A new trend has emerged in the world of travel and romance: wanderlove, a term coined by the dating app Bumble in 2022 to describe the phenomenon of falling in love while on holiday. According to a Bumble survey, 53% of its users are hoping for a summer holiday romance, with the same percentage claiming they feel more attractive when abroad.
This openness to romance while travelling appears to be more than idle fantasy. A third of Bumble users say they use dating apps to meet people while travelling alone, and more than half believe that dating abroad is a fun way to learn about a new culture. However, experts caution that the perception of heightened allure may be misleading.
Wanderlove relationships can range from brief flings to long-distance partnerships. Despite common scepticism, long-distance relationships have roughly a 60% success rate, similar to regular ones, provided they involve commitment, trust, honesty and compromise. This suggests that a holiday romance need not end at the airport.
Yet potential pitfalls remain. The clash of expectations and the practicalities of sustaining a relationship across borders can be challenging. Still, for many, the appeal of a fleeting connection or a chance at lasting love while exploring new destinations is irresistible, making wanderlove a significant trend in modern travel and dating.
