A third of Brits have holiday romances, and many are now using dating apps to find love abroad
After exhausting all their local dating app options, singletons are now seeking love abroad this summer. A survey of 2,000 solo travellers revealed that two-thirds have reactivated a dormant dating app to find romance overseas. One in five have even chosen their holiday destination based on its dating potential, with a third expressing interest in dating locals.
Among those who have already dated abroad, one in five said they learnt more about the culture when dating a local. However, while one in ten stated that finding a holiday romance is a travel priority – with men more likely than women to continue a holiday romance back home – a third admitted they are great for short-term fun.
When attempting to get to know someone local, four out of ten have experienced embarrassing translation issues, accidentally swearing or unintentionally insulting their date.
As a result, to avoid any miscommunication, a quarter have turned to language learning apps to expand their limited knowledge. However, one in ten have had to ghost an interest on dating apps abroad due to roaming costs.
The study by OnePoll.com found that a third have been hit with a higher-than-expected roaming charge when abroad.
Some travellers have faced a bill of over £150 after using their data, while a quarter have paid for extra roaming data to message someone whilst there.
Lewis Henry from iD Mobile, which commissioned the research and offers inclusive roaming as standard across 50 worldwide destinations, said: “Whether it’s sparks in Seville or soul-searching in Santorini, we want our customers to stay connected – for love, fun and everything in between.”
To assist modern holidaymakers in finding the perfect connection, iD Mobile has partnered with TV personality and relationships guru Anna Richardson to provide Brits with practical advice for navigating romance whilst travelling.
“Travellers are shifting away from the idea that holiday romance has to mean something short-lived or superficial. Whether it’s a deep conversation over dinner in Florence or a hike with a local in Croatia, it’s about connection, not just chemistry,” Anna said.
“Flirting abroad can be exciting and memorable, but it’s easy to put your foot in it if you’re not tuned into the local culture. “
ANNA RICHARDSON’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR DATING ABROAD:
- Use apps to your advantage: From dating to translation tools, tech can be a bridge – just always double-check before hitting send to avoid awkward misunderstandings!
- Read the room (and the culture): Swot up before diving blindly into an awkward situation. A kiss on the cheek in one place might mean something more elsewhere.
- Flirting is about confidence: It’s not all about chemistry. A great connection can start with something simple, like offering local tips or asking for recommendations.
- Learn a few local phrases: A little effort goes a long way and shows genuine interest.
- Don’t let roaming kill the mood: Ghosting because of mobile charges? Not a good look! Choose a plan that enables you to stay connected without worry.