How to Find Other Like-Minded Digital Nomads in 2023? (2)

'How can I make friends in a new city?’

This is one of the most asked questions by a digital nomad who plans to stay a bit longer in a foreign city or country. As we know, the digital nomad lifestyle is on the rise and more people are opting for remote/ hybrid jobs than ever before. As much as excited as digital nomads are about traveling and finding adventure, most are also worried about how lonely it can get sometimes especially if you are traveling all by yourself. Many digital nomads are terrified of being alone or having trouble making friends. Many cities are today's hotspots for digital nomad communities, but even there, you might find yourself in a fix. Not everyone knows how to break the ice or is so proactive to strike up interesting conversations. In the last blog, we talked about some of the tried and tested ways to make friends as a digital nomad, both online and face-to-face. We will continue to dwell deeper into other ways which are efficient when it comes to meeting other like-minded digital nomads.

1. Coliving Spaces

Coliving spaces have grown in popularity, particularly among digital nomads who seek the independence and flexibility to roam the world while working. Many freelancers are always collaborating with clients online but everyone loves having interactions outside of work. That is what distinguishes coliving from other forms of housing, such as hotels or vacation rentals: everything in a coliving facility is meant to allow digital nomads the opportunity to meet other people, network, create professional relationships, and even make friends. You will have your private space but at the same time, you might have communal kitchens, shared work areas or coworking spaces, gardens, a gym, and other amenities that you share with other digital nomads.

Digital nomads use this space post-work for after-work drinks, parties, and other engagements. This makes you feel less lonely and like being part of a community. Often you learn a thing or two with the people you share the space with. Furthermore, coliving spaces frequently organize a variety of extra activities, such as meetings with the local community, conferences, hiking tours, meditation or other recreational activities, and cultural excursions to places of interest, all of which add a new dimension to the coliving experience.

2. Coworking Spaces

You might think of cutting down your expenses by just working from your apartment in a foreign country. After all, why waste money on working from elsewhere? If you have a decent desk and chair, that will do right? However, coworking spaces are teeming with digital nomads and remote professionals looking to network and make new connections. Not just that, most coworking spaces organize social activities such as pizza nights, quizzes, language exchanges, and more, so becoming a member effectively provides you with a great community of like-minded people. There are small events like new member orientation to others like bonfires, sports nights, and more. Even if you attend a few every month, your chance of making new friends is great. You can initiate conversations by asking for good food spots nearby. If you are someone who is an introvert or not really great at striking conversations, you can take it slow. Maybe say a friendly hello next time you go to refill your coffee or water.

3. Meetup.com

Meetup.com is a website/app that allows you to locate events in your region. It's a terrific way to meet people, and it's where most digital nomad activities are advertised in places like Lisbon. When you arrive in a new location, always check Meetup to see what's going on!

Meetup.com contains listings for all types of local social groups. Anyone can start a group and publicize forthcoming gatherings. Other users can join the group and participate in activities. Some groups are organized around hobbies such as hiking or playing board games. Others are merely social, and a meet-up may include meeting at a nearby restaurant to talk. If you're looking for events, you may use it for free. You only have to pay if you host your own group. Many people don’t feel certain about meeting people online or making friends through a website. And for some, who have been to a few meetups and did not make any friends, this might feel like not working out. There is potentially a great chance for making friends because you will be hanging out with new people for events. Most people you might encounter in meetups are open to making new friends. The good thing about meetups is there are different groups based on interests. This way, you can find people who share similar interests like board games or camping.

4. Volunteer

Engaging in a common cause or activity is one of the finest ways to establish new friends and deepen relationships. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, particularly if you are new to the region. You basically work towards a driving cause with people who are like-minded. Along with that, you learn to be part of a community and its people. While some people are naturally good with striking conversations with strangers, others are introverted and find it difficult to meet new people. Volunteering allows you to practice and build your social skills because you will be meeting with a group of individuals who share your interests on a regular basis. Once you've gained traction, it's easier to communicate and be a part of the whole community.

As digital nomads, you travel often and the carbon footprint you leave behind can be significant. So, finding a way to give back to society would be a great thing to do. Think of the kind of skill sets you have and what you can offer to a community. There are tonnes of opportunities for digital nomads, may it be office-based or field-based volunteering. Think of what excites you and who or what you want to help. Make a list of these before diving into volunteering. Focus on your skills. You could be a photographer, translator, blogger, or vlogger. How can your skills contribute to the growth of a community? Ask these questions to yourself before applying for volunteering.

Over time, with your globetrotting experience, you will eventually get better at making friends irrespective of the place you are in. Give yourselves time to let these relationships grow more organically rather than rushing them. Of course, it's all the more harder to transition from small talk to meaningful conversations. But, with technology today, a lot of what might seem impossible is possible.

Happy Backpacking!