Travel Dating 101: How to Stay Safe
You never know when or how you’re meant to meet your significant other – it always happens when you least expect it. When you’re a traveller or digital nomad, it becomes challenging to be in a relationship because it’s a major part of your lifestyle that your partner has to get along with. That’s why many nomad girls end up having travel romances, which sometimes turn into committed relationships. Travel dating may feel intimidating though when it comes to your personal safety, but don’t fret, we’re here to tell you how to stay safe.
How to Stay Safe While Travel Dating
#1 If you’re using a dating app, make sure their profile is complete
In case you have a date with a guy you met through a dating app, make sure to go through their profile and that it’s complete. The more information and interests mentioned, and the more photos they have on their profile, the better. Many creeps set up profiles on dating apps and pretend to be someone else. Sounds like a movie plot, but you’d be surprised how many creeps are out there in real life, so better be safe than sorry.
#2 Clarify what you’re looking for from the very beginning
Are you looking for a relationship or just something casual? If you’re travel dating, it doesn’t mean you’re looking for the love of your life. Whatever your answer is, you need to make that other person aware of that from your very first interaction. And if you’re on a dating app, clarify what you’re looking for in your bio.
#3 Set your boundaries
Whether your first interaction is online or in real life, it’s important to set boundaries, especially on your first date. There’s no rule for how fast you’re willing to go when it comes to travel dating– it all depends on how comfortable you feel around that person. But it’s important to make it clear to them if you’re not feeling comfortable with anything.
#4 Choose your first date’s location wisely
For your first date, make sure you meet somewhere public and busy. Opt for a park in broad daylight, a popular restaurant or coffee shop, or a busy bar. Stray away from quiet places in secluded areas. Also, make sure the location has easy access to transportation, whether it’s close to a metro/bus station or it’s somewhere where it’s easy to get an Uber ride back home.
#5 Keep an eye on your drink
If you’re drinking, always keep an eye on your drink and don’t let it leave your sight, especially if you’re out partying. Anyone can slip anything in your drink when you’re not looking and have you drugged. So, don’t let anyone “go get you a drink” if you just met them – you’re a big girl and you can get your own drink.
#6 Try to stay sober
Losing consciousness isn’t limited to getting drugged. It’s better if you don’t get drunk with someone you barely know. You know your own limit and you know after how many drinks you get tipsy, so try to keep your number of drinks under that. What would be the most ideal scenario though is that you don’t drink at all.
#7 Tell a friend
Before going on your first date, let a friend know. Send him/her your location and a screenshot of your date's profile just in case anything goes wrong. It’d also be smart to come up with an exit strategy in case you feel uncomfortable and you want to leave.
Have you been travel dating before? Let us know in the comments how you made sure you stayed safe. If you never did, then save this post for your next travel adventure.
