Timeless truth: Nothing beats the romance and excitement of meeting someone while traveling. Not to mention, if you’re traveling alone, meeting people to spend time with is a definite perk. The good news is that there are plenty of fantastic ways to meet a date while on the road (or in the airif this turns out to be true).
For one thing, dating apps— once considered ridiculous/embarrassing/taboo — have become a travel staple for solo and/or lone travelers. While it has its boundariesand there are undoubtedly ways to meet potential dates in person (imagine that), facts are facts: dating apps can be a very easy and effective way to connect with a local scene that you might not have had access to otherwise.
Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a love affair that will last for ages or just a super sexy holiday fling, the choice is yours, baby. The trick, though, is to make it pretty hot. causing anxiety Travel and encounters are about being smart, careful and selective. After all, we live in a world in which Safe meetings This is crucial even on a good day, and even on your own turf, but add to that a foreign environment with potential language barriers, cultural differences, and/or varying expectations about gender and sexual orientation, and it can become much more complex.
While a lot depends on where you’re traveling, whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, and countless other factors, consider the following 7 basic tips for dating while in transit!
1. Know what you want and be clear about it.
When it comes to meeting in an unfamiliar environment (with possible language barriers), it is additional It’s important to make your intentions clear, whether in your dating profiles or in person, to that handsome stranger at the local coffee shop who winks at you every time he walks in. Are you looking for a tour guide? A dinner companion? A language teacher? A cross-cultural romance? A lover you’re comfortable with? your poly ways? You’ll have a much better chance of getting what you’re looking for if you’re upfront about it. Also, make sure the dating apps you use are a) commonly used in the country you’re in, and b) actually tailored to your goals. No strings attachedfor example, may require a different platform than the one reserved for serious business or friends only. Remember: if you’re not ready to connect, say like thatand don’t hesitate to use your phone translator to communicate clearly if this happens.
2. Respect customs.
When it comes to dating, cultural norms vary greatly from country to country. To avoid trouble, always be sensitive to local dating customs (even if you don’t agree with them) and stay aware of what is socially acceptable when it comes to public displays of affection. Unfortunately, this applies even more to LGBTQIA+ Communitybecause about 70 countries criminalize homosexuality. FYI, Tinder issues a travel alert when the app is opened in a country where LGBTQIA+ status is considered a crime, and the user must actively choose to show up in those locations. Bottom line: familiarize yourself with the laws of the country you plan to travel to (These cards are a good starting point).
3. Safety first, always.
Whether you swipe your finger on your phone or linger near the fishing boats to get a better view of the costs daily fishing, always remember that common sense, instinct and clear boundaries are essential. If you use apps, you can always Disconnect as soon as you feel uncomfortable or change your mind. Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation, ever, and this goes even more for strangers. Plus, no matter how cool, relevant, or perfectly suited to your desires a partner or love interest in person may be, Never share exactly where you’re staying: vague details are more than enough.
4. Do a little reconnaissance.
When communicating with a partner, be as direct as possible and politely firm. While it’s true that meeting someone in person is the best way to get a good feel for them, there’s no shame in gathering information ahead of time to feel more comfortable. Never hesitate to ask for last names, more photos, or links to social media profiles, and then shamelessly stalk them online if you want to get a more complete picture of the person you’re talking to, right? This approach has the added benefit of a built-in filter system: Anyone who declines probably has something to hide. If it makes you feel better to have a phone or video call before the meeting, by all means ask for that, too.
5. Be practical.
If you feel like traveling more than fifteen minutes to meet your partner is dangerous or a huge hassle (or both), keep the app’s location settings within a five-mile radius. Also, if you’re only there for a short period of time, time is a limited resource. If you’re both in agreement on what you want, don’t let online communication drag on for days. Ideally, you should exchange numbers within two hours or as soon as you scroll down. Tip: WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in the world and works on all operating systems as well as Wi-Fi, so be sure to download it if you haven’t already.
6. Be smart on the first date.
Make sure to meet for the first time in a busy, public place during the day, not far from where you’re staying (think coffee at the market or a walk in a busy park). Note: If your date tries to pressure you into meeting at their place, that’s a red flag. If you choose to go for drinks, know your limits and never take your eyes off your drink (which is unfortunately important). Bring enough money to pay for your travel and get back to your hostel/hotel/airbnb. Whatever you do, never give in to pressure to do something you don’t want to do or go somewhere you don’t want to go. If the date feels weird, cancel immediately. Important: Always make sure someone else knows where you are. If you’re traveling alone, leave a note in your room stating where you’re going and who you’re with, or let the front desk know. You can also send a text message with your partner’s contact details (or your live geolocation) to a friend staying at your place.
7. Have a nice evening.
If all goes well and you plan to connect During your vacation, don’t forget: continued consent is essential — on the first date, and on all those that follow! If you brought your carefully packaged kit of travel toys and if you really think it’s the right time, don’t hesitate to take them out and share them with your partner. And always travel with the essentials: condoms, toy lubricant and cleanerany of them contraceptives that you use, as well as anything else you deem necessary for a positive (or rather fantastic) sexual experience.
When you travel, anything is possible, but one thing is for sure: if you focus on making meaningful connections, having genuine fun, and experiencing your surroundings on a deeper level, you’ll definitely come home with lasting memories, steamy stories, and maybe even a new long distance lovers to show it.