You can practically smell it in the air as you stroll past stores overflowing with heart-shaped balloons and flowers. There’s no doubt about it - February is the “month of love.” Yet, despite the overt celebration of romance, I can't help but notice my single friends feeling less and less hopeful about the prospect of finding love.

And who could blame them? The dating world has become a minefield of confusing terms like ghosting, breadcrumbing, love bombing, and even submarining (what?!). With nearly 80% of Gen Z dating app users reporting feeling burnt out by the process, according to Forbes Health, it makes you wonder: are there any good dating prospects left, or has the endless swipe-a-thon turned everyone jaded and frustrated?

What if I told you the key to unlocking love isn't in creating yet another dating profile? What if I told you it’s out there, waiting for you in the wide expanse of the world?

We've all heard those dreamy travel love stories—the kind movies are made of.  Whether it's locking eyes across a crowded piazza in Italy or sharing a glass of wine on a cliff in Santorini, travel love is when two people meet by chance while exploring new places. 

I know what you're thinking– that would never happen to me. But don’t roll your eyes just yet! There’s a reason, in fact there are 6 reasons why travel is a catalyst for love. When you understand the science behind why love blooms during travel, it might just prompt your next big adventure!

Why Travel Is a Catalyst for Love

Travel isn’t just about exploring new places—there's something about being away from home that opens you up to new experiences, including love. Here’s why:

1. Novelty and Excitement When you travel, everything is new and exciting. Psychologists have found that people are more likely to feel attracted to others when experiencing novel, thrilling events. Your heart races while zip-lining in Costa Rica, and suddenly, you find yourself drawn to the person next to you. Coincidence? Not at all. It’s that rush of adrenaline creating a spark.

Research by Dutton and Aron (1974) shows that heightened emotional states can actually increase feelings of attraction. So, when you’re out there crossing a suspension bridge in the mountains, you’re also crossing paths with potential romance.

2. Shared Experiences Create Bonds Ever noticed how traveling with someone brings you closer? It’s not just because you’ve spent time together—it’s because you’ve shared experiences that create lasting memories. Whether it's navigating a foreign city or marveling at a gorgeous sunset, these moments deepen connections and can fast-track intimacy, even with someone you just met… perhaps on your tour group that day. (Aron et. al 2000) 

3. A Growth Mindset Makes You More Open to Love When you travel, you naturally step out of your comfort zone. And that mindset of openness—being ready to learn, discover, and grow—also makes you more open to new connections. Away from the pressures of daily life, you might feel freer, more yourself, and that can be incredibly attractive to others.

As Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory suggests, when we’re in a learning and adaptive state, we’re more likely to form meaningful connections. That’s why you may feel more “alive” while traveling, and why love can sometimes feel more accessible.

4. Travel Lowers Stress, Making You Emotionally Available Let’s be honest—dating apps can be stressful. The endless swiping, ghosting, and rejection is enough to make anyone want to throw their phone into the ocean. But when you’re on vacation, your stress levels drop, and you feel more relaxed and open. (Nawijn et al 2010) This emotional availability is key to forming romantic connections, and it’s one of the reasons love feels more possible when you're away from home.

5. Face-to-Face Interactions Are More Authentic One of the biggest challenges of dating apps is the lack of face-to-face interaction. It’s hard to pick up on someone’s energy through a text or profile photo. But when you’re traveling, you meet people in real life—at a café, on a guided tour, or during a spontaneous adventure. These in-person encounters feel more genuine and can lead to deeper connections. Oxford Internet Institute 2019

6. Romantic Destinations Prime You for Love Some places just exude romance. Think Venice’s canals, Santorini’s sunsets, or the twinkling lights of Paris. These destinations have an energy that enhances romantic feelings. Environmental psychology supports this, showing that beautiful settings can amplify attraction. Russell & Snodgrass (1987) So, it’s not just the person you’re with—it’s the whole vibe of the place!

My Own Travel Love Story

Once upon a time, I was a single 20-something traveling through Europe, soaking up all the freedom and excitement that solo adventures had to offer. Little did I know, my life was about to change during a pub crawl in Dublin. I locked eyes with an Australian man who would become my future husband. Yes, it was love at first sight—and trust me, it really can happen like that.

After that fateful encounter, I couldn’t help but wonder: how many other people have fallen in love while traveling? So, naturally, I tapped my audience, followers and general community to ask, “Have you ever fallen in love while traveling?” Spoiler alert: a lot of people had stories to tell.

That’s why we launched our latest Transform With Travel podcast series, Passport to Love, where we share real-life stories of adventure turning into romance. From a chance connection with an Airbnb host in Denmark to a life-altering meeting with a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef, this series will melt your heart and maybe even inspire your next adventure.

Ready to Find Love on Your Next Adventure?

If you’re tired of the dating apps and feel stuck in a romantic rut, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Love isn’t confined to your city limits—it’s waiting for you in every corner of the world. Whether it’s a fellow traveler or a local with whom you share an instant connection, you never know where or when your next love story might unfold. 

And ultimately, putting yourself first, allowing yourself to have the adventure of a lifetime, and following your heart along the way - that’s what truly matters. 

Sure, travel romances come with challenges like long-distance relationships immigration woes and cultural differences. But as we’ll explore in Passport to Love, the rewards far outweigh the obstacles when the connection is real. So, why not step outside your comfort zone, pack your bags, book that trip, and be open to whatever - or whomever - comes your way?

Remember, love and adventure go hand-in-hand (it’s science!), and the next chapter of your love story might be waiting for you on the other side of the world.

Subscribe to the podcast, and let’s explore love around the world together.