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Meet local singles in your next travel destination! They will show you their favorite places, the best beaches, the best local clubs, bars and restaurants. Better than just a dating app, better than a free local guide!

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Make your vacation a fun, exciting and unforgettable experience.

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What should you do first while looking for a travel buddy?

Many people who desire to travel around the world and see breathtaking places don’t have a suitable travel companion. And not everyone can make an announcement “travel buddy wanted” via social networks.

Most likely your perfect travel buddy and even destiny are not among your old internet friends. And this is the main reason to start looking for a travel buddy on the special project. At first pick and post your best photos, decide where you want to go and what do you plan to visit, write all hobbies, interests and plans in your personal profile and start an exciting race of making new friends all around our planet.

There are several secrets that help while choosing a travel buddy

Pay attention to people’s plans and habits. For example, if a person writes in a profile that he prefers energetic lifestyle with tons of activities and you enjoy calm and quite sightseeing – probably you won’t make a good match even if other interests are similar. If you two are early birds – that’s great, if not it could do you wrong. Imagine the situation when your buddy is a night owl and doesn’t give you a chance to rest.

So try to write a list of what you prefer while traveling. Do you like organized or spontaneous trips? Riding a car or hiking miles? Dining at home or tasting foreign cuisine? And you can also mention on what side of the bed you sleep. Make a funny note - travel buddy with left bedside preference wanted. Fortunately, your perfect travel buddy will appreciate this tiny joke. And don’t forget that sense of humor is one of the most important things in any relationship.

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Tips how to become more attractive, published issue of national geographic traveller, preparation to go on a trip, are you single today is the best day to meet your love, various ways to find the right buddy to travel around the world, top places for european dating, international dating.

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By using this app, I made a lot of friends with people around the whole world. Good app, definitely recommend

As a huge traveler myself, I found this app helpful and engaging. Talking to a few people on there was really an eye opening experience.

I find this application very well, actually admire someone has created such great app, thank for all, wished everyone peace, happy

Excellent travel applications, innovative design, with this application, I can easily find the right travel companion, great!

This app is very useful for search a location travel at weekend. Also shared information for all, good job

Thanks to TourBar I found a group for my trip. I am now busy arranging my trip. Thanks all.

So amazing guys, you can find the best place for travel on weekend. Beside, you can invite your friend to go together to that place. The interface also cute. Thank.

Best social app by far, a great community, respectful people, good vibes, good features, and no agro. Love it 😏

I love the face that this app invites everyone who is interested in traveling to join and help build the greatest travel community. I found it amazing to plan a tour with people having same interests, very nice

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Dating Apps To Find Vacation Flings

These dating apps will help you score a vacation fling, more from sex & relationships, r29 original series.

Swipe right: a traveler’s guide to dating apps

Feb 12, 2021 • 8 min read

Through some apps, you can start arranging dates before you leave home © Vitalii Matokha / Shutterstock

Traveling is all about getting outside your comfort zone and tasting the local flavors – which don’t have to stop at food and drink – and being receptive to things you’d might not encounter at home.

Once considered taboo, dating apps have become the ultimate travel essential, especially if you’re hitting the road solo . A fast-track to plugging into the hometown crowd, they’ll help save time you might otherwise spend taking a blind chance on a nightlife scene, and open you up to a subset of people you’d otherwise never meet. 

Connecting with locals can help you experience a destination more deeply than you would if you were charting your own path. From underground dance parties and hidden watering holes to home-cooked meals and language exchange, you could make new friends, go on fun dates, have hot hook ups, and maybe even find real love – anything is possible with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and a handful of best practices. 

The different dating apps

Pick the platform that best suits you, and install it ahead of your trip so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. 

With users in more than 190 countries, Tinder is among the most popular dating platforms worldwide. It offers the ability to change your location so you can browse in any city with its “Passport” feature, available with a paid “Tinder Plus” subscription. This feature is well worth the money (nevermind the ageist pricing: US$9.99 per month for the under 30 set and $19.99 per month for those older), as it allows you to get a head start with swiping so you can start conversations with matches and tee up plans before you’ve even packed your suitcase.

For many women, being bombarded by creepster solicitations can be overwhelming, if not downright repelling from dating altogether. Women-focused Bumble puts the control in the thumbs of its female users, who must initiate contact with matches within 24 hours before the connection disappears. And the guys are hotter than on Tinder – any woman, anywhere, can corroborate. 

For some, a handful of photos and a 500-character profile doesn’t cut it when it comes to determining a suitable match. OKCupid features more robust profiles, a categorized search function – you can easily set your location to the destination that you’re headed to – and in-depth questionnaires that feed into an algorithm, which determines a percentage-based compatibility score between matches. 

LGBTQIA+-specific apps

While the above apps are all LGBTQIA+ friendly, Grindr has long been the go-to for gay men. Users who subscribe to the “XTRA” service ($29.99/mo) can use the “Explore” feature to search for matches in any location and lockdown dates in advance; just be conscious of the customs and laws surrounding homosexuality wherever you’re visiting – authorities in some countries have been known to target, track and arrest gay men by using the app.

Grindr touts itself as a space that includes all queer, trans and non-binary people and is open to women, but their presence is virtually nil. HER was created for lesbian, bi and queer women, and to ensure that the platform is safe for its intended demographic, users can report profiles of straight men or couples on the prowl for threesomes.

Couples in search of a guest star while on holiday should try Feeld – which appeals to anybody with an open mind, partnered and single alike. From swinging and polyamory to kink and radically transparent one night stands, it’s a sex-positive platform where anything goes. Feeld also allows you to change your location to one of their “Cores” – major cities across the world with a high number of users, such as New York , São Paulo , Melbourne , Paris and Singapore .

Getting it right

There are a few things to think about to ensure the best experience when using dating apps on your travels.

Perfect your profile

To optimize your profile, list where you’re from, the dates you’ll be on the ground, and a few things you’re into, like a type of food or activity; you can even make a call for recommendations. And if you aren’t down to hook up, do state so – people are presumptuous no matter where you are in the world.

Keep the text brief, punchy and digestible. Post up-to-date photos that show you and your interests clearly, so matches can use them as a conversation starter – a handstand photo in front of Machu Picchu will have more people sliding into your DMs than a pixelated group shot in a bar where you’re barely discernible amongst your friends.

Be intentional

It’s important to go into this experience knowing exactly what you want. A tour guide? A dinner companion? A language teacher? A cross-cultural romance ? Many locals are happy and proud to show off their hometowns, so be up-front about what you’re looking for when communicating.

You’ll likely find that people are intrigued by you, a mysterious foreigner with an interesting accent, and aren’t put off by the prospect of a short-term connection.

Swipe strategically

If you’re staying in a big city, keep your location setting within a five-mile radius. You may also opt to adjust the age range to narrow it down to people who more closely fit your ideal. Time is of the essence, so don’t be surprised if your match wants to go from zero to 100 – if they swiped knowing that you’re only around for a short time, odds are they’re down to skip the small talk and get straight to the point.

If that's what you want too, then keep the conversation snappy and don’t let it linger without some move to action for too long – ideally, you should exchange numbers within a couple of scrolls down your screen. 

Take it to text

WhatsApp is the most commonly used texting app across the world and works across operating systems and on wi-fi, so be sure to download it if you don’t already use it. When communicating with a match, be upbeat and candid – but also direct and politely firm.

Ask for last names, more photos, or links to social media profiles, and internet stalk away if you want a better sense of who they are. Anybody who refuses most likely has something to hide. If it eases your mind to have a phone call or video chat before meeting, don’t hesitate to initiate it. 

Respect customs

When it comes to dating, cultural norms vary around the world. Be sensitive to customs around courting and remain aware of what’s socially acceptable when it comes to public displays of affection. This especially applies to the LGBTQIA+ community, as some 70 countries criminalize homosexuality. Know the laws of country you’re planning to visit ( this map is a good place to start ).

Tinder users will find that a travel alert pops up when the app is opened in a country where LGBTQIA+ status equates to a crime, and they must opt in to be shown in these locations. Grindr issues warnings to users as well, and the app is completely banned in Turkey, Indonesia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Swipe safely 

Common sense, clear boundaries and direct communication are critical when swiping. You can always unmatch the moment you feel uncomfortable or change your mind. Remember that these are perfect strangers and you don’t owe anyone an explanation – ever. Never share exactly where you’re staying and avoid letting on that you don’t know your way around.

The first date

For a first date, meet in a busy, public place during the daytime, no further than a mile from your accommodation. If you drink or use substances, know your limits and never take your eyes off your drink. Carry enough money to pay your own way and get back to your accommodation. Trust your instincts and don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do; if a date starts to take a strange turn, bow out immediately. 

Always make sure someone knows where you are. If you’re traveling solo, leave a hand-written note in your room, stating where you’re headed and who you’re with, or tell the receptionist. If that feels awkward, shoot a text with your date’s contact details, profile and message screenshots, or your live geolocation to a friend back home. 

If you find yourself in a seedy nightlife scenario where your date knows every single person working there, stay conscious of shifty motives or a ruse. In some countries, it’s not uncommon to swipe on matches who turn out to be sex workers in pursuit of clients.

When going the route of hooking up, enthusiastic, informed, and ongoing consent is imperative. Be direct about your expectations and intentions, moreso if there’s a language barrier – don’t be timid about using a translator on your phone to communicate clearly. 

Temper your expectations

Cast the net wide and don’t get too hung up on one person or experience. When deciding on activities, it’s cool to mention some things your list, but go with the flow and let your date make suggestions, too.

Splitting the bill can help keep any expectations in check for both people, but if someone goes the distance to show you around, picking up a meal or a round of drinks is a nice gesture. 

While true love can certainly come from this experience, if you keep your focus on making meaningful human connections, having lighthearted fun, and experiencing the destination in an alternative way, you’ll go home with fond memories of new friends, steamy stories for your homegirls or lads, and maybe even a new long-distance love to lure you right back.

You might also like: 

31 unusual love and marriage customs from around the world The 10 best places for solo travellers to find love 8 aphrodisiacs from around the world you've never heard of

Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners. 

This article was originally published in January 2020 and updated in February 2021.

This article was first published January 2020 and updated February 2021

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I Went On A Travel Date With A Total Stranger & Here Are 7 Important Things I Learned

“This sounds like a scam… or prostitution" is what pretty much everyone told me when I first decided to give travel dating a go . And truth be told, I thought the same thing. But I’d made it a personal goal to be more adventurous in my dating life this year… and when a PR firm offers to send you on an all-expenses paid getaway with a cute guy (separate hotel rooms included), you say yes.

Which is how I ended up embarking on not one, but two destination dates last month: the first with a complete stranger named Josh* (who — spoiler alert! — did not murder me), and the second with a guy named Peter*, whom I’d met in Paris and serendipitously found on travel dating site MissTravel a few weeks later (he didn’t murder me, either!).

For those who may not know, travel dating is kind of like Tinder, but instead of swiping right and left, you scroll through profiles — which also include photos and quick bios — and search by trip. In the case of MissTravel, users can create and list trips with a few key details: destination, specific dates, and whether you’ve got an “extra ticket” (i.e. you’re willing to cover your travel buddy’s expenses), have your “own ticket” (i.e. you’re taking this trip and would like for a date to tag along and cover their own expenses), or, most ambitiously, would like someone to “take you along” (i.e. you’d like to head out on this vacation and have someone else pay for the trip).

From there, you can match with and message other users based on how interested you are in jetting off with that person. Conversations are a bit more loaded than those you’d have on other dating sites or apps, with fewer games of “Would You Rather” and more “So, what’s your travel style?” But for the most part, it’s not crazy different.

Naturally, I now consider myself a low-key expert in travel dating. So here’s everything you need to know about foregoing first-date drinks to fly across the ocean with someone you barely know: highs, lows, and jet-lag-induced drooling included.

1. You've Got Options

For starters, you’ve got to decide which destination dating site or app to try. I’ve only ever used MissTravel, which basically invented travel dating, but there are tons of other sites and apps in this space now, including TravelHostDate , TourBar , and YourTravelMates .

Some are designed to help you connect with locals while exploring a new city; others are good for finding fellow vagabonds to sync up with on your next adventure. Your call.

2. Yes, It's Safe

Yes, heading off on a vacation with someone is a way bigger commitment than dinner and drinks. And no, unfortunately many of these apps do not verify users. But think of it in these terms: How often do you get to watch your date stroll through a metal detector or get a pat-down from the TSA? If you’re meeting a person at a far-away destination, be sure to touch base with the hotel staff in advance to ensure they’ve got your information (and I’d strongly recommend getting separate rooms). Many of these travel dating sites and apps also suggest Skyping, FaceTiming, or even grabbing coffee with your potential travel date (location permitting) to ensure you’re completely comfortable with each other before clicking “book.”

Other than that, I’d say follow standard Tinder protocol and you’ll be fine. Just trust your gut, stick to hanging out in public areas, and ask a friend to track your location from their phone (maybe spring for a temporary Wi-Fi pass or roaming cell phone plan as well).

3. And Yes, You Really Can Find A Handsome Stranger

A lot of travel dating sites were initially created for sugar daddy types to find young, hot business trip companions, which has given the whole concept a bit of a bad rap. But fret not — more and more millennials are joining these sites and apps; according to MissTravel, more than 400,000 18- to 35-year-olds have joined its site in the last two years alone.

Sure, you might have to scroll through a few pages of the aforementioned businessmen, but you’ll also find plenty of charming, adventurous gems; I can personally vouch for that. Josh (travel date one) was 28, with two master's degrees and Zayn Malik vibes; Peter (travel date two) was a hot 23-year-old I’d already met and clicked with at a bar in Paris (think Troy Bolton turned New York finance bro).

4. Don't Worry About Being Awkward

The (very) socially awkward side of me was panicking before my trips. Like, breaking-out-in-a-stress-rash level panicking. But both were surprisingly easy, and honestly, way less awkward than most Tinder dates I’ve been on. Because you’ve got so much time together, conversation lulling here and there is not only totally fine, it’s expected. And knowing you have 48 hours to fill gives you a steady stream of topics to cover as you plan your next move — i.e., would you rather have In ‘n Out for dinner, or head to The Mission for tacos? Should we spend the next few hours strolling through markets, or checking out a few museums? Socializing becomes way easier when you’re actually doing things, not just staring at each other’s faces over a charcuterie plate.

That said, Josh and Peter might tell you a different story here. I mean, I sensed virtually no awkwardness, but I’m also happy to chat about my appreciation for Voldemort in surprisingly intricate detail, so…

5. But Worry A Little About Jet Lag

I’ve been flying back and forth across the Atlantic pretty regularly for the past two decades (mostly for school), but jet lag still gets me every. Damn. Time.

Both of my dates involved adjusting my internal clock (the first was Boston to San Francisco; the second Boston to London), and I did a terrible job. As in, I fell asleep and drooled on Peter a few times and aggressively insisted on taking naps. Thankfully, both dates saw the merits of this (especially after the drooling). Keep that in mind when choosing a destination. If you’ve only got a couple of days to spare, maybe don’t travel across too many time zones (and if you do, well, remember that nap time is the best time).

6. You Can Try Out Different Travel Styles

Turning a trip into a first date (or visa versa) also gives you the chance to experience different travel styles. I typically travel solo, end up getting lost down random side streets, and spend an inordinate amount of time filling notebooks with my thoughts on a city. Josh, on the other hand, was all about seeing the top attractions: ensuring we didn’t miss a photo opp in front of the Golden Gate Bridge or hanging from the side of a trolley. And Peter — well, Peter and I were pretty much drunk for two days straight and somehow ended up on a boat. Or, as I affectionately dubbed it, “A magical island pub floating on the River Thames… LET’S GO TO THERE!”

Personally, I didn’t ask either date about their own travel styles before meeting up, as I’m generally pretty happy to go with the flow (especially the flow of the pub boat). But if you’re a more structured traveler, definitely chat through the details with your date to make sure they’re on the same page.

7. It's A Great Escape From Modern Dating

Modern dating is so focused on strategy and scheming, balancing "hard to get" with "I'm definitely interested in you." But the cool thing about travel dating is that it strips all of that away. In most cases (mine included), your dates exist in a vacuum: You live in different cities and have zero mutual connections, so why let the fear of coming on too strong, too weird, too excited about late-night Big Macs keep you from having a great time and enjoying each other’s company? Hold hands and mess with his hair! Knock back tequila shots and check out a burlesque club! Get lost in Shoreditch, London, at two in the morning! Who knows, you might hit things off and find a new lover.

Or maybe, like me, you’ll end up with some new friends, a phone full of photos, and little bit less of your liver.

*Names have been changed.

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Finding Love Abroad: Top 8 Travel Ideas For Lonely Adventurers

There are many places to find love abroad, a trend that's becoming increasingly popular. Here are some travel ideas to find your soulmate overseas!

• Discover new love possibilities abroad in Australia, Spain, Brazil, Italy, and more with vibrant cultures and romantic atmospheres.
• Adventure seekers can find love while exploring beautiful destinations like the Faroe Islands, Sweden, New Zealand, and Colombia for unique experiences.
• Whether seeking a partner or enjoying solo travel, these countries offer not only romantic opportunities but also stunning landscapes and cultural treasures.

There were 132.3 million unmarried people in the US in 2022. The number can seem like good news for those looking for a partner, but a Pew Research Center survey shows that 57% of single adults in the United States aren't looking for a relationship. So why not look for love overseas?

While some people try their luck on bucket list singles' cruises , there are an increasing number of videos on TikTok described as "passport bros," primarily men seeking a partner in countries they believe are more traditional, although plenty of women are also seeking love abroad as well.

Whatever one's preferences and personal circumstances, some countries seem like perfect destinations for finding love abroad. Yet, when trying to meet people and enter the dating scene overseas, one must be aware that it means going out of one's comfort zone and being committed to understanding and respecting someone else's culture.

For those potentially looking to find their soulmate elsewhere, here are several great travel ideas to find love abroad while also embarking on an adventure in beautiful countries​​​​​​.

Many dating apps offer a "travel mode". This option can give a sense of the dating scene in different countries.

Summer Romance: 10 Perfect Honeymoon Destinations Around The World

8 australia, the country has 6.1 marriages per 1,000 people.

Approximately 37% of adult single people in Australia hope to find a serious relationship in the near future. The country is known for its laid-back vibe, making it relatively easy to connect with people. When dating a local, foreigners can expect dates to involve various activities, from casual beach outings and barbecues to outdoor adventures like hiking and surfing, which often characterize the dating scene. Australia was recently named the friendliest country in the world , too, which is good news for foreigners hoping to try their hand at dating here.

The country is worth visiting, even for those not looking for love. Exploring places like Sydney Harbour and discovering the mind-blowing Great Barrier Reef are unique experiences. The best thing about Australia is that it offers attractions for all types of travelers: cosmopolitan tourists might enjoy the charm of Melbourne's laneways, and nature enthusiasts will love the rugged wilderness of Tasmania and its many charming towns .

Outside of the big and famous cities like Sydney and Melbourne, among others, there are lots of beautiful small towns in Australia to visit as well, which are often overlooked by tourists.

For foreigners up to age 30, Australia offers a working holiday visa program , which opens up a fantastic opportunity for non-Australian citizens to explore the country and work at the same time.

7 Faroe Islands

The country is known for its demographic imbalance.

The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago perched between Norway, are home to many natural wonders . The country made headlines for its demographic imbalance of 107 men for every 100 women , which means a deficit of 2,000 women, making it a potential destination for those seeking a partner.

Visiting the archipelago is a unique chance to be immersed in the rich Faroese culture, from traditional music and dance to delicious cuisine featuring local specialties like fermented lamb and seafood. The islands offer breathtaking hiking trails and places like the iconic Múlafossur Waterfall . Travelers should plan to visit the country during summer when the days are longer .

Approximately 30% of the adult population is single

Spain is a destination for history buffs, thanks to its many castles and medieval buildings. Beyond being an excellent country to include on a Eurotrip, Spain has a vibrant culture and passionate atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for single people looking for soulmates abroad.

Spaniards are known for their warm hospitality and affectionate nature. The country's dating scene reflects its lively spirit and PDAs (public displays of affection) are standard in most cities . The country also offers an abundance of cultural treasures to explore, including the iconic architecture of Barcelona (the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell ) and the historic streets of Seville.

As roughly 30% of the adult population in Spain is single , it's a chance to discover the country's fantastic cuisine and wines on a date.

10 Best Scenic Wine Tours To Enjoy In Madrid

Approximately 44% of women are single.

The largest South American country needs no introduction. Famous for its friendly and outgoing atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and impressive Brazilian natural wonders , it's easy to fall in love with this nation as well as its people.

Brazilians are renowned for their warmth and outgoing nature. When visiting Rio, for example, the flirting atmosphere is everywhere, so it's an excellent destination for romance. Yet, most people don't speak English, so learning some Portuguese is a plus before going on any dates in Brazil.

The country is also worth visiting for other reasons, including its rich culture influenced by immigrants and indigenous peoples. Its landmarks include the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf.

Nearly 48% of the population is unmarried

It isn't a surprise that so many romantic films used Italy as a background, as the country exudes romance. Films like Roman Holidays and Eat, Pray, Love helped to reinforce Italy as the ultimate destination for romance - and they were right. Even when visiting the beautiful towns in Tuscany alone, it's possible to feel the romantic vibe.

Nearly half of the adult population in Italy is single. Yet, each region of the country has a different approach to dating; while in the north (home to places like Milan, Verona, and Venice), people are more formal, in the south, locals are more relaxed. So, single travelers can expect more flirting when visiting places like the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Capri.

10 Affordable Places To Retire In Italy For US Citizens

Approximately 45% of women are single.

There are essential things to know before visiting Colombia , but the first thing travelers should know is that they will discover a rich culture and encounter many outgoing people. Whether discovering Bogotá's lively nightlife or exploring Cartagena's colorful streets, people are often friendly and open to helping.

Flirting comes naturally in Colombia, especially when trying to learn how to dance local rhythms. Even for those not seeking love, Colombia is a remarkable destination, thanks to places like the Coffee region, the archeological wonders in San Agustín, and Tayrona National Park .

Approximately 57% of the population is single

Sweden might come as a good surprise for single people trying to find love overseas. Despite its often low-profile approach, the country has succeeded in promoting gender equality among men and women, assuring that both have the same opportunities.

This equality is also perceived in relationships, where splitting the bill is expected . Foreigners describe the dating scene in Sweden as relaxed and laid-back, and women often praise men for being more direct about what they are looking for.

When visiting Sweden, single travelers can enjoy a date or their own company while visiting Stockholm's Gamla Stan , the old town, wandering through the vibrant markets, and exploring the historic Royal Palace .

Travel Scandinavia: 15-Day Itinerary For Denmark, Sweden, & Norway

1 new zealand, 52% of the population is unmarried.

New Zealand might have a small territory, but it offers an excellent destination for travelers seeking romance. According to the dating website eHarmony , Auckland and Wellington are fantastic destinations to meet someone while enjoying the nightlife. People are often open-minded, too, which can make dating easier.

Like many other countries, online dating is standard in New Zealand, so singles can try their luck with dating apps. While the dating scene in New Zealand seems lively and tempting, the country also offers stunning landscapes, combining mountains with pristine beaches.

Travelers, whether on a date or alone, can enjoy the vibrant city life of Auckland, plan a wine-tasting trip in Marlborough, or go on outdoor adventures in Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of New Zealand", home to lots of adventure sports , or visit (and also stay overnight) at the Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set on New Zealand's North Island.

15 episodes

Coffee conversations that range from adulting woes, offbeat (but accesible) travel, and sometimes modern dating. Endearing, funny, relatable. The host (Zo) is a 30-something woman from India who is a bit like everybody but still feels like a misfit wherever she goes. She hopes you enjoy this show, and join her tribe of lovable misfits

Zo Is In A Pod Zoya M

• Society & Culture
• APR 3, 2024

I got diagnosed with cancer

I got diagnosed with cancer. It was unexpected, as such things are. This episode is personal, emotional, and an attempt to share a bit of what the first month of this long journey has been like. My dear friend (and the person I recorded my first ever podcast with) Dujju is the host. I dedicate this episode to the people who held my hand at my weakest, and stand as pillars while I fight the battle of my life.

• JAN 21, 2024

How to plan a FOMO-free trip to Europe ft Sudarshan Ravichandran

Chances are you have atleast one European city on your travel bucket list (if not all). Dreamy reels from influencers (or your friends who took a job in Luxembourg) keep beckoning you. But it’s not a cheap destination for an average Indian – so how do you plan a stress-free vacation to a continent with 50 countries to choose from? I caught hold of Sudarshan, a (self-proclaimed) Europe travel consultant, and asked him the secret behind getting to those historical European towns with cobblestone streets, mulled-wine stores, and beautiful flowers – turns out, a simple strategy shift can help you get the best out your next trip to Europe. Also featured in the episode: Sudarshan’s Instagram page: sudarshanravich@ The 10-day itinerary to anywhere in EU: http://tinyurl.com/y6cx8su9

• OCT 29, 2023

Offbeat | Diving In Trincomalee with Shalini Matta

Dive into the underwater world with me and Shalini, certified Open Water divers, dive buddies, and water babies for life. We unpack anxieties from our early dives and try to describe the magical realm beneath the waves. Also in this episode - how I unknowingly crashed a honeymoon, got kicked in the face, and lost my dive buddy

• OCT 22, 2023

Adulting 101 | We Were On A Break

In this episode, Nupur and I share what it's like to be on a career break. We get into what to expect when you let go of a stable source of income, why we highly recommend a sabbatical atleast once in your life, and how to answer "what do you do" when you are jobless.

• JUN 26, 2023

The Tea | Why Are You Still Single?

Join me and dating app veteran Nupur as we discuss the horrors of modern dating. We dissect it all – why do people blow hot and cold, why first dates are exhausting, the hubris of straight men, and what single women are looking for. All to answer that dreaded question that stops being cute after you cross 30 – why are you still single? In this Episode: Why dating is hard work How do you decide to keep dating after 3 dates          What are married people doing on dating apps The psyche of someone who blows hot and cold How to read between the lines of texting Making friends on dating apps Why men think 4 is actually 6 Everyone should go to therapy The litmus test of a strong partnership Also I'm getting better at understanding what I want to do with this podcast. And so this is the first of a new season, S2E1 if you will

• JUN 14, 2023

Adulting 101 | A Vaginal Monologue

A mid-week rant about the shame around pap smears in India, and Voldemort...I mean vagina (gasp, shudder, block)

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4 wedding red flags that are telltale signs a couple won't last, according to a dating coach

• A dating coach says you can often tell whether a couple will last based on their wedding.
• Anwar White, who has more than 580,000 TikTok followers, outlined four red flags at weddings. 
• His telltale signs include how much the bride or groom acts out and who's mentioned in the speeches. 

Wedding season is right around the corner.

If you're attending nuptials this year, Anwar White , a dating and relationships coach, says there are a few signs to look out for to determine whether the marriage will last.

White — who has advised clients on how to find love for 14 years and regularly shares dating advice with his more than 580,000 followers on TikTok — outlined four red flags at weddings that foreshadow speedbumps ahead for the couple.

White shared the markers that a marital union might not be long for this world in a video posted on TikTok on April 3. The clip has 1.6 million views.

Here, he breaks down each red flag to look out for at weddings this year.

A groom shoving cake into a bride's face could be a sign of underlying aggression, White says.

White says one of the biggest red flags that a couple won't work out in the long run involves wedding cake.

For some, it's tradition for the bride and groom to rub cake on each other's faces before the dessert is served to their guests. White says paying attention to how the couple approaches the act of rubbing cake is key.

"If it's loving, if it's more of a caress, that's one thing," White said. But if the cake rubbing is more forceful, he says, it indicates that the groom may harbor "deep-seated aggression" and is comfortable humiliating a partner.

"If a groom is willing to do that in front of your friends and family, I can't imagine what he's willing to do in the privacy of your own home," White said.

If either the bride or groom shows off during the wedding, it shows they aren't willing to share the spotlight, White says.

"When I see someone pulling focus to themselves, that lets me know that they're trying to make this event about them and not about the union," White said.

Examples, he says, include if the bride or groom puts on a skit that involves dancing or singing or if there's a comedic interlude or show-off moment when walking down the aisle or during the reception.

"These are all moments where it's about me, it's about me, it's about me," he said. "That's something that I always look out for, and when I see it, I'm like, 'OK, I can see how this relationship is going to be.'"

White also says he pays attention to whether the bride or groom refers to the wedding as "my day" instead of "our day."

A big wedding can also be a sign that a partner's priorities are in the wrong place, White says.

Some of the most successful marriages White has seen have started with an elopement or a more casual celebration.

By contrast, he says, some of the least successful couples hosted elaborate weddings, which can come across more like spectacles than authentic celebrations of love.

"A lot of brides really try to make the wedding as big as possible. And that is often a telltale sign that a bride is more focused on the wedding than they are on the marriage," White said. "What this means is 'I care about what other people think more than I care about the actual union.'"

If family members' speeches don't refer to both partners, it's a sign they don't like or don't know who their loved one is marrying, White says.

People giving wedding speeches will devote most of their remarks to the person in the couple they know best, White says.

But somewhere in the speech, he says, there should be at least a mention of the other person.

If the speech-giver is solely focused on their person, he says it could mean one of two things: "One, they don't like the person. They are going by the old mantra of if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all. Or two, they don't know the other person enough."

"What you want to see is positive things being said about the other person and how they represent themselves in your person's life," he said.

Friends and family can be better judges of whether a relationship will last than the people actually in the relationship.

White says he likes to refer to friends and family of his clients as their "love jury" because they can help individuals "have all of the perspectives" they need to make "the most informed decisions" about their romantic lives.

Even if the wedding red flags aren't foolproof, White says, they can be indicators of a relationship's success.

White knows his red flags aren't an exact science.

"None of these are always right," he said. "But these are things that you can look at and be like, 'OK, this is interesting.'"

Backing up his theories is years of experience, both as a relationships coach and a frequent wedding guest.

"I probably go to a wedding once a quarter," White said. "Maybe one out of five, sometimes two out of five, will have some of these markers in it."

• Main content

He claimed 10 women defamed him in online ‘Are we dating the same guy?’ group. An L.A. court is skeptical

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Dating can be difficult. What if you get stood up? What if you are not compatible? What if you get a fake phone number?

And then there is the case of Stewart Lucas Murrey, who sued a group of women after they talked about him in a private Facebook group, warning others about his bad behavior on dating apps.

The lawsuit names as defendants 10 women, but a Los Angeles superior court judge recently tossed out the suit against one. Murrey vows to pursue the legal squabble.

Murrey, a Santa Monica resident, said his social status took a hit because of the comments made by women whom he claims to have met through dating apps. His June 2023 lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accused the women of defamation and seeks $2 million in damages. He claims sex-based discrimination because he couldn’t join the Facebook group to respond to the claims made against him and alleges a civil conspiracy.

Murrey said he was labeled a murderer, and the women accused him of having a sexually transmitted infection, according to his complaint.

On Monday, Judge Gregory Keosian dismissed Murrey’s lawsuit against one woman after she filed an anti-SLAPP motion, which targets lawsuits that seek to censor, intimidate and silence critics.

Murrey’s lawsuit is centered around the Facebook group “Are we dating the same guy? — Los Angeles.” The group has iterations across the United States. The first started in 2022, according to the online magazine Glamour , serving as a “whisper network” to help women navigate the dating scene in their cities. The Los Angeles group was not created specifically to discuss Murrey, but he was the subject of a message thread, according to court records.

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Women on the Los Angeles-centered Facebook group shared in a post what they described as negative experiences with Murrey, according to a GoFundMe campaign started by the defendants to pay legal fees.

One woman shared a story about an exchange she allegedly had with Murrey after the two matched on the Tinder app. He insisted on meeting her that evening, but she was busy, according to a screenshot of her comment. Murrey allegedly found her Instagram page and tracked her down at a Beverly Hills hotel bar, where she was having a business meeting.

Another woman, Vanessa Valdes, threatened to report Murrey when he allegedly insulted her in a message conversation on the dating app Hinge, according to a series of screenshots shared in her anti-SLAPP motion.

“I’m subpoenaing you’re (sic) idiot ‘report’ and possibly suing you for defamation,” Murrey wrote in response, according to screenshots produced for the anti-SLAPP motion.

“By the way, real decent women love me lol,” Murrey added.

More than 50 women wrote about him in the private Facebook group and were labeled co-conspirators in a “large-scale conspiracy to create a fake online social consensus,” according to Murrey’s lawsuit.

Keosian dismissed all claims against Valdes during a hearing Monday on her anti-SLAPP motion and found no evidence of a conspiracy. Legal experts say it’s likely the other named parties in the lawsuit will have similar success.

Valdes’ posts “involved a matter of public interest: women’s security against male violence and harassment,” Keosian wrote in his ruling. In one message posted to the Facebook group, Valdes wrote, “I’m so glad we’re protecting each other.”

“Just feels really good to be dismissed from all counts — it wasn’t just the two counts of defamation, but all 11 counts he filed against me,” Valdes told KTLA after the hearing.

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Murrey posted his response to Monday’s ruling on a blockchain social media platform and on his personal website. He claimed he did not know Valdes aside from their one interaction on the Hinge app and called her a cyberbully who shared his personal information online.

“This behavior should not be normalized and I am challenging every person in their various roles,” Murrey said, promising to pursue his legal case.

This is not the first time Murrey has taken legal action to accuse a woman of causing him emotional distress. In 2019, he sued a woman he met on Tinder, making similar claims of defamation.

Murrey represented himself in his latest lawsuit. Several other named defendants have upcoming anti-SLAPP hearings in the case, and Murrey will have an opportunity to appeal the court’s recent ruling.

Malpractice attorney Frances O’Meara, who is not affiliated with Murrey’s lawsuit, said that in an anti-SLAPP motion, the court must first consider if a person is being sued while exercising their right to free speech. If so, then the burden shifts back to the person filing the lawsuit, and the question becomes whether the claim has minimal merit to proceed.

California was the first state to pass an anti-SLAPP law, in 1992, to target lawsuits that abuse the judicial system.

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“The statute then expanded to situations of people suing just to shut other people down when they certainly have a right to speak,” O’Meara said.

Anytime people say something on the internet, they put themselves at risk of being sued, said attorney Jeffrey Lewis, who is not affiliated with the Murrey case.

In order to succeed in his defamation lawsuit, Murrey would have had to prove that the statements made about him were false and that he suffered damages, Lewis said.

“Defamation lawsuits are really hard, unlike going to small claims over a breach-of-contract case, or somebody owes you money,” Lewis said. “People get sued all the time for saying things on Facebook, but a group of women posting about a dating experience with one guy, and the one guy deciding to respond with a lawsuit? It’s very unusual.”

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Nathan Solis is a Metro reporter covering breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. He previously worked for Courthouse News Service, where he wrote both breaking news and enterprise stories ranging from criminal justice to homelessness and politics. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. Earlier in his career, he worked for Eastsider L.A.

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California judge dismisses one of 'Are We Dating the Same Guy?' lawsuits

A California judge on Monday dismissed one of many cases brought forth by a man who is suing dozens of women for sharing stories about him in multiple private Facebook groups, including offshoots of the viral “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” group .

Stewart Lucas Murrey is suing more than 50 women — nine of whom he names in his complaint — saying they “conspired to harm [his] reputation and violate his right to free speech based upon his sex and other discriminatory elements,” according to court documents reviewed by NBC News. 

In his initial complaint, filed in June 2023, Murrey states that much of his “emotional distress” was due to posts made in several “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” groups local to Los Angeles and Orange County. These are part of a network of more than 150 private Facebook groups where women post about men they’re seeking to vet with help from others who may have dated the same person.

On Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory Keosian granted one defendant, Vanessa Valdes, an anti-SLAPP motion, a common legal mechanism for dismissing “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” or lawsuits determined to chill the exercise of free expression.

“While I am grateful for this outcome, I want to highlight that there are still other defendants continuing to fight this battle,” Valdes wrote in an email statement to NBC News. “I want to make it clear that I do not condone retaliation against the plaintiff; the courts will continue to do its intended work. It is my sincere hope that baseless lawsuits like this do not happen to others in the future.”

In an email statement to NBC News on Wednesday, Murrey said he "will soon issue a more serious and nuanced statement regarding the last hearing."

"This ruling should not be misconstrued at a surface level nor embolden and normalize cyberstalkers," he wrote.

He also noted that his “lawsuit is against multiple defendants.”

In a statement posted Monday to his personal website, Murrey said the judge’s ruling was based “only on portions of Valdes’s statements” about him. 

While Murrey said he’s never met Valdes in person (which she had also previously stated ), he alleged she “participated in an online group that sought to harass, dox, gang-stalk and cyberbully” him.

“This behavior should not be normalized and I am challenging every person in their various roles,” he wrote, later adding that “this is a situation that is bigger than mere libel. We face a threat to privacy and I am prepared for the long fight ahead.”

The statements echo Murrey's November 2023 amended complaint, which claimed “this large-scale conspiracy to create a fake online social consensus had and continues to have real consequences.” 

Murrey alleges that the women’s comments caused “severe damage” to his personal relationships and dating life, and that “he has lost all privacy.” 

Facebook and the Facebook groups “refused to respond whatsoever” so Murrey “had no option but to file police reports against defendants,” according to the complaint. More than 400 “severely harmful comments have been taken down within said Facebook groups,” the complaint states.

A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

In recent years, the “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” Facebook groups — which say they aim to “warn other women about liars, cheaters, abusers, or anyone who exhibits any type of toxic or dangerous behavior” —  have gained rapid traction across the country. 

But some group members have become embroiled in defamation-related lawsuits brought forth in various states by men who have been the subject of these conversations.

In January, an Illinois judge dismissed a separate lawsuit against 27 women regarding their posts in a Chicago “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” Facebook group. The plaintiff refiled a class-action complaint the same day.

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.