Now that work is done, it's time for fun! In this final section, we'll show you how to get acquainted and explore your new surroundings, make friends, and find awesome parties where ever you go.
Let's be honest. No one becomes a digital nomad because they want to focus on work all day. We become nomads because we have a passion for adventure. A thirst for the unusual. We want to explore exotic locations, we want to experience unique cultures, and we just want to have some good, old fashioned, fun.
You may be saying to yourself "I'm perfectly fine on my own, and don't need others to enjoy my trip", and that might be entirely true.
However, neglecting the social aspects of life on the road will limit your experiences. Embracing social life in your travels will lead to new experiences that you never knew existed before.
Being on the road constantly can make it hard to maintain your social circle. Your friends back home are... well, back home, and while you may regularly communicate with them, send them photos, and post cards, they are not there to share the same experiences you are having.
When you decide to become a digital nomad, a direct consequence of that decision is removing yourself from your existing social circle. If you're used to having that sort of safety net around you, long term traveling can quickly become lonely and can leave you feeling unfulfilled.
The best solution to this is to put effort into meeting others on your travels. Whether you engage with other nomads or locals, doing so will greatly increase your enjoyment while traveling.
So, what can you do to increase your likelihood of meeting people and making new friends on your travels? Here are some ideas.
A social network like Facebook, love it or hate it, is a great tool for finding things to do in your new temporary hometown, as well as for meeting other nomads.
Begin your search by looking for Digital Nomad groups for the country or city where you're traveling. You'll often find entire communities of working nomads in the area who are eager to make friends and build connections with other like minded people. Through these channels it's easy to find or ask about recommended bars, restaurants, and events in your current destination.
There are also plenty of general travel groups on social media that aren't specifically targeted to nomads, but which can provide another means of connecting with travelers in the area.
A site like Meetup is a great place to find cool events happening in your travel area. You can browse the listings and see what interests you. Consider joining a meetup or even organizing one yourself at a popular bar or restaurant in the area.
Many hostels foster a community vibe through activities, events, and excursions. Do some research on the hostels in your destination, and find ones that encourage social activities.
Many hostels now offer activities such as yoga, sound healing, and the like. Even if thats not the sort of thing that you'd do back home, remember... you're not back home! Take a chance and try something different. It's easy to strike up a conversion with others when you have a shared experience, what ever it may be.
Hostels also typically feature common areas which are geared towards socializing with other guests. Whether it's by the pool side, up on the roof, or other shared space, take advantage of these to strike up a conversation.
Even if you're not staying at a hostel, you may be able to drop in on their activities, if there is space available. Go inside and talk to the folks at the front desk, they're usually happy to help.
I'll be the first to admit, I'm typically the type of person who prefers to explore things on my own. But if you're looking to meet people, joining an organized tour or excursion can help you meet like minded travelers who have the same goal as you - discovering your new surroundings.
Its not hard to find tours in many towns, but take some time to shop around at different vendors. Ask about the typical clientele they service. Are most of their tours filled with families? Sure the tour might be good, but that might not be the right social environment for you.
Many hostels will have a concierge that can help you book activities, like guided tours and excursions through some of the most popular sites in the area. This is often a better way of joining other travelers who might be more on your vibe.
If possible, try to book excursions with local guides who speak at least a bit of your language. They can help point you in the direction of places that are off the beaten path that can be much more intriguing than the places that are overrun by tourists.
Naturally, co-working spaces are one of the best ways to meet other nomads. Not only are you likely to meet other people who are enjoying a similar journey as yours, but the opportunities for networking and connecting on a professional level significantly increase when you share a working space with others.
Strike up a conversation by asking what they're working on, where they're from, or how long they've been in town. As nomads tend to spend more time in a given place than vacationers, they might be able to inform you of some under the radar gems you might not have known about.
This also works in reverse. If you've been exploring the area and found some great experiences, sharing the details with others is an easy way to break the ice and make a new friend.
A common way to meet people on the road is through the local bar scene. For better or worse, alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes it easier to talk to total strangers. A walk around the downtown or city center should give you an idea of what bars have a nice vibe for meeting new people.
While there's nothing wrong with hitting up a local watering hole for a few drinks after work, what to do if you don't drink?
If the establishment serves food, you can always slide up to the bar and grab a bite. Similarly, restaurants are another potential spot to meet some new people, particularly if there is a line to get a table. Its easy to strike up a conversation with others who are waiting. If you seem to be hitting it off, propose joining tables to keep the conversation going.
As a world traveler, you should be open to meeting locals on your journeys just as much as you would other nomads.
This can of course be challenging due to language barriers, but putting a little effort can make all the difference.
No matter where I go, I always try to learn a few key phrases. Learning how to say basic things like "hello", "thank you", "yes", "no", and "how much?" shouldn't be too hard.
In this day and age, tools like Google Translate make it easier than ever to converse with people who don't speak the same language as you. I've literally used Google Translate to ask how to buy gasoline in the remote mountains of northern Vietnam. It's an invaluable tool for any digital nomad.
Once you've learned a few phrases, try using them in a conversation with your waiter, cab driver or shopkeeper. If you feel comfortable, ask them for recommendations for things to see beyond the well known tourist traps. By conversing with locals, you'll broaden your experience and perhaps even find some really cool places you would not have otherwise discovered.
No one expects that you'll become a master of the native language during your stay, but putting even a little bit of effort into speaking the native language shows locals courtesy and respect. There is simply no reason not to give it a shot.
Don't be too embarrassed if your pronunciation isn't perfect. The fact that you're trying means a lot. Sometimes locals might even speak your language, or use the same tools you do to translate to your language. Even if neither of you speak perfectly, you might still be able to carry out an exciting conversation and make a new friend or two.
As you may or may not have noticed, the name of this site is "Teknomadic". Sure it sounds cool, but what does it mean?
Teknomadic is an amalgamation of the words techno and nomadic. And that, my friends, is exactly my secret to meeting people on the road: techno!
Techno music (sometimes called house, electronic music, dance music, or underground dance music) has been turning strangers into friends for decades on dance floors around the world. For the uninitiated, techno is a very specific type of electronic music, but generally speaking, techno has also been used to refer to almost any kind of music made with machines, and a 4/4 drum beat.
For now, we don't need to worry about genre specifics. We want to show you why plugging into the world of dance music will help you meet people and get more out of your travels.
So what is it about techno that brings people together? Here's a few reasons why:
House and techno music have become popular forms of music in countries all around the globe. House music first emerged from the disco scene of late 70’s Chicago, and techno was not far behind it, rising in nearby Detroit. Despite their humble beginnings in the US, these genres were quickly exported to the UK and eventually throughout the world. Now, nearly every country on earth is home to an underground dance music scene. Whether in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or any country with a pulse, you’ll find people moving to the rhythms of their favorite DJs long into the night.
Unlike pop, rock, hip-hop, or other forms of “popular” music, techno has few (if any) lyrics. It’s more about the elaborate sounds, rhythms and patterns of the music itself. That means techno can be easily understood and enjoyed by anyone, regardless of the language they speak.
Electronic music in general also has a way of evoking feelings and emotions solely through sound. Good dance music can take its audience on a journey, from warm and uplifting melodies to dark and foreboding beats.
The journey through sound binds strangers of all different backgrounds together in a way that few other music genres can. Sometimes, the only thing you need to communicate with others is the music.
There are few better places to make new friends than the grounds of music festival.
As dance music in general has exploded in popularity over the last 10 years, so have the number of music festivals held throughout the world. Festivals can range in size from a few hundred dedicated revelers to elaborate productions with multiple stages and thousands of attendees.
No matter the size, festivals are always a great place to meet people, as everyone is tuned into the same vibes, united by their love of music. It's easy to strike up a conversation with other attendees. Asking people who their favorite artists are on the lineup is an easy way to start a conversation. Who knows, you might even get adopted into a local rave crew!
Even if you're not 100% into the music, a festival can still be a wondrous experience to take in. Music festivals often combine incredible art, dynamic lighting, and mind blowing visuals, turning the experience into a multi-sensory playground for adults.
Planning a nomad trip around a series of festivals in different countries will help you find new destinations to experience, and you’ll be able to mix and mingle with hundreds of others having the time of their lives.
Had a rough day at work? Hitting up a dance floor allows you the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and forget about the outside world for a bit.
Dancing provides not only physical relief from sitting in a chair all day, but mental relief as well. When you tune deeply into the music, you live in the moment. You’re not worried about all those emails in your inbox, project deadlines, or any of those work related things that can overwhelm you.
Take the opportunity to let loose on the dance floor.
It may feel like electronic music is strictly for the young, but the larger genre of dance music has been growing for 40+ years and is likely to continue thriving for years to come. That means many of the most dedicated party goers have been doing this for decades.
In fact, many of the originators and pioneers of the DJ world like Carl Cox, Danny Tenaglia, and Derrick May are still touring and playing gigs around the world well into their 60’s, and making new fans every day.
Creative artists and producers often breathe new life into classic music of all genres. It’s not uncommon to hear edits, remixes, and reworks featuring everything from classic rock, to 80’s music, to modern pop and even classical music.
Thanks to its versatility, electronic music speaks to fans of all ages for many of the same reasons that it resonates with people internationally: you don’t need to “know” the words to every song, you just need to feel the rhythm and the beat.
Finding a dance party while traveling isn’t hard. People like to have fun everywhere. Finding a good dance party is something else. There are a few ways you can spot a party worth your time.
For ages, Resident Advisor has been the pinnacle of news and information in the world of dance music. It's event listings can point you in the direction of the best clubs, events and festivals in virtually every country. They also publish articles about the dance music scene, promote new artists, and produce a monthly podcast.
Follow your favorite DJs on whatever social media channels you use. You can scope out their upcoming tour schedule and see where they’re heading off to next.
When you think about it, DJs are kind of like the original digital nomads!
Scoping out their tour schedule can even give you ideas on where to head next. Tours are often booked in a logical way that makes the most out of a geographic region. Not saying go full Deadhead and start following your favorite DJs around the globe, but it can give you an idea of where to go next.
Be sure to follow clubs, promoters, and festivals as well to get more ideas for where to go.
In the world of event promotion, “canvassing” is the act of posting flyers around town to get the word out about your event. As you walk around exploring your current destination, look for posters around the town that promote the local scene.
You can find these on things like light posts, corners, at bars and restaurants, and any other place where someone walking around the city on foot could reach.
Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might find.
So now that we know why you should dive into the underground music scene on your travels, how do you actually start making friends? Here are some tips.
If you’re not already familiar with electronic music, it’s time to start digging!
Start by figuring out what specific genres call to you. Search the web for house, techno, tech house, deep house, minimal techno (or head over to our Techno page for an in-depth primer to electronic music and its many genres).
As you do, you’ll start to understand the differences between each.
If you’re attending an event, look up the headlining artist and listen to some of their mixes or productions. You can easily find thousands of sets from DJs of all genres on sites like Soundcloud, Mixcloud and Youtube.
As you get more familiar with the music, you’ll be able to talk about it with people you meet at the parties.
Contrary to popular belief, dancing is not hard… at least when it comes to electronic music.
Simply put, there is no wrong or right way to dance. You don’t need to learn complicated steps or choreography, all you need to do is find the rhythm and let it flow through your body.
It can start with a simple head nod, kept in tune with the beat. Then your shoulders start to move… then your hands and feet get in on the act. Over time, you’ll develop your own repertoire of “moves”.
Dancing is a form of personal expression. When you let loose and get in the groove, others will naturally gravitate towards you. When your dance moves get good, don't be surprised to find strangers pick up on your vibe and come dance with you!
When I first moved to San Francisco, I didn’t know a single person in the city… but I did know music. It wasn’t hard for me to find the clubs and events that played the type of music I liked, so I started attending events by myself. For years, whenever it was party time, I would don a black top hat to the club, and in moving to San Francisco, I continued this tradition.
I didn't start wearing a top hat to parties because I thought it would help me make friends... I simply felt like it would be something fun to do.
And I was right! It was totally cool, and I've literally met hundreds of people over the years simply because I decided to express myself through my own personal style.
So, ditch the polo shirt and khaki shorts. It ain’t gonna cut it. Dress as uniquely “you”, as only you can. That doesn’t mean you need to dress completely bizarre, but you're a world traveler. Pick up unique pieces and accessories on your travels and work them into your personal style.
Most clubs or festivals will have an area away from the dance floor where you can escape for a moment and take a load off.
These sorts of spaces are great for meeting people.
Whether you are a smoker or not, smoking areas are also a great place to talk to someone without the pounding of a kick drum. Strike up a conversation by commenting on the music, or the atmosphere. Something like “Did you see those insane visuals up there?”.
Its an easy way to break the ice with someone. When you’re off of the dance floor, it's much easier to actually hear each other and carry on a conversation.
See someone with a fabulous outfit? Go tell them how amazing they look! An honest compliment is the best way to break the ice.
When you do give someone a compliment, try to keep it positive (it’s a compliment after all) and related to something about their personal style, or their dance moves... and not just physical features.
“Hey girl, I like your butt” is not a compliment.
“I really like your dance moves” is much better.
When people receive compliments, it immediately brightens their day and invites a positive interaction. Don’t blow it by being a creep.
Lastly, be respectful of people and their space. This applies whether you are a male, female, or identify as anything else.
Does that person over there look super hot? Great, but don’t stare at them for long periods of time like a hungry dog eying a steak.
It should also go without saying, but don’t ever physically touch someone without their consent. There's no excuse for playing “grab ass” on the dance floor. It’s really not cool, no matter where you are or who you are.
And remember, "no" always means NO!
Similarly, if you are particularly drunk, high, or otherwise wasted, it might not be the best time to talk to strangers. No one likes a drunk hovering over them while they try to dance. So try to keep your wits about you, and project a positive, fun vibe.
Hopefully these tips for socializing will lead you to untold adventures and good times with loads of new friends on your travels.
And with that, you now know all the basics of what it takes to become a digital nomad!
If you still have questions about the lifestyle, feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment below!
