Building a Community While Traveling: Tips to Connect and Make the Most of Your Nomad Life
Traveling solo or with a partner can sometimes feel lonely when constantly settling into new places. However, making connections and building a community along the way can enhance your experiences and provide a sense of belonging. In this article, we'll explore various ways to meet people, make friends, and feel supported during your nomadic journey.
Join Social Sports Leagues for a Thrilling Connection
Discover the joy of joining sports leagues, from axe throwing to softball, pickleball, and kickball. These social leagues not only offer opportunities to meet new people but also contribute to the community and support children's leagues. Axe throwing is my personal favorite and was able to join leagues throughout various stays.
Connect with Sports Enthusiasts at Bars and Restaurants
If you're a sports fan, find bars and restaurants dedicated to showing your favorite teams. Embrace the welcoming atmosphere of sports communities, which often extend invitations to house parties and offer assistance during holiday travels. Moreover, these communities often feature foods that can remind you of home. We found a themed bar for our favorite teams in each location and it created some of our favorite memories.
Uncover the Power of Your Network
Don't underestimate the size of your network. Reach out to friends of friends and distant relatives to foster connections. Connecting with family members can be a rewarding aspect of your nomadic adventure, providing quality time and exciting activities to explore together.
For us, we were connected with mutual friends in Charleston, South Carolina by close friends we have in Alaska. In Florida, our house ended being on the same street as a cousin I hadn’t had a chance to connect to in years. An Aunt and Uncle were in Chicago for an event and we were able to fill their down time with special memories over a home cooked meal.
Embrace the Neighborly Bonds
Forge meaningful connections with your neighbors, as they can be valuable sources of support and local insights. Neighbors can be great at helping maintain neglected yards, sharing warnings on stray cats or what to do in tornados, one even offered fresh produce from their garden. Engaging with your neighbors can enrich your experience and create friendships that help you get through new changes.
Explore Shared Interests with Meet Up
Utilize the Meet Up app to connect with individuals who share your interests. For me, it's salsa dancing. For others its biking and brewery visits. In Chicago we did a Meet Up for a comedy show and tickets were discounted. Meet Ups offer excellent opportunities to meet like-minded people while enjoying discounts on local attractions.
The Bar: A Hub for Serendipitous Connections
Sometimes the simplest actions can lead to the most memorable encounters. Sit at the bar and engage with bartenders and fellow patrons. Benefit from their recommendations, find common interests, and relish great conversations. Uncover hidden gems, such as the Imagine Museum in Saint Petersburg (Shout out to Billy from Philly! We’re still raving about this glass museum), and secure recommendations for fantastic dining experiences. Visiting a nearby bar can be an excellent initial step toward settling into a new place.
Leverage the Power of Local Online Communities via Facebook
Join neighborhood Facebook groups or local neighborhood apps to stay informed about events, traffic updates, item swapping, festivals, happy hours, and more. These online communities provide a wealth of information and support, answering questions and helping you navigate the area with ease.
Nomadic life may occasionally bring feelings of loneliness, even when traveling with a partner. However, by actively seeking connections and building a community, you can transform your stay from mediocre to remarkable. Whether it's meeting new people, making friends, or feeling supported away from your core group, having a community, even if they're acquaintances, can enhance your nomadic journey and make each experience more fulfilling.
