Using Dating Apps While Traveling

Traveling is all about getting outside your comfort zone and tasting the local flavors – which don’t have to stop at food and drink – and being receptive to things you might not encounter at home.

Once considered taboo, dating apps have become the ultimate travel essential, especially if you’re hitting the road solo. A fast-track to plugging into the hometown crowd, they’ll help save time you might otherwise spend taking a blind chance on a nightlife scene, and open you up to a subset of people you’d otherwise never meet.

Connecting with locals can help you experience a destination more deeply than if you were charting your own path. From underground dance parties and hidden watering holes to home-cooked meals and language exchange, you could make new friends, enjoy fun dates, and maybe even find real love – anything is possible with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and a handful of best practices.

The Different Dating Apps

Pick the platform that best suits you, and install it ahead of your trip so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

Tinder

With users in more than 190 countries, Tinder is among the most popular dating platforms worldwide. It offers the ability to change your location so you can browse in any city with its “Passport” feature, available with a paid “Tinder Plus” subscription. This feature is well worth the money, as it allows you to get a head start with swiping, enabling conversations with matches and planning ahead before you’ve even packed your suitcase.

Bumble

For many women, being bombarded by unsolicited messages can be overwhelming. Women-focused Bumble puts the control in the hands of its female users, who must initiate contact with matches within 24 hours before the connection disappears. Many agree that the guys on Bumble are more appealing than those on Tinder.

OKCupid

If a handful of photos and a brief profile doesn’t suffice, OKCupid features more robust profiles, a categorized search function, and in-depth questionnaires that feed into an algorithm determining a percentage-based compatibility score between matches.

LGBTQIA+-Specific Apps

While the above apps are all LGBTQIA+ friendly, Grindr has long been the go-to for gay men. Users who subscribe to the “XTRA” service can use the “Explore” feature to search for matches in any location while being aware of local customs and laws surrounding homosexuality.

Grindr is inclusive of all queer, trans, and non-binary people and is open to women, but their presence is limited. HER was created for lesbian, bi, and queer women, ensuring that the platform remains safe for its intended demographic.

Feeld

Couples in search of additional partners while on holiday should consider Feeld. This sex-positive platform caters to those interested in polyamory, kink, and one-night stands, allowing users to change their location to major cities with a high user count.

Getting It Right

There are a few things to think about to ensure the best experience when using dating apps during your travels.

Perfect Your Profile

To optimize your profile, list where you’re from, your travel dates, and a few interests, like food preferences or activities. Keep your text concise, and post up-to-date photos that represent you clearly.

Be Intentional

It’s important to clarify what you want from the experience. Many locals are eager to show off their hometowns, so be upfront in your communications, and you might find that people are intrigued by you, the foreign traveler.

Swipe Strategically

If you’re staying in a big city, keep your location setting within a five-mile radius. This helps you connect with potential matches quickly, as time is often limited during travel.

Take It to Text

WhatsApp is widely used for texting, so ensure you have it downloaded. Be upbeat yet direct when communicating with matches, asking for last names or social media links to get a better sense of who they are.

Respect Customs

When dating abroad, cultural norms can differ significantly. Be aware of what’s socially acceptable regarding public displays of affection, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, as laws regarding homosexuality vary by country.

Swipe Safely

Clear boundaries and direct communication are crucial. You can always unmatch if you feel uncomfortable. Remember to never share your exact location with a stranger and stay vigilant.

The First Date

For a first date, choose a busy, public place during the day. Trust your instincts, and leave a note for someone you trust, informing them of your whereabouts and who you are with.

Temper Your Expectations

Cast the net wide and don’t get too focused on one person. When planning activities, remain flexible and allow your date to suggest things as well.

While true love may blossom from these encounters, focusing on creating meaningful human connections will lead to fond memories of new friends and lighter stories to share.