How to meet people safely while traveling
Meeting people is one of the best parts of traveling, and the vast majority of encounters are friendly. A few simple habits make sure it stays that way. None of them are complicated, and none of them get in the way of having a great time.
Before you meet
- Chat first. A few messages tell you a lot: whether they answer your questions, whether their plans make sense, whether anything feels off.
- Check the basics. Do their photos look like the same person? Do their dates and places line up with what they’re telling you?
- Keep the conversation in the app until you’ve met. It keeps your phone number private and keeps the report button within reach.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met, for any reason. “Can you cover the deposit and I’ll pay you back?” is the oldest trick there is.
The first meetup
- Pick a public, busy place for the first meeting: a café, a museum, a station, a popular viewpoint.
- Daytime is easier for a first meeting, especially in a city you don’t know.
- Tell someone. Send a friend the person’s name, a screenshot of their profile, and where and when you’re meeting. Share your live location with them if you like.
- Keep your own transport and know how you’ll get back to where you’re staying.
- Don’t share where you’re staying until you’re comfortable.
Traveling together
If a coffee turns into a road trip, that’s great. A few extra habits help:
- Agree on costs up front: who pays for what, and how you split it.
- Keep your passport, cards and some cash on you, not in a shared bag.
- Agree that either of you can change plans at any time, no hard feelings.
Trust your gut
If something feels wrong, it’s okay to leave, without an explanation. Block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable. If you’re ever in danger, contact local emergency services first.
How Twayn helps
On Twayn you decide who can say hi to you, can keep your photos private until you say hi, and can go incognito. Nobody sees your exact location, only the cities you add. Blocking and reporting are always free, and we review every report. Read more in our community guidelines.