Get lucky: our holiday romance guide

Up all night to get some? Or out to find The One? Whatever you’re after when it comes to summer lovin’, here’s how to hook up on holiday

Thought holiday romances were nothing more than drunken fumbles after one too many? Not so – unless you want them to be, that is. Recent research found that one in 10 British couples met while on holiday*, meaning those flirty glances and random snogs could actually amount to something longer term.

“Looking for love on holiday is a great idea,” says sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight. “The choice of men is much bigger than back at home, so your chances of finding Mr Right go up.” So, pack your sexiest bikini, take our top love tips and prepare to pull with our essential guide.

True (holiday) romance

The love-down Fancy a vaycay rendezvous that lasts longer than your tan? Then pick your destination carefully. “Find somewhere lots of British people go, but avoid 18-30-style holidays where people just want to have sex,” advises love expert Tracey Cox. The Brit-packed Balearic Islands are the most common backdrops for couples to meet*, so hit Ibiza or Majorca. The nice bits. And bars aren’t the only places to bump into Mr Right – make the most of beaches, pools and restaurants, too. They’re more relaxed and alcohol isn’t the main focus, so your chances of a more worthwhile conversation are higher.

Always Be yourself. You may feel more confident abroad, but don’t embellish the truth. If you’re an accountant, don’t say you’re the CEO. “Faking it won’t help a holiday romance turn into long-term love once you’re back in the UK,” agrees relationship expert Judi James. Instead, come up with three interesting facts about yourself, such as: “I broke my arm playing kiss chase when I was five,” to use in conversation. Good banter shows off your personality and your holiday hottie will get to know the real you.

Never Look predatory. Many women opt for safety in numbers, but that can make you look like a hunting pack, which may scare off men looking for more than a quickie. It’s also best to avoid men in large groups, who are busy checking out everyone in the room. “Someone scanning the bar too quickly indicates a person after quantity, not quality, when it comes to relationships,” warns Judi. “Go for a man who looks relaxed or even a bit disinterested.”

Pulling kit

OKCupid app This app lets you upload a dating profile, then update your location so you can find other singles in the area (free, iTunes).

A book “This gives blokes a great conversation opener and a way to get to know your interests, whether you’re poolside or on the beach,” says Tracey.

Confidence Don’t be afraid to say: “I’ve had a lovely time, can we stay in contact?” post-flirting to move things forward.

The great sex-scape

The love-down If you’re not out to find long-term love, forget sun, sea and sangria – swap the latter for sex. “Holiday flings can be the perfect way to unwind,” says Judi. “So be fun and flirty and use your corniest chat-up line – this lets him know you’re making a pass rather than pulling for keeps.” And with 58 per cent of Brits admitting to having had a fling abroad**, what are you waiting for?

Always Smile and be bold. As it’s just short-term, er, fulfilment you’re after, you can be a bit more forward. “Men, especially ones also up for some no-strings fun, love women who look like they’re enjoying themselves,” says Arden Leigh, female pick-up artist and author of dating book The New Rules Of Attraction.

“Stand where you’re likely to be noticed. If you’re sitting at a bar, angle your body away from it, and don’t be afraid to let a guy catch you looking at him.” Once you’ve caught his eye, approach your chap of choice with an “opinion opener”. Arden explains: “This is a dilemma you want his opinion on. For example, go over and say: ‘Can you settle an argument for me and my friends? Is it OK for a guy to drink a Cosmopolitan?’ You can then turn the conversation flirty by gently touching his hand or arm when he responds.”

Never Take a bloke back to your hotel when you’re drunk. Not being fully in control can impair your judgement and put you at risk.

Pulling kit

Condoms Whether you’re at home or abroad, be sure to always carry both latex and non-latex condoms, in case you meet one of those guys who insists they’re allergic to latex.

Webroot Sobriety Test app This contains a series of games for you to play that assess how sozzled you are, so you can make a clearer decision about whether the night is right for nookie (free, iTunes).

Flat foot it Pop a pair of ballet flats in your bag. Nothing says “walk of shame” like going barefoot at 10am the next day while carrying your high heels!

Sizzling staycation

Not going away? Here’s how to use that holiday swagger to score at home

* Ditch the local

“Go to bars you don’t normally visit,” says Tracey. “Then you can chat up guys in the way you would on holiday, without worrying you’ll see them again if things don’t go to plan.”

* Stop checking your phone

“Eye contact is the best flirting tool,” says Judi. So get off Facebook, look up and see what’s on offer.

* Pick brights

“People are more likely to wear colourful, adventurous clothes abroad so don your best bright outfit to recreate that fun-loving holiday vibe at home,” says Annabelle. And with studies showing that men are more likely to ask out a woman who’s wearing red†, ditch that LBD for an LRD! “Keep your arms and collarbone bare as it makes you look more approachable,” Arden adds.

* Slather on sunscreen

The smell of suncream equals instant happiness. Wear SPF on your forearms and face for a sexy, feel-good boost that’ll attract men in beer gardens regardless of the weather.

Fyi

Coupled up? Get spicy without leaving the country

Have siesta sex

More than half of couples have sex 10 times a week on a seven-night trip*, so book time off together, then make the most of those long lie-ins and free afternoons at home. It’s the perfect solution if you’re a morning person and he’s a night-time lover, or vice versa.

Forget lingerie

Try wearing a bikini instead. “It’ll recapture the carefree passion of a holiday,” explains Annabelle.

Chat him up

You always find out new things about your other half on holiday. To do the same at home, use the Icebreak app (£1.49, iTunes), which has a Q&A section to help you discover things you never knew about him.