Whilst travel is a great opportunity to see new things, discover different cultures and experience a foreign land, it’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and make new friends… sometimes with benefits.

There’s something exciting about meeting someone in a new place – whether it’s someone you met on a Dorset dating site or stranger from across the seas – but when you’re travels, your number on priority should always be making sure you’re safe. So here are a few tips to help you make you’re looking after yourself when hooking up and dating on your travels…

Consider meeting people on apps

As thrilling as it can be to lock eyes with a stranger across a bar, or meet someone new on a group excursion, dating apps are a great way to safely get to know someone before meeting up. You’ll have time to chat and get a sense of what kind of hookup someone is after, all behind the comfort of your phone screen.

And if someone isn’t floating your boat or gives you bad vibes? Simple. Unmatch them. Easy peasy.

Only agree to meet up in public

A small measure to take when staying safe is to reserve first dates for public venues only. Whether Dorset dating or dating in Dubai, bars, parks and cafes are great choices for that first-time meet, and offer a setting in which you can make a brisk getaway if you want to – something that is more difficult to do when meeting in a private setting.

Even if the end goal is a casual hookup, start by keeping it public until you can gage how you feel.

Be cautious when it comes to drinking

Don’t get me wrong – getting absolutely sloshed on jagerbombs and tequila shots always makes for a great evening and some fun stories to tell, but it also means you’re less likely to have you wits about you. So sure, have the odd pint and slip a sneaky shot in too while you’re meeting up with someone, but make sure you know where to draw the line. The last thing you want is to be stuck in an uncomfortable situation and be too drunk to do anything about it.

It should also go without saying that any drinks you do decide to buy should never be left unattended – we’ve all heard too many horror stories about getting spiked!

Pay attention to that gut feeling

Countless times in my life I have had a gut feeling about something and been utterly right about it, so it makes sense to pay attention to it when travelling and dating, right? If you’re getting bad vibes from someone – even if you can’t put your finger on what it is – then don’t ignore it. Listen to what you’re instincts are telling you, and walk away if you have to.

Let someone know where you’re going

Whether you have plans to meet someone new or not, when you are traveling alone, it’s always good to let someone know where you are and what you’re up to. I constantly update my family group chat on my plans for the day and where I’ll be going. That way, should the worst happen – and hopefully it never will – they have a place to start.

If you’re staying in a hostel or have made friends on your travels already, then it doesn’t hurt to inform them and ask them to check in, too. Trust me – you’ll feel better just knowing that there’s someone close by who knows where you are and what you’re up to.

Think about number one

All too often, we put ourselves in situations we’re not comfortable with in a bid not to offend or upset anyone, but when it comes to your safety – especially when you’re on your own – there is no shame in thinking about yourself first.

If you find yourself on a date or hanging out with someone whilst on your travels, and you’re just not feeling it, don’t feel guilty removing yourself from the situation. Remember that you don’t owe that person anything, and it’s more important that you feel secure and comfortable than worrying that that person will feel rejected. Always, always think about number one. Besides, the longer you spend trying to please someone you’re not interested in, the less time you have to find your next Prince Charming, eh…?