Swinging (and Biking and Swimming . . . ) Singles

Getting active provides an effective 'in' for unattached adventurers

If your version of the perfect vacation involves sweat, tousled hair and meeting new people, many options await you.

Every day new packages pop up catering to a growing number of single adventure-lovers looking for the companionship and security that comes from traveling in a group.

Even if the idea of a "singles-only" vacation makes you cringe, there are thousand of singles-friendly options for travelers with packages organized around activities and destinations that naturally facilitate connections.

When sifting through the possibilities, carefully consider what you want to get out of your vacation, urges Diane Redfern Founder of Connecting: Solo Travel Network. By taking a more purpose-filled trip, she says, you increase your odds of meeting like-minded people.

Simply by being the sort of person who prefers moving to lounging on vacation, you have already improved your chances of finding people you'll click with.

Maybe you are a stressed-out urban executive looking for romance on a dude ranch. Maybe you are a cowboy who wants to learn to tango. Maybe you want to cycle across the country while volunteering; maybe you want to swing through a rainforest like Tarzan. Regardless of who you are and the type of adventure you are after, the list below should offer something to pique your interest.

Tango in Buenos Aires

In the world of dancing, it doesn't get much sexier than tango. If you are going to learn it, you might as well do so properly, in tango's birthplace, the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.

El Abrazo Trips, named after "the embrace," a central element of Argentinean tango, offers one week intensive tango immersion experiences. Regardless of whether you aspire to learn the basics or become a professional, partners Ney Milo and Jennifer Bratt promise to help you improve your understanding of the sensual moves, the racy history and the complex culture.

Days are filled with technique classes and insider tours of the city. Nights are spent at milongas, wild -- yet sophisticated -- tango parties that keep going until dawn. Participants need not worry about dancing alone; El Abrazo pairs everyone up with experienced local dance partners.

According to Milo, when participants finally let go of their inhibitions and become comfortable connecting with the music and their partner, they will discover a whole new world.

Details: The next tour departs Dec 27, 2006 and returns Jan 3, 2007. The cost is $1500 without airfare. For more information go to http://www.close-embrace.com/contact.html, e-mail jennifer@close-embrace.com or call 718-753-0521.

Yoga in Thailand

The stunning island featured in the movie, "The Beach," does exist and is more than just a playground for Leonardo DiCaprio and his lovers. Phi Phi, as it is called, draws thousands of non-stars every year who are looking to expand their yoga repertoire on its perfectly white sandy shores.