Whether you're planning a trip to the theater this weekend to see Nia Vardalos' latest romp, "My Life in Ruins," or you're planning a trip to an exotic locale this summer, make sure to check out the following slideshow which features a comprehensive list of traveling dos and don'ts based on some of our favorite romantic comedies.
Photo by 20th Century Fox, Everett CollectionHow Stella Got Her Groove Back
Do: Hook up with younger men
When Stella (Angela Bassett), a successful stock broker and devoted mom, begrudgingly treats herself to a much-deserved getaway to Jamaica, she quickly finds herself falling for an islander 20 years her junior. And, can you blame her... especially when her admirer happens to be portrayed by the delicious Taye Diggs? You go girl!
Photo by Craig Blankenhorn/New Line CinemaSex and the City
Don't: Drink the water
Following Carrie's wedding fiasco at the New York Public Library, she and her gal pal posse head to Mexico in order to recuperate. Despite stockpiling a ridiculous amount of bottled water, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) accidentally ingests some tainted agua while showering post workout. She may have soiled her sportswear, but, luckily, the ensuing laughter helped Carrie crawl out of her deep depression.
Photo by Touchstone Pictures, Everett CollectionUnder the Tuscan Sun
Do: Be ridiculously spontaneous
After quitting her unfulfilling job and divorcing her cheating hubby, Frances (Diane Lane) flees to Italy in search of some rest and relaxation. While sightseeing, she stumbles upon a dilapidated villa that's for sale and impulsively purchases the property. With a little TLC and a lot of hard work, not only does she renovate her home, she restores her spirit.
Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionP.S. I Love You
Don't: Sleep with your dead husband's BFF
On a trip arranged for her by her deceased husband, Holly (Hilary Swank) is pressured to overcome her grief by sleeping with a handsome stranger she meets in an Irish pub. Sounds sexy, right? Wrong! Listen up, ladies -- one night stands aren't a good idea when the guy you hop into bed with turns out to be your dead hubby's best friend. Awkward!
Photo by MCA, Everett CollectionNotting Hill
Do: Fall for men with hot British accents
"I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." That's what Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) said (and what any sane woman would utter) after experiencing a rocky yet romantic roller coaster ride with a witty bookstore owner, who happens to have an alluring British accent.
Photo by 20th Century FoxWhat Happens in Vegas
Don't: Exchange vows while plastered
When Joy (Cameron Diaz) and Jack (Ashton Kutcher) wake up following a night of debauchery in Sin City, they quickly realize that their rowdy night on the town resulted in the drunken exchange of vows. Tipsy... sure, no prob. Smashed to the point of blacking out... not the best idea. Unless, of course, your new beau is loaded. Jackpot!
Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionSisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Do: Listen to your heart
Playing it safe only gets you so far; that's why Lena (Alexis Bledel) decides to leap at the opportunity to experience her first adult relationship with Greek God Kostas, despite her misgivings and her family's attempt to keep them separated. And, even though they aren't able to be together in the end, Lena learns one very special thing that summer -- how to say, "I love you."
Photo by Universal Pictures, Everett CollectionBridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Don't: Accept gifts from strangers
Unless you have a bizarre fetish for torturous Thai prisons (we're not judging you!), may we suggest that the next time you need to frantically pack your suitcase, you make sure to discard any questionable tchotchkes given to you by seemingly sweet men. Why? Because sometimes those tchotchkes happen to be filled with cocaine! And, trust us -- the drug-sniffing dogs at the airport won't be amused.
Photo by Columbia Pictures, Everett CollectionSomething's Gotta Give
Do: Mend a broken heart in Paris
Why not heal post breakup with a good bottle of vino and some delicious arm candy in the form of a hunky doctor played by Keanu Reeves? That's what Diane Keaton's successful playwright, Erica Barry, decided to do after the man she'd been pining for (Jack Nicholson) got cold feet. Needless to say, we dont blame Diane one bit!
Photo by Weinstein CompanyVicky Cristina Barcelona
Don't: Get involved with eccentric artists
Shortly after arriving in Spain, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (ScarJo) meet a handsome painter played by Javier Bardem. Jetlag + hot artist = everything sounds good... including cheating on your fiance and entering a relationship with a crazy couple. Best bet here is to enjoy the art and the scenery, and leave the loco to the locals.
What do you think of our list? Did we leave anything off? Let us know if you have any rom-com travel tips!
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