One of the biggest concerns people have about the nomadic lifestyle is loneliness. When you’re constantly moving from place to place, it can feel challenging to build meaningful relationships. I’ve experienced this firsthand, but over time, I’ve learned that making friends as a digital nomad isn’t as hard as it seems—it just requires effort and the right approach.

If you’re wondering how to create a social circle while traveling, here are some of the best ways to make friends and build connections as a nomad.

1. Stay in Co-Living Spaces or Hostels

One of the easiest ways to meet people is by staying in co-living spaces, hostels, or shared accommodations. Co-living spaces like Selina, Outsite, and Roam are specifically designed for digital nomads and offer a built-in community of remote workers.

Even if you prefer having your own apartment, you can still:

  • Attend events at co-living spaces (many offer networking nights or workshops).
  • Book short stays in hostels to meet fellow travelers before settling into a longer-term rental.
  • Join Facebook groups for house shares where nomads live together in shared apartments.

Living with others naturally creates opportunities for friendships, and you’ll likely meet people who share your mindset and interests.

2. Join Local and Online Nomad Communities

There are tons of digital nomad communities, both online and in-person, that help you connect with like-minded travelers. Some of the best ways to find them include:

  • Facebook Groups – Join groups like “Digital Nomads Around the World” or “Nomad List” to find meetups in your current city.
  • Meetup.com – This site is great for finding events, whether it’s an expat gathering, hiking trip, or language exchange.
  • Nomad List and Slack Communities – Nomad List has a paid community where you can chat with other nomads heading to the same destinations.
  • Couchsurfing Hangouts – Even if you don’t stay with a host, you can use Couchsurfing to meet travelers for coffee or group activities.

Being part of these communities makes it much easier to find social events, business networking opportunities, and even potential travel buddies.

3. Work from Coworking Spaces and Cafés

If you’re a remote worker, coworking spaces are one of the best places to meet people. Many nomads and freelancers spend their days in places like WeWork, Hubud (Bali), Dojo (Chiang Mai), and Selina Cowork.

Coworking spaces often organize:

  • Networking events and workshops.
  • Social hours and after-work hangouts.
  • Group lunches and weekend excursions.

If you prefer working from cafés, choose popular digital nomad cafés in your city and be open to striking up conversations with fellow remote workers. A simple “Hey, are you working on something interesting?” can lead to great friendships.

4. Take Part in Local Activities and Hobbies

One of the best ways to make friends is by engaging in activities that interest you. Every city has unique offerings, and by joining in, you’ll meet locals and other nomads who share your passions. Some ideas include:

  • Join a local gym or yoga class – Many places offer weekly memberships that are perfect for short-term stays.
  • Take language classes – Learning the local language is a great way to bond with others who are also trying to learn.
  • Go on group tours or hikes – Walking tours, adventure excursions, and day trips attract solo travelers looking to connect.
  • Attend cultural events or festivals – This gives you an authentic local experience while meeting both expats and locals.

I’ve made some of my best travel friends by simply joining a hiking group in Mexico, taking a surf class in Bali, and attending a local cooking workshop in Thailand. Shared experiences create strong connections.