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I actually married a fellow tourist !!

We've all heard of the phrase a 'Holiday Romance' and some may even have had first-hand experiences! But for anyone has this ever led to a serious life-long 'happily-ever-after' relationship? Or, as most cynics would have us believe, once the stunning picture postcard holiday settings have faded and the thousands of miles of distance between you has set in, did the romance indeed die a swift death?!

To the top. Don't qualify to participate here, Jessie...But it sounds like you've an interesting story. And I can't believe you're the only one...?

Hi, I have two friends that knew each other here at home, but they both thought they didn't have a chance with one another (the beautiful people and their attitudes you know). Then they met in Florida where they were both on vacation. They began dating there and have been happily married for the past 10 years.

Romance! Let's hear it for romance!

I met my husband while on hoiday in Newquay, Cornwall and after a long distance romace,as we lived miles apart in the UK, we got married. This year we will be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. One in the eye for the cynics!

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. But we're headed for the happily ever after. My tale of romance between two countries, across one ocean, began over 5 years ago. I was on vacation in Europe, but he was not. Some smiles and flirtatious exchanges, and after the vacation, some light correspondence - postcards, Christmas cards (you get the idea). Then one day a year later there was a somewhat chance meeting in his native Italy. Fast forward to the present - we have been on the same continent for two years, actually in the same apartment, and are planning our wedding. I'm far from celebrating my 29th wedding anniversary, but I'm looking forward to it.

Hamlet, Could you expound on your "somewhat chance meeting in his native Italy"? Very interested to hear more about it. Sandi

Why do i get the feeling that a "somewhat chance meeting" was at least somwhat premeditated (by one party if not both!). Nice story toi read - congratulations!

Congratulations on your impending nuptials, Hamlet! I'm pleased to see that romance indeed still lives!! Perhaps there is a glimmer of hope for me..? The title of this thread is less to do with what has happened -and more to do with what I'd like to happen!!! I'll explain...... I met my fellow tourist whilst we both were on holiday in Russia 6 months ago. We hit it off and soon had developed a holiday friendship. But there seemed to be a spark of something more..... E-mail addresses were exchanged (the role of technology in romance these days!) Since then there has been some 'light correspondence'. He has briefly flown into my continent for a couple of one day/few hour visits for business, but not with enough time to meet up. He has emailed several times that if he ever has free time in my city, he would love to meet up...it has yet to happen... However, in a month it will be time for my 'chance meeting' and I will be flying across the ocean to his home city for a 5 day holiday.(I honestly do actually want to see the city!!) I was curious as to whether such relationships could ever work out- as I live on another continent, across an ocean, far far away!! I not even sure if it's worth telling him that I'm coming ,as I'm wondering if there is any point? Perhaps all your words should make me reconsider...

I was a poor student looking to see somewhere outside my hometown, and so ended up working at a summer camp in the Berkshires, and met a poor Irish student also working at the camp. Maybe we weren't exactly tourists, but when you have no money, and would like to see the world, summer camp isn't so bad. Anyway, three years, huge phone bills, and many plane rides later, we were married. That was 9 years ago. Long-distance relationships DO work out, if both people want them to. It's a hell of a lot easier today than it was in the late 80s--if only we had had instant messaging! And it still cost around 40 cents a minute to call the UK from the US at that point.

Okay, maybe "somewhat chance meeting" is very vague. The details - in early 1995 I went to Rome and loved Italy (my 1st trip there), I was planning my return trip before I even left. That summer I was on a tour in Europe (but not in Italy) when I met my current boyfriend who is Italian, from the Sorrento area. After the summer we exchanged a few calls, postcards, etc. I liked what little I knew of him, but kept the correspondence casual. In early 1996 I was REALLY planning my next trip to Italy and I wrote and called him to let him know I was headed over there. Last I heard from him was a "Happy New Year" and that he was leaving home to work elsewhere (it’s common in Italy). Weeks and months passed and I never heard anything back and nobody ever answered his phone so I just went on with my travel plans. He finally did call in mid-June......but I was in Rome and it was around 10:30pm on my last night of my 2 week trip through Italy. I happened to check in at home and I found out that he just called. So of course the next thing I did was call him and tell him where I was. That day or the night before he had just returned to Sorrento, where I was 2 days before (and did try to call)! My flight was scheduled to leave around 2:30 the next afternoon and I dared ask him (with hope in my heart) if he would be able to come to Rome before I left. He said he would try to figure it out and call me back at the hotel. About an hour later he called and said he would borrow a friend’s car and was on his way. By this time it was midnight and he said it would take him 3-4 hours to drive up. And that’s what he did. So, sorry if "somewhat chance meeting" isn’t an accurate description, but that’s the story of what happened. Jessie - Long distance relationships can work out, but you realize that relationships alone are hard, throw in the long distance aspect and you’ve got a full plate. I think "swift death" is the more popular ending but I know of stories similar to mine and others that went pretty far/long, so it is possible. I think there was a similar thread a while back, if I find it I’ll send it up. Good luck.

A couple years out of college, I met a Norwegian on a trip to Barbados. He was working in the Caribbean and I would fly to one island or another about 1-2 times a month to meet up with him for the weekends. After around 3 months he came to see me here in the States and stayed with me for about a month...I thought I would go CRAZY!!! I guess what I was actually feeling was the romance and excitement of a long-distant "exotic" relationship, not the day to day living with him. That was an eye-opener!

Jessie, back again, to reinforce that long distance relationships really do work out, and often times you build a more solid relationship than if you see each other every day. My husband and I appreciate every minute we have together now because we spent three years apart (and that was 9 years ago). We also trust each other completely--something we were forced to do living so far apart. The short times that we had together during those three years on different continent were so special. And the best thing is that we have a written record of the first three years of our relationship, through almost daily letters (no one's seeing those until we're both dead!). That said, it was extremely difficult and lonely at times, but neither of us ever questioned whether it was worth it. We were both madly in love and still are. Coming from different countries also adds another dimension to our lives, as we both got to really see what life was like in the other's country. And we've been able to live for a time in both countries. Go for it--the worst that could happen is that you'll have another story to tell.

... I never said I regretted anything. (Jane. I'm with you!) ...what a better way to meet someone after your own soul than doing what you love the best! I have some wonderful stories... I'm still looking...lol

Thanks everyone. Your stories and advice have made me realise that I'd always regret it if I had never even tried! So I've decided I'll let someone know I'm visiting his town....and just take it from there. After all, 'nothing ventured..nothing gained'! And I can see many of you feel you did gain something. Hey, if there's any story that develops(blissful or catastrophic!)I promise to let you know! Thanks again. Fingers crossed...! Jessie

Hi everyone! Just back from my trip and as promised here is the update!(Especially for Jane & Hamlet, so I hope you'll see this!) I went to Chicago and it was a truly wonderful city! It has amazing skyscrapers, many interesting sights, grand shopping malls and delicious cheesecake and pizza! I loved it and would highly recommend it to all for a holiday! As for the romance...well, here's what transpired in the Windy City... In the end, I did email someone to tell him me and my Mom would be visiting his home town. I received multiple enthusiastic replies, stating how much he was looking forward to our visit. He even wanted to prearrange an evening out for us to to meet up with him and his folks during our trip.(Both our families had made friends during the Russia trip last year). Once in Chicago, I phoned him to confirm our plans, and he seemed extremely bubbly, friendly and excited that we were in town. He was insistent that he would drive in from his home 30 miles away in the suburbs and collect us from our downtown hotel to take us dinner. So at this stage ,even pessimistic me thought it sounded at least a little encouraging..? [BIG MISTAKE!!] On the fateful evening, he got caught in a major traffic jam and it took him a hour extra en route to reach us.(Poor guy!). He actually seemed only just a little irritated, but much more noticeably he was quiet-especially towards me! In the car, he almost seemed happier chatting to my Mom! Well, we spent the evening in a bustling trendy restaurant in Greektown. His family were very friendly and seemed to know a lot about me from what I'd told him a long time ago. But here's where it really went downhill!! For some reason that I still can't figure out,he was a completely different person to what I'd expected from even just the day before! We sat opposite each other, yet he seemed uncomfortable to have any form of conversation with me. So, occasionally I dared to talk to him , but he was completely detached and almost reluctant in his replies! I have no idea what happened!! A few days later, I called to thank them all for the meal and say goodbye before we left Chicago, but got only his mobile voicemail, so I left a message-it was essentially a final farewell, after the disastrous evening! It has been one month now and there has been no emails , nor do I plan to send any again. It was strange...or perhaps I'm missing something obvious? (Please enlighten me if so...!) However, I did have an excellent time seeing Chicago! It is a fantastic city! And I still do agree with all who feel nothing ventured, nothing gained! Unfortunately, this case is something ventured, still nothing gained!! Hey, you win some,you lose some..!

Jessie-sorry things didn't end well, but I'm glad that you took a chance. Better luck next time!