Are you feeling lonely as a digital nomad? Youโre not alone! Many people who work remotely feel isolated and lonely at times. It can be tough to make friends when youโre always on the move. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 ways to overcome loneliness and make new friends while traveling the world!
1. Arrange a meetup or event
One great way to meet other digital nomads is to arrange a meetup or event.
This can be anything from a simple coffee date to a more organized event, like a picnic or hiking trip.
If youโre feeling extra adventurous, you can even organize your own digital nomad meetup or event!
You can organize meetings around topics you like and invite people youโve met online or in person.
For example, I really like football. In Banskoโs Facebook group (where I was) I organized a football game through a Facebook post.
12 people showed up!
Donโt be afraid to get creative and have fun with it. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to meet new friends.
2. Join a digital nomad Facebook group
Another great way to meet other digital nomads is by joining a Facebook group.
There are many active groups with thousands of members, such as The Digital Nomad Society and Remote Work Tribe. These groups are perfect for finding advice, networking, and making new friends.
In addition, you can join local Facebook groups of digital nomads in your city. This is a great way to meet people who are in the same area as you and potentially arrange to meet up in person!
Here screenshot from Lisbon Digital Nomads & Expats group. Someone organized a meeting around SEO that I attended.
3. Find a coworking space
Coworking space is a great way to meet other digital nomads and work in a professional environment.
Not only will you be able to meet new people, but youโll also have access to amenities like fast Wi-Fi, coffee, and printers.
Once you find a coworking space that you like, be sure to introduce yourself to other people working there or use the small talk techniques itโs a great way to make friends!
You can also try to find a coworking space that has regular events or meetups. This is a great way to make friends and network with other digital nomads.
4. Hang out in cafes and restaurants
Another great way to meet people as a digital nomad is to hang out in cafes and restaurants.
This is especially effective if you work in a coworking space as you can get to know the other people who are working there.
If you see someone sitting alone, donโt be afraid to strike up a conversation!
You never know, you might just make a new friend.
In addition, many cafes and restaurants host events or meetups that you can attend. Do a quick Google search to see if any events are happening near you. You can also try asking the staff if they know of any upcoming events.
Finally, donโt forget to exchange social media information so you can stay in touch with your new friends!
5. Go on social media platforms like Meetup and Couchsurfing
There are many social media platforms that can help you meet other digital nomads.
Some of the most popular ones include Meetup and Couchsurfing.
These platforms are great because they allow you to connect with people who have similar interests as you and who are in the same location as you.
You can use these platforms to find events and meetups to attend, or you can use them to find people to Couchsurf with.
In addition, many of these platforms have forums or groups that you can join. This is a great way to meet other digital nomads and make new friends.
When using these platforms, be sure to read the profiles of the people youโre talking to and be cautious about meeting up with people you donโt know.
6. Take advantage of online resources
There are many online resources that can help you meet other digital nomads.
One of the most popular ones is NomadList, which is a website that allows you to find and connect with other digital nomads.
Another great resource is Digital Nomad Forum, which is an online forum for digital nomads.
This is a great place to find advice, ask questions, and make new friends.
7. Attend events and conferences for digital nomads
There are many events and conferences specifically for digital nomads. These are great opportunities to meet other people who are in the same boat as you!
Some of the most popular conferences for digital nomads include DNX (Digital Nomad Conference), NOMAD Cruise, and Remote Year.
If youโre not able to attend a conference, there are also many meetups and events that you can find online.
Do a quick search on Facebook or Meetup.com to find digital nomad events in your area.
You can also try searching for coworking spaces in your city โ many of them host regular events and meetups that you can attend.
This year (2022) I participated in a digital nomad festival in Bansko, Bulgaria called Bansko Nomad Fest 2022. It was an incredible experience and I made so many new friends!
8. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in the world. There are many organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for digital nomads. Some of these include HelpX, WWOOF, and Workaway. These platforms allow you to find volunteering opportunities all over the world. You can use them to find short-term or long-term volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.
When I was in Bansko I volunteered to take out stray dogs for a local animal shelter. In addition to the new friendships I created, it was a great way to give back to the community.
9. Talk to strangers
This may seem like an obvious one, but itโs worth mentioning. One of the best ways to meet new people is to simply talk to them!
If youโre out and about, strike up a conversation with the person next to you. If youโre at a bar or club, donโt be afraid to ask someone to dance.
You never know who youโll meet or where your conversation will lead.
The important thing is to be friendly and open-minded.
I once met a girl while I was out getting coffee. We ended up talking for hours and exchanged social media information so we could stay in touch.
Weโre still friends today and sheโs even come to visit me in my home country.
Talk to strangers, be friendly, and who knows what might happen.
10. Strengthen Existing Relationships
While itโs important to meet new people, itโs also important to nurture the relationships you already have.
If youโre feeling lonely, reach out to your friends and family members. Schedule a video call or send them a message.
Itโs also important to stay in touch with old friends. With social media, itโs easier than ever to stay connected with people youโve lost touch with.
Reach out to your friends and family members, old friends, and acquaintances. You may be surprised at how willing they are to connect with you.
Loneliness can be a tough emotion to deal with, especially if youโre used to being around people all the time. But it doesnโt have to be a permanent state.
Final thoughts
There are many ways to overcome loneliness as a digital nomad. By taking advantage of online resources, arranging meetups or events, volunteering, talking to strangers, and staying in touch with existing relationships, you can make new friends and combat loneliness. So get out there and start meeting new people!
Read more: 6 Challenges of Being a Digital Nomad
The Truth About How Much Money Digital Nomads Make
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- Become a Digital Nomad
- To be my friend
