
Bumble Travel Mode UK: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
Looking to connect with potential matches outside your current location? Bumble Travel Mode is your ticket to global dating adventures!
Whether you're planning a trip, relocating, or simply curious about meeting people in new places, this feature opens doors to exciting possibilities.
What is Bumble Travel Mode?
Bumble Travel Mode is a location-based feature designed for those who want to explore connections beyond their immediate vicinity.
By enabling this feature, you can virtually "travel" to a different city or country and match with people in that area. Perfect for travellers, digital nomads, or anyone looking to broaden their dating horizons.
Bumble Travel Mode: A Location-Based Dating Feature
So, what is travel mode on Bumble? It’s a premium feature available to Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium subscribers.
Once activated, you can select a specific city, and your profile will appear to locals as if you’re physically there.
Whilst your exact location isn’t shown, your presence is marked in the city centre of your chosen destination.
This feature is especially handy for:
- Travel enthusiasts: Pre-match with locals before arriving at your destination.
- Digital nomads: Build connections in your next city before you even unpack your bags.
- Networking seekers: Use it for professional or platonic connections, not just romantic ones.
Travel Mode is ideal for making meaningful connections on your own schedule, whether you're preparing for a trip or relocating to a new city.
Key Scenarios for Using Travel Mode
When should you consider using travel mode on Bumble? Here are some scenarios where it shines:
- Holiday Planning: Heading to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival next month? Start swiping now to meet locals who can show you the hidden gems.
- Relocation Prep: Moving to Bristol for work or university? Bumble Travel Mode lets you build a social circle before you arrive.
- Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Constantly on the move? Use this feature to connect with like-minded individuals in your next destination.
- Virtual Dating: Want to experience international dating without leaving your sofa? Travel Mode lets you explore matches worldwide.
Whilst you're optimising your travel dating strategy, why not enhance your profile with our AI Dating Profile Bio Generator to make the best first impression?
How to Activate and Use Bumble Travel Mode
Setting up Travel Mode requires a Bumble Premium subscription, but the process is straightforward and user-friendly. Let's break down the exact steps to get you started with cross-border dating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Travel Mode on iOS/Android
- Upgrade to Bumble Premium: Travel Mode is exclusively available to Bumble Boost or Bumble Premium subscribers. If you’re not subscribed yet, head to the app’s subscription section and choose a plan.
- Open Bumble App: Launch the app on your iOS or Android device.
- Go to Settings: Tap on your profile icon, then navigate to the settings menu.
- Activate Travel Mode: Look for the “Travel” option under location settings. Tap it to activate.
- Choose Your Destination: Select a city from the list or search for a specific location. Your profile will now appear in that city’s dating pool.
For a visual walkthrough, watch this video tutorial:
Selecting Locations: Cities, Countries, and Virtual Dating Hotspots
Bumble Travel Mode lets you choose from a wide range of locations, whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a serene beach town. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- City Selection: Pick a city that aligns with your travel plans or interests. For instance, if you’re into the music scene, choose a city like Manchester or Liverpool.
- Country Exploration: Want to explore an entire country? Start with major cities and expand your search as you go.
- Virtual Hotspots: Some cities are known for being dating app hotspots, like London, Dublin, or Berlin. These are great choices for maximising your matches.
Top Benefits of Bumble Travel Mode for Modern Daters
Understanding the full potential of Travel Mode can help you maximise its benefits for your dating life. Here's how this feature can transform your dating experience.
Expand Your Dating Pool with Cross-Country Connections
Travel Mode opens up unprecedented opportunities for connection:
- Access to diverse dating pools
- Exposure to different dating cultures
- Opportunity to meet international singles
- Chance to practise language skills
- Breaking free from local dating limitations
For those looking to stand out in new locations, combining Travel Mode with AI dating photos can give you a competitive edge.
Pre-Match Before Arriving at Your Destination
Imagine landing in a new city and already having plans lined up. Travel Mode allows you to make connections before you even step off the plane.
- Plan Ahead: Chat with locals to get recommendations for restaurants, events, or hidden gems.
- Ease the Transition: Moving to a new city? Build a social circle in advance to make your transition smoother.
- Save Time: Skip the awkward “getting to know the area” phase by connecting with people who already know the city.
Hint: Mention your travel dates in your bio to let matches know when you’ll be in town. This adds clarity and increases your chances of meaningful connections.
Networking and Cultural Exchange Opportunities
Travel Mode isn’t just for romantic connections. It’s a versatile tool for networking and cultural exchange.
- Professional Networking: Use Bumble Bizz to connect with professionals in your industry.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about local customs, languages, and traditions directly from the people who live there.
- Make Friends: Looking for a travel buddy or someone to explore the city with? Travel Mode works for platonic connections too.
Whether you’re seeking romance, friendship, or professional growth, Travel Mode offers endless opportunities to connect and grow.
No Likes? No Replies?
It's Probably Your Photos.


Average users see 8x more right swipes with our AI photos. Stop wasting time on dating apps and join 50,000+ singles who have already found better dates with TinderProfile.ai.
When Bumble Travel Mode Becomes a Red Flag (And How to Avoid It)
Using Travel Mode is a strategic advantage, but if used carelessly, it can sometimes come across as a red flag. Some users might see the "travelling" badge and assume you're a tourist looking for a casual fling, a scammer, or simply not serious. Here’s how to use it effectively without raising suspicion.
Why It Can Be Perceived Negatively
- Lack of Seriousness: Locals might think you’re just passing through and not invested in a real connection.
- "Player" Vibe: Constantly being in different locations can give the impression that you're just collecting matches.
- Potential for Scams: Unfortunately, distance-based features on dating apps can be exploited by scammers. Savvy users are often cautious.
How to Use Travel Mode Without Raising Red Flags
- Be Explicit in Your Bio: Don't leave things to interpretation. State your intentions clearly. For example: "In Manchester from 10-17th September for work. Looking for someone to show me the best spots!" This transparency builds immediate trust.
- State Your Purpose: Explain why you're using Travel Mode. Are you relocating? Planning a holiday? Mentioning it removes the mystery. A good line is: "Relocating to London in October and keen to meet new people before I arrive."
- Engage Authentically: Avoid generic opening lines. Mention something specific from their profile and connect it to your upcoming visit. This shows you've read their profile and are genuinely interested.
- Don't Hide Your Status: The app clearly indicates what travel mode means on Bumble with a "travelling" icon. Don't try to pretend you're a local. Embrace it and be upfront. Knowing this helps you understand why being clear in your bio is so important for managing the Bumble algorithm in your favour.
By being direct and honest, you turn a potential red flag into a conversation starter and a clear sign of your intentions.
Bumble Travel Mode Price UK: Is It Worth It?
Bumble Travel Mode is a premium feature, meaning it's only available to Bumble Boost or Bumble Premium subscribers in the UK. The cost can vary based on promotions and the subscription length you choose, but here’s a general breakdown of the pricing in pounds:
- Bumble Boost: Typically starts around £14.99 for a month.
- Bumble Premium: Often priced from £32.99 for a month, with discounts for longer commitments.
So, is Bumble Travel Mode worth it for UK daters? Let’s analyse the value.
If you're planning a weekend trip from London to Manchester, the cost of a one-month subscription is less than the price of an advance train ticket. If that subscription leads to one great date or helps you build a social connection in a new city before you even arrive, the return on investment is huge.
It's a powerful tool for:
- Frequent Travellers: If you travel for work or pleasure more than a couple of times a year.
- People Relocating: Essential for hitting the ground running in a new city.
- Daters in Smaller Towns: A great way to expand your pool to nearby cities without the commute.
For the strategic dater, the cost is a small price to pay for the massive expansion of your dating pool and the ability to plan connections in advance.
How to Turn Off Travel Mode on Bumble
Ready to return to your home city's dating pool? Turning off Travel Mode is just as easy as switching it on.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Bumble App: Launch the app on your device.
- Tap Your Profile Icon: Go to your profile screen.
- Select the Settings Gear: Tap the gear icon in the top corner.
- Find Your Location Settings: Scroll down to the "Location" section.
- Disable Travel Mode: You will see your current location set to your travel destination. Tap on it, and you should see an option to use your current location or to turn off Travel Mode. Select this to revert to your actual GPS location.
Once you switch it off, your profile will return to your home city, and you'll start seeing local profiles again.
Common Travel Mode Problems and Solutions
Even the best features can have minor hiccups. Here are some common issues you might face with Travel Mode and how to fix them.
-
Problem: Location Not Updating: Sometimes there's a delay after you select a new city.
- Solution: Close and restart the app. If that doesn't work, check your phone's location services and ensure they are enabled for Bumble. A full phone restart can also help.
-
Problem: Managing Matches from Multiple Cities: It can get confusing chatting with people in London, your home town, and your next destination.
- Solution: Use Bumble's chat filters if available, or simply make a mental note. Being upfront in your bio about your travel plans helps manage expectations on both sides.
-
Problem: What Happens When My Subscription Ends?: If your Bumble Premium subscription expires while Travel Mode is active.
- Solution: Your location will automatically revert to your current physical location. You won't lose your existing matches from your travel destination, but you won't be able to make new ones there until you resubscribe.
Bumble vs Competitors: Travel Features Compared
Bumble isn’t the only dating app with location-based features, but it does stand out in several key ways. Let’s compare Bumble Travel Mode with similar features from other apps to see how it stacks up.
Bumble Travel Mode vs Tinder Passport: Feature Showdown
Tinder Passport is Bumble’s closest competitor when it comes to travel-focused dating features. Here’s how they compare:
Feature | Bumble Travel Mode | Tinder Passport |
---|---|---|
Cost | Included with Bumble Premium | Included with Tinder Plus/Gold |
Ease of Use | Simple city selection | Similar city selection process |
Profile Badge | Indicates user is in Travel Mode | No badge; users appear as locals |
Best For | Building connections before travelling | Casual swiping in new locations |
How Hinge’s Location Tools Differ for Casual Travellers
Hinge doesn’t offer a direct equivalent to Bumble Travel Mode or Tinder Passport. Instead, it relies on manual location updates, which can be limiting for frequent travellers.
- Pros: Hinge focuses on deeper connections, which may appeal to users looking for serious relationships.
- Cons: Lack of a travel feature makes it less ideal for exploring matches in multiple locations.
Why Bumble Dominates for Digital Nomad Dating
Bumble's Travel Mode particularly excels for digital nomads because:
- Professional networking integration
- Clear travel status indication
- Better safety features
- Quality matches focus
- Multi-mode functionality (Date, BFF, Bizz)
If you’re a digital nomad looking to optimise your dating and networking efforts, Bumble Travel Mode is the way to go.
Final Verdict: Is Bumble Travel Mode Your Ticket to Global Dating?
Bumble Travel Mode isn’t just a feature. It’s a gateway to new experiences, connections, and opportunities. Whether you’re planning a holiday, relocating, or exploring the digital nomad lifestyle, this tool makes it easier than ever to connect with people around the globe.
Remember to:
- Update your profile regularly
- Be clear about your travel dates
- Maintain open communication
- Use safety features wisely
- Stay authentic in your interactions
By combining the power of Bumble Travel Mode with a polished profile, you’ll be well on your way to meaningful connections, no matter where life takes you.
Your Top Bumble Travel Mode Questions Answered
Got questions about Bumble Travel Mode? Here are some of the most common queries answered to help you make the most of this feature.
Can I use Bumble Travel Mode for free?
Unfortunately, Travel Mode is not available for free users. You’ll need to upgrade to Bumble Boost or Bumble Premium to access this feature.
Does Bumble Travel Mode show my exact location?
No, Bumble Travel Mode does not display your exact location. Instead, it places your profile in the centre of the city you’ve selected. This ensures your privacy while still allowing you to connect with locals.
How long does Bumble Travel Mode last?
Once activated, Travel Mode remains active for as long as you keep it enabled in your settings. You can switch locations as often as you like, making it perfect for frequent travellers or digital nomads.
Can you see if someone is in travel mode?
Yes. Bumble adds a "travelling" badge or indicator to profiles of users who are using Travel Mode. This transparency is a key difference from other apps like Tinder Passport.
Can I use Bumble Travel Mode on the web version of Bumble?
Currently, Bumble Travel Mode is only available on the mobile app for iOS and Android. If you primarily use Bumble on your desktop, you’ll need to switch to the mobile app to access this feature.
Resources
Looking to learn more about Bumble Travel Mode and related topics? Check out these helpful links and resources:
- Official Bumble Guide to Travel Mode: What is Travel Mode? - Bumble
- Related Blog Posts: