You’re lounging by the pool, SPF on, and sipping on something chilled when the cute woman with the great tattoos you met at breakfast walks by — you make eye contact, and she smiles at you impishly as she passes. Is this a daydream? Nope!

Like so many queer women each year, you’ve joined an Olivia cruise. As an “Olivia solo” (shout–out to the independent go–getters!), you’ve been thinking outside the box — or rather, outside your local area code — to expand your dating pool. Going on an Olivia vacation with a group of LGBTQ+ women can feel like walking into a warm, welcoming embrace — and if you’re single and ready to mingle, it might be just the place to make a connection that wouldn’t be possible at home. “One of the best ways to find a different, new kind of relationship is by pushing yourself to do new and different things,” says queer dating and relationship coach Dr. Frankie. “People who keep doing the same things they’ve always done tend to end up in the same kind of relationships they always have.”

If you’re single and/or looking, you might be drawn to Olivia’s Solo Program, where many queer women proudly wear their solo dog tags. While being a solo lesbian traveler l can be treated as a last resort in more conventional travel contexts, you’ll be in plenty of good company as an Olivia solo. (Just don’t be surprised if you spot a few queer women slyly pointing out that solo doesn’t always mean single!) Olivia solos may find themselves catching eyes across the pool, or making sure to grab a seat at a table with a little extra room for new friends.

Obviously, vacationing with hundreds of LGBTQ+ women provides great odds of finding someone who catches your eye. Flirting on vacation can be as easy as sharing sunscreen by the pool or chatting over a sunset cocktail or mocktail. Participating in group activities like pickleball tournaments, yoga classes, or even an adventurous excursion to explore the local culture gives you the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences create moments that are more than just about small talk; they’re about learning who someone is when they’re laughing, having fun, or even stepping outside their comfort zone. Whether you’re cheering them on or sharing an inside joke over a friendly game, these connections make memories that last. “Shared values can bring people together, but shared experiences are what spark and cement connection,” Dr. Frankie says.

What if you do meet someone special — and the feeling is mutual? Maybe it’s a fun, casual vacation fling, sun-drenched and full of sea salt. Or, maybe something magic happens. They tick all the boxes: they’re kind, funny, and you can’t stop thinking about them — but  live on the other side of the country. Or worse, across the world. What happens when the vacation wraps up and real life calls?

Do you take the long-distance plunge and book that flight, or settle for endless video chats and time–zone gymnastics? For many, the idea of long–distance love might seem daunting. Travel costs, busy schedules and navigating time zones can feel overwhelming. But it’s far from impossible; many people thrive in healthy, connected long-distance relationships that let you maintain independence and personal space (while fostering the love of travel that brought you together in the first place!). While it can feel daunting to think about navigating thousands of miles after feeling so connected in person, there are plenty of ways to maintain a strong and healthy rapport over distance:

• Make plans right away to bridge your real life connection into a long-distance one: you can make dinner together over Facetime, watch a show or movies together on the phone, or give each other digital tours of your apartments and cities.
• Think about where your digital life overlaps and how you could share that part of your life over distance: Is there an online queer community  you’re both a part of, games or fandoms you both enjoy, that you can engage in together?
• Be realistic and transparent about the next steps, including when you can see each other next and how you see the relationship unfolding. One of the most important parts of a long-distance relationship is communication — you have plenty of time to talk about where you want your relationship to go.

Let’s not forget the potential thrill of exploring new places together or the satisfaction of nurturing a connection that transcends geography. If you both find yourselves dreaming of future visits and looking for reasons to hop on a plane, it might be worth giving it a shot. After all, accelerated courtships aren’t uncommon for LGBTQ+ women — but only you two can decide if the spark is worth the distance.

So, how far would you travel for love? Maybe, just maybe, the adventure of it all is part of the magic. And who knows? It might just be worth every mile.

Recommended Books:

The Solo Female Travel Book: Tips and Inspiration for Women Who Want to See the World on Their Own Terms

Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World

For More Articles Check Out These Recent Posts:

Self-Care for Single Lesbians

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Staying Connected in a Long-Distance Relationship

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