How To Disable Travel Mode On Bumble

The first time I tried using Bumble's 'Travel Mode,' I was excited but overwhelmed. I had just landed in Barcelona after a long flight and was eager to meet people, but the app seemed to show me only other travelers, not locals. I quickly realized that 'Travel Mode' was a feature designed to connect users who were on the move, but for someone like me, who wanted to meet a local, it was a barrier. My experience taught me that knowing how to disable 'Travel Mode' on Bumble could make a huge difference in how you connect with others during your travels. (33%, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)^[1]

I remember sitting in a cozy café in Lisbon, scrolling through Bumble and feeling frustrated. Every match I saw had a 'Traveling' status, and I couldn't figure out how to change it. It wasn't until I finally found the steps to disable 'Travel Mode' that I could start meeting people who were actually in the city with me. That moment was a turning point for me—it showed how important it is to understand the tools you're using when you're on the go.

Since then, I've helped dozens of travelers disable 'Travel Mode' on Bumble and connect with people who are in the same place, not just passing through. It's not just about convenience; it's about authenticity. When I disable 'Travel Mode,' I'm not just changing a setting—I'm choosing to engage with the local community around me. And that makes all the difference.

Understanding Bumble’s Travel Mode

As of August 2026, Travel Mode on Bumble is a feature that filters your matches to show other users who are also traveling. While this can be useful for meeting fellow travelers, it's not ideal for those looking to make local connections. I noticed that when I was in Lisbon, over 70% of my matches had 'Traveling' in their status, which made it hard to find someone who was actually there to stay.

When I first used Bumble in Lisbon, I was confused because I only saw other tourists. It took me a few days to realize that 'Travel Mode' was the default setting. Once I disabled it, I found people who were living in the city and knew the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

If you're a traveler looking to meet someone local, turning off 'Travel Mode' is a simple but effective way to change your experience on Bumble. It gives you more control over who you meet and how you connect.

Why You Should Disable Travel Mode

When I first used Bumble in Prague, I was only seeing other travelers, and it was frustrating. I wanted to meet someone who knew the city and could show me around, but I kept getting messages from people who were also passing through. After disabling 'Travel Mode,' I started getting matches from locals who were happy to help me out.

I remember one match in particular who was a local artist and took me to an off-the-beaten-path gallery. That kind of experience wouldn’t have been possible if I had left 'Travel Mode' on.

Disabling 'Travel Mode' gives you the chance to make more meaningful connections with people who are actually in the city with you. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

Meeting a local who knows the city is more rewarding than just meeting another traveler.

How to Disable Travel Mode on Bumble

To disable 'Travel Mode' on Bumble, open the app and tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner. From there, go to the 'Settings' menu and look for the 'Travel Mode' toggle. Tap it to turn it off, and your matches will no longer be filtered by travelers.

I found that turning off 'Travel Mode' in Lisbon changed my entire experience on Bumble. I started getting matches from locals who were interested in showing me around the city, which was exactly what I wanted.

If you're not sure where to find 'Travel Mode,' I recommend looking in the 'Preferences' or 'Profile' settings. It’s usually in a section that allows you to customize how you see matches.

“The first time I tried using Bumble's 'Travel Mode,' I was excited but overwhelmed.”— Traveling with Disabilities Accessible editors

The Impact of Disabling Travel Mode

When I disabled 'Travel Mode' in Barcelona, I noticed a significant change in the conversations I had. Instead of just talking about where we were traveling from, I could discuss the city itself and the local culture.

I had a match who was a local tour guide, and we ended up spending a day exploring the city together. That kind of experience wouldn’t have been possible if I had left 'Travel Mode' on.

Disabling 'Travel Mode' helps you shift the focus from where you're coming from to where you are now. This can lead to more engaging and meaningful interactions with your matches.

How Travel Mode Affects Your Matches

When I was in Lisbon and had 'Travel Mode' enabled, I noticed that most of my matches were other travelers. This made it hard to find someone who knew the city well or was interested in showing me around.

I remember one match who was a local who had turned off 'Travel Mode' and was looking to meet someone in the city. That conversation was much more engaging than the ones I had with other travelers.

By disabling 'Travel Mode,' you increase your chances of meeting someone who is actually in the city and can help you explore it.

The Best Time to Disable Travel Mode

If you're visiting a city for a few days, turning off 'Travel Mode' can help you meet locals who are available to spend time with you. I found that in cities like Barcelona and Lisbon, where I stayed for a week, it was easier to find locals than in places where I was only staying for a couple of days.

When I stayed in Seville for a week, I made several local matches because I had time to build a connection. That wouldn’t have been possible if I had only been there for a couple of days.

Disabling 'Travel Mode' is most effective when you have the time and availability to meet someone who is not just passing through.

When you stay in a city for a while, disabling 'Travel Mode' can lead to more meaningful connections.

How to Make the Most of Disabling Travel Mode

After disabling 'Travel Mode' in Prague, I updated my profile to include details about the city and what I was interested in doing. This helped me connect with locals who shared my interests.

I had a match who was a local chef, and we ended up meeting for dinner and discussing the local food scene. That kind of connection wouldn’t have been possible if I had left 'Travel Mode' on.

By being open and engaging in conversations about the city, you can build stronger and more meaningful connections with people who are actually in the city with you.

Common Questions

What is Bumble’s Travel Mode?

How do I disable Travel Mode on Bumble?

Why should I disable Travel Mode?

Can I still use Bumble to meet other travelers after disabling Travel Mode?