How to find friends as a digital nomad?
Being a digital nomad offers the incredible freedom to work from anywhere in the world.
Living a nomadic lifestyle can be a wonderful adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges is making friends and building a social network in ever-changing locations. While it can sometimes feel isolating, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals along the way.
Here’s a quick guide on how to find friends as a digital nomad, including some new and relevant resources and apps.
Join digital nomad communities
Nomad List
Nomad List is a comprehensive platform where digital nomads can find information about different cities, including cost of living, safety, and internet speed.
It also has community/meetup features where you can connect with other nomads who are in the same location.
Yayem
Yayem is a private network that brings together global travelers, digital nomads, and next-gen nomads in a community focused on personal growth and cross-cultural connections.
The network includes members from over 70 nationalities, ranging from founders to executives. Yayem offers AI-powered matchmaking in its app, monthly group discussions, IRL experiences, and travel concierge services.
It also has two physical locations with co-working spaces, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for connecting and exchanging ideas.
Nomadsphere
Nomadsphere is a vibrant Slack community designed for digital nomads to connect both online and in real life across multiple time zones.
The community is very active and offers a map of recommended accommodations and co-working spaces, along with organizing both in-person and online events. It features chat rooms on a variety of topics and emphasizes sustainable travel and respectful engagement with local cultures.
Membership options include both monthly and annual plans, providing flexibility for nomads with varying needs.
Remote Year
Remote Year offers programs where you travel with a group of remote workers for a year or four months. It's a fantastic way to make deep connections with other professionals while exploring new places together.
Apps to find friends
Fairytrail
Fairytrail is an app designed for digital nomads and travelers looking to make meaningful connections.
Whether you’re looking for nomadic friends or potential travel companions, Fairytrail allows you to match with people who share your travel interests and lifestyle.
Punta
This app is designed specifically for digital nomads and travelers looking to make new friends. Punta helps you connect with others who have similar travel plans or interests, making it easier to meet people on the go.
Timeleft
Timeleft is an app that helps you make the most of your time by connecting you with new friends who share your interests. It’s perfect for nomads who want to enjoy local experiences with others.
Breakfast
Breakfast is an app designed to help you meet new people over the first meal of the day. It’s a unique way to make connections in a new city, offering a relaxed environment to chat and plan activities.
Bumble BFF
Bumble isn’t just for dating. Its BFF mode allows you to find friends in your area. This can be particularly useful when you’re in a new city and looking to expand your social circle.
Travel apps
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing isn’t just for finding a place to stay; it’s also a great way to meet people. The app has a feature for finding local events and hangouts, making it easier to connect with hosts and other travelers.
TripBFF
TripBFF is a travel app that lets you find travel buddies. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-term stay, it matches you with like-minded travelers.
Attend meetups and events
Meetup
Meetup is a well-known platform where you can find groups based on your interests. Whether it’s tech, hiking, or language exchange, you can join events happening around you and meet people who share your hobbies.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite lists various events in cities around the world. From conferences and workshops to concerts and festivals, it’s a great way to find gatherings where you can meet new people.
Local workshops
In addition to online learning, check out local workshops in your area. Whether it’s a cooking class, a dance workshop, or a language course, these are excellent opportunities to meet locals and other travelers.
Use Viator, Airbnb experiences, GetYourGuide to find workshops.
Additional aocial activities
Beyond organized events, consider visiting local coffee shops, participating in day tours, or attending parties.
These settings offer casual and spontaneous opportunities to meet new friends and engage in local culture.
Co-working spaces and colivings
WeWork
WeWork and other co-working spaces often host events for their members. These events can be anything from networking sessions to casual social gatherings. Working in a shared space also naturally facilitates interactions with other digital nomads and remote workers.
Hacker Paradise
Hacker Paradise organizes co-working retreats for remote workers. These retreats last from two weeks to a few months and allow you to work and live with a community of like-minded individuals.
Coliving spaces
In a coliving setting, you can meet other travelers and digital nomads in a relaxed environment. You might have a chat in the kitchen, join group activities, or simply hang out in common areas. This setup provides a natural way to build connections and share experiences with like-minded individuals.
Also you can create own coliving with AirMeet.
These spaces not only provide a place to work but also offer unique opportunities to form lasting friendships in a supportive and communal setting.
Use social media
Facebook groups
There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to digital nomads. Some popular ones include "Digital Nomads Around the World" and "Digital Nomad Girls." These groups are great for asking questions, sharing experiences, and arranging meetups. Location specific nomad groups such as “Gran Canaria Digital Nomads”.
Instagram can also be a useful tool for making friends. Many digital nomads share their journeys using hashtags like #digitalnomad and #remotework. Commenting with creators of these posts can help you discover and connect with other travelers.
Whatsapp/telegram groups for nomads:
Explore the Groups for Nomads repository on GitHub, which is a curated list of digital nomad groups across various platforms. This resource can be extremely valuable for finding specific communities tailored to different interests and locations.
Volunteer
Workaway
Workaway is a platform where you can find volunteer opportunities worldwide. Volunteering not only allows you to give back to the community but also to meet people and form bonds through shared experiences.
WWOOF
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects travelers with organic farms looking for volunteers. It’s a unique way to meet people, learn new skills, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Finding friends as a digital nomad might seem daunting, but with the right resources and a proactive approach, it can be an exciting and rewarding part of your journey. By leveraging digital nomad communities, attending events, using co-working spaces, engaging on social media, participating in classes and workshops, volunteering, and utilizing travel apps, you can build meaningful connections no matter where you are in the world.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of more spontaneous social interactions. Coffee shops, for instance, are not just places to work but also prime spots for meeting other nomads. Engaging in local day tours, attending parties, and participating in other social activities like local festivals or meetups can further enhance your social network. These less structured environments often facilitate natural, friendly interactions that can lead to lasting friendships.
Happy travels!
