Why I think romantic encounters on vacay can upgrade your dating life once the trip’s over.

I know what you’re thinking– as someone who’s been in a relationship for the better part of a decade(!!) I have absolutely NO business talking about dating and mating.

But that’s where you’d be wrong.

Because once upon a time, before I was a happily married lady, I was a young nubile thing who was “single and ready to mingle”.  Especially while on my travels.  

You see, before I met my husband (fun fact: we actually met in Hong Kong, at a club, heh), I had dated across four different continents, learning the language of lust love in places like Argentina and France.   

And honey! Let me tell you.  I DEFINITELY lived my best life on those international dating streets–it was such an adventure!   For this reason I’m a huge proponent of vacation flings and think that everybody should have at least one over the span of their travel lives.  I even wrote a blog post with my tips for dating and mating on vacay (which you can read here).

However, despite the thrill of vacation dalliances, there are also benefits that last long after the trip ends.  So allow me to quickly walk you through why I think hooking up with someone on holiday can potentially improve your love life once you get back home!

It helps you to become clearer about what you want in a partner

When you travel, you encounter so many interesting people from so many different walks of life– people you wouldn’t have otherwise crossed paths with back home.

 Dating abroad, therefore, allows you to sample a greater proportion of what I call the PPP– the “prospective partner population”– which then in turn helps you to discern just what your deal-breakers are within the context of a relationship.  

For example, dating that emotionally unavailable computer engineer in France (girlllllll) reinforced just how much I need to be with someone who is not only in touch with their own feelings, but also sensitive to mine.

Don’t get me wrong– dating in your hood is great! But dating while you’re on holiday lets you conduct additional (and necessary) research.  Trust me on this.

It gives you the time and space to try something new without judgement

How many times have you been afraid to date certain people because you’re self-conscious about what your friends will think?

Alternatively, how many times have you been reluctant to try certain things behind closed doors because you’re scared people in your wider circle will find out?

Fear of judgement often paralyzes us in relationships and can limit us from exploring important facets of ourselves, like our sexuality.  

As such, the anonymity of travelling lends a welcome security blanket of sorts. Without scrutiny we can let our hair down, be free, and do what we need to do to be healthy, happy, and satisfied.  

Of course, should you embark on this territory, safety comes first, so make sure you prepare yourself accordingly!

It’s great practice

If you find interacting with potential mates intimidating or nerve-wracking, dating/hooking up away from home can act as a “dress rehearsal” for the real deal once you get back.

After all, vacation dalliances are mostly low stress because nobody really expects to get married to the pool boy in Cancun, do they?

Use your encounters abroad to master the art of small talk, flirtation, and dating etiquette, so that by the time you get back home you’re a pro who’s comfortable in their own skin.