One of the best and weirdest things about being a digital nomad is this: you can be surrounded by people and still feel alone.
I’ve worked from rice paddies in Bali, cafes in Budapest, and beach huts in Koh Lanta. But I’ve also spent way too many dinners eating pad thai solo because I didn’t know how to break the ice.
Here’s the thing I’ve learned after years of bouncing between time zones, Airbnbs, and coworking spots: friendships don’t just happen. You have to build them. Intentionally.
And when you do? The journey stops feeling like a constant shuffle and starts feeling like a lifestyle.
So here’s what’s worked for me (and what I wish I’d known earlier) when it comes to making friends with other travelers on the road.
1. Prioritize Proximity: Stay Where Nomads Gather
This might sound obvious, but where you choose to stay is the easiest lever you can pull.
Instead of a private villa in the hills, try:
Coliving spaces like Outsite, Sun and Co., or Selina.
Hostels with strong reviews from remote workers (even if you get a private room).
Airbnb homes near coworking hubs, cafes, or digital nomad neighborhoods (like Canggu in Bali or Roma Norte in Mexico City).
When you live near other nomads, interactions become casual and frequent—and that’s how real friendships form. Psychologists call this the mere-exposure effect: the more we see someone, the more likely we are to like them.
2. Use Coworking as a Social Launchpad
I used to think coworking was just about fast Wi-Fi and free coffee. Wrong.
The real benefit is people. But don’t wait for others to approach you—be the first to say hi. Ask what they’re working on. Invite them for lunch.
Some coworking spaces even host regular meetups or “show & tell” events—go to those. They’re goldmines for easy, low-pressure connection.
3. Say Yes (Even When You’re Tired)
Here’s a simple rule: if someone invites you to something—even if it’s just a group dinner—say yes.
These small moments are often where the magic happens. You won’t click with everyone, but you never know which conversation over tacos at 11 p.m. might lead to a lifelong friend or business partner.
4. Join Nomad Communities (Online & Offline)
Some of the best connections I’ve made came through:
Facebook groups like “Digital Nomads Around the World”
Slack/Discord groups tied to coworking spaces or remote work platforms
Meetup.com or Eventbrite for local language exchanges, entrepreneur meetups, or casual hikes
One underrated gem? Lunchclub — an AI-based networking tool that pairs you with like-minded people for virtual or in-person chats. I’ve met nomads through it in Lisbon, Chiang Mai, and Medellín.
5. Be the Connector
This one changed everything for me.
Start hosting your own mini-events: coworking meetups, rooftop dinners, or weekend day trips. You don’t need 20 people. Three is enough. People will love you for organizing—even if it’s just a group chat where you post events happening in town.
Being a connector puts you at the center of a web—and people naturally gravitate toward that.
6. Be Real
This sounds obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: Be yourself.
Don’t try to fit into the “Instagram nomad” mold. Talk about your work and your off days. Be curious, not performative. The nomad life can be intense and isolating at times, and being vulnerable creates space for real connection.
Final Thoughts
Making friends on the road isn’t about having the loudest personality or attending every party. It’s about showing up consistently and being intentional.
You’re not just chasing sunsets and Slack notifications—you’re building a life. And lives are better when shared.
So say hi first. Host the dinner. Stay that extra hour. You never know which small moment might turn into a lifelong friendship.
See you out there,
Will Slator
Founder of TheNewRich.com