Create a remote life event
It’s completely understandable that the idea of going remote or solo travel might feel lonely. However, with the resources we have available at our finger tips nowadays, this simply isn’t true. And in fact, it’s easier to create more of the experiences we want for ourselves too.
On previous trips I’ve met incredible people from across the globe through conferences, events by co-working spaces and meet ups in Facebook groups. We’ve had things in common that have made it easy to connect from the content we were creating to the lifestyle goals we were after. All in a new place that made it fun to discover new hangouts together also.
When I arrived in Croatia, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect and also, honestly what it was I was looking for. Having worked in events for a few years now, I thought I’d try something different and draw on my experience to see where it took me. And what actually happened blew my mind!
It’s pretty easy to find different groups of nomad, expats and remote lifers online nowadays - especially after the last couple of years. It’s easy to type in ‘nomads in Split’ or ‘expats in Madrid’ and see a few group and pages pop up. From job listings to meet ups, accommodation listings and item sales, there’s quite a bit going on.
With the prospect of a month in Split pending, I started thinking about what it was I looking to get from being in Split. Some beach time (and being outside as much as possible), some reflection time, some Game of Thrones time and also to meet up with some fellow remote community peeps.
Back in January, I had already put out a post on a nomad Facebook group about being in Split, so I went back to it and reshared it as a ‘follow up’. There had already been some interest from expats and other travellers, and if one person had been keen for coffee, that would’ve been something for me.
Person after person then began responding. One person reached out and suggested a wine bar that was opening up again. Some then requested a Facebook event - something I’ve not actually done for about three years. The restaurant then responded announcing they had created a whole set menu for us for the evening.
Truthfully, after some negative experiences in business, I’m now that person who is like “I’ll believe it when I see it“. So I didn’t truly get excited until I stepped through the door, saw the menu and the 20 or so people that then started showing up throughout the night. And the night kept getting more and more fun.
Chatting to people from all over the world. Some were remote workers, others had businesses or were looking to start businesses. Some were travelling through, others were waiting for their nomad visas.
As you know here, I’m completely comfortable with being alone, however it was refreshing to be on a table of people who shared the same questions as me in life. How do taxes work? Do I really want kids and would I raise them back home? How can I transport my dog with me? Where could I invest next?
Sure, I got some comments about how brave or crazy I was to organise an event for the second day I was in town. I was really happy that I’d taken the plunge, so if this is something you’re thinking about: go for it! While I talk about the event experience, for me it was more the mindset of it, rather than actually needing it.
Find the groups you want to be a part of, sign up to the newsletters and alerts, or put the word out there yourself! If someone hadn’t have suggested somewhere to meet, I would have personally looked at what was near the centre of the Old Town. Checked reviews and the general policies around bookings (I was not going to put a deposit down for example, if no one showed up).
Personally I was drawn in by music, dinner and wine, but I could have been just as comfortable with coffee and a little group wander to the beach.
Think about what it is you want and go for it! It’s out there!
Han x
Ps. this was a coffee from Olive Tree - highly recommend it, if you’re on the Riva.
