Solo travel is great, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone to travel with. Sometimes you need someone to be your personal photographer, carry your heavy luggage, and someone to be spontaneous with while you try extremely spicy foods you’re too scared to try at home.

But how do you find a travel bae?

Most people don’t anticipate finding love while on vacation, in the airport, or on a dating app. However, some people today are finding untraditional ways to meet their significant other.

Here are a few ways to find travel bae before you head to your next destination.

Join Dating Apps or Social Groups

Apps like Bumble, Hinge, BLK, and Tinder make it possible to find your potential bae, whether they’re right in your neighborhood or up to 100 miles away. They’re a great way to meet people in a new city, state, or country, depending on how far you’re willing to travel for love.

I’ve had my share of left and right swipes and a few promising dates, and healthy conversations about relationships on these apps. Facebook travel groups are also a great way to meet people from around the world.

Airport/On A Plane

You never know who you’re going to run into at the airport or who you might sit next to on the plane.

I recall sitting in the middle seat between two insanely fine men on a flight to New York, only to notice they were both wearing wedding rings. Guess it wasn’t my chance. You never know, it could be yours. What you wear to the airport could be the difference between meeting your future bae or flying the friendly skies alone, so try for a comfy-chic outfit when looking for fashionable travel outfits.

All Aboard The Bus/Train

It’s easy to strike up a conversation sitting next to someone, especially if they happen to be attractive. A simple conversation starter like asking for directions or giving someone a compliment makes breaking the ice a little bit easier while on the bus or train. I once met a potential mate on an Amtrak train ride to Virginia.

Join a Running/Biking Club

Nashvillian Tiffany got the surprise of her life after her boyfriend, Joshua Crutchfield, dropped down on one knee in front of hundreds of bystanders and asked for her hand in marriage. They had just completed their first 5k run together, an experience they spent weeks training for.

She said on Instagram: “It’s taught us how to push through when it was hard, didn’t feel good, and when we didn’t wanna train. It was hard, and God is calling us to do the hard things in life. I’m grateful to God for sending me the best partner to spend my life with. God gets all the glory. Prayers up!”

Join a Travel Group

Travel groups are great, especially for people who are most social in small groups. I’ve been hesitant about this myself, being an introvert, but after hearing success stories from friends about their new lifelong friends, I think I might give it a try. It’s the perfect way to meet like-minded individuals and bond over different adventures and new experiences.

Be Out and About Socially

I’ve always been told that if you want a different type of guy, you have to place yourself in different settings. Whether you’re on vacation or looking to get out the house on Friday night, find the nearest social event that caters to the type of significant other you’re looking to attract. Great options include a cocktail hour, museums tours, parks, concerts, and outdoor festivals. There are a variety of destinations to find your travel bae.

Volunteering

Next month, dental hygienist Shauna Mollel and her husband, Massai warrior Isaya celebrate their one year marriage anniversary. She said she knew God allowed them to cross paths during a mission trip in Tanzania in 2015 for a greater purpose. The couple bonded within three days taking long walks in the village, sharing each other’s dreams, and their similar beliefs on faith. They went started their own wildlife tour company in Tanzania. “It’s important for me to give back to my fellow communities through feeding and dental programs,” he explained. “This is where Shauna and I really connected and were able to combine our dreams to create something unique.”

Photo Courtesy of Shana and Isaya Mollel