Living on the road brings freedom and discovery, but it can also make forming and sustaining meaningful human connections (with intentionality) more challenging. Solo-roaming may serve you for a season, but most of us eventually feel the need for companionship. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the complexities of building relationships; each of us brings unique strengths and vulnerabilities to that process.

As we built this resource hub, we discovered Nomadic communities united by adventure, culture, and purpose. Now, we’d love to hear from you: What communities have you found that intentionally foster emotional safety and meaningful human connection?

We’ve included one of our favorite communities below that reflects the theme, but we’d love to expand this list with your insights to share on this resource hub:

Road Trip Her is a resource for solo female travelers, dedicated to fostering intentional and inclusive communities that promote emotional resilience, social safety, and confident exploration.

VanLife (or nomadic living of any flavor) offers a wealth of benefits: adventure, self-expression, and the freedom to break away from conventional expectations. But alongside the beauty and discovery, life on the road can sometimes be profoundly isolating, especially for solo travelers. That isolation may not be immediate; it can sneak in quietly over time, making it all the more important to acknowledge and prepare for before the journey begins—much like you’d pack your snow chains. 

Being emotionally prepared doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means building awareness, setting up intentional support systems, and knowing how to check in with yourself. Emotional safety starts with recognizing when loneliness shifts from temporary solitude to something heavier. IFrom here, you may explore how to stay connected, grounded, and resilient, even when your surroundings keep changing.

Isolation does not automatically signify loneliness, but loneliness does often begin with isolation. The CDC and U.S. Surgeon General have both recognized loneliness and social isolation as a serious public health epidemic—one that affects mental, physical, and societal well-being. It is considered widespread and underestimated. Chronic loneliness can not only compound chronic health issues, but lead to personal issues such as acute crises, substance abuse, and ideations of harm.

Choosing a nomadic lifestyle can feel like a radical act of self-liberation—breaking away from societal norms, pursuing wellness on your own terms, and embracing the freedom of open roads and changing horizons. But that same freedom often exists in contrast to the structured systems that support emotional well-being, and services that typically operates under the assumption that you are located at a fixed address. The irony is that the very lifestyle that fosters independence can also make it harder to access consistent connection, care professionals, and community.

Emotional safety—especially as it relates to loneliness and overall well-being—is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Some people find fulfillment in wide networks of social connection and feel deeply satisfied maintaining relationships even remotely. Others rely on one close friend for support, but needing face-to-face time to feel truly heard. Still, many others prefer to process complex emotions with the guidance of a professional. 

While it may be harder to arrange face-to-face support on the road, there are professionals available via phone or video, often at low and sometimes no cost, who are ready to listen. Whether you're parked behind a gas station, settling in at a trailhead, or resting outside a national park, support is still within reach for the emotionally prepared Nomad. The resources in the next module ("Emotional Safety and Personal; Resiliency Spotlight: resources for mental and behavioral health when you don't have a zip code") are tailored to help you identify access to care from wherever you are, and without the need for a fixed address. 

While Alaska is often viewed as trailing behind certain societal norms, it has led quietly but powerfully in expanding telehealth services—driven by the practical needs of a population spread across vast, remote regions. In many ways, this mirrors the experience of nomadic travelers: geographically untethered, often without easy access to in-person care, yet still needing emotional support and behavioral health resources.

Below is a curated list of services for those who want to prepare for their emotional safety, are seeking perspective, or are navigating the challenges of a remote lifestyle.

For those new to it, telehealth offers viable, accessible outpatient options for emotional, mental, and behavioral health care—including therapy, counseling, and mental wellness check-ins. These resources are available by phone, video, and sometimes even chat, making support possible whether you're off-grid or just far from traditional care systems:

Non-traditional, remote telehealth services:

• OnePath Collective offers affordable, flexible therapy designed for individuals without insurance or a permanent address. Includes a one-time $65 lifetime membership, with individual sessions ranging from $40–$70 across various mental wellness needs.

• Anonymous Health provides Substance Use Disorder assessments alongside an app for mindfulness and personal resiliency. Designed to support individuals exploring healthier coping strategies even while living remotely.

• Doctor on Demand delivers urgent care, psychiatric services, and behavioral health support, with or without insurance. While costs are higher without coverage, its broad range of services makes it valuable for more comprehensive remote care.

• Teladoc Health offers mental and physical health care with global reach—especially useful for international nomads. Affordable options available for uninsured users, with 24/7 access and multilingual support.

• PlushCare combines therapy and primary care with the ability to coordinate lab services. Ideal for travelers needing continuity of care despite frequent moves.

Crisis Lines:

If you're facing an urgent emotional crisis or need someone to talk to, these free 24/7 hotlines are here for you—anywhere on the road:

• • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 — available 24/7, with specialized support for veterans by pressing 1 after dialing 988.

  • Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741741. Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support provided by trained volunteers.

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) — not a crisis line, but offers guidance, information, and referrals to help find affordable care and support even for folks who have remote needs.