Can you find a way, despite the geographical difference? I'm of the opinion that it's better to meet sooner than later to at least know if there's chemistry. If it's not there, it's not there and years don't go by before discovering this fact. And the type of chemistry that I mean is emotionally comfortable and a sense of one another's body language/cues which are subconscious yet telling.
Of course be safe about it, then again be safe on dates regardless of where you've met.
I feel that if there's chemistry and moving into a relationship, there's a depth to emotional intimacy in existence that usually takes longer between those that meet more traditionally.

"Investigate your hidden assumptions."-Cornel West