The Hidden Cost of a Life in Motion: Why Travelers Must Be Intentional About Community

How to Find Your People, No Matter Where You Are

One of the greatest joys of travel is the freedom it brings: the open road, new landscapes, and the thrill of discovery. But what’s often left unspoken is what we lose along the way.

For those of us who live a life in motion—frequent travelers, digital nomads, creative wanderers—community can become an afterthought.

We say goodbye more than we say hello. We form deep but fleeting connections, only to move on before they can fully root. And while we collect experiences, we risk losing the steady presence of people who truly see us.

And for creative people, that loss is even more profound. Community isn’t just about companionship; it’s about finding those who understand our unconventional paths, who fuel our inspiration, and who push us to grow. Without that, it’s easy to feel unmoored, drifting between beautiful places but missing the deeper sense of belonging that keeps us grounded.

Solitude can be wonderful—essential, even. I’ve been my most creative and inspired while on planes, or trains, or during extended periods of alone time. But my inner explorer is always at odds with my deep need for meaningful connection.

Maybe you feel the same.

The Challenge of Connection in a Nomadic Life

Unlike traditional communities where proximity fosters relationships, nomadic life demands something different: intentionality. It’s not enough to assume community will form organically—we have to actively create it.

Without that effort, we can end up feeling untethered, despite being surrounded by beauty and adventure.

I’ve felt this many times firsthand. I’ve met incredible people all over the world, but sustaining those connections long-term has been its own challenge. I make the effort to stay connected digitally—checking in with friends, sending voice notes, and scheduling calls—but people are busy (and so am I).

Plus, for those of us who don’t want to spend our days chatting online, striking a balance between deep connections and ambitious goals can feel especially challenging.

Whenever I can, I plan my travels around reconnecting with international friends. It’s always worth it, but trying to fit too many reunions into a single trip can be exhausting.

At the same time, there’s something different about friendships that exist primarily online versus those nurtured in person. No matter how many messages we exchange, some connections only feel real when shared face-to-face.

Offline, maintaining friendships usually feels more natural. You can walk down to a café, share an hour with a friend, and still move on with your day. But when your lifestyle is fluid and your friends are scattered across the world, that kind of effortless connection is harder to come by.

And I know I’m not alone.

So, what can be done? How do we build a sense of community when our lives don’t fit within the usual structures? How do we create lasting, meaningful relationships when we’re always on the move?

More importantly, how do we make sure that in chasing freedom, we don’t sacrifice the deep connections that give our lives meaning?

Cultivating Community as a Nomad: Practical Tips

Building and maintaining meaningful connections while living a nomadic life requires intentional effort. Here are some ways to create a sense of belonging, no matter where you are:

1. Prioritize Deep Connections Over Constant Networking

It’s easy to meet new people while traveling, but real community isn’t just about accumulating contacts—it’s about fostering deeper relationships. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on nurturing a few meaningful friendships.

• Stay in touch regularly, even with a simple voice note or occasional video call.

• When possible, plan reunions in places you love or cross paths intentionally.

• Consider slow travel to spend more time in one place and truly integrate into a local or digital community.

2. Engage with Local Communities to Create a Sense of Home

It’s easy to stay within the familiar bubble of fellow travelers, but some of the most meaningful connections come from engaging with locals. Building these relationships can transform a destination from a temporary stop into a place of belonging.

• Take the time to find your favorite spots—cafés, markets, local shops—and return to them regularly. Familiarity creates connection.

• Learn a few words of the local language, even just greetings, to show respect and open the door to deeper conversations.

• Attend cultural events, support local businesses, and participate in neighborhood gatherings to experience the rhythm of daily life.

By weaving yourself into the fabric of a place, even briefly, you create a sense of home wherever you go.

3. Be Intentional About Building Your Own Community

Whether you’re staying somewhere for a few weeks or a few months, being proactive makes all the difference in finding meaningful connections.

• Join co-working spaces or creative hubs where like-minded people naturally gather.

• Seek out niche meetups, hobby groups, or skill-sharing events that align with your interests, rather than broad, general social gatherings.

• If you prefer online spaces, replace endless scrolling with engaging meaningfully in small, curated communities.

4. Create Rituals That Keep You Connected

Nomadic life can feel unpredictable, but small habits can ground you in community, even from a distance.

• Schedule a regular call with close friends or family each month.

• Join a group that meets regularly in person (book clubs, mastermind groups, artist collectives).

• Establish personal rituals that remind you of your purpose and help you stay connected, even if it's as simple as sending postcards from every place you visit, sharing themed posts on social media, or sending out regular email updates to family and friends.

5. Invest in a ‘Home Base’ Community

Even if you don’t live in one place year-round, having a core community—a “home base” of people you stay connected with—can create a sense of stability. This could be a city you return to frequently, a group of fellow travelers who check in regularly, or an intentional online space.

The goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging, no matter where you are physically.

Consider:

• A local anchor point. If you have a favorite café, co-working space, or even a specific neighborhood where you feel at home, returning to familiar places can help create a sense of belonging—even as the people around you change.

• A core group of friends. Instead of relying on random encounters, keeping a small, close-knit circle of people you intentionally stay in touch with (even if they’re also nomadic) can create a steady sense of community.

• A structured way to stay connected. Whether it’s a private group chat, a monthly virtual meetup, or a shared project, having a structured reason to reconnect makes maintaining relationships easier.

6. Seek Out Values-Aligned Spaces

Beyond socializing, community is about shared values and purpose. Finding (or creating) spaces where people align on creativity, growth, and meaningful living makes connection effortless.

I created New Renaissance Tribe because I needed it myself. Like the kindred spirits in my life (other nomads, creatives, and seekers), I’ve always longed for a sense of belonging, even while moving from place to place.

That’s why I built this space—for those of us who strive to live artfully, travel with intention, and embrace everyday magic. It’s a community meant to inspire, connect, and remind us that we’re not alone in our pursuit of a meaningful, creative life.

✨ If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to be part of it. Subscribe to New Renaissance Tribe on Substack for reflections, ideas, and conversations that keep us connected—no matter where we are.

Final Thoughts: Community as an Anchor

Travel gives us the world—new perspectives, inspiration, and experiences we might never have found otherwise. But no matter how far we roam, the need for belonging remains.

Community isn’t just about proximity; it’s about shared meaning, support, and a sense of being truly seen.

For nomads, creatives, and seekers, building that kind of community takes effort, but it’s worth it. With intention, we can create spaces—both online and offline—where connection thrives.

We can build friendships that last beyond fleeting encounters. We can find our people, even in a life of motion.

Join the conversation: What are your biggest concerns when it comes to staying connected while traveling? Do you have any tips for cultivating community as a nomad? I’d love to hear them.