How to Find Love While Traveling

February 10, 2016

Never fear, the Stride matchmaker is here! Ok, maybe not, but we are here to tell you what we think are the top ways to find love while traveling. It might be easier than you think!

According to popular dating site OKCupid, 1,196,699 people between the ages of 25 and 55 list traveling as a main interest. And they have the matching Machu Picchu shot to prove it.

People simply love to travel, and they value that trait in potential mates. So it follows that if you meet said potential mate while traveling, there’s a good chance you’ll get along! Or at the very least you’ll be able to swap some interesting stories over a local libation.

You might think traveling solo is the way to go, and while that can be a good option, there are many limiting factors. It can be overwhelming when you and only you are responsible for figuring everything out from A to Z, including lodging, food, transportation, and budget. This can leave you very little time to actually enjoy being single in a new place.

If you do want to travel by yourself, don’t write off guided tours! Many tour operators report that solo traveler bookings are on the rise. To meet this demand, many companies have eliminated the dreaded “single supplement” which had been a deterring factor for many independent travelers seeking a guided trip.

According to Travel Market Report, “SITA World Tours’ solo traveler bookings increased by nearly 64% and Tauck Tours reported its number of solo clients had jumped by double digits in 2014.”

There are many ways to meet someone while traveling. Let these ideas inspire you; after all, your soulmate might just be a plane ticket away!

1. A Success Story! Meet Ashley and Lee:

Ashley and Lee

Ashley and Lee (on the left) with some of their tour companions in China

Ashley and Lee met in China on a tour with Intrepid Travel in 2010. They got to know each other very quickly through a combination of long overnight train rides, extended time together in a small group, and the joy of discovering a new place.

Chemistry was immediate, and despite the distance between them when the trip ended (he lived in England, she went home to California), they stayed in touch via email and traveled to see each other when they could. In 2011 they went on an extended tour of Europe and Lee surprised Ashley with a proposal on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, with a Parisian sunset in the background. They married the following year, and are now happily settled in beautiful Northern California.

You might be familiar with the phrase 'if you can travel together, you're meant to be.' When you meet someone during a trip, that step is pretty much taken care of!

As Ashley points out, "travel brings up many stresses and challenges. It's important to be with someone who handles it well and who knows you can handle it - and even more importantly, that you know you can handle it together."

Her advice? Be open minded and believe that it can happen.

2. Follow Your Interests

photography

More and more tour companies are now providing niche and specialty tours, focusing on a specific interest or hobby. This is a great way to meet like minded travel companions and pretty much ensures that conversation will flow as you commiserate over common interests.

Are you a photography enthusiast? There’s a tour for you. 

Are you a birding enthusiast? There’s a tour for you.

Are you looking for an adventure? There’s a tour for you.

Are you a foodie? You get the idea...

3. Take An Adventure Tour

zipline

Experience Kissimmee via Flickr

Talk about an icebreaker! No really, you could actually meet your soulmate while breaking ice, say on an arctic adventureNothing creates immediate rapport like cheering each other on and celebrating the achievement of meeting a challenge.

Do you have a goal you’ve been working towards? Maybe you’ve always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro or it’s your New Year resolution to learn to surf. A tour is a great way to find camaraderie, achieving a common goal as a team. And you’ll be surrounded by people who share your sense of adventure.

4. Go on a Singles Tour

group

While you might be single there’s no guarantee that your tour companions will be, or that they’re even in your age range. 

Singles themed tours are a great way to skip the awkward guessing game! They often include fun social events like ice-breakers and game nights. Many tour operators also strive to create community through social media and forums. 

5. Go Somewhere Romantic

Paris

Let the location do the work for you! Check out a wine region, travel to a romantic city in Europe, or treat yourself to a luxury safari outing. For inspiration check out our article on 7 Romantic Getaways.

Mysterious, intriguing, classic, beautiful -- these destinations have earned their reputation for a reason. You never know...while you’re treating yourself, love might be waiting right around the corner.


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