Building Connections as a Digital Nomad
Being a digital nomad means working remotely using your tech and a Wi-Fi connection. It also means having the personal and professional flexibility to change locations and work from anywhere.
From an apartment in Thailand to a remote beach in Guatemala, as long as you have a strong signal and the right electricity adapter, you’re good to go! However, all that working and moving can make building relationships—both platonic and romantic—a unique dance to learn. Nevertheless, social connections are a vital part of travel. So, how do you find friends in a new place without a formal office base?
Making Connections: Take the Initiative
As a digital nomad, you might try to blend into each new community as seamlessly as possible. You might feel awkward approaching locals in hopes of friendship or expressing vulnerability in expat forums about looking for people to hang out with—but that’s exactly what you need to do!
As a frequent traveler, it’s crucial to put aside any introverted tendencies and take the initiative. It’s likely you’ll be in a location for a limited time, so it’s fair to set the tone for the relationships you’re looking for.
Leverage the “Digital” Aspect of Your Lifestyle
Who better to connect with than someone else who understands your lifestyle? Connecting with other digital nomads is relatively simple if you know where to look. My favorite online communities include Facebook groups, MeetUp.com, Slack channels, and travel communities like Wanderful.
Coworking spaces are a digital nomad’s dream. They provide a professional setting where people are engaged in their tasks, infusing your routine with structure that boosts productivity. Moreover, they also offer opportunities to meet coworkers—people to grab lunch with, share notes, or socialize after work.
Having the commonality of working in the same space daily facilitates faster connections, which is particularly beneficial for digital nomads frequently changing locations. Websites like Coworker.com span 172 countries, making it easy to locate coworking spaces, while WeWork is another popular option globally. If physical meet-ups are challenging due to situations like the pandemic, you can also organize a virtual coworking space on platforms like Zoom or Clubhouse.
Exploring Connections Through Dating Apps
Dating apps are another excellent opportunity to connect with people, both romantically and platonically. Consider that individuals on dating apps are often seeking connections intentionally, which includes locals and expats looking to explore the area or grab a meal together.
Dating as a digital nomad can be enjoyable yet challenging, so it’s important to know what to expect. Understand that depending on your travel frequency, you’ll be coming in and out of many lives. If dating fellow digital nomads, this transient lifestyle applies to them as well! This dynamic can pave the way for friendships and casual relationships.
Searching for Long-Term Love on the Road
If you’re seeking a lasting relationship as a digital nomad, be prepared to encounter challenges. Locals may hesitate to commit to someone with a seemingly unpredictable lifestyle. You might wonder about financial stability or future locations, and whether you would want to give up your nomadic lifestyle for love. Even when encountering another digital nomad, compatibility is not guaranteed. Digital nomads often possess self-sufficient, easily detached, and independent traits, which can complicate romantic connections. However, exceptions exist, and these shared traits might foster a unique bond, fast-tracking relationships through shared travels or collaborations.
Understanding Your Needs as a Nomad
The most crucial aspect for a remote worker to foster connections during their travels is being clear about what you want and being confident in those needs. There are meaningful interactions—both short- and long-term—awaiting you as a digital nomad! Recognizing your work schedule, lifestyle, and personal boundaries can create the best opportunities for positive memories.
Remote Work Visas: A Growing Trend
If you’re a digital nomad, you may have heard about remote work visas emerging worldwide. These visas allow you to stay in a foreign country for an extended period (typically 3–12 months) without navigating traditional visa processes or paying local taxes. The intent is to work online without interfering with local businesses while positively impacting the economy through your spending. If this sounds intriguing, look into resources like the Go Remote Guide to 2021, which details individual visa requirements, essential factors like Wi-Fi strength, average rent, and activities in each destination.
