A heart-wrenching breakup can lead to self-reflection, sorrow, and introspection. But for Pankti Chheda, an enthusiastic traveler, it became a catalyst for a transformative solo-travel journey. Little did she know that swiping right on Tinder would open the doors to remarkable matches and incredible adventures. As per the app’s “Future of Dating Report 2023,” 66% of users find that Tinder allows them to connect with people beyond their immediate social circles, fostering diverse connections across race, culture, and geography. For solo travelers like Pankti, this has translated into new experiences, romance, and friendships.

Pankti, a 36-year-old Mumbai resident and owner of Moving Meals, shares her wisdom on how to turn solo travel into an adventure filled with love and memorable moments.

Embrace New Adventures

Whether you’re an ambivert, introvert, or extrovert, solo travel follows the same golden rule as improv: always say ‘yes.’ Stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Pankti recalls an instance where a spontaneous ‘yes’ led her to the best pizza of her life in Amsterdam when she decided to meet a Tinder match on the last day of her trip.

Discover Your True Self

Solo travel is a utopia tailored just for you. It’s a place with no worries, no responsibilities, and the freedom to be 100% yourself. Pankti shares an adventure in Prague where she explored gay bars with a newfound friend, emphasizing that solo travel is about being who you want to be and doing as you please.

Clarity Is Key

Pankti advocates for open and honest communication. She adds her relationship goals to her app profile, sparing herself from guessing games and awkward conversations. Being clear about your intentions, whether it’s friendship or romance, ensures that both parties are on the same page.

Stay Safe and Smart

When traveling alone, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Pankti uses Tinder’s in-app video calling feature to verify her match’s identity. Additionally, she shares her location with a friend and arranges meetings in crowded places to enhance safety.

Traveling with Locals

Engaging with locals adds a unique layer to your travel experience. Pankti suggests embracing the knowledge of someone who grew up in the area. Using Tinder, she’s connected with locals who have become tour guides, showing her hidden gems and introducing her to authentic local spots. A pro-tip she shares is to use Tinder Passport to connect with people in your destination weeks before your trip.

Solo travel, whether exploring a new city or trekking through the remote wilderness, has the potential to be a transformative journey. As Pankti attests, every new Tinder match has introduced her to people who not only enhanced her understanding of the places she visited but also highlighted that being open to unexpected experiences is the essence of solo travel.