Backpacking and traveling can be some of the most transformative and exhilarating experiences in life. Exploring new cultures, trying new foods, and seeing breathtaking sights can create lasting memories and inspire personal growth. While these experiences can be fulfilling on their own, adding a romantic component to your travels can make them even more rewarding. Dating while backpacking can create opportunities for cultural exchange, adventure, shared experiences, and self-discovery. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons why hooking up and dating while backpacking and traveling can be a fun and enriching experience.
1. DATE OUTSIDE THE BOX
When we live in our hometown, we’re (mostly) exposed to people from similar socio-economic backgrounds and social circles. I mean we all have that friend group where everyone has dated everyone. Dating when you’re traveling (especially solo) allows you to show up as your own person and the same applies to your date. There is incredible freedom in dropping the baggage that comes with reputation and association.
2. ADVENTURE IS VULNERABILITY
Deep sea diving is an adventure. Skydiving is an adventure. Sharing a piece of yourself and expressing your vulnerability is also one hell of an adventure and can be incredibly thrilling. When you’re backpacking, there’s very little time for superficial small-talk. If you want to make meaningful connections you have to get very real very quick. As travelers, we don’t beat around the bush so if you’re going to get to know someone, you’re likely to make progress much faster than in a conventional setting.
3. TRAVELERS UNDERSTAND TRAVELERS
Let’s be honest for a second. If you’re a wandering spirit, it’s unlikely that you feel fully seen and understood by your friends who are not living the same life. As a traveler your eyes are opened to new ways of living, different worldviews and once you’ve left the beaten track, it’s not easy to return to it. When you meet new people while backpacking, they’re more likely to be on a similar wavelength. Are we wrong?
4. SEXY PEOPLE COME FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
Backpacking and traveling provide opportunities to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. When you date someone from another culture, you get to learn about their customs and beliefs, which can be an enriching experience. Is sex different in different continents? You won’t know until you try.
5. THE THRILL OF THE UNKNOWN
Backpackers are essentially curious creatures. I mean, why else would we fly halfway across the world with dangerously little money and barely any plans? Our curiosity will kill us before we let go of it. When you meet new people on the road, fuel is further added to the fire of our curiosity. It’s elementary psychology that attraction lies in ‘otherness’. That’s why, more often than not, attraction fades as you get to know someone better. Hence, the honeymoon phase. When you are first getting to know someone as a traveler, there are more unknowns, less familiarity and therefore a lot more lust. And hey, the less you know the more you learn. So get studying folks.
6. NEW PARTNERS IN CRIME
Is there even a need to explain this one? It’s such an amazing feeling to get to know someone under entirely new circumstances. You can get to know one another on a deeper level while making memories of adventure! It’s definitely a bonus to have someone to explore with while backpacking. It makes the highs go higher and the lows disappear.
PRO TIP FOR DATING WHILE TRAVELING
The easiest and fastest way to meet new people while you’re backpacking is by booking your accommodation at a lively hostel that’s sure to have a fun crowd. You can check out Slumber Party hostels if you’re feeling wild or Bodega hostels if you prefer a more mellow, laid-back vibe. Hostels are a surefire way to meet some interesting people and if you play your cards right, you might get lucky!
