Badass Digital Nomads

After a divorce and moment of clarity, Canadian expat Karen Espig decided to make drastic changes in her life. She retired early and moved from Canada to Albania to lower her cost of living and pursue her love for art full-time. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however, as she struggled with culture shock and adapting to expat life in Albania.   In this podcast, Karen goes into detail about how she prepared to retire and move to Europe as well as the challenges she encountered during the first few weeks living in a new country. She highlights the cost of living in Albania, tips for dealing with culture shock, and how she found herself again after so many big life changes.Tune in as Kristin sits down with her to find out how she did it.   Episode 175 Resources Mentioned:  Apply for Kristin’s Ready to Relocate program Become a Patron Leave a 5-Star Review for the Podcast   EPISODE 175 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How Karen went from working a 9-5 for the Canadian government to retiring early to become a

Why record numbers of Americans are leaving the US for Europe. Plus, Kristin’s thoughts on global immigration and details on Spain’s new digital nomad visa. Find out how you can live in Spain for up to five years.

Kristin speaks with a self-made digital nomad who left his blue collar job in Canada to become a financially independent entrepreneur in Costa Rica. Learn how Andrew transitioned from working for the railroad and coast guard to becoming a nomadic/expat online business owner.   Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have a technical background or already have a remote job to become location independent. Andrew is a prime example of how possible it is to be a digital nomad and make an income online with little to no experience.   In this interview, Andrew gets raw and real about his darkest times in life and how becoming a digital nomad saved his life. Tune in now!   Episode 173 Special Offers:  Apply for a call with Kristin to talk about your relocation.  Get $100 off Andrew’s course “YouTube Marketing for Entrepreneurs & Businesses” with code KRISTIN.   Connect with Kristin:  Follow on Instagram Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin on YouTube  Subscribe to Digital Nomad TV on YouTube Join the Bad

Charlotte Gray traded her corporate job and commute for an idyllic lifestyle as an expat in The Netherlands, working for Mercedes Benz. However, when she moved back home to London during the pandemic, she struggled to cope with reverse culture shock and work-from-home burnout. That's when she decided to move to Barbados, apply for a remote job with SafetyWing, and never look back.    If you’ve ever felt like you had to be "responsible" by postponing your travel plans and waiting to live life on your own terms, this episode is for you.    At the end of this episode, Charlotte also offers incredibly valuable advice on how to find a remote job or transition into freelancing or working for yourself online.    Episode 172 Special Offers:  SafetyWing Insurance Apply for Ready to Relocate   EPISODE 172 TOPICS:  Experiencing reverse culture shock Moving abroad to be near nice people What it’s like living in Maastricht in The Netherlands  Pressure from family and society to follow a normal path Tips for finding you

Ever wondered what life in Portugal is like? Listen in as Kristin welcomes back Josh and Kalie from Expats Everywhere to talk about what it’s like to live in Portugal as a family of expats.  Learn why the moved to Portugal, what the cost of living and quality of life is like, how to get the D7 visa, and much more. Josh and Kalie shed light on what it’s like raising a family in Portugal, how they’ve created a community of friends abroad, and the best places to live in Portugal long-term. Plus, find out what foods you MUST try on your next trip to Portugal!   Episode 171 Special Offers:  Apply for Kristin’s Ready to Relocate program Order a copy of Digital Nomads for Dummies Guide to apply for the Portugal D-7 Visa   EPISODE 171 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Josh and Kalie’s travel history & Why they decided to move to Portugal. Average wages and cost of living in Portugal vs. Singapore. The economic impact of tourists, digital nomads, and expats living in foreign places. Meeting new friends and fi

Medium's top earning writer, Ayodeji Awosika, has made nearly half a million dollars writing on Medium. He shares why you should consider writing on Medium (even if you're not a writer). He explains the top mistakes new writers make, how Medium's algorithm works, why it's much different than blogging, and how much money people can earn within their first few months or years publishing there. Plus, Ayo and Kristin share their favorite books and life lessons from the past year.     SPECIAL OFFER:  Watch the Medium Writing Webinar Replay here.    SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES:    Books:  Ayo's Books: Real Help, You 2.0, and The Destiny Formula Digital Nomads For Dummies Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson Made to Stick The Slight Edge $100M Offers   Podcasts:  Interview with Ayo from 2020 Life is Short - Seize the Day How to Cope with Grief YouTube Live on Traveling with Kristin GoFundMe for Kristin's friend who passed away Connect with Ayo the Author:  Ayo's Medium Profile Ayo's Instagram Ayo's YouTube Channe

Dan from Vagabond Awake YouTube channel shares how to live abroad on $1,000-1,500 per month, and why you shouldn't wait until retirement to live your life. He and Kristin also talk about about adapting to foreign cultures, affording healthcare and insurance abroad, and why he left the US to begin with.    SPECIAL OFFERS:  Digital Nomads For Dummies hits bookstores TODAY! 50% OFF Freelance to Freedom: Learn how to make your first dollars as an online freelancer (Discount valid until 12am EST on Saturday, August 27, 2022)   TOPICS DISCUSSED:  Breaking out of the status quo How Dan found a job overseas Why he decided to leave the US Thoughts on working in other countries How to adapt to foreign cultures The benefits of slow travel How to "get off the couch," overcome blocks, and take action Calculating your cost of living or retiring abroad Healthcare and the cost of health insurance Affording health insurance  The broken US social security system The importance of doing an "exploratory visit" to a foreign co

Level up your remote work game and cut back on Zoom meetings with these tips from Liam Martin, the author of the groundbreaking new book, Running Remote.    Whether you are a current or aspiring remote worker, freelancer, or team leader, you will gain ideas to help you improve your productivity, find better remote job opportunities, and work better remotely in this episode.   Special Offers:  Digital Nomads for Dummies Running Remote Apply for Ready To Relocate   What you’ll learn:  How to work remotely without Zoom meetings How to avoid or reduce the cost of “Digital Presentism” How to be more productive working from home  What remote employers are looking for in new hires How to build your remote skillset and attract employers  How to land a remote job using the “Portfolio Technique”   Questions answered:  Is it possibly to work remotely without Zoom?  What the heck is Async and why should people care?  What are the top remote work companies looking for in remote employees?  What to put on your CV or r

Welcome back to Part 2 of Kristin's conversation with Giang Cao, which left off last week while chatting about relationships and loneliness in Southeast Asia and as a long-term traveler.  Check out more of Giang’s amazing illustrations in Kristin’s new book, Digital Nomads for Dummies.Thank you for making it #1 and #3 on Amazon Business Travel new releases!    Episode 167 Special Offers:  50% off one-hour consultations with Kristin (Offer valid only until 12am EST on Friday, August 12, 2022)   EPISODE 167 TOPICS DISCUSSED: Dating and meeting new people as a digital nomad.  How Giang’s perception of being a nomad changed during the pandemic lockdown.  The pros and cons of being a nomad versus a settler Advice for people who are struggling with the digital nomad lifestyle or concerned about what they might face.    QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How do you meet people and make friends in a new country?  How has travel changed you? Do you feel like a different person?  What are your favorite places to live in Vietnam?

(UPDATED 8/8/22) How a graphic designer from Vietnam tripled her income by quitting her job to become a freelancer. Location-independent solo traveler Giang Cao sheds light on what life is like as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia and how she illustrates the good, bad, and funny in her comic strip, Very Nomad Problems.  Learn how Giang’s perception of being a traveling freelancer changed during the pandemic when she got stuck for two years on lockdown in Malaysia.  Gain insight into dating as a digital nomad, Giang’s struggle with loneliness, and the hilarious comics she creates about the plights of being a digital nomad at www.verynomadproblems.com. Check out more of Giang’s amazing illustrations in Kristin’s book, Digital Nomads for Dummies.   Thank you to Ellie, Jeff, and Dave for the coffees this week.  ❤️ Buy Kristin at coffee at Buymeacoffee.com. ☕️   EPISODE 166 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How Giang transitioned from a traditional 9-5 job to working independently. [05:55] Tips and strategies f

Living in an RV with his wife and two kids, Michael Boyink has been traveling around the United States for the past 10 years as a freelancer. How has he supported his lifestyle for so long?  Listen in as Kristin talks with Michael about working independently as a freelancer, raising a family on the road, and how to truly thrive while living long-term in an RV. Michael also shares sneak peeks into his new memoir, Driven to Wonder: Eight Years in an RV with two kids. You’ll learn why Michael and his wife chose to hit the road and experience van life along with the steps they took to make the transition from house to RV possible.  Plus, hear how they transitioned their kids from the traditional school system to a homeschool/worldschool lifestyle.  Episode 163 Special Offers:  SafetyWing Travel Insurance Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies GIVEAWAY! The first two people to leave a 5-star review of Badass Digital Nomads will receive a FREE COPY of Michael’s book, Driven to Wonder. How to win: Leave a 5-star re

What are the best credit cards for travel? Is it worth signing up for all those airline loyalty programs? Find out how to get tens of thousands of dollars in free travel each year using American Express, Marriott, Delta, and other travel and platinum credit cards. Listen in to hear travel tips and destination recommendations from the co-founders of a travel app offering personalized travel guides for busy travelers.  Learn how to use credit cards, loyalty programs, and the On Arrival app to strategically save money and time in planning your next adventure. Tip: Try out SafetyWing International Travel Insurance EPISODE 164 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How KT and Jordan met & got engaged in Paris Tips for traveling, working, and living with your partner. Why you should have a travel schedule and daily routine while traveling. The noticeable difference between living in the US and living in other countries. Travel credit cards for beginners: Sign up bonuses, saving money on flights and hotels, and

Hear how a financial trader from the US Midwest and his wife taught themselves to sail and RV the world with their kids. Kristin and guest, Patrick, banter about travel insurance, the cost and quality of medical care in Mexico, having kids abroad, world schooling, learning new skills, making money online, meeting people while traveling, and how to sustain a life of perpetual travel. Patrick also shares his favorite destinations to visit in Mexico. Plus, living life in "phases," to retire or not retire?, and "is driving through Mexico dangerous?"   Episode 163 Special Offers:  SafetyWing Travel Insurance Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies Get 10% off the Wanderer Financial Community by using the code BADASS10.   Related Podcast Episodes: Sailing Episodes Traveling as a Family with Kids Medical Tourism and the Cost of Healthcare Abroad   ........................................................................................ Connect with Kristin:  Follow on Instagram Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin

If you've ever wanted to pivot in your career or work for yourself but were unsure about making a change in your life, this episode is for you. Kristin talks with her friend and fellow digital nomad, Patrick Farrell, about how he reinvented himself and his career multiple times.  They also talk about how to overcome the fear of doing something for the first time - whether it's changing jobs, moving to a new country, or studying abroad.  Patrick is the founder of an organization called Light Club and he also shares how to make friends and find community anywhere in the world (and stay in touch with people after you meet them).  Patrick also shares how he found his first clients as a freelancer and he's been able to travel for free by bartering his skills with travel providers.    Episode 162 Special Offers:  SafetyWing Travel Insurance Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies   Show Notes & Resources:  Apply for Patrick's Croatia Retreat Join Light Club Article: How To Succeed in the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

What type of travel insurance should you get? Kristin explains the different types of trip insurance, what's covered, prices, and more. You get an overview of travel insurance options, credit card insurance, and learn the benefits of buying an insurance policy in advance. She also offers options for supplemental insurance to protect your technology equipment and how to get extra coverage for adventure travel and action sports. At the end of this episode, she compares and contrasts international versus local health insurance plans.    Episode 161 Special Offers:  SafetyWing Travel Insurance Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies   Travel Insurance Resources Mentioned:  Allianz Executive Insurance American Express Travel Insurance Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Diplomat Adventure Sports Insurance Insure My Trip Marketplace Medjet Assist SafetyWing  Sagicor Costa Rica Tourist Insurance Trawick Adventure Travel Plans World Nomads   Technology Insurance:  InsureMyEquipment.com Profess

Have you ever thought about writing a book? Kristin provides ten tips, insights, and reflections gained from writing her first book. She also discusses self-publishing versus traditional publishing and provides helpful resources for writing your first book.    Episode 160 Special Offers:  Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies   Recommended Books:  On Writing by Stephen King On Writing Well by William Zinsser Right to Write by Julia Cameron The Book in a Box Method by Tucker Max   Related Badass Digital Nomads Podcast Episodes:  Interviews on Writing and Blogging How To Learn a Language Fast   Resources Mentioned:  Scribe Book School Self Publishing School Read to Lead Challenge   Recommended Podcasts to Check Out:  Scribe Book School Podcast The Creative Penn The Self Publishing Show   Writers to Follow for Inspiration:  Cal Newport Robert Greene Ryan Holiday Stephen Pressfield Tim Ferriss Tucker Max   ........................................................................................... Co

How can you use your phone in another country? What is the best way to make phone calls when abroad? Kristin answers listener questions about what to do with your cell phone when traveling. Plus, she answers questions about travel insurance and showing proof of return travel when traveling on a one-way ticket.    Questions Answered:  If you buy a SIM card in each country you travel to, does it mean that you never have a fixed number, in each destination it changes? Do you have one phone for local calling, and another for international calls? How can you use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger if there's no Wi-Fi nearby?   When you buy a ticket to a destination but you don't know how long you have to stay, should you buy a one-way ticket, a round-trip ticket, or a one-way ticket to another destination? Do you have to buy a round trip ticket entering and leaving the same country, or can you buy the entry ticket for one country and the exit ticket for another? What type of travel insurance do you recommend

Kristin's brother, Jimmy, shares how he created a flexible, untraditional lifestyle that allows him to work from home, co-parent his daughter, and travel the world as a surf photographer. In this podcast, Kristin and Jimmy discuss financial pros and cons of going to college and racking up student debt versus joining the workforce. Jimmy also explains how he was able to fund his passion for surf photography by painting houses in Puerto Rico. He offers tips and advice for how to turn doing what you love into a long-term career and how to reinvent yourself when circumstances force your industry to change (or go extinct). Jimmy also shares what a day in the life of a surf photographer is like, including stories from his travels around the world (like the time he saw professional surfer, Mick Fanning, get attacked by a shark in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa).  In the Lightning Round, find out:  Which camera and equipment Jimmy uses His favorite surf destination and non-surf destination Cheap flight/travel hacks Jet

Find out what the cost of living is in Costa Rica and categories of expenses to include in your living abroad budget.  In this episode, Kristin details her exact cost of living in Costa Rica and shares what other foreigners are spending to live there (singles, couples, and families).  Find out the cost of internet, various rent prices around the country, and other factors that could impact your cost of living there.  You'll also hear the results of a survey Kristin took of 300 people living in Costa Rica that shows the wide variety in living costs and lifestyles!  Special Offers:  Apply for Ready to Relocate Fill out the podcast listener survey Kristin’s Living in Costa Rica Guide 20% off Organifi Superfood Blends and Travel Packs

What is it like to live long-term in Spain and how do you do it? Join Kristin in her first interview of 2022 as she speaks with Chase Warrington about working remotely as a nomad and living in Spain long-term. Chase is the Host of the About Abroad Podcast and Head of Remote at Doist. As an American expat living in Valencia with his wife and dog, Chase offers valuable insight into the cost of living in Spain, how to get your first remote job, and how YOU can move to Spain, too! In this episode, Chase shares the story behind why he and his wife decided to quit their jobs to travel the world, why they settled in Spain, and all about their newfound Spanish lifestyle. Tune in to hear Chase describe a day in his life working from a Spanish coworking space (siestas optional), the incredible diversity España has to offer, and the countries he’s planning on traveling to next!   EPISODE 156 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: [04:16] Having a social life and community while being nomadic. [07:18] Why and how Chase and