NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/24/08 -- How do you find love and rekindle romance? Try a tour, suggests the U.S. Tour Operators Association

The experts at USTOA offer five tips to increase the odds of finding romance on tour:

-- When on tour mix and mingle with others; if there is an open table at

a meal, don't be shy. Jump in.

-- Ask ahead of time whether the tour operator changes seating on the

motor coach daily. This increases your chances of meeting others.

-- Look for tours that include activities of interest to you, such as

hiking or history. You're more likely to meet someone with your own

interests.

-- Try to find out the ages that the tour operator caters to. Some

companies, for instance, specialize in travel for 18 - 35 year olds, others

mix age groups.

-- If you're younger don't hesitate to travel with a parent or older

relative. Many tours - especially to more exotic locations - have a wide

age range.

It's important to travel with the right attitude, states Bob Whitley, USTOA president. "Even if 'Mr. or Ms. Right' may not be on your tour, chances are that you will meet other like-minded folks. And you never know who they know; it just may be Mr. or Ms. Right!"

Real-Life Encounters

Tours can set the stage for sparking or celebrating romance. Here are some real-life examples of romance at any age on tour.

-- Two twenty-somethings, each traveling with their mother on a tour to

Thailand, met on tour and are planning to marry.

-- A thirty-something couple got married at a surprise traditional Maasai

ceremony while on a small group tour to Tanzania.

-- Two 50- and 60-year-old couples rekindled romance by catching the

touring bug for their 25th anniversary celebration.

-- Countless young people have met, are dating or married to someone they

met on tours for 18 - 35 year olds.

Finding the Right Fit

Romantics of all ages can find USTOA member companies offering tours and vacation packages geared to specific interests and destinations through the USTOA web site -- www.ustoa.com or www.ustoa.travel. Drop-down windows enable visitors to search by criteria such as tours for 18 - 35 year old tours, adventure tours, ranch stays, hiking tours, resorts and more.