Dating Abroad: 9 Tips for Success

Imagine this: you’re on a solo trip of a lifetime and have downloaded the right dating apps for your needs—then you finally get a quality match.

This is the chance to start dating abroad that you’ve been waiting for.

You’re about to live out a scene from a romantic comedy film with a promising new love interest.

While nerves are normal on any first date, those anxieties quickly ramp up when we’re in a new place surrounded by strangers.

That’s doubly true if we’re heading out on a first date with someone from a different culture.

What about those social cues that we take for granted? What if you mispronounce words when you try to speak their language? And what about safety?

Finding the right dating app is hard enough. If you’re preparing for your first date on a solo trip, stick with these tips. They’re based on my own experience dating abroad, along with advice from savvy travelers and digital nomads.

They’ll help keep you safe while you head out on your first date—but they should also help you nail that first impression, setting the stage for a potential affair for the ages.

9 tips for dating abroad

Tip #1: Set your expectations early on

As in, before you meet for that first date. Setting expectations is especially important if you’re meeting up with someone local. A local person probably isn’t planning on exploring the world or finding a new home; that means they might be more likely to look for a long-term relationship or fling.

If you don’t foresee yourself staying in the area, then be sure to communicate that to your new love interest. Regardless of whether they’re local, it’s always good dating practice to be upfront about the level of commitment you’re looking for and willing to give.

Tip #2: Be cool about the little differences if you’re dating outside your ‘bubble’

Dating on solo trips usually exposes us to new cultures, languages, traditions, and more. If you’re dating a non-American, I recommend treading lightly with those little differences.

By little differences, I’m talking about accents, style, and interests.

The more you point out the differences between you and your date, the less likely you are to establish a connection based on the things you have in common.

Tip #3: Never bring up the dark stuff (on a first date)

When I make new travel friends, it’s not uncommon for them to bring up the darkest moments of US history after learning my nationality. I get it; our country’s sordid affairs are covered in great detail by foreign media.

But remember that what you see in the news is usually the most sensationalized and controversial stories that happen in a country—and they might not reflect the everyday life of its citizens.

Don’t bring up these darker topics if you’re dating outside your bubble, and don’t be afraid to steer the conversation elsewhere if someone does it with you. I usually take the chance to highlight the lesser-known and more positive elements of my cultural background.

Tip #4: Go on the date even if you’re leaving soon

I’ve had friends cancel dates because they didn’t want to potentially forge a new bond with their end date approaching. That’s a valid reason to avoid a first date—but if you’re really looking for love and you think that you’ll return to the area someday, go for it!

So long as you’re open about the circumstances regarding your solo travel, there’s no harm in making that connection.

Tip #5: Don’t get drunk

Obviously, getting drunk puts you at risk in a myriad of ways. Male solo travelers are at a higher risk of being robbed when drunk; women are prone to that, too, plus a few other risks.

For safety reasons, stay sober when dating abroad, especially on first dates.

Aside from staying safe, you need to consider the cultural implications of drinking. Some people might find it inappropriate to drink casually and heavily—and you don’t want to make your date uncomfortable.

On the other hand, if your date is getting drunk quickly, call it a night. Maybe they’re nervous about meeting you—in which case, you can always try dating another time. But the risks outweigh the benefits once either party is sloshed.

Tip #6: Plan to talk about money when dating abroad

In the US, there’s a growing divide based on who should pay for dates. Historically, men have been expected to foot the bill—but it’s not uncommon to discuss splitting the bill for many younger demographics.

Just know that financial topics like these look very different all around the world.

Men might be expected to pay for the bill in certain countries. In others, it might be par for the course to split the bill. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just be prepared to have the discussion.

Tip #7: Use protection

Again, this might seem obvious. We’re encouraged to use protection when we have sex because it protects us against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

But I’m going to touch on the cultural element of pregnancy. In some cultures, dating a foreigner might already be viewed as bold, nonetheless having a child with them. Adding a child to the mix will complicate things for you and your lover.

Again, it probably seems obvious to take topics like pregnancy seriously, but don’t underestimate how vastly different these topics are viewed in other countries. From marriage to financial responsibilities, even dedicated couples can struggle to navigate the complexities of intercultural co-parenting.

Tip #8: Be wary if you think you’re being shown off

If your date wants to go someplace public and introduces you to a lot of friends right off the bat (as in, on your first date), then be a little wary.

They might be more interested in dating someone who looks a certain way or is of a certain nationality.

Let me phrase it like this: we’ve all perked up our ears at a bar when we hear an accent that we find particularly attractive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re interested in what that person has to say. Make sure you’re being heard and valued for who you are as a person and not what you like to look or where you come from.

**Tip #9: Even if the date goes really well, keep growing your friend group**

We all have that friend who seems to go MIA any time they get a new boyfriend or girlfriend. If you’re this type of person, then I highly suggest putting added time and effort into growing your social circle.

Just because you’ve found a boo, that doesn’t mean you don’t need other friends in your life—especially on solo trips.

5 VR Experiences in NYC You Can’t Miss

VR and travel don’t seem like a likely match from the outside looking in.

Virtual reality can ferry you across the world using a single headset. If you have a VR setup at home, you can take off whenever you want from the comfort of your couch. If not, you can find a VR arcade, experience, or museum in most major cities.

The idea behind this tech is simple: Immerse yourself in a new world without actually buying any plane tickets or booking any hotel rooms.

That being said, there’s no reason to choose one or the other; VR can be complementary to your trip.

A few years ago, I visited Norway with my dad and my brother. During one rainy day in Oslo, we decided to head to a Viking museum with an immersive VR show.

The historically accurate VR adventure took us onto a long boat during a Viking raid, showcasing the real-life history of Scandinavia’s fiercest warriors while adding a layer of action and adventure. (If you’re in Oslo, I highly recommend heading to The Viking Planet to storm a few virtual beaches.)

Across the US, you can find similar experiences in major cities. For now, I want to highlight the flashiest and most innovative VR adventures in the Big Apple. As a larger-than-life city with no shortage of daring new ventures, it’s a top spot to sample the very best in VR experiences.

If you’re heading to New York City in the near future or can swing a trip in for the tri-state area, these are the VR tours you can’t miss.

5 of the Best VR Experiences in NYC

Visit the pyramids at The Horizon of Khufu

Want to add a little jaunt to Egypt on your trip to New York City? Head to midtown to explore The Horizon of Khufu experience from Eclipso, a virtual reality entertainment company. This highly immersive show runs for 45 minutes, taking you to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

There, you’ll experience the funeral rites archaeologists and anthropologists have uncovered from the Giza Plateau. That means you’ll learn about Ancient Egyptian history and traditions as you stare up at gorgeous renderings of the real-life pyramids.

Custom-built VR challenges at Tidal Force

Aside from the Viking raids in Oslo, my second favorite VR experience was a multiplayer arcade throw-down in Barcelona.

For a friend’s birthday, a small group of us headed to a VR arcade where we joined forces for some games and battled each other in others. If you’re a fan of gaming, look no further than NYC’s Tidal Force.

Tidal Force stands out as a VR arcade because its rooms and adventures are entirely bespoke. Every single component has been built out by diehard VR fans, letting you take on multiplayer challenges and explore with walk-the-room setups.

Whether you’re in a small group or want to bring along ten or more friends, Tidal Force has the custom options you need for truly dynamic VR gaming.

Meet the Museum of Future Experiences

If you aren’t interested in gaming but want a well-rounded VR experience, I suggest looking into the Museum of Future Experiences.

This venture transcends the concept of gaming and virtual travel, providing a mind-bending experience that blends VR, 3D sound design, and powerful, visual storytelling.

Dubbed a ‘technical masterpiece’ by Time Out, you can expect storytelling concepts like never before. Every scene in your headset is coupled with top-notch sound design from an Ambisonics Speaker System for an endlessly engaging and fascinating take on VR adventures. So far, there are three productions to explore.

Step onto a live game show with Game of 1000 Boxes

Who hasn’t dreamed of landing a spot on a game show? Stop praying for a Cash Cab appearance and head to Game of 1000 Boxes.

This wild new idea in gaming takes you onto a virtual game show (complete with a live host) where you and a group of up to four friends take on complex mini-games.

Some challenges are purely mental, while others require teamwork. To be clear—this isn’t a VR adventure because you don’t don a headset. That being said, you’ll be taken in an entirely new world that’s designed just like the OTT game shows we grew up watching. I think it fits well with VR arcade offers that you’ll see around the city.

Soar through history at RiseNY

Similar to Game of 1000 Boxes, RiseNY isn’t a traditional headset-based VR adventure. However, it has a highly immersive 180-degree projector which will take you high above the city to explore its skyline—no helicopters needed.

But this is a lot more than an exhilarating virtual flight. RiseNY’s exhibits take you across all five boroughs in a journey that transcends time. During the experience, you’ll get to learn about the history of the city, its distinct neighborhoods and boroughs, and get to see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty up-close and like never before.

As a history nerd who loves all things NYC, this would be my first pick.

Heading to Europe in Late 2025? Don’t Forget Your ETIAS Form

Do you keep hearing about ETIAS forms in the European travel space?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which is a new program that a network of countries is using to vet travelers heading into the Schengen Zone.

It’s been a long time coming, having first been announced in 2021 before new details emerged last year. Despite the updates, there’s still plenty of confusion surrounding the scope of ETIAS.

What is the purpose of the new program? Is it an actual visa or some other type of requirement? And how can Americans heading to Europe make sure they’re meeting ETIAS requirements?

Most importantly… is it actually up and running?

Don’t worry—the answers are simpler than you think. Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS for your 2025 travels.

What is ETIAS and why is it required now?

At its simplest, ETIAS is designed to streamline and simplify travel in the Schengen Zone. Keep in mind that the Schengen Area is slightly different than the European Union. Schengen is designed to make border-crossing easier between neighboring European countries—whether or not they’re part of the EU.

ETIAS is a new system that vets travelers who enter Schengen. Similar to the US’s new Real ID requirements, the goal is to boost security while streamlining things like risk assessment via background checks. When you apply for an ETIAS, you are not applying for a visa—you are simply declaring your nationality, and the purpose of your visit, and paying a small fee.

ETIAS is set to go live in the coming months. However, it’s been delayed for years at this point. Keep reading to learn how ETIAS should work in case it does launch this year.

Who needs to apply for an ETIAS?

All Americans heading to Europe for vacation need to apply for ETIAS. You can apply after you’re done planning your trip, as you need to provide details about where you’re going to stay, how long, and similar details.

But try to plan your trip as far ahead as possible—some sources recommend leaving three months for you to get that ETIAS approval in case there are any delays or follow-ups. You must receive approval at least 96 hours before you depart.

Each ETIAS submission is valid for three years (unless you get a new passport). Additionally, if your application is denied, you have the right to launch an appeal. Lastly, I want to clarify that because the UK isn’t part of Schengen, you don’t need to bother with an ETIAS to enter the country.

While it might sound like a lot of rigamarole, the process is very straightforward. Again, the goal is to simply collect information on all foreign citizens who enter Schengen in order to streamline security and identification processes.

How can Americans apply? And how long does it take to get approved?

You can complete the whole ETIAS application online. To do so, you need a valid passport, your updated travel information, details for your trip, and a bank card or digital wallet to pay the application fee (it’s less than $10).

If you’ve been reading carefully, this process probably sounds pretty elaborate and stressful. In reality, the vast majority of ETIAS applications will be processed and approved within 72 hours once the program is up and running.

At the moment, the launch date of ETIAS is set for mid-2025; it can’t launch until participating countries have set up the new Entry Exit System (EES).

The Keys to Oaxaca: How to Tour Mexico with Zapotec Travel

When Americans head to Mexico, we tend to stick to the Riviera Maya or Mexico City. (Or Baja, if you’re from Southern California.)

CDMX (an abbreviation for Mexico City from the Spanish Ciudad de Mexico) is having a notable heyday for travelers hungry for a new urban experience. As the largest city in the Americas, Mexico City is a treasure trove of culture, cuisine, and boutique treasures of all stripes.

Can you name the third destination in Mexico that’s gone mainstream over the last decade?

Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a state with the capital of Oaxaca City. It’s located on the southwestern coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the Riviera Maya.

The region is known for its colorful textiles, rugged expanses, and delicious eats like chiles, chapulines, and chocolate. It’s also home to Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, two of Mexico’s largest indigenous groups.

Unsurprisingly, most Americans end up in Oaxaca searching for new cultural frontiers—ones that aren’t found in places like Isla Mujeres and Tijuana.

If you want to delve deep into Oaxaca, you’ve got a great option at your fingertips: Zapotec Travel by Lily, a tour company that was recently listed on National Geographic’s Traveler of the Year Awards list. Its founder was born in America, then immigrated to Mexico, meaning she’s got a foot in both worlds.

Meet Zapotec Travel by Lily

Zapotec Travel by Lily comes from Lily, a Zapotec woman who was born and raised in Santa Monica, California. She spent her childhood immersed in Santa Monica’s Zapotec community, which is the largest outside the state.

After spending summers in Oaxaca at her family’s home, Lily made the decision to immigrate to Oaxaca City in 2013.

A few months after the big move, she began creating a network of indigenous guides, tours, and providers to organize culturally immersive tours for out-of-towners. Her company now works with over 50 providers, most of which are women-led.

If you read my work, you know that I always recommend booking a tour or two with local guides. There are two main benefits: supporting the community directly (which preserves and empowers those places we love to visit) and giving you a more behind-the-scenes look at a place.

If you’re heading to Oaxaca City, I highly recommend looking at Zapotec Travel by Lily; you won’t find these tours offered anywhere else. Here’s how you can add on a tour or experience from her company.

How does booking with Zapotec Travel work?

Lily’s tour company is very flexible. They offer services for organizing private group tours, a monthly list of group experiences that anyone can join, online consultations for any guides who want to incorporate their guides, concierge services, and even transportation services.

You can ask questions by emailing info@zapotectravel.com.

If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, the easiest way to dive in is to explore the list of monthly activities. You can book activities like rainbow tortilla cooking classes, hands-on pottery classes, agave field tours, and more.

Just read through the list until you find tours that spark your interest, then email the address above to reserve your place.

What are community-led tours like?

Colorful tissue paper cut-out flags known as “papel picado” (Getty)

If you flipped through that list of monthly activities, I’m sure you noticed the difference from traditional tour booking sites like TripAdvisor.

Zapotec Travel by Lily is a homegrown project—which means you’re in store for a different tour experience.

Community-led tours sometimes have a slower pace than more commercial options. Let yourself unwind and forget about the clock. On top of that, you’ll have a more genuine chance to make connections with guides and experts—but they might not speak English, so feel free to try out your Spanish and Zapotec.

Best of all, you’ll have access to experiences that are more immersive, impactful, and personal than traditional booking platforms.

10 Most Welcoming Towns in the US Based on 300 Million Travel Reviews

Americans are opinionated.

That predilection has its pros and cons from just about every angle. In the context of travel, those strong opinions can be helpful.

Because we like to leave reviews about our experience at restaurants, hotels, tours, and more, fellow travelers can learn a lot about their options before hitting the buy button.

But those opinions aren’t just relevant to other jet-setters. Travel companies also use these opinions to look back at the year and forecast future trends… including factors like welcoming towns.

Following the data that’s driven by reviews (or those out-of-five ratings, more specifically), popular platforms like Booking dig into which cities, regions, and countries come out ahead in terms of annual bookings.

Usually, the focus in the US is on budget versus luxury destinations, new trends in travel like solo trips and outdoor adventures, and types of experiences, like cooking classes and movie-inspired travel.

But Booking has an interesting twist on last year’s data: friendliness.

In an era of increasing overtourism, many travelers aren’t just looking for a tropical beach that’s perfect for relaxing or a big city that’s chock-full of museums and trendy bars. We’re also on the hunt for a welcoming atmosphere.

Ready to see which spots nabbed the title of the most welcoming towns in the US? The results might surprise you.

Who ranked the most welcoming towns in the US?

The rankings from this article are taken from Booking’s Traveller Review Awards. This review awards program is aimed at the most celebrated providers that use the platform, from hotels to private vacation rentals to aparthotels.

The rankings are finalized based on guest reviews for hospitality providers published on Booking from 2021 to 2024. The final list of the US’s most welcoming towns is determined by the number of partners that received a Traveller Review Award in that city. The more award winners in a city, the higher they’re placed on the list.

Because this ranking is driven by hospitality providers (like hotel chains or management companies), I’m also listing the top hotels that helped rank them. (Plus, one-line descriptions.)

The 10 most welcoming towns in the US

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in the US with a dash of Florida’s Margaritaville vibe

Stay at the St George Inn or Marker 8 Hotel and Marina

Cape May, New Jersey

The famous Victorian Architecture of Cape May (Getty)

A seaside resort town that’s often dubbed New Jersey’s Best-Kept Secret

Stay at Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast or La Mer Beachfront Resort.

Newport, Rhode Island

An unexpected combination of Gilded Age mansions and indie breweries

Stay at Marshall Slocum Inn or Wellington Resort.

Joshua Tree, California

One of California’s most iconic desert landscapes

Stay at The Bungalows by Homestead Modern or Desert Cove

Sedona, Arizona

A rugged but refined spiritual escape surrounded by red rock canyons

Stay at Sedona Pines Resort or Matterhorn Inn

Lahaina, Hawaii

An iconic Northeast Maui resort that’s recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires

Stay at Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort or Napili Shores Maui by OUTRIGGER

Oakhurst, California

Sierra National Forest near Oakhurst (Getty)

The last stop in the Sierra Nevada mountains before Yosemite Park

Stay at Sierra Sky Ranch or Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

Waikoloa, Hawaii

A coast on the Island of Hawaii known for its ancient Hawaiian history

Stay at Sweet Heaven or Slide of Paradise

Prescott, Arizona

A modern town with ties to the Old West—plus, some of the US’s top rodeos

Stay at Hassayampa Inn or Hotel St. Michael

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

A quiet Oklahoman escape with access to major state parks and lakes

Stay at the RISER or Blissful Pines

Digital Nomad Visas in Europe: 5 Steps to Apply Today

Around a dozen European countries have rolled out digital nomad visas since 2020.

These visas enable Americans who work remotely to set up shop in a country for a year or more. They can explore the world while they hold down a full-time job, sampling other countries without fully immigrating.

I’m a freelance writer from Missouri who has been in the process of immigrating to Spain—so I’m partial to this new setup. I’d love for more Americans, especially those from the Midwest, to get to experience life in Europe for a year or two.

And it looks like European governments are open to the arrangement. The premise is simple: Americans (and other nationals) can legally move, live, and work in another country after paying for a visa and agreeing to pay certain taxes. Every visa is different, from the duration to the monthly salary requirements to the ability to extend the visa terms.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

In reality, the decision to start looking for a European digital nomad visa and apply for one takes time and concentrated effort. Still, I’d hate for any remote workers to write off the possibility thanks to feeling intimidated by the process.

Here’s an introduction to digital nomad visas in Europe and how to apply—no need to stress.

Which European countries offer digital nomad visas to Americans in 2025?

If you want to dive into the ins and outs of each available digital nomad visa, start here. Keep in mind that my list applied to more accessible digital nomad visas and isn’t a comprehensive list.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into visa requirements, head straight to the country’s digital nomad visa page—you’ll be able to find those web pages with a simple Google search.

As of January 2025, these countries offer digital nomad visas to Americans: Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

How can you find the right country?

First, you need to take a close look at the country’s visa requirements. The most important considerations are the financial requirements and work contract.

Most countries require you to prove your monthly salary is about a certain amount; lower requirements hover around $2,000 per month. You might also need to prove that you have a certain amount of savings in your bank account.

After financial requirements, you might need to prove that you have a work contract. This is a little trickier for freelancers to manage, so before you apply you need to consider how you can prove your financial credibility if you don’t have contracts in place.

As a freelancer myself, you should be able to ask your clients for proof of ongoing work even if there isn’t a firm contract in place.

Keep in mind that the country you work for cannot be the country where you’re applying for a visa. Additionally, you must submit your criminal record. Lastly, you need to provide your own health insurance—so factor that into your final budget.

(In Spain, I had private health insurance for the first year that I lived in the country. It cost me around $500 for total annual coverage.)

5 steps to land a digital nomad visa in Europe

Step 1: Narrow down your potential destinations

Ideally, you can pick out a destination based on your interests. However, the decision will probably be driven by those monthly salary requirements and the average monthly cost of living in your destination.

Remember: just because you can’t swing rent in a major hub, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a little paradise off the beaten path. For example, I’d recommend staying in Sitges or Garaf rather than Barcelona. You’ll be close enough to the city to enjoy it, but also far enough to live a coastal dream life.

Step 2: Plan out whether you can meet their eligibility requirements

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, research the cost of living in cities and towns. Just because the visa requirements are feasible, you need to account for full-time living, from paying rent to buying groceries.

Step 3: Get your documents in order before applying

Every country has different requirements for digital nomad visas—and some might take a while to clear. For example, if you need to prove that you have a clean record, you might be waiting for an official document from the FBI. It could take upwards of a month to get your documents in order, so don’t underestimate the prep time that you’ll need.

Step 4: Fill out the application form and submit it

Some countries let you start the application process online, while others are fully submitted by mail. Again, you can find this information on a country’s digital nomad visa webpage. For example, here’s Croatia’s list of requirements.

Step 5: Wait for approval—then plan your getaway

Usually, your digital nomad visa term doesn’t start until you enter the country. That gives you time to figure out where you’re going and how you’ll find lodging.

Some nomads prefer to find their own short-term rental, but these are usually expensive. The cheaper option is to rent a room, instead. (It’s also a great way to learn more about the city and local culture.)