In the mood for a cruise? 😉
We asked the ROMEO community about their favorite cruising spots, and over 5,000 users have voted! So here’s our list of top-rated, tried-and-true recommendations. Also, ever wondered how old the first gloryhole is? It’s gaggy.
Check it all out here!
1. The sauna
Almost half of the participants in the survey had saunas as their number one choice. And it’s easy to see why. They provide the most comfort and privacy, and they’re usually quite chill (usually), making it easier to meet people. At the sauna, you may feel nervous at first, but once you settle in, you’ll be able to appreciate being in an alternate, hypersexual reality.
2. The Park
It was a tough decision between the first two, but cruising between the bushes is reserved only for the bravest of hearts. Which is why this option landed in second place. It is, though, quite an ancient activity and should definitely make it to the Cultural Heritage list. If you want to give it a go, make sure you’re prepped: check out our valuable tips in Feeling Cruisy? Tips for a First-Time Outdoor Cruiser.
3. The Beach
Cruising on the beach is like the regular thing but with much more visibility and openness. It’s also less pressure: at a (cruisy) nude beach, you can either hang out or join in on the fun—either way, it’s an afternoon well spent. Just make sure all that sand doesn’t end up where it doesn’t belong.
4. The Gym
Gyms are always buzzing, making them attractive to cruisers who love the thrill of a busier location. But how can you not get excited when surrounded by sweaty men pumping iron? Also—locker rooms are porny by default. We don’t make the rules.
5. Public Toilet
Public toilets offer quick, spontaneous encounters. They may not be glamorous, but their anonymity and convenience make them popular. The first glory hole was discovered in a public toilet and dates back to 1707. Google it. If you ever find yourself kneeling in a dodgy restroom stall, just know that your ancestors are very proud of your life choices.
Cruising Tips
To round it off, here are some essential tips that one of our users, Joris de Froidmont (aka JorisDF on ROMEO), helped us put together. Joris is a Brussels-based artist currently working on a graphic book about the rich history of cruising. Let’s have a look, shall we?
1. Read the Room: Quickly gauge the environment and figure out what you’re looking for. Joris calls this “shark mode.” You can still leave room for spontaneity, but have a plan.
2. Embrace Onlookers: People might watch; it’s part of the experience. Communicate your boundaries (and respect those of others). Use nonverbal cues like eye contact and gestures to do so.
3. Be Prepared: You will have to adapt if the unexpected happens. Forgot your lube? “Spit will get you a long way,” Joris notes. Remember to protect valuables by hiding them. You can stash your belongings in high socks, for example.
4. Seek Help and Support: If you’re in a commercial area, talk to staff if something goes wrong. They’ve heard it all before, so don’t be shy. If you’re cruising outdoors, however, you could share your location with someone you trust for safety. “I send my location to a good friend when I want to cruise,” Joris tell us, “When he receives it, he understands. We don’t have to talk about it.”
5. Choose Your Environment: Go for indoor or outdoor cruising based on your comfort levels. Indoor spaces might feel safer, while outdoor cruising is more adventurous.
6. Enjoy: Just remember to embrace the culture and history behind the entire cruising experience. And have fun! Put on a show if you have to, why not? 🕺
Who is Joris de Froidmont?
With his years of expertise, Joris de Froidmont has contributed to the research behind this blog. He is an artist from Brussels and a ROMEO user recently featured on Hotties of May. Joris creates prints about cruising and is currently working on a graphic book about the topic. You can find the first chapter on his website.
Check out his work below!
