Dating as a Digital Nomad: 8 Tips for Success

You don’t need me to tell you that dating is hard. But if you’re a digital nomad who’s permanently traveling and moving every few months, it’s much harder. 

It’s easy to get swept up in some fantasy that you’ll meet the perfect person for you, and the two of you can nomad together, happily ever after.

After all, we’ve all heard those stories of couples who met while on vacation, did long distance for a while, and then one or both moved and it all worked out.

If you’re a single nomad reading this, I hope you find that permanent vacation love, I really do…

As for the rest of us, we’ll have to compromise in some way. But not all hope is lost. Here are some helpful tips for dating as a digital nomad.

1. Don’t let the negativity get to you

It’s really easy to do this. You may ask yourself, Should I even date? The answer is yes! And have fun doing it because dating should be fun! Try not to take it too seriously. If nothing else, you’ll wind up with a few “vacation flings.”

And if you do go on some bad dates, it’s not the end of the world – one day you’ll look back on them and laugh.

2. Try the Nomad Soulmates app, or another nomad-specific dating app

I never had any luck with Nomad Soulmates personally, but I’d still recommend checking it out if you’re a digital nomad who’s trying to date. It doesn’t have as many users on it as the usual dating apps, but at least you’ll know you’re connecting with people who share your love of travel.

It’s different from other dating apps in that you don’t have to match with someone, you can just message them. I got a few messages when I used it but never had an actual conversation with anyone.

Additionally, you have the option to either search in your area or to search all over the globe! This can be useful if you know you’ll be in a new spot soon–you can get ahead of the game and start looking in your soon-to-be new temporary home! Or maybe your new match is planning to come to your city–you never know unless you try it!

There are other nomad-specific dating apps, such as FairyTrail and Miss Travel. I haven’t personally used them, but the concept is similar to Nomad Soulmates. Give them a try!

3. Try the usual dating apps

Not going to bother breaking them out here – pick your poison and hope for the best.

A digital nomad on a date

4. Go to bars

One of my favorite solo travel tips in general—bring a book and go to a bar during happy hour. I can just about guarantee that someone will come make conversation with you. Don’t fault them if their opening line is something like, “Why are you reading HERE?” Approaching people is hard—they’re nervous too.

A note on safety: Use your best judgment. I’d recommend saying you’re waiting for a friend rather than telling a stranger you’re solo right off the bat. If you hit it off with someone, you can tell them you’re a nomad later on.

5. Go to events and activities that interest you

Just like in “real life.” But more exciting because you’re traveling! Stargazing in Albuquerque? Hiking in Austin? Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Yes, please.

Try taking a tour!

A good way to find activities in your area is Facebook events, Meetups, or events on Eventbrite.

6. Try Meetup groups

Speaking of, meetup.com is a great way to find people to socialize with. And who knows, maybe you’ll find someone you want to be more than friends with!

7. Try Facebook groups for nomads

There’s a group called Single Nomads. Go check it out! Maybe someone who catches your eye is coming to your city soon. There are other Facebook groups for digital nomads too that aren’t necessarily focused on dating, such as Digital Nomad Accommodation and Co-Housing.

8. Work from coworking spaces or coffee shops

’As digital nomads, we spend a lot of time working from the comfort of our temporary homes. But to meet people, you have to get out there! A good way to try to meet someone is to work outside of your home every now and then. Maybe you’ll meet other nomads at a coworking space, and you’ll become friends (or more).

9. Stand naked in the street

Just seeing if you were paying attention. People would certainly be paying attention to you.

Yours truly on a solo date

Important things to remember about dating as a digital nomad

You can always slow it down. One of the many beautiful things about nomadic life is that you can decide to extend your stay anytime. So if you’re not ready to say goodbye to either a place or a certain person, you can stay longer! Try to keep an open mind and remember that you can change your plans at any time.

It takes trust. To have a long-term relationship as a digital nomad, it will take an immense amount of trust and understanding unless you both start to immediately travel together (or if you stay).

A long-distance relationship is nearly inevitable. If you’re going to keep traveling, and they can’t, this is going to happen. You’ll have to decide if that’s something you want.

If nothing else, date yourself. It can be fun to get dressed up, bring a book, and go out to lunch or dinner alone!

Final thoughts on dating as a digital nomad

I’m not going to lie and say digital nomad dating is easy because it’s not. But it’s not impossible either. It’s important to remember to keep it fun. Know that you can always take breaks from dating as needed. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet the one you’re looking for.

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What about you? Got any Digital nomad dating tips?

Share them with me in the comments below!