Whether you’re going overseas for a few days or will be enjoying an extended stay abroad, you may be wondering how to make the best use of a dating app while you’re away from home.
A dating app can be a great way to connect with other like-minded singles while you’re away, practice your language skills, or enjoy a holiday romance!
Firstly, check out the potential dating app you’d like to use and install it ahead of your travels, so you’re familiar with how it works before trying it ‘for real.’ Think about what you’re hoping to get from the dating experience and the features you’d like a platform to offer to select the best one for you. Look at plenty of reviews to get an idea of the service you’re likely to receive from the app and the likelihood of finding plenty of great matches.
Ready to get started? Here’s how to use a dating app while you’re overseas.
Know What You’re Looking For
As we mentioned above, knowing what you’re looking for from overseas dating means you’ll get more out of the whole experience. Perhaps you’re looking for a companion and tour guide who you can practice your new language skills with or someone to join you for dinners and chat – or perhaps you’ve definitely got your eye on an international romance!
Whatever you’re seeking, it’s best to be upfront in your profile about this – many people will be more than happy to show you the sights of their home town – and hone their own language skills – but if you’re not in the market for romance, then put this out there upfront to avoid any misunderstandings.
Create a Great Profile
Putting together a stellar profile is equally important in dating abroad as at home, so take the time to make yours stand out for all the right reasons. Choose a selection of un-filtered photos that show you clearly and in all your personal glory (and remember: definitely no group shots as your main pic).
Write a bio that expresses your personality, and add some humor if you can. Be sure to include what you enjoy doing and what you hope to experience on your overseas adventure.
Select the Closest Large City
Choose one major metropolis as your location before you arrive to ensure you have the best chance of matching with people near enough to meet – it’s recommended to keep your location setting to a five-mile radius.
Most of the big dating apps have users worldwide – Zoosk boasts users in eighty countries, which is supported by the multitude of Zoosk reviews from happy customers around the globe – so finding a match is easier than ever before, wherever you are in the world!
Consider Customs Carefully
It’s vital to be aware of customs regarding dating in the country you’re in. It’s socially unacceptable in some countries to make public displays of affection, for example.
The LGBTQIA+ community may need to be particularly careful, as around seventy countries currently criminalize homosexuality. Some apps show alerts if the app is opened in these countries so the user can be aware of the situation.
Learning as much as possible about the country you’ll be visiting is paramount to discovering the various customs and rules of etiquette that may be at play. And if you’re wondering who should pick up the tab on a date? It’s safest just to assume it’ll be a 50/50 split, although if your date has spent hours showing you the best of the city’s sights, it’d be a nice gesture to pick up the bill for drinks or a meal.
Personal Safety is Paramount
Just as when dating at home, staying safe is of primary importance when online dating overseas. Be mindful of who you match with, and be alert for fake profiles. If you match with or receive a message from someone who says anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, unmatch with this individual and, if necessary, report them to the dating app.
Never divulge where you’re staying and, if possible, try not to make it evident that you don’t know your way around the city or wider area very well.
When going on a first date, arrange to meet in a busy, public place in the daytime that’s no more than one mile away from your accommodation – and make sure you have enough money to make your way back to where you’re staying. Let someone know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’re expecting to return.
If you’re enjoying a drink during the date, never leave it unattended or take your eyes off it, and be aware of your limits. And finally – most importantly – if anything feels ‘off,’ you feel uncomfortable or under pressure, then simply leave and get to safety; don’t worry about anything else.
And Have Fun!
Whatever your reasons for wanting to try dating overseas, keeping the process light and remaining open-minded is an excellent approach. Try to focus on making some interesting connections and experiencing the destination in a way you may not have been able to otherwise – and if love is meant to unfold, it’ll find you!
