Near, far, wherever you are, one thing’s for certain: You’re bound to find a member of the LGBTQ+ community on Grindr.
The hook-up app may be a leader in connecting horny users in search of a no strings attached romp, but it also doubles as an effective travel tool. In fact, it may even be better than Yelp, Google Reviews, and the like in providing candid feedback regarding hotels, restaurants, museums, and other local tourist attractions.
Arguably, the best way to see a new city is to rely on the advice and recommendations of its residents. They are chock-full of information and can bring attention to the hidden gems that mainstream media and review sites fail to highlight. Additionally, they can also flag areas to avoid, as not every part of town may be accepting of the community and its diverse array of members.
The only catch with utilizing Grindr to find an unofficial queer tour guide is that you’ll need to be upfront with your expectations in advance, especially if you have no interest in partaking in sexual activities. Some may mistake your enthusiasm for attraction and may even expect a “favor” or two in exchange for their services. Boundaries should be established from the get-go and you should never shy away from being open and honest about your intentions.
It’s also important to exercise common sense safety guidelines. If you plan to disclose your location and reveal that you’re from out of town, you may be putting yourself at risk for those who want to commit crimes such as burglary and sexual assault. Keep things vague to start until you can confirm someone’s identity or meet them somewhere in public so that you’re on an equal playing field.
With all that said, if you’re single and want to let your guard down, implore a local to take you out on a date and show you around. You may just meet the love of your life or, at the very least, the love of your night.
