4 Reasons Tinder is a Solo Traveler’s Must-Have Travel Companion

A few months ago, I bought myself a one-way ticket to Thailand, intent to travel Southeast Asia, solo, for as long as my bank account would allow. After an extra social hostel in Phuket, I found myself disappointed with the not so social vibe of my digital nomad-focused, douche-magnet hostel in Chiang Mai. I thought, how else can I meet people? Aha, in the digital world.

So I downloaded that flame-iconed app, forgot my username, forgot my password, reset my username and password, dusted off my old profile and got to swiping. I was mostly looking for someone to have dinner with, to grab a drink with, to scratch my social itch. But Tinder became so much more than just a casual dating app during my travels.

Here’s why I think it’s the solo traveler’s best travel companion.

1) It’s the best form of introduction, especially for awkward introverts

I’m a social person, but I’m not the kind of person who can just sit next to someone, strike up a conversation, and bam, I made a friend. It’s quite rare that I make a connection with anyone when I’m traveling alone, as much as I may want to. It comes across awkward, forced and usually doesn’t end with a budding travel relationship. I have friends who seem to effortlessly meet people wherever they are. But that’s just not me.

Before reinstating my Tinder account in Chaing Mai, Thailand, I went out to eat, hoping for an opportunity to talk to someone, but knowing even if the opportunity presented itself, I wouldn’t have it in me to take advantage.

Tinder, on the other hand, is easy for me. I’m comfortable messaging with someone, even if only to arrange a meeting place and time. And once we’re in person, I’m relaxed and myself. They already know something about me, I already know something about them. I’m good at conversation once the introduction is over, making Tinder a perfect tool for me to start building relationships.

2) Hooking up isn’t (usually) the primary purpose, it’s just an added bonus

Like a lot of solo travelers, I like traveling alone, I like exploring a new place on my own, at my own pace. I like being on my own schedule. But at night, I’d like to eat dinner with someone, I’d like to grab a drink with someone, to decompress, to talk, to be social. Something about after dark makes people want to socialize, and when you’re away from friends, family and familiar surroundings, having an app full of potential companions is comforting, convenient and very useful.

I created my first Tinder profile in 2013, when using apps for dating was relatively new, the time I refer to as the golden age of internet dating. A time when the first assumption of the internet dater was that the person on the other side of the smart phone was actually interested in meeting you, in grabbing a drink and having a conversation. Now, the first assumption, or even the hope, is that the person swiping right is just looking for some booty. This is especially true for Tinder in 2019.

But this isn’t how I experienced Tinder abroad, for the most part. It’s kind of a throwback to Tinder of yore, original Tinder. My friend referred to it as a virtual hostel, a place where people of like minds, from all over the world, can meet and enjoy a new place. And if there is a connection and you get some international lovin, all the better, but it’s not the driving force.

3) It’s full of potential personal travel guides

I didn’t even meet half the people I chatted with on Tinder while I was traveling. By the time we matched, one of us had already moved on to the next city, or we just never found the time to meet up. But the conversations still continued.

I got recommendations on where to stay in Pai and that I definitely had to go to Kampot in Cambodia. A guy who motorcycled around Vietnam for 3 months gave me his itinerary, told me where I should rent a bike, how much I should pay, and tips for the road. I learned where I could buy weed and watch the sunset on Koh Phangan. I got tips on what islands to go to and which weren’t worth it.

Personalized travel guides from people who’ve been there and done that are invaluable, and all at the tip of your fingers, thanks to Tinder.

4) You meet people you’d never, ever meet without it

This is true no matter where your fingers are swiping, but is especially relevant when traveling. Using Tinder outside of your hometown allows you to interact with people you’d absolutely never meet otherwise. People from all around the world.

At home, there’s still a chance you’ll meet the people on Tinder at a bar, at a party, through mutual friends, through work, at the store, wherever. But in another country, you’ll match with people who’ve never been to your home country, whose home country you’ve never been to. There is no other way you’re paths would cross outside of swiping right in this foreign country.

Here are the people I would’ve otherwise never met if it weren’t for Tindering while traveling:

In Koh Samui, Thailand, I matched with a guy from France. We met at the central market, grabbed some beer and street food, grubbing, drinking and chatting on plastic stools for hours watching the lady-boys lure in Russian and British tourists just to charge $10 a drink. We walked along the soft sand listening to the waves crash, half drunk, sharing travel stories, laughing, enjoying the moment in unbelievable surroundings.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, I matched with a 27 year old from London (I was 35, but I figured what the hell!?). I snagged a table at a restaurant right on the main drag, a perfect people watching spot. I ordered a beer just before he said he’d be another 20 minutes. Not a great impression, but I was keeping myself entertained. He eventually showed up and we had a few drinks with some somewhat interesting conversation. I was kind of done, but he suggested a change in scenery. We passed by a massage place and had the same idea. After a 30 minute foot massage, I was half asleep, and not in the mood for anything other than my comfy hotel bed. So we parted ways. Nothing special, but still worth it for the company… and the massage.

In Chaing Mai, Thailand, I matched with a guy from Wales. A tall drink of water with an inquisitive, gentle soul. We met at a Korean BBQ food stall, even though we were both vegetarians, and enjoyed some BBQ’d veggies and a few Changs on some familiar plastic stools. We talked about philosophy, figuring out life, both at a time in our lives where we’re not quite sure what we want to do, but sure about what we don’t want to do, which is the typical 9-5. Both looking for something, enjoying our journey trying to figure it out.

After a few hours, we headed to the Muay Thai stadium down the street. He used to box and was an avid fan. I learned a lot from his commentary, making it all the more enjoyable being surrounded by yelling and betting Thai locals. It’s midnight, but we don’t want the night to end. He asks the tuk-tuk driver where to go, and he takes us to a dance club full of tourists that are at least ten years younger than us. We grab a beer, but look at each other saying the same thing with our eyes. We take our beers outside and sit down on a concrete edge with our feet dangling over the river running through the city. More conversation and some lip-locking later, it’s 2am and he’s hungry.

We get up from the ledge and he asks the tuk-tuk driver to take us to get some Pad Thai. We end up at a small, roadside restaurant where they cook the noodles in a wok on the sidewalk, not a tourist in sight. We eat delicious drunken Pad Thai as our tuk-tuk driver waits for us. We get back to my hostel about 4am and are those hostel assholes that wake everyone else up. We grabbed lunch the next day and explored more of the city. He ended up missing his train back to Bangkok that morning and had to buy a flight for that evening to make his connection back home. He even contemplated just saying fuck it all to keep traveling with me.

I’m so happy I met him and had this experience with him, but I’m happy he didn’t stay because of who I met next, on Tinder.

In Ho Chi Mihn, Vietnam, on my way from the airport to my hostel, I began swiping, looking to see who’s good in this city. I matched with a red-headed bearded man from Michigan in town for work who invited me to a rooftop bar. I said, “see you in an hour!”

Conversation flowed so smoothly while we enjoyed a cocktail with a nice view of former Saigon. We left the view to find a bar where its rumored you can buy a joint. The mission was a success and we chilled there for a while, getting to know each other, both deeply enjoying our time. I ended up going back to his hotel for a nightcap, I think that’s what they call it, and stayed the night.

The next morning, he says I should just stay with him. We went to my shitty hostel to grab my stuff and I moved in to his incredible top floor suite. I spent the next 5 days with him, enjoying the rooftop pool and free nightly happy hours, eating street food, getting massages, exploring the city, enjoying our time together.

I eventually left for DaNang, feeling like I needed to see more of the country. Fast forward a few days later when I crashed my motorcycle and came crawling back to him to lick my wounds. I stayed another 5 days until we both flew back to the states. We’ve had a few international romantic rendezvous since. Our paths would have never crossed in Vietnam or in America.

But for the invent of Tinder, we showed up in each other’s lives, and I’m not sure we’ll be leaving any time soon.

A Word on Safety

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention safety, unfortunately a necessary conversation to have among solo female travelers. I don’t just meet anyone, anywhere. It’s always at a very public place. I say no if they ask to meet at their hotel room or rented apartment. I order my own drinks and watch them go from the bar or waiter to my mouth. I never get in a car or on a motorcycle with them. Actually, not too much different from home.

A good rule of thumb anywhere, but especially when traveling alone abroad: listen to your gut. Again for the people in the back: LISTEN TO YOUR GUT. You can say no. You can just leave without giving a reason if you don’t feel safe. You can ask any question you want. If it doesn’t feel right. Just leave. Following the rules above and listening to your gut obviously won’t make this a zero risk situation, but will drastically reduce risk. I’ve never felt unsafe, but I do refuse situations that make me feel uncomfortable before I get to the point of feeling unsafe. And if that makes your date mad, that’s the ultimate sign to leave.

Parting Words on Tindering While Traveling

With all that being said, if you have an international trip planned, I recommend you download Tinder and brush up that profile. You’ll be pleasantly surprised who you’ll meet and the memories you’ll make. Who would’ve thought?