The digital nomad lifestyle offers incredible freedom—working from exotic locations, exploring new cultures, and designing your own schedule. But one of the biggest challenges of this lifestyle is loneliness. Constantly moving from place to place can make it difficult to form deep, lasting connections.
The good news is that you don’t have to feel isolated as a digital nomad. With a little effort, you can build a strong community no matter where you are. Here’s how to stay socially connected while living a remote, location-independent lifestyle.
1. Choose Digital Nomad-Friendly Destinations
Some places naturally attract more remote workers, making it easier to meet like-minded people. Cities with strong digital nomad communities, coworking spaces, and social events can help combat loneliness.
Some top destinations known for their thriving digital nomad scenes include:
- Bali, Indonesia – A mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and networking events.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – A budget-friendly city with a large expat and freelancer community.
- Medellín, Colombia – A growing hotspot with great weather and social gatherings.
- Lisbon, Portugal – A European favorite with a mix of city life and beach vibes.
- Mexico City, Mexico – A dynamic city with coworking hubs and plenty of events.
By choosing locations where other nomads gather, you increase your chances of finding friendships and support systems.
2. Stay in Coliving Spaces
Coliving spaces are one of the easiest ways to meet fellow digital nomads. These shared living arrangements are designed for remote workers, combining private rooms with communal spaces where people can connect.
Some of the best coliving brands include:
- Selina (worldwide) – Offers accommodations, coworking spaces, and social events.
- Outsite (global locations) – A community-driven coliving network.
- Roam (multiple destinations) – Focuses on long-term stays with a strong community vibe.
Living in a space where everyone is working remotely fosters instant connections and eliminates the feeling of being alone in a new city.
3. Join Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are more than just places to work—they’re hubs for networking and socializing. Many spaces host community lunches, skill-sharing sessions, and networking events that make it easy to meet people.
Some of the best digital nomad-friendly coworking spaces include:
- Dojo Bali (Canggu, Indonesia) – A beachside space with a strong community feel.
- WeWork (Global) – Offers worldwide access to coworking offices.
- Selina Cowork (Various Locations) – A mix of coworking and coliving.
Even if you prefer working from cafes, spending a few days a week in a coworking space can help you meet new people and feel more connected.
4. Attend Digital Nomad Events & Meetups
There are tons of events designed specifically for remote workers. Attending these meetups helps you make friends, network, and feel part of a community.
Ways to find events:
- Facebook Groups – Search for “[City Name] Digital Nomads” to find upcoming meetups.
- Meetup.com – Great for finding interest-based social gatherings.
- Nomad List & Nomad Events – Websites that track where nomads are gathering.
- Remote Work Conferences – Events like Nomad Summit and 7in7 are great for meeting fellow remote professionals.
Regularly attending meetups helps build relationships beyond just work connections.
5. Use Online Communities to Connect
If you’re traveling solo, you don’t have to feel alone. Online platforms allow you to stay connected with other digital nomads, find travel buddies, and share experiences.
Some of the best online communities include:
- Nomad List – A forum for digital nomads to connect and share tips.
- Reddit (r/digitalnomad) – A great place for discussions, advice, and meetups.
- Facebook Groups – Many cities have active expat and digital nomad communities.
- Slack & Discord Groups – Various online work communities organize real-life meetups.
Reaching out before arriving in a new city can help you find friends before you even land.
6. Take Up Social Hobbies
One of the easiest ways to meet people while traveling is through shared activities. Whether it’s surfing, yoga, hiking, or dancing, joining a local group helps build friendships naturally.
Some ideas include:
- Yoga & Fitness Classes – Many destinations have studios catering to travelers.
- Language Exchanges – Great for meeting locals and fellow expats.
- Dance & Cooking Classes – A fun way to experience the culture and meet new people.
- Sports Clubs – Running groups, rock climbing gyms, and surf schools are great social hubs.
Engaging in hobbies makes socializing feel more natural and enjoyable.
7. Travel Slower & Stay Longer
Many digital nomads move from place to place too quickly, making it hard to build meaningful connections. Slow travel allows you to integrate into the community and form lasting relationships.
By staying at least a month in one city, you can:
- Make deeper connections with locals and fellow travelers.
- Find your favorite cafes, coworking spaces, and hangout spots.
- Feel a sense of belonging rather than just passing through.
Longer stays make it easier to create a home away from home and maintain a social life.
8. Keep in Touch with Old Friends
While making new friends is important, maintaining old friendships keeps loneliness at bay.
Ways to stay connected:
- Schedule regular video calls with family and friends.
- Join online gaming or book clubs for virtual social time.
- Send postcards or small gifts from your travels.
A strong support system, even from afar, can help reduce feelings of isolation.
9. Be Proactive & Say Yes More
Sometimes, the hardest part about meeting new people is making the first move. It’s easy to retreat into solo work mode, but putting yourself out there makes a big difference.
Ways to be more social:
- Say yes to invitations, even if you’re unsure.
- Start conversations in coworking spaces and hostels.
- Invite people for coffee or lunch instead of waiting for them to invite you.
Building friendships as a digital nomad requires effort and openness—but the rewards are worth it.
The freedom of the digital nomad lifestyle doesn’t have to come at the cost of loneliness. By choosing the right destinations, staying in social accommodations, attending events, and engaging in hobbies, you can build meaningful connections no matter where you are.
With the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible to create a global network of friends and a strong sense of community, even while constantly on the move.