Picture it. You’ve been frolicking in the sea all day. Salty, sweaty, sun-kissed bodies come together in harmony while the sun goes down just beyond your hotel room’s balcony. Or maybe you’re on a solo ski vacation and you find a hunk to cozy up by the fire and warm up with after a long day hitting the slopes.
The romance novel fantasies are nice, but then again you might just want a local cutie to show you around and take you on some adventures while you explore a new place! Whether or not you use dating apps back at home, your approach will probably be a bit different while traveling. We’ve rounded up our top dating app tips to help you get your groove on while exploring the world.
1. Use The Right App
No matter what your aim is, dating apps are a great tool to help you meet people, especially while traveling. Different apps are used in different places in the world, so you want to make sure you’re using the right ones for wherever you find yourself.
A quick little Google search can give you an answer. Or you can always try downloading one that you’re comfortable with, seeing what your options are, and trying another if there doesn’t seem to be many options. It’s probably best to focus on just one app so that you can limit phone time and make the most of your trip.
2. Switch Up Your Profile
Your approach to dating while traveling is probably different than back home. Which means your profile will also probably be different. You don’t need to switch up too much, but it’s helpful to have a quick description of how long you’ll be there and what you’re looking for.
Here’s a great example: “I’m traveling in Spain for three weeks and would love someone to show me around and help me practice my Spanish!” Even better if you can write some of your profile in the local language – if applicable.
Worried about all the time you spent to optimize your profile back home? Pro tip – screenshot your old one, and save your responses in your notes app so you can easily change it back.
3. Try Distance Mode
Ah, technology, what a blessing (when used responsibly). Want to do a little *ahem* research before saying “bon voyage”? Allow us to introduce…distance mode.
Not all apps have it, and sometimes you need to pay an extra fee for the ones that do, but distance mode can be a great way to help you prepare for a trip. And by prepare, we mean get inspired for what’s to come and maybe have a few hot dates lined up.
When using distance mode, be upfront and honest. Tell them you aren’t there yet but will be soon and would love to meet up once you arrive. It’s probably best not to use it more than a week or so before your trip or the connection will probably lose steam.
4. Be Open-Minded
The reality is, you’re probably not looking for a life partner while galavanting around an island in the Mediterranean. If you tend to have narrow criteria while back home, it might be time to throw those out the window.
We’re not saying to drop all your standards, but logistics like their job and astrological sign may not be as relevant as when you’re dating on your home turf. Besides, when traveling you’re opening yourself up to new ways of living, cultures, languages, and of course – new kinds of people. The world is full of surprises and you don’t want to block yourself off from a potential connection because of unrealistic expectations or standards.
5. Take Initiative
You’re probably not going to be in your destination for all that long, so you want to make the most of the time you have. Even if you’re not normally, it’s time to be bold. Put yourself out there. Make the first move.
This is not the time to sit and wait for someone to reach out to you. Send the first message. Be flirtier than usual. Tell them when you’re free and what you’d like to do with them (we don’t mean this sexually, but hey, do your thing).
Not to mention, you probably have a lot more free time than usual, so you don’t have to worry about fitting dating into your normally busy schedule. Taking initiative and being bold can help you build up that skill so you can take it back with you into your “normal” life.
6. Be Safe
We have to say it, but remember to take certain safety precautions when meeting up with someone from a dating app – whether traveling or back at home. This means safe sex using barrier methods like condoms and talking about STIs, but also being aware of your personal safety.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when dating while traveling:
- Ask for their social media to screen them before meeting up.
- Have a quick phone or video chat before meeting up in person.
- Always meet in a public place first, do not invite them directly to your hotel room.
- Don’t tell them where you’re staying until you’ve already met them
- Tell someone where you’re going and who you are with, and let them know you’ll check in with them when you’re back.
Above all else, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your intuition. You don’t owe anyone your time or energy, and there’s no guilt or shame if you don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable spending your time with someone.
7. Have Fun and Enjoy The Moment
Whirlwind romances can be amazing, and you never know who you may meet and what may happen. More likely than not, you’ll probably meet someone who you can have a fun little adventure with and maybe a hot makeout session.
This is your you time. A time to explore and learn more about the world and yourself. A time to trust your intuition, live your life to the fullest, and enjoy every juicy moment. Dating apps can be an extra little tool to help you along your journey!
