More and more people are combining the excitement of travel with the potential for romantic connections. They want to meet and form relationships with people from different places and cultures while traveling – and they’re doing it. These relationships are anything from a holiday fling to something more serious depending on what the individual is looking for.
This trend heavily relies on dating apps and social media platforms to connect travelers with locals or other travelers. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and others allow you to change your location or meet people in your current destination. Features like Tinder Passport and Bumble Travel can facilitate connections.
Best Dating Platforms for Meeting People on a Trip Â
Tinder remains the most-used dating app worldwide, with over 4.4 million downloads per month in February 2024. Bumble comes second with over 3.2 million, and Litmatch ranks third with almost 2.4 million monthly downloads, Statista data shows.
Tinder was also the leading dating app in terms of revenue that month. Its in-app-purchase revenue exceeded $58 million. Bumble ranked second with around $29 million, followed by Hinge with approx. $18.5 million.
What are People Looking for on Dating Platforms?
In 2024, more than 60 million Americans are using online dating apps. As of 2022, almost 50% of American women signed up in an effort to find a long-term partner, while 43% of American men did the same for the purpose of casual dating.
What is Wanderlove Really About?
The so-called wanderlove trend goes beyond romance to encourage cultural exchange. It’s about experiencing new places through the eyes of a local or another traveler, which makes for a unique travel experience. It appeals to people whose travel plans are flexible. It’s about being open to unexpected meetings and experiences.
Many of these connections can only last for the duration of a trip. However, they can potentially develop into longer-term relationships.
Other Ways to Meet People While Traveling the World
Beyond dating apps, you can meet people at your hotel or hostel, at an event, on a group tour or adventure activity, at a local meetup, or at a language exchange. Hostels often have communal spaces where travelers socialize and organize events like pub crawls, game nights, or tours.
Shared experiences like hiking, diving, or exploring a city can bond people. Multi-day tours allow more time to get to know fellow travelers.
You can find events and groups in your new destination that match your interests using Meetup. It’s highly recommended that travelers attend events where they can practice the local language with native speakers.
Embracing Wanderlove
Clearly communicate your travel plans and intentions on your dating app profiles. Honesty about your intentions—whether you’re looking for a fun date, a travel buddy, or a potential partner—is crucial.
Don’t assume you’re safer abroad as a tourist than you’d be at home. If you match with someone on an app, meet in a public place and inform someone of your plans.
Don’t make assumptions about foreign cultures. Approach each new encounter with curiosity and an open mind.
Focus on the experience and the connections you make along the way. Whether they last a day or a lifetime, each encounter adds value to your travel story.
Why Meet People While Traveling?
Meeting new people can provide deeper insights into the local culture and offer unique experiences. The stories and memories from these encounters often become some of the most cherished aspects of travel.
Recap
- The best dating apps for meeting people on a trip
- Wanderlove encourages cultural exchange
- Where to meet people: your hotel/hostel, an event, group tour, adventure activity, local meetup, language exchange.
- Clearly communicate your travel plans and goals on your profile
- Don’t assume dating abroad is safer than dating at home
- Respect foreign cultures
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