As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to live wherever you want, work from anywhere, and explore the world while earning a living.

However, this independent lifestyle is not always rainbows and unicorns, especially when it comes to finding love.

Being away from your home country and your social circle, you're dealing with a considerable challenge: meeting people worth your time, energy, and emotions.

In the 5 years I spent traveling abroad both as a tourist and digital nomad, I met a fellow countryman with a quite dark side of the story you usually hear from people living abroad.

He embarked on his journey as a digital nomad, leaving France, ready to conquer the world and live on his terms.

But as he ventured further and further away from home, reaching Thailand and Indonesia, he found himself facing rejection after rejection in the dating scene.

Despite his best efforts, women just weren't interested in a wandering soul who couldn't provide stability.

Frustrated and hurt, he turned to some women who seemed to only care about his wallet. He thought he could buy their affection, but ultimately, he lost most of his money to their greed.

The shiny facade of luxury and excess was nothing compared to the emptiness he felt inside.

It wasn't until he returned home, penniless and heartbroken, that he realized the true value of genuine connections and how miserable he had been on his own while dating those women.

But well, it was already too late.

Anyway, that’s why I decided to share with you my 5 best approaches to the dating scene abroad 👇

1. Use dating apps strategically.

Dating apps have revolutionized the way we meet people, and as a foreigner, you have access to a wider pool of potential partners.

However, the key is to use them strategically. Choose the apps that are popular in the location you're currently in, and be clear about your intentions in your profile - whether you're looking for a casual fling or a serious relationship.

If you're upfront about your expectations, you'll save yourself and your potential matches a lot of time.

My piece of advice: 

Depending on the culture of the country you’re in, adapt accordingly your profile’s pictures. For example, wearing cultural attire in India as a foreigner will instantly raise your likability to the local women.

2. Join social clubs and expat communities

To expand your social circle beyond dating apps, you can join social clubs, language classes, or expat communities in your area.

These events allow you to meet like-minded people who share your interests, hobbies, or backgrounds.

Plus, you can explore your new city or country with your new friends and create awesome memories that you’ll share later on with your date!

My piece of advice:

Browse through the different coworking spaces in your city, and find one that organizes events regularly. You’re more likely to find like-minded people, whether they are locals or foreigners like you.

3. Be mindful of red flags

Unfortunately, you may attract the attention of people who are more interested in your wallet than your personality.

While it's not always easy to spot gold diggers, there are some warning signs to watch out for.

If someone seems too interested in your financial status, asks for favors or money, or makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your intuition and end the interaction.

My piece of advice:

A question that might help you understand if your date is superficial, is to ask what is the thing she spends the most money on every month. This will show you whether she is financially responsible or relies on others.

4. Look for quality over quantity

In the dating scene, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the chase and forget your values and standards.

You have the opportunity to prioritize quality over quantity - that is, focusing on meaningful connections with people who respect and value you.

Don't settle for less; keep in mind what you're looking for in a partner and be patient. The right person will come along in due time.

My piece of advice:

As odd as it may sound, see if you are as attracted to her (or them) when your balls*ck is empty as when you spent several days without… you get me. Are you thinking straight when you enter the supermarket hungry?

5. Take care of yourself first

Last but not least, it's crucial to prioritize your mental and emotional health.

Loneliness, isolation, and the pressure to impress others can take a toll on your well-being. Take breaks from work and social media to recharge your batteries, indulge in self-care activities, and seek professional help if you need it.

A healthy mindset and social support system will boost your confidence and attract the right kind of people into your life.

My piece of advice:

Sometimes, you won’t feel like going out and meeting people, but you’ll pressure yourself into doing it because “you have to”. Meditation is a crucial part of my daily routine because it brings me more clarity about my wishes, and what’s right for me to do. Connecting with your inner world is as important (if not more) as connecting with your outer one.

To conclude,

Being a digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding way of life, but it's not without its challenges - especially when it comes to love and relationships. 

By using these 5 approaches, you can navigate the dating scene abroad with more confidence and integrity.

From taking the time to build meaningful relationships to allowing yourself a period of adjustment and self-discovery, you can attract the right kind of people into your life.

By doing this, you'll be able to create deeper connections that will bring love, joy, and adventure into your travels.

But remember, nothing is more valuable than your mental and emotional health, so prioritize it above anything else.

Thanks for reading,
Your fellow digital nomad Remi.

💡 Quote of the Week

"Traveling is not just about seeing new places, it's about discovering new perspectives. Each journey opens up a new chapter in your life, providing the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your horizons."

— Anonymous