Being a digital nomad allows you to work and travel at the same time. However, this lifestyle can be isolating, especially if you’re away from friends and family for extended periods. The good news is that there are many ways to meet new people and build a supportive community as a digital nomad. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best strategies for finding social connections while living and working remotely.
1. Join Digital Nomad Communities
One of the easiest ways to meet other digital nomads is to join online communities and forums. These groups are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who are also working and traveling remotely. Some popular digital nomad communities include Nomad List, Remote Year, and Digital Nomad Girls. These groups offer forums, meetups, and events that allow you to connect with other digital nomads in your area. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to find digital nomad groups and communities.
Nomad List is a popular community for digital nomads. It allows you to search for cities based on factors such as cost of living, internet speed, and weather. You can also connect with other digital nomads in the community and ask for advice on the best places to work and travel.
Remote Year is a program that allows you to travel and work with a group of other digital nomads for a year. The program takes care of all the logistics, such as accommodations and workspace, so you can focus on your work and building relationships with other digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Girls is a community specifically for women who are digital nomads. The group offers support, advice, and networking opportunities for women who are traveling and working remotely.
2. Attend Meetups and Events
Another way to meet people as a digital nomad is to attend meetups and events in your area. Meetup.com is an excellent resource for finding events and groups related to your interests. You can also check out local coworking spaces and attend events and workshops. Attending events and meetups is a great way to meet people who share your interests and passions. It’s also an excellent opportunity to network and learn from other professionals in your industry.
Coworking spaces are a great place to meet other digital nomads and professionals in your industry. Many coworking spaces offer events and workshops that allow you to learn new skills and connect with other members.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back to the community. Many digital nomads choose to volunteer while traveling as a way to connect with locals and learn more about the culture. There are many organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for travelers, such as Workaway and WWOOF. These programs allow you to work on organic farms, teach English, or help with community projects in exchange for room and board. Volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact while also building meaningful connections with others.
4. Join a Co-Living Space
Co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. These spaces offer a community-oriented living environment where residents can live and work together. Co-living spaces often provide shared living spaces, such as kitchens and lounges, as well as coworking areas. This type of living arrangement is an excellent way to meet other digital nomads and build lasting friendships. Some popular co-living spaces include Roam, Outsite, and Selina.
Roam is a co-living space that allows you to live and work in different cities around the world. The program provides accommodations and workspace, as well as a community of other digital nomads.
Outsite is a co-living space that offers accommodations and workspace in locations such as Hawaii, California, and Costa Rica. The program also provides community events and activities for residents.
Selina is a co-living space that offers accommodations, workspace, and community events in locations such as Mexico, Colombia, and Portugal.
5. Take Classes and Workshops
Taking classes and workshops is a great way to learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Many cities offer classes and workshops in areas such as cooking, art, and fitness. You can also take online courses through platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Taking a class or workshop is an excellent way to meet people who share your passions and hobbies.
6. Attend Conferences and Retreats
Conferences and retreats are a great way to network and learn from other professionals in your industry. There are many conferences and retreats specifically designed for digital nomads, such as the Digital Nomad Conference and the Nomad Summit. Attending these events is an excellent opportunity to meet other digital nomads and learn from experts in your field.
The Digital Nomad Conference is an annual event that brings together digital nomads from around the world. The conference offers workshops, networking opportunities, and keynote speakers.
The Nomad Summit is a conference that focuses on entrepreneurship and digital nomadism. The event features keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
7. Use Dating Apps
While dating apps are primarily used for romantic relationships, they can also be a great way to meet new people in a new city. Apps like Tinder and Bumble allow you to connect with locals and other travelers who are looking to meet new people. Using dating apps is an excellent way to make new friends and find social connections in a new city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meeting people as a digital nomad can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By joining online communities, attending events and meetups, volunteering, joining a co-living space, taking classes and workshops, attending conferences and retreats, and using dating apps, you can build a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Remember that building meaningful connections takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With these strategies, you can create a fulfilling and social life as a digital nomad.