Insider knowledge about a destination is highly valued by travelers seeking a more authentic vacation experience.
But how best to acquire it? Guidebooks written by locals are a solid source, but many turn to dating apps for the best tourist advice.
According to a subsection of users, Tinder And Bumblebee are two of the best ways to discover the lesser-known pleasures of a destination.
They are the two largest dating apps in the world and offer tourists gateways to make connections with locals – and tap them for information on the best places to explore.
Caroline West, sex and relationships expert at Bumble, said: “Using Bumble abroad can be useful if you want to plan a date or two in between sightseeing, find a travel companion or a local to show you around.
According to a subsection of users, Tinder and Bumble are two of the best ways to discover a destination’s lesser-known delights
“A recent survey found that nearly a third of Bumble users use dating apps to meet new people when traveling alone, and more than half agree that dating abroad is a fun way to discover a new culture.”
And one Finnish study on women, “Tinder Tourism” identified the usefulness of the application for women abroad.
He said “single female travelers are expanding their social network through Tinder when traveling”, saying the app is useful for “alleviating general safety concerns, seeking authentic travel experiences and connections with locals when they travel because of a desire to learn more about the region.” culture, as well as the search for companionship.”
One such user is Anjelica (pseudonym), a 38-year-old restaurant manager who lives in London.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘I travel alone a lot and Tinder is primarily a great way to meet someone to have a drink with, but it can often lead to a really exciting way of exploring.
“For example, I met a local during a week-long trip to San Francisco. We met at BB’s for cocktails.
Caroline West, sex and relationships expert at Bumble, said: “Using Bumble abroad can be useful if you want to plan a date or two in between sightseeing, find a travel companion or a local to show you around. »
“We talked about all his favorite places in the city: where to wait in line for the best fresh crab, great independent bookstores, and more cocktail places than was healthy.
“Suddenly, a real route was mapped out for me. Some we went to see together, others I hit alone. It opened up the city to me in a way that I never would have discovered without the match…I wouldn’t have had the same experience without Tinder.
And Chris (41, not his real name), an insurance analyst who lives in Chicago, told MailOnline: ‘I travel a lot for work and when I arrive in a new city I swipe right on everyone. This way, instead of sitting in a hotel room and ordering room service, I can have coffee with a local and find out what to see, where to go – a nice park, good food, where I can get a massage.
“I don’t think I’ve ever slept with a travel partner, but I’ve made a lot of friends. This way you get the most out of the city.
Chris adds that he uses Bumble rather than Tinder when traveling: “People on Tinder assume you’re just looking for sex.”