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How to not feel lonely when you arrive somewhere new

Updated: Jun 14

Woman in dark t-shirt and cap pointing upward while standing on desert rocks under blue sky, with large text overlay reading '5 Reflections From My Summer Travels' - blog post featured image about expat life insights and personal growth while living abroad

Every time I arrive somewhere new—whether it’s for a few weeks or a full year—there’s always a moment where it hits me: I don’t know anyone here.


And yes, I love my independence. I’m good on my own. But I also know that if I don’t make an effort, loneliness can slowly creep in.


Recently, when I was in Mexico City, someone asked me: “How do you not get lonely when you arrive somewhere new?” And I realized—this is something I’ve learned to navigate over the years, very intentionally.


So let me share how I do it.




Listen to the episode here:




Timestamps:

  • 00:48 – The loneliness question that sparked this episode

  • 01:32 – Why meeting people resonates beyond just "friends abroad"

  • 02:26 – Tip 1: Facebook & WhatsApp groups for expats

  • 03:14 – Why foreigners are your best first connections

  • 04:14 – Don't just lurk — post first

  • 05:35 – Girl Gone International as a go-to resource

  • 07:52 – Tip 2: Leverage your global network for warm intros

  • 09:32 – Tip 3: Dating apps as a social tool, not just romance

  • 11:26 – When a date becomes a friend

  • 12:46 – Why relationships quietly drive every expat decision



  1. I don’t just join groups—I show up in them


Whenever I move somewhere, I immediately join local expat, digital nomad, and community groups. But here’s the difference: I don’t just scroll through them—I post.


I used to think, “There’s nothing here for me.” But every time I actually shared something—whether it was looking for a co-working buddy or organizing something casual—I got responses.


People are often waiting for someone else to take the first step. So I became that person.


And the key? I’m specific. I don’t just say “Who wants to grab coffee?” I share who I am, what I’m into, and what kind of people I’d love to meet. That’s how you find your people.



  1. I use my global network (even if it feels random)


I always ask my friends: “Do you know anyone here I should meet?”


And almost every time, they do.


There’s something really comforting about meeting someone who already comes with a bit of context. It makes those first connections feel easier and more grounded.


I’ve even posted on LinkedIn before moving somewhere—and those posts have led to friendships, work opportunities, and unexpected experiences.


So don’t underestimate your network. It’s bigger (and more global) than you think.



  1. I use dating apps—with a completely different mindset


This one might surprise you.


Yes, I’ve used dating apps—but not just to find a partner. I use them as a way to meet people, explore the culture, and experience the city differently.


When I take the pressure off and go in with curiosity instead of expectation, everything changes. A date becomes a conversation, a cultural exchange, sometimes even a friendship.


And honestly? Some of my most interesting experiences abroad have come from this approach.

(And of course, I only use this one when I’m single ;))




A Final Reflection


For me, this isn’t about avoiding loneliness at all costs. It’s about staying open.


Every new place is an opportunity to build something new—to meet people you would have never crossed paths with otherwise.


But it doesn’t just happen. You have to move first.


This is what I dive into in episode #102 of This Expat Life.

Listen here:

If any of these notes resonated with you, and you would like to explore more of yourself, my programs are the right containers for you to accelerate your growth or your next chapter:


My online program The Co-Pilot (starting mid-October)


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