Traveling opens up new opportunities to meet people in different countries. Preferences, habits, and dating customs may be unfamiliar, but new connections can be rewarding with the right approach. Technology and changing social attitudes have removed some of the barriers, but expectations and local norms remain important to keep in mind while starting conversations and building relationships in a new place.
See How Online Dating Has Changed
The online dating industry has grown rapidly. By 2025, global dating app users are expected to top 500 million, pushed by growth in countries like India and parts of Africa and Asia. The worldwide dating app user base is now estimated at about 364 million people. Most use their phones to browse and send messages.
In 2024, the online dating sector generated more than six billion dollars in revenue, with most of this coming from Match Group. Payment features are increasingly popular. About 25 million users worldwide pay extra for premium tools that can boost matches or provide more privacy.
Tinder continues to lead downloads, reaching more than five and a half million installs in one month in 2025. In the United States, Bumble is gaining ground but Tinder holds the largest market presence.
Starting Conversations Across Cultures
Making the first move can feel uncertain when abroad. Cultural etiquette may shape everything from who starts the conversation to how quickly a meeting in person is suggested. Some cultures may prefer face-to-face introductions instead of text messages. In others, quick replies and informal messages are the norm. It can help to ask locals or look up online advice about dating customs before starting a conversation.
Language can pose another barrier. Many apps now come with translation features for messages. Learning a few words or phrases and showing respect for the local language usually makes a good impression.
Online Dating: Safety and Success
Three in ten adults in the United States have tried dating apps, and nearly one in five internet users there use them regularly. Among those making connections online in the United States, more than half believe that relationships formed on apps work as well as those that start in person.
Meeting in person is common. About 76 percent of women and 83 percent of men who use dating apps have met someone offline after matching online. Despite these meeting rates, scams are still reported. Around 38 percent of men and 30 percent of women say they have faced catfishing while using these platforms. Sticking to public places for first meetings and sharing plans with friends is common advice for travelers.
Rethinking Relationship Choices While Abroad
While traveling, some people choose to explore relationships with those from another culture, others look for connections outside their age group. For example, some might seek to find an older man, meet someone who shares a similar passport, or start something new with a local. Preferences range from wanting companionship during a trip to finding a long-term partner they might settle down with.
Online platforms make these options easier to explore, and cultural trends are making such choices more visible. With more than 364 million people worldwide using dating apps, people are finding new ways to make connections that suit their changing interests when away from home.
Deciding Who to Meet and Why
Some travelers prefer building friendships and sharing meals, while others are looking for a romantic partner. This can include people with similar travel plans, someone from the same country, or a local. Dating apps allow for a range of filters. You can search for people by location, age, or shared interests.
Some people look for a companion for the length of their trip. Others want more permanent relationships that could span countries or cultures. Data shows that society is more open to cross-cultural relationships, which matches the growing use of dating platforms in many places.
Things to Remember When Dating Abroad
Laws and customs around dating can vary. In some countries, public signs of affection are not common. In others, casual dating is widely accepted. Checking up on local dating rules before setting up a meeting is useful.
Technology has also improved safety. Dating apps now include features for reporting problems, sharing your location with a friend, or controlling who sees your profile. These tools can help travelers stay safe while meeting new people.
Looking Ahead
Projections see more than 750 million people using online dating apps globally by 2031. This growth is driven by better internet access and changing attitudes about meeting partners online. More people are using these platforms as part of their travel routine.
Online dating helps travelers find relationships in new locations and cultures. But clear communication and respect for local customs remain key to making a successful connection. Apps can help break the ice and make it easier to meet people while abroad, but the approach should always fit the place and person.
