Holidate: love and travel

HOLIDATE Love and travel #holidate Love and travel go hand-in-hand, and being on holiday brings out the romantic side in all of us, so we asked travellers from all over Europe to share their views on romance, lust and everything in-between... 1. Which cities do you consider the most romantic? ...... ......-.....................SS..... ..n ...... No 1. Paris No.2 Venice Top reasons: 1. Attractive landscape 64% 2. The ambience 63% 2. What topics are you most likely to talk about on a first date? ITALY UK IRELAND Music Travel Work 31% 50% 42% 3. Have you ever lied about the places you've travelled to in order to impress someone? UK Ireland Italy No 7.3% No 10.6% No 13.9% Yes Yes PORK PIE Yes PORK PIE PORK PIE France Germany No 7.1% No 5.0% Yes Yes PORK PIE PORK PIE Italians lie about places they've been nearly 300% more than Germans! 4. If you had a dream holiday booked with a partner but split up before the holiday, would you still be tempted to go? 44% 28% 26% No Yes But only Separately Yes - Together if necessary A global guide to flirting Did you know... Holidays abroad provide the perfect setting for romance and flirting. But before you set off on a trip to a foreign country, beware! How we flirt depends largely on our culture; what is considered harmless in one country can be downright rude in another. It's important to make sure you understand the cultural rules before you dive into the flirting game headfirst. + UK Did you know... the British approach to flirting tends to be an indirect one involving subtle and understated hints. Interest is frequently hidden behind a teasing (or even mock-insulting) form of flirtatious banter: "You silly cow!" Your best bet is to keep the humorous chat going, as it will allow you to communicate your true feelings without the risk of embarrassment. IRELAND Did you know... in Ireland, flirting often takes the form of an extended chat-up (the Irish love to talk) and cheeky teasing, with large dollops of the famous 'devilish' Irish charm thrown in. There may also be an attempt to find a family connection: "Who does your da' know?" The best way to show you're keen is to shoot back some lighthearted banter of your own. ITALY Did you know... Italians are renowned for a direct style of flirting that other cultures can find excessive (though Italians see it as simply a form of teasing). Italy has a strong body contact culture, so touching, especially of the hand or arm, is a natural way to show interest. FRANCE Did you know... the French consider flirting an art, typically involving good-natured flattery and slightly cheesy compliments such as "you have really nice eyes". If you're keen to respond, smile warmly and let them know how much you appreciate the compliment. Or come up with a compliment of your own. + GERMANY Did you know... kissing a woman's hand, a traditional greeting and sign of respect in Germany, has seen a recent revival. When this ceremony is accompanied by seductive glances and a hand squeeze, you can be sure you've crossed over into flirting territory. SPAIN Did you know... in Spain, a centuries-old flirting language surrounds the fan, which is still commonly used in hot weather. Vigorous fanning signals "I'm in love with you", while running your fingers along the ribs of the fan means "I'm interested - let's talk". Watch carefully to make sure you've read the cues correctly. Then respond with warm, animated conversation, using plenty of hand gestures. JAPAN Did you know... in Japan, eye contact can be seen as rude and disrespectful while shy ness is considered attractive. The best way to flirt is to look at everyone but the person you fancy - and never make eye contact! THE NETHERLANDS Did you know... in the Netherlands, touching strangers - even just a friendly hand on the shoulder in the pub - is a big no-no, so flirting tends to revolve around eye contact. Try to hold the gaze of someone you fancy for at least one second (not too much more, though, or you will seem threatening). Expedia.co.uk People shaped travel Sources: www.expatica.com/nl/lifestyle_leisure/lifestyle/how-to-flirt-a-european-guide27582_11851.html www.brighthubeducation.com/social-studies-help/35828-flirting-gestures- and-what-they-mean-in-different-cultures/ www.aleksandreia.com/2010/11/20/italy-vs-canada-flirting-styles/ http://helenafrithpowell.com/daily-mail-articles/berlusconi-excused-because-italian-men-live-for-flirting www.her.ie/story/irish-flirting-101-the-strange-lines-the-local-fellas-use-to-chat-us-up-155476 www.expatica.com/fr/life-in-france/blogs_photos/how-to-flirt-a-european-guide-27582_11851.html www.sirc.org/publik/flirt.html www.simonseeks.com/travel-guides/how-find-love-holiday_164532 "Watching the English -The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour' by Kate Fox