Here I am - scrolling through my Facebook timeline, and I get a notification that I have a new message. It’s a representative from Miss Travel - reaching out to offer an opportunity to travel outside of the country to go on a date with one of their eligible bachelors. I didn’t know if this was a scam or some sort of wild fantasy manifesting itself, so I did a quick Google search on the company, the founder, and everything checked out.
Miss Travel is a dating website, as well as a mobile app, that connects travel enthusiasts around the world. The site has the typical dating mechanisms to communicate - “messages” and “winks,” but what makes this site rise above the rest is the opportunity to have your first date in another country. Imagine one day you’re on the app and next week you’re in Maldives, relaxing in your over the water bungalow.
Enough daydreaming - I was ready to sign, whatever I needed to sign to go on this trip.
Luckily for me, they asked me what kind of criteria I was looking for in a man. I have nothing to lose, so I went for everything: well traveled, well educated, athletic, very attractive and 6’0 or above. Might as well, right? The Miss Travel rep followed up with three guys and there was one obvious choice for me. I confirmed the dates and picked the location for my trip: Turks and Caicos. This country has been reviewed and praised for having the best beaches in the entire world.
I’m beyond excited. I have Turks and Caicos officially on my calendar with a dream guy, nothing can go wrong, right? Two weeks before the trip, I noticed an e-mail from the Miss Travel rep - informing me that my mystery guy would not be able to make the trip: family issues. My instincts told me he was a catfish and never truly planned on going. I was bummed, but that worry quickly disappeared when I was sent five more promising bachelors.
Honestly, it was very difficult to choose this time. They were everything I asked for and a whole lot more. Man, if I knew this type of selection existed on Miss Travel.com - I would have signed up when I was in college. We live and learn! Now that I had selected a new guy, I’m ready. Our flight and hotel confirmations were e-mailed to us: this was really happening! I decided to fly out to Turks and Caicos earlier than my date. Honestly, two nights for a Miss Travel date was not enough time in paradise. My date called me the day before his arrival and left a voicemail - excited to meet me. I wasn’t sure if there would be a love connection - but I’m a single girl and a hopeless romantic. One can only hope!
I texted him earlier that day wishing him a safe flight from the U.S. to Turks and Caicos. The plan was to meet at the Providenciales airport in Turks and Caicos. We were booked on the same commuter flight to Grand Turk. Stick with me here: HE LEFT ME. I was in shock. I had to read the text message twice.
He caught an earlier flight and asked if I could meet him. I didn’t see this message, until 20 minutes later. I had just gotten back from the beach. HE LEFT WITHOUT ME.
In my mind, I thought we would have a big hug at the airport. He would tell me about his travels and I would laugh at his jokes - a lot of flirting. None of this was happening though - he had left without me.
Part of me understood that he had a lot of connecting flights and was exhausted, but still - he could have relaxed at my resort until our flight. We could have rented a car and explored the island that we were currently on. He didn’t have to leave.
No worries - still going into the date with a lot of optimism. I fly to the island of Grand Turk on our original flight and take a $7 taxi to my home for the next couple of days: The Manta House. I freshen my hair and makeup and I walk across to street to meet my date.
He looked exactly like his pictures: very handsome and tall. There was only one problem though: he was highly intoxicated.
I was in shock. He was very apologetic for his state, but I couldn’t help notice his eyes dotting off and slurring his speech with every word. Somehow in this drunken conversation, he informed me that his impression of the site was on the border of “creepy guys and slutty girls.” He informed me it’s a legitimate website, but I would find my fair share of those two categories if I decided to partake.
I knew instantly that he didn’t view me as a date, but merely a reporter to discuss the site. Well, let me start acting like a reporter and ask some questions. This was my first encounter with meeting anyone from Miss Travel, but I was not his first date from the site. Actually, he delved into many intimate details about his first date involving flying two women down to Miami. The story was so good, I wasn’t sure if cameras were going to pop out of the bushes and yell “PUNKED!” No cameras, though....just the intimate story of a man with two sisters: UNREAL.
After story time, we head off to dinner - but he’s so drunk, that he doesn’t eat anything and just gets his food to go. We say goodnight and depart to our separate quarters. The night ended around 9:00PM and I couldn’t believe the day. I was curious how the date tomorrow would go, once he sobered up.
This was a phenomenal day. We had breakfast next door in a secret garden atmosphere. Everyone on the island is so nice and friendly. My date took the initiative to rent a golf cart for us to explore the 7 mile island. I’ve never traveled via golf cart. It allowed us to see more of the country at a slower pace and enjoy the amazing weather.
Luckily, we were able to catch a snorkeling excursion on one of the cruise ships docking in Grand Turk. I saw the most beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish swimming by. I wish I bought an underwater case for my iPhone - life lessons. The ship had unlimited rum punches to get the party started. I danced on the ship and got more excited when I realized we were dockiing to have a beach party. The water was crystal clear and warm. We really got a chance to talk and get to know each other, while relaxing in the water.
When we returned back to shore, I mentioned we should get an oceanfront couples massage, but he is not a fan of unknown people touching him. I got a massage, while he took a business call. Welp! There goes the romance for this date. After grabbing some tacos at Margaritville, we headed on our golf cart to the lighthouse on the Northern tip of the island.
It took about 20 minutes to get there and the timing worked out perfectly. The sun had just set and we had enough time to make it back home before dark. Our final dinner was at the Sand Bar and we wondered if we would ever have this opportunity again. It takes an adventurous and spontaneous person to embark on a date like this. He already had a couple women lined up after this trip for domestic travel. I admired his tenacity with the site and wondered if I would find what I’m looking for. I was exhausted from the day’s activities and passed out early. My date ended up bar hopping with the hosts of Manta House, but he later informed me that all the bars were ridiculously small. The party comes and leaves with you in this remote island.
The following morning we golf carted our way to the airport. The checkout procedure for the golf cart was to leave it at the airport. The island is so intimate and safe, that it’s the norm to leave the keys in the golf cart - without any concern that anyone would take it. We flew back to Providenciales and I hugged him goodbye at the airport.
Miss Travel has faced a lot of criticism regarding “creepy guys and slutty girls” and more seriously prostitution. My date was well educated, well traveled, athletic, met my height requirements - everything I asked for. I think with any dating site, users should discern what they want and be cautious with who they engage with.
1. Beware of scammers! People may have fake accounts and try their best to get money from you by pretending to experience an emergency.
2. Communicate effectively. A lot of assumptions are made on dates. Be clear on what you want and what you’re looking for.
3. Stay Safe! Feel free to ask as many questions to verify someone’s identity. Request a separate room if you’re not comfortable sharing the same space. Always let someone know where you are.
4. Have Fun! It’s easier to be more laid back, while on a trip. Your nerves may get the best of you for embarking on such an adventure, but enjoy every moment. Life is too short!
I haven’t given up on finding the guy for me. I hope my story encourages others to take that leap of faith and book their next flight: who knows what the future will bring.