The Traveler’s Guide to Online Dating

There is nothing quite like the freedom and exhilaration of traveling alone. You’re in complete control of your schedule and can experience the world on your own terms. You’ll probably find yourself facing new challenges on a daily basis, but these times are often what change you for the better in the long-run. Despite all the positives, it’s not uncommon for independent travelers to feel lonely from time to time. This is especially true at night when opportunities for activities and sightseeing are less available, and it may not be safe to be out after dark. However, the modern world of dating has brought us apps and websites which mean we don’t have to move an inch to meet new people.

These dating websites and apps don’t necessarily need to find you your perfect long-term partner or even end up in romance; sometimes they connect you with interesting people, and you can make new friends. Whatever you’re looking for, here are some tips to help you navigate the world of international online dating.

Choose the Right Dating App or Website

Before you set out on your travels, find out what dating websites and apps are most widely used in the cities and countries you’ll be traveling in. Sign up before you leave so you can set up your profile, get used to how it works and make sure you’re comfortable with it. Some dating services require you to pay a fee either in one lump sum or ongoing membership. If you do decide to pay, check what you’re signing up for. You don’t want to be paying for a dating website for a year if you’re only going to be in that country for a few months. You may be able to start chatting to people and arrange some dates before you’ve arrived in the country. For example, this dating site invites single people from all over the world to register and connect.

Learn to Speak (and Read) the Language

Regardless of your dating success, learning the local language is always a good idea, but communication is obviously key when it comes to establishing a connection through online dating. While English is a widely spoken language in many regions (and you may even meet another American), you should try and learn some basic bits of language relevant to where you’ll be traveling. Start with the basics and things you’re likely to need in an average conversation about yourself. For example, your age, your likes, and dislikes, where you’re from, what you’re looking for etc. You can learn a new language via online tools like Duolingo.

Use Online Tools

When it comes to written messages and online dating, Google Translate is a great tool which will help you to translate what your potential dates are saying. It’s not a fool-proof solution as Google Translate can make mistakes and doesn’t allow for local phrases or slang. If you’re going to use a tool like this, it’s best to be honest about it with the person you’re chatting to so they understand when you sound a little odd! Skype dates are another option before you meet someone for the first time as you can simultaneously practice your language skills and get to know your date a little better than you can just by text. 

Identify the Best Places for Wi-Fi 

Traveling with a data plan on your mobile phone can be expensive and, depending on where you are in the world, you may find Wi-Fi to be patchy or unreliable. Your best plan is to find the best Wi-Fi hotspots near where you will be staying. This could the hotel or hostel or a local café, but they can be handy when trying to find and plan dates without running up a small fortune in extra charges. In fact, a local café is often a great place to meet a first date, so it makes sense to find a few of these, so you have some options. Another alternative is to get a prepaid cellphone so you can load credit or minutes on to it and can talk on the phone without Wi-Fi.

Research Local Dating Customs & Venues

Dating traditions and customs are not universal, so it’s important not to make assumptions about how you should behave on a date and where you should go. To do this, you can conduct research on travel blogs and websites such as Trippy.com which is a question/answer platform for international travelers. Apps such as Foursquare or forums on TripAdvisor will help you identify the best quality places to eat and drink. Of course, you can always ask the local people or the staff at your hotel or hostel as they’re likely to have some tips you can use. 

Be Honest 

This is true of all dating apps – not just when you’re traveling – but honesty is always the best policy. Use a recent and clear photo on your profile and be honest about your intentions. Whether you’re looking for casual company while you’re traveling or you’re open to a more long-term romance, there’s no point being anything but upfront about it. 

Be Brave 

Traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing things a person can do, and a big part of that is meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Not every date will turn into romance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends or at the very least interesting individuals you would never have met at home. 

Stay Safe

Safety is essential, especially when you are traveling and using online dating apps, so combining the two is understandably more complex. When you go out on a date at home, it’s likely that you will tell friends or family where you’re going and when you expect to arrive home so they can check on you if you don’t contact them. You can do the same when traveling. Always make sure that someone knows where you are and only ever meet dates in public places. Don’t get drunk to the point where you aren’t in control and never do anything which makes you uncomfortable.