One of the great things about going on holiday is meeting new people. Whether it’s that cute guy you had a holiday romance with or the gang of new friends you’ve met on your trip, it’s an amazing feeling to have all those new connections.
But there are some dangers to using gay hookup apps while traveling abroad. These dangers can include catfishing and financial scams, so it’s important to be aware of them.
Apps or sites for gay singles
There are many gay dating apps that offer a safe place to meet other singles. These platforms allow you to create a profile and search for matches on your own schedule. Some of these apps also offer free chatting features so that you can connect with potential partners.
The best dating sites for gay singles use personality tests to match you with other like-minded members. This helps you avoid the pitfalls of online dating, such as baseless questioning or fetishization, and allows you to find true compatibility with your match.
Eharmony is one of the oldest and most popular dating websites, and its patented 32 Dimensions Personality Assessment gives you an idea of your potential matches. Its matchmaking system relies on personality and focuses on long-term relationships, rather than casual hookups.
Zoosk is another popular gay dating site that uses behavioral matchmaking to help you hone in on compatible matches the more you use the platform. Their algorithm learns your preferences and re-matches you with potential matches as you interact on the site.
Finding a date
Finding a date can be challenging, no matter what your sexual orientation. Luckily, the internet makes it easier to meet like-minded singles in your area.
Whether you’re looking for casual gay hookups or a long-term relationship, there are plenty of apps and websites to help. Many of these sites are free to use and offer a variety of features to help you find your match.
Grindr, for example, allows you to view photos of people nearby. You can also chat and exchange more photos.
It’s banned in some countries, but it’s a popular choice for gay men worldwide.
Scruff is similar to Grindr in that you can see photos of people nearby, but it focuses on a smaller pool of men.
It’s an interesting way to connect with guys in your area, but it’s not for everyone. In fact, it can be dangerous, especially for men. Some apps like Grindr have been linked to a number of scams and other forms of harassment, so be careful with whom you choose to meet.
Catfishing
Catfishing is a type of social media scam in which someone creates a fake profile. They use stolen photos to lure people into conversation and attempt to arrange dates they will never show up for.
In more serious cases, catfishers try to defraud, blackmail or harm their victims. Hornet, a new gay dating app which is trying to make it harder for catfishers, will not require users to verify their identity, as it would raise barriers to those exploring their sexuality and could be used by those who want to do harm.
Another red flag is that a person who is catfishing will refuse to give you their phone number, webcam or Skype. They also avoid video chats and face-to-face communication, as it might expose their true identity.
Safety
While gay hookups have become a popular way for people to find partners, they can also present safety risks. In addition, some men may be lured into dangerous situations by online scammers who create fake profiles to steal personal information or money.
This is why it’s important to take precautions when meeting someone online, even if you trust them. Make sure you meet in a public place, and provide emergency contact information.
You should also meet with your hookup in an area that’s more likely to accept LGBTQ people. You can do this by contacting local human rights organizations before you travel to an unfamiliar place.
Another risk for gay hookups is the threat of government officials and anti-LGBTQ individuals exploiting dating app location services to find victims to assault, harass, or imprison based on their sexual orientation. This is especially true in intolerant countries such as Russia, former Soviet Republics, and parts of Africa.
