If dating isn’t hard enough, some of us went and added the hurdle of trying to date abroad. And then if that wasn’t already hard, we then got the extra almost impassable obstacle; dating abroad during a pandemic.
Ladies and, well probably mostly ladies, I bring to you, my 12 Safe Dating Tips Abroad in 2024!
OH! Did I mention I’m a full time nomad who went through a major break up during lockdown? I have then since dated about three people (two in Mexico, one while traveling), and am currently experiencing how not-so-easy it is to do in France! So these are all of my tips from those experiences!
Also, for reference; I have only used Tinder and Bumble for dating apps, and have gone on a couple dates through them, but the guys I dated I met randomly in person!
Jump To:
1. Use Dating Apps with Covid Safety Features
Yup, that’s a thing now! Are you surprised? The dating apps I’ve used now have Covid safety features so that you can easily see and say what your uh, viral status is.
From stickers on your profile that say “I’m Vaccinated” on Tinder, to a full mini-questionnaire on Bumble about your preferences about covid safety. Some of which include if you’re down to meet up in person, or prefer a virtual date, and even if you prefer someone who is vaccinated!
2. Don’t Be Shy About The Covid Conversation
Whether you are for, against, or impartial about the vaccine and also if you are or aren’t worried about catching covid, TALK ABOUT IT.
Many of my conversations on dating apps in Paris bring it up one way or another. In fact, quite a few guys straight up have said they HAVE covid, or are feeling sick, and will ask if they can postpone meeting for a few weeks!
3. Don’t Fall for Covid-Excuses
Some people I’ve encountered on dating apps however, I feel use covid as an excuse to invite you over to their house. I’ve literally had three guys ask me to come over to their apartment for a first date, claiming they don’t want to be in public because they don’t want to catch covid, or that they can’t go to a restaurant because they don’t have the required EU Sanitary Pass (like a vaccination card).
Maybe they’re telling the truth, or maybe they’re just trying to lure me into their home to hook up. I really don’t know for sure, but I’m smart enough to guess.
THIS kind of safety is just as important as the health kind. Don’t fall for traps that can put you in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation!
4. Safe Dating Tips Abroad: Meet Outdoors
Even if you do have the conversation, but still want to be safe, opt for an outdoor meet up over a crowded indoor one. Since, even if they don’t have it, others potentially might!
A picnic at a park, an open-air museum, outdoor cafe, the beach, or even a hike (in a non-secluded area) are all great date options!
5. Don’t Forget Protection
Yes, I’m talking about for both holes. Definitely for the sex viruses, but now you also need to consider the world’s most popular virus.
I mostly mention to not forget a face mask though because some places won’t let you in unless you have one. And how awkward would it be to show up for a date and not be allowed in because you forgot a mask?
6. Join a Language Meet Up
Some of my other safe dating tips abroad for any time, is to join a language meet up! You can easily find these on apps like Meet Up, or in Facebook groups for foreigners and expats.
Basically a language meet up is an event that you go to if you want to meet people, and try to learn another language. You chat with people who can speak another language, and in exchange, you speak in your native language to help them learn as well!
It’s a great way to meet others, and potentially get a date! I consider these safe because they’re known for being specifically for travelers!
7. Have a Virtual Date
First dates are awkward AF as it is in real life. So why not opt for a virtual date or two before the real one? That way you can know if you’re interested in not before putting yourself at potential risk for contracting (any) virus.
Because let’s face it. It’s not so easy to just have a fun make-out anymore. We now have to worry about if we’re going to contract the current most viral virus if we swap spit with anyone, or even come to close to them.
8. Join a Hobby or Health Class
Whatever your hobby is back home, I can guarantee you can probably find it abroad. And what better way to find a date than in a class where you share the same hobby?
You can easily find classes for things like dance, yoga, working out, hiking, art, and more by doing simple google searches. Or, I recently discovered that the app Meet Up is an easy way to find them as well!
9. If YOU Aren’t Feeling Well, STAY HOME!
This isn’t just about you staying safe from your dates’ potentially getting you sick. It’s about YOU getting others sick as well!
If you aren’t feeling well, and especially if you aren’t vaccinated, DO NOT go and meet up with someone! It would be incredibly irresponsible and selfish!
10. Work from Outdoor Cafes
If dating apps aren’t your thing, and if you work from your laptop, post up at an outdoor cafe! There’s no better way to spark a conversation than when you’re dining solo! I swear! Some people think it’s intimidating, but to potential daters, they see it as an opportunity to spark up a convo!
Outdoor cafes are also safe environments for trying to date while you’re abroad, because it’s a public place, but plenty of fresh air!
11. Volunteer for Causes You Care About
Wondering why volunteering is one of my safe dating tips abroad in 2022? Well, don’t you want to meet someone who you share the same interests with? Plus, typically people that volunteer, are the good ones!
In fact, I definitely fell in love when I did a volunteer program in South Africa several years ago! It was an easy and incredible way to meet people from all over the world, and in a safe environment. Most volunteer programs now require vaccines and testing, so that part of the safety is covered as well.
12. Meet Through Mutual Friends
If you’ve made some friends abroad, be open about your dating desires! I always have no problem telling my friends that if they know any nice, cute, covid-free dudes, to let me know!
That way you know they’re someone a friend would recommend, and you also know where to find them if they do end up giving you those antibodies.
Do you have any tips for safe dating abroad? Drop me a comment below!
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xx, Alyssa
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