For many digital nomads, connection is one of the most meaningful (and challenging) parts of the lifestyle. While dating apps might occasionally double as friendship-finders, most nomads crave more intentional ways to build friendships and community without the swipe fatigue.
If you’re looking to meet fellow nomadsāminus the dating vibeāhereās how to do it organically, authentically, and enjoyably.
š 1. Join Coworking Spaces and Get Involved
Coworking spaces are natural gathering spots for remote workers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. But donāt just rent a desk and plug ināparticipate.
Look for:
- Weekly events like skillshares, networking mixers, or language exchanges
- Coworking retreats or membership communities like Outsite, Selina, or Hacker Paradise
- āHot deskā areas where casual conversation happens more easily
Coworking is less about work and more about collaboration and belonging when used intentionally.
š¬ 2. Use Facebook and Slack Groups for Digital Nomads
Facebook is still one of the most active platforms for digital nomads to share meetups, apartment tips, visa updates, and connection calls. Some of the most active groups include:
- Digital Nomad Around the World
- Nomadbase Community
- Girls Love Travel (for women travelers)
- Expats in [Your Current City]
Look out for in-person events posted in these groupsābrunches, coworking days, and walking tours are common.
Tip: Some groups also have Slack or Discord channels for deeper discussions and real-time chats.
š§ 3. Take Classes or Join Local Workshops
Want to meet people and learn something new? Sign up for local classes in areas like:
- Cooking or dance (great for culture immersion)
- Surfing, diving, or yoga (perfect in coastal towns)
- Photography or creative writing (ideal for creative nomads)
This gives you an activity-based reason to connect with people, and conversations flow more naturally when you’re sharing a new experience.
š 4. Try Coliving Spaces That Prioritize Community
Coliving is more than just renting a furnished roomāitās about living with like-minded people.
Some popular coliving brands and platforms that focus on digital nomads include:
- Sun and Co. (Spain)
- Outpost (Bali, Sri Lanka)
- Remote Year
- CoWo Coliving
- Nomadico
Look for places that host family dinners, accountability check-ins, or weekly mastermind sessions. These arenāt just social eventsātheyāre opportunities to form long-term friendships.
š§ 5. Use Meetup, Eventbrite, and Local Calendars
Even in cities that aren’t major nomad hubs, platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite offer a treasure trove of events that can bring you into the fold.
Search for:
- Tech meetups
- Language exchanges
- Crypto meetups
- Travel and adventure groups
- LGBTQ+ or identity-based communities
Attending a single meetup can unlock a whole circle of people you didnāt know existed in your current city.
š 6. Volunteer or Contribute to Local Causes
Not everything needs to revolve around work or travel. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and puts you in touch with both locals and long-term expats.
Try:
- Animal rescues or eco-projects
- Beach cleanups or environmental groups
- Local nonprofits needing help with websites, marketing, or English-speaking tasks
Itās one of the most fulfilling ways to connectāand contribute.
ā 7. Be Open and Approachable
Sometimes, meeting people doesnāt require an event or a platform. It starts with being open.
Simple steps:
- Sit at communal tables in cafƩs and say hello
- Wear a shirt or hat that sparks conversation (yes, it works!)
- Ask someone working on a laptop where the Wi-Fiās better or if theyāve been in town long
Nomads are often introverts, but even a small conversation can lead to lasting friendships.
You donāt need a dating app to build a circle of nomadic friends. Community happens when you show up, get involved, and create opportunities for real conversation. From coliving spaces to casual chats in cafĆ©s, your next nomadic connection is likely just one āhelloā away.