White carriage waiting for passengers in the old harbor of Chania, Crete
Anthony Woods

Singles Vacations in Stunning Destinations

5 Ways to Meet Someone New
By Charis Atlas Heelan; Edited by Abigail Shneyder

Traveling solo? Meet someone new who shares your travel dreams on one of these singles vacations! Whether you're adventuring in the great outdoors or refining your Italian cooking skills, meet new people who share your interests. If it’s too hot in the kitchen, get out and splash around the beach with your new friends instead!
Poppy fields in Abbazia di Sant'Angelo
Georgios Makkas
1. Tuscany, Italy
What: A Singles Italian Cooking Vacation brings together up to 14 singles from around the world who share a love of food and travel. Spend a week at beautiful Casa Ombuto, a Tuscan villa in the hills of the Casentino valley. Apart from learning how to cook delicious and authentic Tuscan food (and eating it afterwards), guests can spend time around the estate or pool or take in some of the historical sites in the area.
Where: The closest village to this villa is Poppi -- 30 miles south of Florence
When: Three day and one-week courses run regularly year-round
Who: Courses led by Italian chef Paola Baccetti
Price: $3,600 for single occupancy which includes meals, seven nights at Casa Ombuto, four cooking lessons approximately four hours each, a cookbook, apron and certificate, and Tuscan wine and liquors during and after dinner.
More Info: tel. 888/722-6901; www.italiancookerycourse.com, info@tuscookany.com

Panorama of Agios Nikolaos (or Ayios, Aghios) town in Crete, Greece
dpiphoto/istockphoto.com
2. Crete, Greece
What: Join Singles Travel International's "Isle of Crete Rendezvous" trip and get a head start on summer -- plus get your own room across from the beach without paying that pesky single supplement. Crete's traditional villages, sandy beaches, rocky bays, archaeological sites, and bountiful seafood are sure to attract the most discerning fun-loving singles from around the world.
When: May and July; Check calender online for details
Who: Singles between 35 and 63 (or close to those ages)
Price: The less than $2,000 Crete package includes accommodations for seven nights in a private, single occupancy deluxe room, seven breakfasts and six four-course dinners, welcome refreshment, Falarsana Beach & Sfinari Fish lunch tour, cooking demonstration, airport transfers, Elafonissi Beach boat excursion with light lunch, and a Greek night with entertainment.
More Info: tel. 877/765-6874; www.singlestravelintl.com, tweiler@singlestravelintl.com

Photo caption: Panorama of Agios Nikolaos (or Ayios, Aghios) town in Crete, Greece
A shaded gazebo overlooks the water in Turks & Caicos
Marco Garcia
3. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
What: In the 1980's Club Med was the singles vacation resort, and despite becoming more family focused, there are still a few Club Med destinations that rank high in the singles trip stakes. Club Med Turkoise offers an adults-only inclusive vacation on the beach on the island of Providenciales, with world class diving, water sports, relaxation and lots of great food and entertainment.
Where: Club Med Turkoise, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
When: Throughout the year
Price: Starting at $750 per adult
More Info: tel. 888/932-2582; www.clubmed.us

Photo caption: A shaded gazebo overlooks the water in Turks & Caicos
Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies
mjunsworth/istockphoto.com
4. Rocky Mountains, Canada
What: Meet Market Adventures' "Best of the Rockies" trip takes singles on a seven day Canadian Rocky Mountains adventure exploring Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks. Hike to stunning locations like Lake Louise, Minnewanka Lake, Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls by day and gather around a cosy campfire by night to relax in the Canadian wilderness.
Where: The tour begins and ends in Calgary, visiting Minnewanka Lake, Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel, Emerald Lake, Icefield Parkway, Peyto Lake, Bow Summit, Saskathewan Glacier, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Wilcox Pass
When: Varies by year
Who: Singles between 25 and 50
Price: Package includes a driver/guide, all taxes are included, all meals, entrance fees to National Parks, all camping equipment (except sleeping bag), camping fees; and transport by private minibus. Pricing available upon request.
More Info: tel. 866/907-4006; www.meetmarketadventures.com info@meetmarketadventures.com

Photo caption: Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies
Taj Mahal at twilight
Ashish Sood
5. India
What: Fastdater Singles Travel's eight-day "Indian Sampler" is an all-inclusive escorted tour that includes visits to some of India's most famous destinations and attractions including the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi; Samode Bagh; Fatehpur Sikri; the Taj Mahal; Agra Fort; and the Amber Fort in Jaipur.
Where: New Delhi, India
When: Varies by year
Price: $2,650 per person based on two people sharing a room. Fastdater provides a room-matching service for you, or you can pay an additional $695 if you would prefer a private room. Prices include round-trip airfare from either New York or Chicago to New Delhi; India air and land transportation; professional tour guides; six nights in five-star deluxe hotels and one night in a luxury tent; sightseeing tours in each city; and airport transfers
More Info: tel. 212/752-2429; www.fastdatertravel.com, info@singlestravelservice.com

Photo caption: Taj Mahal in Agra, India
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