Swoon-worthy accents make for romantic travel! The conversation at London's Heathrow Airport went like this: British passenger: Why did you just say "oot-and-aboot"? Me: I didn't. I said 'Out and about. Brit: Didn't sound like it. Me: Why did you ask for a "cuppa tay?" Wouldn't you rather have a "cup of tea"? Brit: I didn't say "cuppa tay." I said "cuppa tay." Me: See, you just said it again. Brit: Get out. Me: No, you get oot. Accents are an entertaining, sometimes confusing and ultimately fascinating part of travel. And according to a recent study at the University of British Columbia, some accents are also considered incredibly sexy, depending on the listener. I once thought French accents were among the sexiest tones in the world – until I heard the distinctive, simultaneously soulful and boisterous Israeli accent. Polling my colleagues at Canadian Living reinforced some longtime favourites (everyone so loves a British accent especially if it's from the lips of Colin Firth) and revealed a few surprise faves.  

(Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in "Pride & Prejudice" and again in "Bridget Jones' Diary" ranks among the best-loved accent for many.)

Here are staff picks for sexiest accents: Alyssa Ashton, Social Media Co-ordinator: "I become so entranced with the British accent I forget everything else. My favourite British accent is that of Prince Harry's. Any time I hear that man talk I swoon. Oh and Mr. Darcy, a.k.a. Colin Firth." Aurelie Bryce, Lifestyle Editor: "Sexiest accent? Dutch, hands down! Simone Castello, Web editor, Life & Relationships: " British accent. Colin Firth, à la "Pride and Prejudice." Swoooooon!" Kate Daley, Health Editor. " Irish, Australian and South African. Ireland is full of not-so attractive men but the accent and their humour combined takes them up about a million notches. I most definitely love the accent in the Dublin area though ­ people from the north and Cork basically require a translator to be understood. Everything Australians say just sounds better and more exotic. Plus, all of their cities have awesome names like Tumbi Umbi. Tanned beach bodies don't hurt either. Oh, and the Scottish accent! Anything they say (especially swearing) is so dreamy!" Jennifer Gruden, Senior Web Editor: "For me, it's the accent I hear in North Carolina." Andrea Karr, Beauty & Fashion Editorial Assistant: A subtle Newfoundland accent. There was this guy in one of my English classes at Ryerson who pronounced "garden" like "gehr-den" and it would make me swoon." Scott MacDonald, Senior Copy Editor: "One word: Irish." Day Helesic, Managing Editor: British! I love Dominic Valitis's accent. He's a CBC news correspondent in London, and when he speaks on TV, it's like butter…. Robin Stevenson, Senior Features Editor: " Irish. Colin Farrell. Swoon. If you ask my daughter it is Australian. She has crush on the new Australian boy at school." Stephanie White, Art Director: "I'm partial to the Kiwi accent. I lived on a sheep farm on the north island of New Zealand for a week. The rugged cowboy who ran the farm was already easy on the eyes, and more of the strong silent type. However, when he shouted at the herding dogs it was still pretty hot!" What's your favourite sexy accent?