If you grew up in an area where people tend to stay put, it can be hard to break free of the ”scary travel” mindset. It’s easy to get caught in the belief that you can go to Malaysia only with a traveling companion, or that you have to know people in the Azores before you can visit. You don’t, of course (see point 7), but there are plenty of resources to connect you with people worldwide and help smooth your transition to working nomad.
7 ways to connect
- Social networks
Itinerant photographer Michelle was flown out to Italy in late 2009 to Isola d’Elba to shoot lifestyle shots for a privately owned B&B, all expenses paid. In Italy, she says, “I travelled around visiting several Tricca relatives who found me on Facebook–they all took me in and showed me around and cooked for me.” (Read about Michelle’s life as a travel photographer here.)All working nomads should have a social networking account or two. Just posting “Anybody have friends in the south of Spain?” can result in an offer from a friend-of-friends to show you around town, let you housesit, or hook you up with work. Try it and see what happens.
- Work organizations
If you already have a skill or trade, join online groups for your specialty. For example, when I moved to Australia in early 2010 I was able to meet up with an online buddy from Constant Content, where I sell my writing. Since my husband is from down under and has plenty of relatives in Oz, I wasn’t in need of a bed, but I’m sure if I had been, my new friend would gladly have provided it.Shared interests provide an instant connection. If you don’t already belong to any online groups for your hobby or work, join some and get active on the forums.
- Your website or blog
I’ve met some fascinating people through A Nomad’s Lot. Since I want the blog to have a wider focus than my personal experiences alone, I interview working nomads all over the world. Not only do I find great material for my posts, I also make connections with exactly the kind of people I’m attracted to. If you have a website, send out a request for interviews with experts in your field working internationally. - Couchsurfing.com
I’ve never used this service, but it sounds like a blast. The website connects people who need a place to sleep with people who are offering a free bed or couch. One early 2010 testimonial reads, “I’ve met so many amazing people through CS and with their stories, ideas, thoughts, languages, jokes…they made me discover the world in an unique and special way. Now I can’t imagine visiting any place without meeting CSers…because a place is just a place, but with the people it becomes so much more…” - Meetup.com
There’s the Horse Racing Meetup in Japan, the Expat American Meetup in Sydney, the Qatar Boardgaming Meetup in Bahrain, the Gnostic Movement Meetup in Athens, the Poker Players Meetup in Sri Lanka…you’re sure to find something that matches your interests, and it’s a great way to meet people quickly. Just search your country of destination and see what comes up. - Swap your home.
How about trading homes with someone who lives in the country of your choice? There are tons of websites geared towards making this easy–just google “house swap.” You can ask for references and photos ahead of time, and your host will fill you in on the best shops and nearby attractions, and perhaps even introduce you to the neighbors. - Just leap.
You really only need two things to make friends in the wide world: a smile and a friendly greeting. Go where your heart calls you, and trust that you’ll make friends along the way. You will.
How do you connect with people on planet earth? Share your story.
I want to help you find your calm center and experience travel with courage, curiosity and compassion.
[...] 7 quick ways to connect with people all over the planet [...]