I’m literally sitting here in a tiny rooftop bar in Lisbon right now, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and I just had to share this because my heart is so full. My partner, Leo, is currently over at the counter trying to order more pastéis de nata in his hilariously broken Portuguese, and it’s honestly the cutest thing I've ever seen. Life feels pretty surreal. We’ve been traveling together for four months now, and it’s easily the best decision I ever made.
But man, if you told me a year ago that I’d find my "person" while jumping between time zones, I would’ve totally laughed in your face. I used to think being a digital nomad meant I was destined to be a lone wolf forever. I tried the usual apps, but they just didn’t work when you're moving every few weeks and people are looking for something local and long-term. I felt like I was constantly hitting a wall.
Then, I decided to change my approach and look into nomad dating apps. I actually did a ton of research to see which platforms actually had people who shared my lifestyle. I found some really great resources like https://www.sofiadate.com/type-dating/nomad-dating-apps which helped me understand the different vibes of each app and how to position myself.
Everything changed when I met Leo in Medellin. Our first date wasn't even a formal "date"—it was just a spontaneous hike that turned into a six-hour conversation about everything from our favorite street food in Bangkok to the struggle of finding good WiFi in rural Italy. There was zero pressure because we both understood the lifestyle. We both knew the struggle of finding a real connection while living out of a suitcase. That day, looking out over the mountains, I realized that the nomad life doesn't have to be lonely. You just need the right tools to find people who actually "get" the vibe.
Since we've been together, we’ve navigated missed flights, food poisoning in Mexico, and some legendary sunset views. It's been a total dream. If you're out there feeling like you have to choose between your wanderlust and finding a partner, please don't give up!
Here are 3 tips that worked for me:
- Be upfront about your itinerary. Don't hide the fact that you're leaving in three weeks. It helps you find people who are either on the same path or open to a whirlwind adventure that could turn into something beautiful.
- Prioritize "Third Places." Use apps to meet at co-working spaces, local meetups, or even just popular nomad cafes. It takes the pressure off and lets you see how they interact with the world around them.
- Don't be afraid to travel together early. If the vibe is right after a few dates, invite them to your next stop! It’s the ultimate compatibility test and way more fun than a standard dinner date.
Seriously, the world is way too big to explore alone if you don't want to. There are so many amazing people out there looking for the same connection you are. Stay optimistic and keep swiping—your travel buddy might be just one flight away! Hope this helps someone today. Happy travels everyone!!
