Stay safe while traveling this summer

While your dating life is heating up, don’t cool off on being cautious

About 3 million daters on OkCupid have shared that they could live a life of travel — and we know many of you will be hopping on a plane any second now that summer is around the corner. But it’s important to keep safety top of mind when meeting someone new, especially in a new country. To make it easier on you, we put together a guide to help you stay safe this summer — both online and when meeting for the first time.

1. Sharing is caring. Create a game plan and share details about your date with friends and family, such as their photo and when and where you are meeting them.
2. Be honest about what you’re looking for. Be clear about your intentions and establish personal boundaries. Whether you’re looking for a casual fling or a serious relationship, be upfront about your intentions in your dating app profile and conversations. This will help you find matches who are on the same page.
3. Video chat first. Before meeting in person, schedule a video call with your match to get a better sense of their personality and ensure there’s chemistry. This can also help you avoid any potential catfishing or misleading profiles.
4. The more the merrier. When you’re ready to meet someone in person, research local spots and busy areas and avoid meeting anyone in unknown locations or non-busy areas. Avoid meeting or going to someone’s home or hotel — and don’t share where you are staying until you feel comfortable.
5. Say something. Connect with others who have verified profiles and familiarize yourself with safety features within the apps, such as reporting and blocking options. If someone is making you uncomfortable or using abusive language — on or off the app — always report back to the app.
6. Leave early. If something doesn’t feel right or if you’re uncomfortable during a date, trust your instincts and prioritize your safety. Don’t hesitate to end the date early or leave if necessary.

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Stay safe while traveling this summer was originally published in OkCupid Dating Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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