I much prefer bathouses/saunas for finding casual sex over apps and online sources. To sum up the main reasons I like them (as well as any commercial sex venue):
-It saves so much time. One can spend endless hours online chatting on dead end situations. If you also equate time to money, it ultimately is much cheaper as well.
-Body language. When you see someone in person, you can size them up very quickly, not only in terms of looks but also in terms of interaction, body language, and chemistry. You cannot do this on an online profile. And no pics from 10+ years ago!
-Quick escape. If it's not working out, you say thanks and part ways. You don't have a huge investment in terms of time and travel.
-Never getting stood up. Another black hole with apps and online.
-Privacy. No exchange of addresses or phone numbers. No travelling to scary dive homes and no letting strangers into yours. The hook up you met on Grindr will not know that you're out of town either when he sees that you're 1000 miles away. I know one guy whose home was robbed this way.
-Safe sex. Condoms and lube are always on hand in clubs. You can set your own terms regarding safe(r) sex and walk away if it's not your thing. I really find sex venues safer because everyone assumes the worst about STIs.
-Reviews. There are several online sites that have reviews and postings about bathhouses/saunas. You can get an idea what they're like before going or chose the one that best suits what you're seeking. Squirt, cruisingforsex, etc.
-Variety is the spice of life. It's a cross section of society. I end up often surprising myself by whom I meet at saunas. I really don't have a type any more, and I know it when I see it. It's cool because I've played with people of all different backgrounds, nationalities, racial types, social classes, occupational types, ages, physiques, etc. It can be an incredibly liberating experience.
