Love Across Borders: Dating Tips For Solo Female Travelers

I’m 63, and for three months each year, I escape the cold, damp London winter by living in the Gran Canaries. This experience allows me to immerse myself in a different culture and lifestyle.

In my younger days, I envisioned traveling around Europe and beyond with a partner, settling in various locations for weeks or months, without a strict schedule—staying as long or as little as we wished.

However, the pandemic changed everything. My relationship was faltering, and I decided, in December 2021 to move to Las Palmas on my own, to a place where I knew no one and had never been. Friends called me unusually brave, but the internet offers countless ways to connect with others while traveling, whether for romance or friendship.

Is Dating While Traveling Easier Than at Home?

After four consecutive winters and various solo holidays, I’ve become quite adept at dating abroad, and Las Palmas has become my second home.

You might think that men wouldn’t be interested in a woman who would only be in their city or town for a short time, but my experience has been quite the opposite. There’s a unique thrill in knowing that your time together is limited and has a clear endpoint. I believe many appreciate that there’s little at stake in these encounters. You either meet for a meal or a drink, see if there’s a connection, or part ways if there aren’t any shared interests.

Since I first started solo traveling, I’ve become so skilled at meeting men that even my sons have taken notice. One of them remarked, “I don’t know why you bother trying to find a partner in London when you’re so good at dating away from home.”

Where Do Solo Travelers Meet Dates? My Personal Experience

The question I get asked most often when sharing my solo travel adventures is, “Where do you meet these dates?” The answer really depends on what you’re looking for. In the past, I found Craigslist to be a treasure trove of available men—some my age, others much younger, and from various professions.

One particularly memorable trip to New York City over a decade ago stands out. I placed an ad on Craigslist stating that I was a writer in town for a week, and I had to shut down the ad after receiving over 150 responses within an hour! Ultimately, I met two men during that visit—both personal trainers, one in his forties and the other in his thirties. I had an unexpectedly fantastic time with both of them, each on separate outings.

This experience taught me that the world of solo travel can lead to exciting connections, often in the most unexpected ways.

Best Dating Apps for Solo Travelers: My Top Picks

Nowadays, while I’m not exactly fending off suitors in the same way I did twenty years ago, I’ve adapted to the modern dating landscape. Geolocation technology has transformed how we connect, with most dating apps allowing you to filter potential matches by location. This means I can easily rule out anyone who isn’t within my immediate vicinity.

There are numerous apps you could try, including Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook Dating, which you will find as one of the choices within the Facebook app (it doesn’t seem to appear in the desktop version). Personally, I have only used Tinder and Facebook, as well as Feeld, which tends to appeal more to those of a kinkier persuasion or who identify as being ethically non-monogamous (ENM).

I typically limit my search to a 5 km radius from where I’m staying. My goal isn’t to find a long-term partner but rather someone who can show me local spots away from the usual tourist traps. There’s also the chance of meeting another traveller who might prefer sharing a meal rather than dining alone.

Setting Boundaries: Navigating Short-Term Romance While Traveling

Looking for a date while traveling through dating apps isn’t much different from dating at home. You want to present yourself in the best possible light, so having decent photos—both a clear headshot and a full-body picture—is essential. Keep your description concise and make sure to mention when you’ll be in the area, ideally within the first couple of sentences. Are you looking for someone to join you for dinner, drinks, local sightseeing, or something more intimate?

Always choose a public place for your first meeting instead of your accommodation. While I usually have a one-hour rule for first dates at home, I tend to be more flexible when travelling. If I’m away for just a three-day break and enjoying myself, there’s no reason to cut the date short. Embracing the spontaneity of travel can lead to some of the most memorable experiences. Conversely, if it’s clear that we have absolutely nothing in common, I try and make an excuse to leave as soon as reasonably possible.

Could Travel Love Last? My Thoughts on Long-Distance Romance

While it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of dating while away from home, I believe it’s important to view these experiences for what they are—just one of many adventures that can make traveling to a new place exciting and enjoyable. I’ve had dates that were a great deal of fun, and I often think that if we lived closer, they might have blossomed into something more permanent. However, I also recognized that many of these connections were ultimately just lovely fantasies.

In my experience, long-distance relationships rarely work out and often lead to heartache. They can also be quite costly to maintain. Embracing the temporary nature of these encounters allows me to enjoy them fully, free from the pressure of future expectations. Each date enriches my travels, adding layers of experience and memory without the burden of long-term commitments.

That said, I know people who have met their long-term partners on a plane or while on holiday, and they’ve spent many happy years together. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to dating while solo traveling. As the cliché goes, “Love can conquer all!” Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you in the moment and enjoying the journey.