When I first became a digital nomad, I didn’t expect how lonely it would get (at least at first).
When you constantly travel, places and people become transient. Friendships are so much harder to establish and maintain in a new city. The isolation can truly be crippling at some points.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade being a digital nomad for anything. Having been to 65+ countries over the last seven years, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me (and meeting my husband, Ragz).
One underrated piece of advice I’d give aspiring or newbie digital nomads, it’s to learn how to build a community wherever you are.
We humans are social beings, after all. A sense of belonging and community is a basic need. Not only will having a community recharge you for the next time you’re grinding away at your laptop, but it’ll also make your travels so much more meaningful.
Here are my top 5 tips for doing just that.
Join Group Activities
The best way to form bonds with others is to do something fun and meaningful with them. Don’t limit yourself to one-off events like parties. Deeper relationships are built through repeated interactions.
Join classes, workshops, and courses—there are so many options in common digital nomad destinations:
- Language courses;
- Cooking classes (some last multiple days);
- Hiking clubs;
- Martial arts gyms;
- Book clubs;
- Improv or art classes;
- Coworking yoga sessions.
In Barcelona, for example, I joined a beginner salsa class. I didn’t know a single step. And my body was stiff (still is).
But I recognized the same faces every week. Eventually, we were grabbing tapas after class. It was fun, low-pressure, and the consistency builds bonds naturally.
The key is to pick something you find fun, not something you think you “should” do. If you’re into it, the right people will be too.
Use Social Media and Apps (Not Just Dating Ones)
A recent study found that apps and social media are one of the most common ways digital nomads combat loneliness. I know many digital nomads already have jobs related to social media, so it can be tiring to rely on it for your personal life, too.
But as long as you do so thoughtfully, there are so many ways to meet people online:
Facebook Groups
Just search “[City] + digital nomads” or “[City] + expats” and you’ll find active groups and upcoming events.
And don’t just lurk. Comment, ask questions. Or if no one’s posting, post your own meetup!
I haven’t tried this, but a friend reported success randomly DM-ing other expats on Instagram! She just searched for hashtags related to the city, went through recent posts by expats, and then sent them a message.
Most people ignored her, yes. But some didn’t, and she made a few friends!
Less for meeting people directly and more about getting specific ideas on how to meet people in the country/city you’re in.
For example, when I was going to the Philippines, I checked out the subreddit r/Philippines_Expats and got great advice from expats who’ve been living in the country for years.
Meetup
Great for language exchanges, hiking groups, tech talks. It’s a go-to for many expats and digital nomads for a reason.
Dating Apps
Tinder, Bumble, Hinge—Try all the apps popular in your city. If you’re looking for love, just go for it. Yes, apps are hit or miss. But isn’t everything?
Bumble BFF
Like dating apps, but for platonic friends, I literally met one of my closest nomad friends this way in Chiang Mai!
Say Yes to the Awkward First Invites
And when someone invites you to something—brunch, a tour, a game night—say yes!
Even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Even if you think you may not necessarily click with them. In my experience, it’s always worth a shot.
The first few events can feel weird and awkward, but that’s okay. Because it opens up other opportunities. I was once invited to a yoga class. I was so-so about it.
But I made decent enough small talk with another person there and got invited to a beach bonfire—which was also so-so.
But there I met a friend who was soon to be my business partner.
You’ll really never know where “yes” will lead. Awkwardness won’t kill you—but staying closed off just might.
Try Coworking or Coliving Spaces
Yes, they cost money. Yes, you could work from home or a café for free. But it’s an undeniably easy entry point to meeting fellow laptop warriors—and sometimes, they’re digital nomads like you, too.
Yes, you’ll probably have to initiate conversation too. But you might get lucky and have others approach you first.
It happened to me in Lisbon. Someone approached me, one line led to the next, which led to helping each other with local SIM cards, and that’s that!
Some spaces even host regular events—lunches, pitch nights, or Friday drinks. Even if you’re shy, show up. You’ll get more confident with each conversation. (Again, awkwardness won’t kill you!)
If you want the heavy lifting done for you, try coliving spaces like Outsite, Sun and Co., and Selina. They often have coliving programs with group dinners, workshops, and weekly adventures. It’s a faster way to plug into a social scene, especially in a new city.
One caveat: read reviews carefully. Some coliving spots lean “party,” others “productivity.” Pick based on your vibe.
Just make sure to use a VPN when you’re using the public Wi-Fi in these places. If you forgot to do so, you can use a data removal program like Incogni. Check out Incogni reviews here.
Be the Organizer (Yes, You)
If you don’t see something happening, make it happen.
Invite people. Approach them at the cafe. Start a walking tour. Post a casual dinner invite in a nomad group. Most people are just waiting for someone else to take the lead!
Yes, most people might ignore you. But again, you only need a few people for a fun, meaningful time. Taking initiative builds not just community, but confidence too.
In the same vein, take the initiative to reconnect with friends you’ve made in cities you’ve visited before, too. Maintaining friendships is just as important as forming them.
A Final Word
The digital nomad life can be freeing, but it can also be lonely. But it doesn’t have to be. All you need is to take that first step, as clumsy as it might be, and the blocks will start falling into place.
It’s worth all the awkwardness, trust me. Every friend you make, every shared meal, every adventure is a thread that weaves your time there into something richer than just a stamp in your passport.
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