Table of contents
- Benefits of meeting new people while traveling
- Meeting people on travel apps
- Dating apps
- Language exchange technology
- Travel websites and forums
Benefits of meeting new people while traveling
The best way to get to know a new place is by getting a local to show you around. You will avoid tourist traps, meet interesting new people, and begin to grasp the local culture. Another benefit is that there’s no pressure on the new connection. There are fewer expectations of how to behave. The new person won’t know any past versions of you, so there is really no better time to reinvent yourself.
If you’re outgoing, you’ll meet people while traveling, but if you don’t vibe with someone, it’s not the end of the world. You can just walk away from the conversation. You’ll probably never see them again, so it doesn’t matter what they think of you – and vice versa.
Meeting people on travel apps
Now, on to the ways to meet people. Travel apps are one of the best ways of using technology to meet others when you’re on a trip. Apps like Couchsurfing connect travelers with locals willing to meet up for a meal or even offer a place to stay. Couchsurfing has a “Hangouts” feature, which is particularly useful for spontaneous meetups.
There is also Meetup, where you will find groups or events related to your interests: hiking, language exchanges, food tours, etc.
Travello is a social medium specifically targeting travelers, where you can find and connect with people with similar travel plans or interests.
Dating apps
Apps like Hinge are location-based, meaning you set the location. It’s not your device’s default location. If you don’t change your location on Hinge and you go to a new place, you’ll still see possible contacts from where you live.
Hinge encourages users to share memories about the best place they went to, which helps facilitate bonds.
Two popular Hinge alternatives are Bumble and OKCupid. On Bumble, only women initiate contact with matches that the app suggests. Men are not allowed to make the first move. The match disappears if the woman doesn’t act in 24 hours. Bumble has a “BFF” feature that lets users meet new friends, not potential partners. It’s useful for travelers looking for social connections.
OKCupid has in-depth questionnaires and informative profiles, as well as the option to search by category. Users can set their location to where they’re traveling. The app feeds the data from the questionnaires into an algorithm, which yields a percentage to express compatibility.
Language exchange technology
Apps like HelloTalk and Tandem connect users who want to practice the local language with native speakers. It’s a great way to advance your knowledge of a language and meet locals. You can use language exchange apps to chat, make voice calls, and meet up with locals. Talking to a native speaker is the best way to learn a foreign language.
Travel websites and forums
The best-known ones are Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor. You can use the forums to ask questions, get advice, and potentially meet up with other travelers. Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree connects travelers for tips and meetups.
Conclusion
Technology is a great way to meet new people, but you shouldn’t forget safety. The providers of these tools don’t guarantee it for you. Arrange meetings in public places and let someone you trust know about your plans to meet new people, including details of where and when you plan to meet. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
