Singles set off to freewheeling Amsterdam in droves for the ultimate in boys-being-boys and girls-gone-wild escapades, mesmerized by the city's free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. But there's plenty of culture, art, and beauty to be found, too. Should you find a fellow single that piques your interest away from the debauchery, start your love affair with a hand-in-hand stroll along the 1,000-plus bridges that span the city's 160 canals.

While cruising has long been regarded as a couples sport, the tides are now turning. Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a party atmosphere and attract lots of unattached cruisers. Though most all cruise ships host singles mixers during the first day or two, special singles vacation theme cruises like these are gaining popularity and are a guarantee for meeting other travelers looking for love. What's more, a number of cruise lines feature some studio staterooms on its ships.

Beautiful and bountiful characterizes the singles scene in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, The popularity of the tango means lots of willing dance partners in Argentina's capital are looking to pair up, and we can't think of a better way to forge a romance than while dancing one of the world's most seductive dances. Even if you come home alone, knowing a few tango moves will certainly be advantageous in your next love affair.

Legend has it that men outnumber women 2-to-1 in Alaska – and although actual census data doesn't give the ladies quite such odds, it's nonetheless true that more men than women do live in the 49th state. Burly outdoorsmen who can build a cozy fire (without Duraflame) and take on a grizzly abound, particularly in "bush Alaska" where miners, trappers, and fishermen live. City gals who love fur hats and lipstick equally, however, can descend on the capital at Juneau, for a singles vacation with a bit of cosmopolitan flair. Not only are political powerhouses also on the scene, but ample restaurants, galleries, and watering holes are on hand to make the setting for a great first date.

With a motto like "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," it's no surprise that Sin City is rife with opportunities to misbehave. Single guys and gals flock here from around the globe, many in town for the hedonistic tradition of the bachelor/bachelorette party and looking for love (though perhaps of the one-night variety). There's always a chance that you'll meet that special someone and cap off the night with a spontaneous walk down the aisle of a famed Vegas chapel. The nightlife is legendary – from bars and clubs to  cabarets – so whether or not you manage to hook up here, a good time is guaranteed.

With a reputation for bikinis, beaches, and beautiful people, a visit to Miami is sure to put you in the mood for love, or at least a fling. But it's not just sun and sand – Miami is also a diverse, cosmopolitan city with plenty of options for a singles vacation. Try salsa lessons to pick up some dance moves (as well as a date), check out the thriving gay scene, visit a bookstore with music and readings if you're literary-minded, and hit the dance clubs to rub shoulders with celebrities. The culturally inclined can also check out the hip galleries and art scene – perfect for chatting up artsy types.

If you're on the lookout for a date with style, sophistication, and street smarts, New York is the obvious place to start your search. Take note: the world's culture capital is brimming with singles, and there's no shortage of nightlife spots where you might meet that special someone, and with a lifetime's worth of restaurants, museums, concerts, and so much more, you'll never have to go on same date twice.

Ciao bella! It's easy to feel like Sylvia in Fellini's La Dolce Vita when showered with attention from the Italian residents in Rome. Italians, if given the chance, will woo their prospects over Chianti and carbonara under starry skies on the Piazza Navona. And whether or not you find eternal love in the Eternal City, you're bound to get a taste of la dolce vita while on a singles vacation here – and perhaps a fling with your very own Casanova.

In a city where privacy is at a premium, couples in search of some alone time visit one of the city's Love Hotels (also called couples' hotels), mostly found in the Shibuya district. Recognizable by their hourly and overnight rates – often posted outside – the emphasis here is on discretion: rooms are typically selected via push button, keys arrive via pneumatic tube or clerk behind dark glass, and multiple hotel exits facilitate clandestine escapes. Rooms, meanwhile, are decked out with everything from mirrored ceilings to bathtubs for two – and even karaoke on demand. If you're a singleton on the prowl in Tokyo, you shouldn't have a problem finding someone to share the experience with you.

Henry Kissinger once said "power is the greatest aphrodisiac," and if you subscribe to that theory, there's no better place for a singles vacation than Washington, D.C., where love and politics converge. Democrats and Republicans alike debate (and flirt) over drinks everywhere from intimate lounges to rowdy sports bars, while the capital's monuments and museums make for romantic backdrops when lit up at night. With a tantalizing mix of transplants from all over the U.S. and abroad, you're sure to make some interesting – and hopefully high-powered – connections.