent and probably much older than you....

I am just more....hmm...overly cautious in my everyday life, ya know?

As for protection, thanks to a wonderful Fodorite I learned to NOT carry protection on a plane because the decrease in pressure can cause the prophylactic to lose its airbubble and possibly make it less effective.

But in any case, harmless flirting is enough for me.

Then Italy is probably the destination for you!

Harmless flirting, one night stand, holiday fling, acknowledgement of being a woman ... In my observation, whichever of these you are interested in are widely available for women of any shape, size, color, or degree of attractiveness in Italy. It can reach the level of unpleasantness for the most attractive women, but if you get little play at home, well, you'll feel like the belle of the ball in Italy.

I just don't recommend traveling with the object of finding true love. That one is hard enough no matter where you are.

"but if you get little play at home, well, you'll feel like the belle of the ball in Italy."

I guess you hit the nail on the head!

Okay, perhaps I am being a bit too literal and grandmotherly, but if birthdaygirl gets little attention at home, I doubt very much that the hot blood of Italian men is going to make a world of difference.

Perhaps before she shleps across the pond, she should a)talk to a professional about her shyness and how to get over it b)have a makeover c)get on a fitness/nutritional regimen that is appropriate for her. She might find that what she's looking for is right in her own backyard. Haven't you ever heard Liza do "Ring them bells"?

Not finding love in Europe is dissapointing. Going there to find nuggie and failing is even more depressing...

First off, pump your brakes.

Who said I was going to Europe <i> solely</i> for love? I just asked what would be some goog places to meet new people.

Reeellllaaaaaxxxxxx.

Sorry, birthdaygirl. I was just trying to help. Didn't mean to cross that line.
Still friends, I hope.

Birthdaygirl, don't sweat that last post - firstly, it's just downright rude and secondly, Italian men have a knack of a) seeing the beauty inside a woman rather than merely her outer shell and b) often flirt wonderfully with women in a warm, friendly and harmless way without actually meaning they are committing themselves to bedding her - i.e. they don't panic about giving a kind word to someone they may not wish to go further with.

Have fun on your travels!!!

Thank you!

Btw...I do think I am pretty---but I just think I have too much on my mind most of the time...so when I go on vacation I am usually beaming with joy cause I am relaxed for a change!