Introduction
Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges digital nomads face. While the lifestyle offers freedom, adventure, and flexibility, it can also lead to isolation and disconnection. This guide will provide practical, experience-driven strategies to help digital nomads build community, maintain emotional well-being, and sustain a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle on the road.
Why Listen To Me?
#1 – I’m old – and have been travelling for a long time
I’ve spent a lot of time either partying, or chasing after women to escape loneliness traveling and while that can work when you travel a few weeks a year if you want to make a lifestyle of digital nomadding trust me – it’s not going to work.
Understanding Digital Nomad Loneliness
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to recognize why loneliness is so common among remote workers and long-term travelers. The top factors contributing to loneliness include:
- Frequent location changes disrupting social connections
- Lack of deep, long-term friendships
- Time zone differences making it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones
- Working alone without the built-in social structure of an office
- Cultural and language barriers in new countries
18 Ways to Overcome Loneliness as a Digital Nomad
1. Prioritize Co-Living and Co-Working Spaces
Co-living spaces like Selina or Outsite provide built-in communities for digital nomads. Co-working spaces foster both productivity and social interactions with like-minded professionals.
Personally, I’m not crazy about the programs where everything is structured and programmed out, but there are plenty of colives that give you the freedom to do what you want, without feeling like you’re on a guided tour of the country.
For example – I’m writing this article from the Selina location in Lisbon – check out my Lisbon digital nomad guide here!
2. Join Digital Nomad Communities
Platforms like Nomad List, Facebook groups, and Slack channels connect nomads worldwide. Engaging in these communities helps maintain connections even when moving from one place to another.
Pro Tip – NomadList has a great discord channel where you can hop on and ask questions / get to know people specific to specific countries.
Click here to check out my tips on building community as a digital nomad
3. Develop a Routine for Socializing
Schedule social activities as you would work tasks. Join local meetups, attend networking events, or set a regular coffee date with new acquaintances.
Pro Tip – Meetup.com is always a great way to do this, specifically in big cities.
4. Engage in Local Culture
Instead of staying within the digital nomad bubble, immerse yourself in local experiences. Learn the language, take cooking classes, or volunteer in the community. Trying things that may seem uncomfortable or boring can really help you keep from feeling so isolated.
Personal Anecdote – During my time in Vietnam, I was committed to only speaking Vietnamese, I lied and told people I didn’t understand English, I stopped using forks. It was incredibly isolating – for me it’s best to bounce in and out of local culture and people who are more like you. This is a huge reason why I love Medellin. I have a good balance of Colombian and foreign friends.
5. Start With Larger Cities
Instead When you get to countries, start with the bigger cities. Bigger cities usually have a lifestyle that’s quite similar from country to country. Then once you start to know the country a bit more than branch out into the countryside.
6. Make Exercise a Social Activity
Join a yoga class, running club, or martial arts group. Exercise boosts mental health while creating opportunities to meet people.
Personal Anecdote – I love cycling, and getting to new cities and finding cycling groups has really helped me meet people and feel more connected to the local community.
Video of me cycling near Lake Como, Italy – this was during my RV Trip around Europe
7. Find an Accountability Partner
Having a fellow digital nomad to check in with regularly can help combat loneliness and maintain motivation.
8. Travel Slowly
This is HUGE. Instead of moving every few weeks, stay in one location for an extended period. This allows for deeper friendships and a greater sense of belonging. Moving around is fun for short periods of time, but man it starts to kill me after a few weeks.
9. Plan Virtual Catch-Ups with Family & Friends
Schedule regular video calls with loved ones back home. Maintaining personal relationships is crucial for emotional well-being.
Pro Tip – I have a weekly call scheduled with my mom and sister and that helps me big time. To help with international phone coverage, the only ESIM company I use is Airalo.
10. Get The Hell Out Of The House
It’s really easy to sit and work in your AirBnB all day, only leaving to buy groceries or go to the gym. However, you can’t let that happen. You have to get out, especially when you don’t feel like it.
11. Use Technology to Stay Connected
Apps like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Couchsurfing Hangouts can help find local events and meet new friends in a new city.
12. Focus on Quality Over Quantity in Friendships
Deep, meaningful connections are more valuable than a large number of acquaintances. Invest time in nurturing a few solid relationships.
As a guy this can be super tough. I’ve learned that if someone feels cool I push myself out of my comfort zone a bit and try to get Whatsapp or Instagram and plan a time to meet up.
Which leads me to my next point
13. GET CONTACT INFORMATION
I remember hitchhiking around the US. I was staying with a group of people I ran into who were protesting in Washington DC. One of the guys rode a bicycle from Austin to Washington DC to lobby the government about Haitian diplomacy. He was such an interesting guy, but I never got any of his contact info, nor do I even remember his name.
I have tons of situations like that – where I’ve met super interesting people, but didn’t stay in touch.
Even if it’s uncomfortable – get contact info from people you click with, it’s worth-it.
14. “Loneliness Is A Drug”
I remember another traveler telling me that in Athens, and it’s totally true. I had just finished riding my bike solo from Athens to Istanbul, and I really felt that. Being around people felt like a drain. I’ve found other points in my life where I’ve felt that way.
I do think it’s important to spend time alone, but be mindful of building an addiction to the opiate like feeling of loneliness.
15. Be Mindful Of Anxiety
This is similar to the one above. For many people who are working all day alone, in a new country where you don’t understand the language it’s really easy to become overwhelmed with anxiety.
I remember when I taught English in Vietnam. I had weeks where I felt anxious leaving the house. Outside of work I would stay at my house eating high-calorie food alone to feel better. It’s a dangerous cycle.
Learn more about my story here
16. Find Talk / Therapy Like Groups Of Likeminded People
I have a men’s group in Medellin that I’m part of and it’s huge for my mental health. Having a group of people to check in with who have experienced a lot of the same things is huge.
There’s another men’s group in Paris that is run by a great guy. These groups have been massive for my mental health. I’m actually searching for an online men’s group now, if anyone has any recommendations – let me know!
17. Don’t Fill The Gap With Flings
It can be really appealing to evade loneliness with a new fling in every city that you go to, but that shit really starts to eat away at your soul when you’re jumping around so much from partner to partner in this lifestyle.
When you’re lonely you can start to feel pretty intense connections to people very quickly, however continuing to cycle through flings from town to town won’t keep you happy for long. This is a big reason why I chose to try out celibacy for a while.
18. Embrace It
This is a bit opposite of everything I’ve been saying – but I do think that it’s good to embrace loneliness from time to time. It’s usually not the end of the world, and if you can confront it you’ll be able to experience much more of the world.
Conclusion
Dealing with loneliness and finding ways to evade it is a big part of being a digital nomad. However, by prioritizing community, being intentional about socializing, and embracing a balanced approach, you can cultivate meaningful connections and enjoy a fulfilling, connected life on the road.
Find more strategies to build your digital nomad community
Frequently Asked Questions
How do digital nomads deal with loneliness?
Many nomads combat loneliness by joining co-living spaces, engaging in local communities, attending meetups, and maintaining strong virtual connections with family and friends.
Are digital nomads lonely?
Loneliness is a common challenge, but intentional socializing, structured routines, and participating in digital nomad communities can significantly reduce isolation.
How can I make friends while traveling as a digital nomad?
Attending coworking events, joining hobby groups, and engaging in online nomad forums are great ways to build friendships on the road.
What is the best way to maintain long-distance friendships as a digital nomad?
Scheduling regular video calls, sharing travel updates, exchanging social media and planning reunions help maintain meaningful connections despite being in different time zones.
How do I balance work and social life as a digital nomad?
Time-blocking work hours, scheduling social activities, and setting boundaries help create a sustainable work-life balance, and get out of the house!
Can digital nomads find romantic relationships while traveling?
Yes, I met my girlfriend while in Paris, and we’ve traveled a lot of countries together over the last year and a half. Many nomads find relationships through dating apps, local events, and other nomad meetups, though maintaining long-term connections can be challenging.
What are some mental health resources for digital nomads?
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, groups of like-minded people, meditation apps, and remote wellness retreats provide mental health support for digital nomads.
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