The digital nomad lifestyle offers freedom, adventure, and flexibility, but it also comes with challenges—one of the biggest being loneliness. Constantly moving to new places can make it difficult to form deep, lasting connections. However, with the right mindset and strategies, digital nomads can build a strong support network and feel a sense of belonging, no matter where they are in the world.
Why Loneliness Affects Digital Nomads
Unlike traditional office workers, digital nomads don’t have a built-in social structure. There are no daily coffee breaks with coworkers, no Friday happy hours, and no local friend group that sticks around long-term. While traveling solo can be exciting, the lack of consistent social interactions can lead to loneliness, isolation, and even burnout.
Some common causes of loneliness among digital nomads include:
- Frequent Relocation – Constantly moving makes it hard to maintain relationships.
- Cultural and Language Barriers – Making connections in a new country can be challenging.
- Work-from-Anywhere Lifestyle – Remote work eliminates office socialization.
- Different Time Zones – Staying connected with family and friends back home can be difficult.
The good news is that loneliness doesn’t have to define the digital nomad experience. There are many ways to create meaningful connections while living a location-independent lifestyle.
How to Build a Community as a Digital Nomad
1. Stay in Co-Living Spaces
Co-living spaces are one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people while working remotely. These accommodations are designed for digital nomads, offering shared living areas, coworking spaces, and social events. Popular co-living brands include:
- Selina – Located in major nomad hotspots with vibrant communities.
- Outsite – A network of co-living spaces with a focus on work-life balance.
- Roam – A global co-living membership offering flexible stays in different countries.
Living in a space with other remote workers creates instant opportunities for socializing, collaboration, and networking.
2. Join Coworking Spaces
While working from cafes is great, coworking spaces provide a structured environment where you can meet professionals from all over the world. Many coworking spaces host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings.
Some of the best coworking spaces for digital nomads include:
- WeWork – A global network with locations in major cities.
- Hubud (Bali) – A favorite among remote workers in Southeast Asia.
- Betahaus (Barcelona, Berlin, Sofia, Hamburg) – A popular coworking community in Europe.
Spending time in a coworking space not only improves productivity but also creates opportunities to meet people organically.
3. Attend Digital Nomad Meetups and Events
Nomad hubs like Bali, Chiang Mai, Medellín, and Lisbon often have active communities that organize social events for remote workers. Websites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and Facebook groups make it easy to find digital nomad gatherings, skill-sharing workshops, and networking opportunities.
Popular digital nomad events include:
- Nomad Summit – A conference for remote workers focused on lifestyle and business.
- Remote Year Meetups – Social and professional gatherings for nomads enrolled in the program.
- Local Language Exchanges – Great for meeting both locals and travelers.
By attending these events, you can connect with fellow nomads and form friendships that last beyond your time in a particular city.
4. Use Online Communities to Connect with Other Nomads
Even before arriving in a new destination, you can start building connections through online communities. Some of the best platforms to find fellow digital nomads include:
- Facebook Groups – Search for groups like “Digital Nomads in [City Name]” to find local events and people.
- Nomad List – A platform where nomads discuss cities, meetups, and remote work opportunities.
- Slack and Discord Communities – Many digital nomad groups have online spaces for networking.
- Reddit (r/digitalnomad) – A place where nomads share experiences and tips.
Engaging in these communities can help you get advice, meet people, and make plans before even setting foot in a new country.
5. Take Part in Group Travel or Remote Work Programs
For digital nomads looking for a structured social experience, group travel and work programs provide a built-in community while exploring new places.
Some of the best programs include:
- Remote Year – A year-long program that takes nomads to multiple destinations with a dedicated community.
- WiFi Tribe – A flexible, month-by-month program where nomads travel together.
- Hacker Paradise – A work-and-travel program focused on professional development.
These programs create an instant network of people who share the same lifestyle, making it easier to form deep, lasting connections.
How to Maintain Long-Term Relationships While Traveling
Meeting new people is just one part of the equation—maintaining relationships as a digital nomad requires effort and intentionality. Here’s how to stay connected with the people you meet:
- Use Messaging Apps – Stay in touch with friends through WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.
- Schedule Regular Video Calls – Set up Zoom or FaceTime calls with family, friends, or nomads you’ve met along the way.
- Plan Reunions in Favorite Destinations – Many digital nomads end up in the same cities at different times of the year. Coordinate meetups in familiar locations.
- Join Masterminds or Accountability Groups – Virtual meetups focused on business, personal growth, or wellness help maintain strong connections.
Investing time in relationships ensures that you always have a support system, no matter where in the world you go.
Embracing the Social Side of Nomad Life
While loneliness is a common challenge, it doesn’t have to define the digital nomad lifestyle. By being proactive, seeking out communities, and making an effort to stay connected, remote workers can enjoy both freedom and meaningful relationships. Whether through co-living spaces, coworking memberships, online communities, or organized meetups, there are countless ways to build a strong social network while traveling the world.