When you’re on the road as a digital nomad, making friends can be hard. From never being in the same place, to not having access to many people in real life, the life of a digital nomad can be lonely. Making friends can help you in many ways, from being successful to finding a place to stay. These 5 tips will help you make friends as a digital nomad to live a happy, social life!
Why It’s Important to Make Friends Wherever You Are
While it may not seem important to everyone to make friends wherever you are as a digital nomad, there are many important reasons as to why you should make friends while travelling:
Successful People Have a Successful Social Life
Being successful as a digital nomad can be hard, even with tips and tricks to being a digital nomad. Finding and keeping a steady job isn’t always easy, and life on the road can be very stressful. However, finding friends while travelling is a great way to not only relieve stress, but also to get help succeeding as a digital nomad.
Other digital nomads will not only know tips and tricks to the jobs that you’re trying to navigate, but they’ll provide a great relief from the stressful work life you’re trying to balance.
Friends Will Help You Find a Place to Stay
It’s not always easy on the road trying to find a place to stay. It can be stressful trying to find a place to park your RV or stay overnight, especially when you’re completely unfamiliar with an area. You can’t just stay anywhere. You need to consider several factors when trying to decide where to stay. Knowing and befriending other digital nomads can help you figure out the best place to stay in the area you’re in, or in the area you’re headed to.
No More Nomad Loneliness
It’s easy to get lonely while travelling as a digital nomad, especially if you’re alone. Too many nights in a row without social interaction can leave you feeling run down and lonely. You might even feel like the digital nomad life isn’t for you. However, making friends wherever you are can help prevent this feeling of loneliness and keep your digital nomad spirits high.
Find New Places to Visit
Despite the multitude of places you can visit as a digital nomad, sometimes you get tired of the big-name places to visit. Making friends can help you find quirky areas to go to, or even places that you never would have thought to stop by.
5 Simple & Fun Ways to Make Friends While Travelling
1. Social Media Groups
One easy way of making friends as a digital nomad is through social media. While this may seem challenging, since it’s difficult to connect with a new area on social media, there are many groups dedicated to being a digital nomad. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit all have subgroups dedicated to being a digital nomad. Joining one of these groups is an excellent way to meet new people. You can try connecting with people who will be in an area you’re headed to, or if you don’t plan on being in one place for long any time soon, you could even connect virtually with others living the digital nomad life.
2. Online Events
With COVID-19, there are many online events that are being hosted all the time. Networking events, professional learning events, concerts, and even clubs are being hosted online. A quick Google search can help you find the type of online event that you’re looking for. Other digital nomads frequent these events, as it doesn’t require being in the actual place to attend. Whether you’re in Iowa and want to attend an event all the way in Texas, or if you want to use this as a way to meet people in the area you’re in, online events are a great way to make friends.
3. Points of Interest
As a digital nomad, you’re probably frequenting certain types of places. This includes museums, cafes, national parks, and even libraries. Anywhere that you spend a lot of time while travelling is an excellent way to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the person you’re sitting next to, or ask someone their opinion on a piece of artwork you’re admiring. Starting a conversation in person is the first step of turning a stranger into a friend.
4. Places You Stay
If you tend to frequent RV parks, campsites, or hostels, this is another great place to meet new friends. Other travelers have just as hard of a time of having a social life as you do, and will be just as willing to make friends. Many hostels offer common areas where you can go and meet other people, and if you are staying in a shared room, try introducing yourself to your roommates there. At RV parks or campsites, try talking to others when gathering firewood or crossing the campsite!
5. Dating Apps
In this decade, dating apps aren’t just for finding a relationship. While this is a great way to find love while on the road, many dating apps can also be used specifically to find friends. It’s a great way to meet others in your area. Even without meeting up in person with those you talk to over the app, you’re able to figure out fun things to do in the area and even make virtual friends!
Don’t Be Lonely as a Digital Nomad
The life of a digital nomad doesn’t need to be lonely. Whether in person or online, it’s important to make friends as a digital nomad. That means it’s just as important to have the perfect internet service provider to help you connect to others. Nomad Internet will provide you with a stable connection no matter where you go!