How I Use Tinder to Discover Local Hidden Treasures Around the Globe

I won't engage in debates about healthcare, climate issues, or politics—even during election season. But if you want to push my buttons, suggest that Tinder is merely a hookup app. I’ll defend its true purpose fiercely. Forget about Airbnb, Orbitz, Uber, or other essential apps: the most important travel app on my device is Tinder.

Officially, Tinder — launched by two 27-year-olds in 2012 — is classified as a lifestyle app. As per Apple, it ranks as the second most downloaded lifestyle app, outpacing Google Home and Amazon Alexa. I began using Tinder in 2015 after my five-year relationship ended when I relocated across the country. My first Tinder date was with Brad, an entrepreneur who treated me to a nighttime flight over the city. My parents never cautioned me against flying with strangers. Brad and I didn't work out, but that wasn't the end of my Tinder adventures.

In 2016, I penned an article for Fox News titled "10 Essential Tips to Enhance Your International Tinder Experience." The following year, I contributed a story to a South African magazine named "Tales from Tindering Across 25 Countries." In 2018, I met my long-term boyfriend—who remains my best friend today—on Tinder. However, even after we became exclusive, I continued to swipe, as I was still traveling for work. This app was like my magic carpet, revealing the world to me.

Guidebooks are valuable, but locals have insights that Lonely Planet can’t provide. I realized this while in Spain, shortly after matching with a charming Spaniard. Carlos, a kite surfer, was my ticket to hidden treasures I hadn't even imagined. He led me to stunning secret beaches and the finest off-the-beaten-path tapas bars. He took me to places so genuine that if I didn't order in Spanish, I was left hungry.

But it was Toby, an irresistibly attractive Australian, who introduced me to oysters at a chic raw bar in Brisbane. Growing up in Montana, seafood was synonymous with Red Lobster for me. Toby and I never even held hands, yet our bond—still thriving three years later—is as close as it gets without crossing into romance. We're pen pals—the traditional kind. The best card he sent me resembles an Aussie slang dictionary, which I plan to use during my next visit down under.

I plan to return to Bali someday to reconnect with a former potential romance and meet his new wife and baby. Roger, a Swiss expat who launched Bali Beach Glamping during the pandemic, and I matched on Tinder a few years back. He came to my rescue when Mount Agung erupted, closing the airport and leaving me stranded. Roger helped me arrange transportation on the island, guiding me on reputable taxis and fare expectations. He even called Air Asia for me when their website crashed and I couldn’t access a phone.

Roger and I kept in touch, and about a year later, he came to visit me in Thailand, where we celebrated Valentine's Day at the launch of an online dating service called Nomad Soulmates. I doubt it ever gained as much traction as Tinder.

Tinder continues to thrive even with border closures. A year ago, it experienced its busiest day ever, with over 3 billion swipes on March 29. In April, the company made Passport available for free to all members. I’ve been paying for this feature for years, allowing me to position myself in different locations without having to travel there physically. It enables me to secure dinner plans days before I arrive.

Naturally, I always prioritize meeting in public spaces. I believe in the law of attraction. If I’m seeking a like-minded traveler to share travel costs or a local interested in a free language exchange, that's exactly who I end up connecting with. I don’t have any frightening stage-five clinger tales to tell. Even when using the app for romantic reasons, and there's no physical spark, I still come out ahead. I have countless success stories, easily in the dozens, if not hundreds.

Gary, an American expat in Thailand, introduced me to a pizzeria with a stone oven that felt straight out of Naples. I never saw him again, but every subsequent Tinder date in Chiang Mai found their way there. I wasn’t sure if we’d fall for each other, but I knew we’d at least enjoy the food. Rui, a Portuguese blend of George Clooney and Josh Duhamel, invited me to dinner one night in Porto with him, his ex-girlfriend—a gorgeous Estonian woman—and a British businesswoman he met on Bumble. I left with two new female friends and now have a place to stay in three different countries.

Marijn, an intellectual Dutch cyclist aiming to traverse Morocco, took me to trivia night at a hidden speakeasy. Not only did I gain insights about climate change—the theme of the evening—but we also won (thanks to his knowledge), earning me free drink vouchers. I also joined an trivia night with Joshua Cripps, an award-winning wilderness photographer I met in Mammoth Lakes, California. We didn’t win, but for five years, he’s been a significant source of inspiration for my travel plans. He’s my go-to for any camera-related inquiries.

Then there's Lian, a South African who bears a striking resemblance to Matthew McConaughey. We spent less than 24 hours together before parting ways, and nothing romantic occurred for months. However, we kept in touch, texting daily and even starting a book club. Our first read was Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers," and the last was his doppelganger’s debut memoir, "Greenlights." The book I treasure most is the history of his country that he gifted me when we met in January 2020 for a Star Wars-themed Disney Cruise. For seven days, it was just the two of us (plus a few thousand aspiring Jedi and Stormtroopers).

Inspired by that iconic moment when Princess Leia tries to surprise Han Solo with those three weighty words, I confessed my love to Lian. Sadly, the coronavirus interrupted our blossoming romance. He returned home to quarantine in Cape Town. With Biden's travel restrictions on South Africa, I'm unsure when I’ll see him again.

Statistically, I have the highest chance of crossing paths with Bryce, an artist who lives nearby. He’s now engaged, but when we matched, we were both single and keen on exploring new cultures, which led us to a road trip to Crow Fair, a pow wow famous for being the "teepee capital of the world." We honored elders during traditional dances, cheered for kids in pony races, and savored fry bread the size of a saddle.

I firmly believe Tinder deserves a spot on any list of essential travel apps. For some, it’s merely a hookup app, but for users like me, it’s a way to connect with locals who offer insider tips that guidebooks simply can’t provide. It’s also a means to meet fellow travelers. Whether you're looking for a partner for a day tour, someone to share a pricey taxi to the airport, or just another person to take your photo because you’re tired of selfies, Tinder can help you find them. Just swipe right on the right matches.