Romantic romps in Rome with BA

Men looking for racy weekends rate Rome as the ripest route for romantic romps. New research, commissioned by British Airways, shows that one in four men would treat another lover to a break in the city famed for renaissance romance when having an affair.

The results show that when it comes to impressing a loved one, married or otherwise, Italy is by far and away the best destination. The home of 'amore' has overtaken France for both men and women as the most romantic European country and the favoured location for a first date.

It would seem that girls have some catching up to do in the love stakes, with guys doing more to dispel the myth that romance is dead.

The research shows that twice as many men as women have treated their loved ones to surprise romantic holidays.

And single females who have just met a man have a special reason for anticipation - nearly one in ten guys holiday abroad with their new love within the first month of a relationship.

Dean Yardley, British Airways' general manager of shorthaul, said: "Clearly, romance isn't dead. And with the pound at its strongest in 25 years, 60 per cent of the population and 70 per cent of 25-34 year olds, are now taking up to three European trips every year.

"With fares to European destinations starting from as little as £34* one-way on ba.com, the world is definitely getting smaller. Here at British Airways we have seen a real increase in the numbers of couples jetting away for that all important romantic break. So get clicking and grab a bargain!""

The research shows another strong motivator for the modern male traveller - shopping. Despite perceptions that shopping is for women, more men travel abroad to go shopping than to watch sport or to go on stag 'do's', with shopping equalling lads' weekends as a reason for men to travel to Europe.

Strengthened by the current value of the pound, shopping is now seen as one of the top five reasons for travelling abroad.

Umberto Paolucci, President of the Italian Tourist Board, said: "More and more British travellers are choosing Italy as a holiday destination for various reasons: ease of travel to the country, the extraordinary combination of artistic and natural beauty, and the unique Italian lifestyle and charm.

"Thus it is not surprising that Italy is a favourite destination for a romantic holiday. Our London office informs us that it is becoming a very popular choice for celebration of weddings in unforgettable style. Italy is a wonderful set where you can live the best movie of your life."

British Airways flies to more than ten Italian destinations. These include Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Turin, Venice and Verona.

* Prices are one-way including taxes, fees and charges.

Top Italian phrases for romancing a loved one and cheeky chat up lines for singletons: -

- Baciami - kiss me
- Hai le labbra le piu bel del mondo - you have the sweetest lips in the world
- Ti amo con tutta l'anima. I love you with all my heart
- Sei la mia anima gemella. You're my soulmate.
- Lo sposereste? Would you marry me?
- Balliamo? Would you like to dance with me?
- Fa cosi caldo qui o e la tua presenza? Is it hot in here, or is it just you?
- C'è l'hai un bel culo - you have a great backside
- Voglio passare il resto della mia vita con te. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
- Ciao, bella (bello). Posso offrirti qualcosa da bere? Hello, beautiful (or handsome). Can I buy you a drink?
- Gradisco voi di più e più. I like you more and more
- Sto cadendo nell'amore con voi. I am falling in love with you
- Non posso vivere senza voi. I can't live without you
- Il mio cuore è per voi. My heart is for you
- Mi fai impazzire. You drive me crazy.
- Sei la mia felicità. You are my happiness
- Sei bellissima/o. You are so beautiful (to female/to male)