If you’ve ever had the urge to take off for the weekend to a fun and exotic locale with someone attractive (who hasn’t entertained this fantasy?), there’s a new dating trend just for you: it’s called the Datecation. If dinner and a movie dates send you into bouts of narcolepsy, the Datecation might be just what you’re looking for. A Datecation happens when two (or more) people decide to go away for the weekend together. Whether you’re hoping to spend a weekend at a charming bed and breakfast in Amish country or find a partner in crime to attend Coachella with – Datecations are where it’s at.

I know what you’re probably thinking:

“But, don’t I have to be in a serious relationship to go on a Datecation?”

Not necessarily. The nice thing about this trend is that singles and people in relationships are embracing it with equal force. Essentially the Datecation can be whatever you make it to be. If romantic weekends picking apples in Pennsylvania Dutch country aren’t your speed, why not check out a fun music festival together or rent a beach house with a couple of other friends? The options for fun getaways abound!

So, what’s the best way to find someone worthy of going on a Datecation with? Luckily we’re living in a time where meeting people online is easier than ever. If you’d like to get to know someone, but aren’t quite sure whether you’re looking for a long-term commitment, dating sites like Zoosk and Mate 1 can help you meet people in a no-pressure setting. Unlike more traditional dating sites or services devoted exclusively to casual hook-ups, Zoosk and Mate 1 are extremely flexible and offer something for everyone. By encouraging friendly chatting, these dating websites allow you to open yourself up to meeting a casual date or someone that may turn into a long term partner. After all, why should you limit your options?

Here’s a few features that make these sites especially awesome for those of you looking for your perfect Datecation partner –

1) Unlimited two way chatting – A huge advantage of Zoosk is that it features an unlimited, free to use, in-house chat program that’s particularly convenient if you use its smartphone app. Forget texting – you can chat with as many people on Zoosk as you want, testing the waters to see if you’re a good fit without ever giving away your phone number. Mate 1 is also a very conversation driven site and has a similar feature that allows you to instantly connect and chat with other members – anywhere, any time.

2) Social Media compatible – A word of advice: asking a stranger to go away with you for the weekend – right off the bat, can definitely be perceived as somewhat creepy, even if you’re completely on the level. Wouldn’t it be nice to connect with singles in your social network that you already know, hence eliminating the creepiness factor altogether?! A unique feature of Zoosk is that it connects to Facebook and several email programs, working similarly to a social networking site by “finding” people you already know. After all, maybe the Datecation companion you’re looking for is actually someone you’ve already met!

Now that you’re ready to go on your first Datecation, here are a few things to keep in mind –

1) Set realistic expectations – Whether you’ve known each other for a week or a year, it’s important that you set realistic expectations for your first Datecation. Not everything is going to be perfect – ferries will be missed, bugs will bite and the weekend might not turn out exactly how you planned. Whether you’re looking for romance, casual fun or a little of both – don’t try to force things. Keep an open mind and go with the flow.

2) Focus on getting to know each other – Instead of trying to make this the “BEST. WEEKEND. EVER” focus on learning as much as possible about the person you’re with. So, maybe you didn’t have the best seats for the Black Keys set at the music festival you’re attending- take this moment to go grab a refreshment and sit somewhere to talk. The whole point of a Datecation is to get to know each other and enjoy the experience together – otherwise, you would have gone alone, right?

3) Don’t revisit old places – If you’re hoping for a fun and carefree Datecation, do not revisit old places from your past. Sure, it may seem like a good idea to take the person you just started dating to that charming beach house where you first told your ex you loved them, however trust me, it isn’t. Old vibes will seep into your new experience together – which is exactly what you don’t want for your first Datecation!

4) Be social – There’s nothing more awkward than a couple that sits silently across from each other at dinner. Just because you came to your destination together doesn’t mean that you can’t socialize with other couples and singles. Don’t be shy! You might make some new friends to join you on your next adventure together.

5) Try new things together – Going somewhere together for the first time can be stressful. One of the easiest ways to de-stress is to try something new together. Whether that’s painting some pottery, learning to scuba dive or sampling a flight of craft beer together, a Datecation is all about new experiences – so, embrace them!

6) Be prepared to compromise – Want to have a successful Datecation? Start by getting over yourself. Not everything is going to go your way – and that’s totally OK. Being with someone else – even if they are just a friend or a fling – is all about compromise. There has to be some give and take or one of you is going to end up being miserable the whole time.

Armed with these tips, you’re now ready for your first Datecation. The only question now is,
“Where to?!”