Kristin WilsonProfile Photo

Kristin Wilson

Host of Badass Digital Nomads & YouTube's Traveling with Kristin / Author of Digital Nomads for Dummies

Kristin Wilson is a long-term digital nomad and location-independent entrepreneur who has lived and worked across 60 countries in 20 years. Since founding a fully-remote, international relocation company in 2011, she has helped more than 1,000 people retire or live abroad in 35 countries. Today, she helps aspiring remote workers, digital nomads, and expats achieve their lifestyle goals through her YouTube channel (Traveling with Kristin) and podcast, Badass Digital Nomads.
 
Kristin is the author of Digital Nomads for Dummies. She's also a Top Writer on Medium and Quora in the topics of business, travel, technology, life, productivity, digital nomads, and location independence. She has been featured on The Today Show, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, ESPN, The New York Times, WSJ, Huffpost, HGTV’s House Hunters International, and more.

March 21, 2024

Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Kristin shares the highs and lows from her experience traveling to Tulum this month, including some harrowing stories about police corruption and hospital scams. Is Tulum a tropical heaven or "hell", as one famous travel blo…
March 12, 2024

Female Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Make Money Online

Five female entrepreneurs from the US, Canada, Nigeria, UK, and Germany sit down with Kristin to share how they went from regular 9-5 day jobs to working for themselves making $10k+ months (all without any prior online busin…
March 5, 2024

Top 10 Best Places To Retire Abroad

Where are the best places to retire or live in the world? Kristin analyzes International Living's 2024 Retirement Index and gives details on the cost of living in each country, residency requirements, safety, healthcare, and…
Feb. 27, 2024

Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin!

Have you ever wanted to visit Costa Rica? If so, now you can travel there with Kristin as your host! Kristin will be leading her first-ever from August 9-12, 2024.
Feb. 13, 2024

8 Digital Nomads Explain How They Make Money While Traveling

How do digital nomads make money while traveling? The possibilities are endless! Learn how eight digital nomads, freelancers, online business owners, military veterans, and remote workers make money online and how they got s…
Feb. 6, 2024

8 Things I Don't Miss About the USA After Living Abroad

Wondering how Kristin sees the USA after living abroad? Tune in as Kristin shares 8 reasons why she lives abroad and things she doesn't miss about her home country.
Jan. 30, 2024

7 Things to Know Before You Move Abroad

If hindsight is 20/20, then this podcast can help you forecast your future in a global lifestyle. Kristin shares 7 things she wishes she knew about living overseas before she moved abroad for the first time (back in 2002).
Guests: Kristin Wilson , kris
Jan. 23, 2024

The Nomadic Planner - How I Plan My Goals and Map the Year Ahead

What is the best way to set goals and plan travel as an online professional, roving retiree, digital nomad, or aspiring global citizen? Kristin shares step-by-step how she develops her annual plan and designs a travel schedu…
Jan. 16, 2024

Reflect, Recharge, Reinvent: Living with Purpose in 2024

Badass Digital Nomads is back after a holiday break! Kristin shares behind the scenes of the podcast after an action-packed 2023. Then, she shares and life and personal development themes she's been thinking about over the y…
Dec. 19, 2023

Asking Europeans What They Think of Americans and the USA

What do Europeans think about the USA? Kristin talks with strangers on the streets of Amsterdam about their thoughts on the United States and its citizens, but their reactions were not what she expected.
Dec. 5, 2023

The Best Wi-Fi for Travel + How To Fly First Class for Less

Don't get caught without Internet when you travel! Kristin gives you 5 options to ensure you have fast Wi-Fi or data on your phone anywhere in the world. Plus, she gives a little-known tip for saving thousands of dollars on …
Nov. 25, 2023

The Best Travel Tuesday Deals for 2023

Travel Tuesday has the most travel-related deals and discounts of any other day of the year. In this episode, Kristin shares the top websites for you to find cheap travel deals and gear.
Oct. 31, 2023

Travel to Lisbon Portugal and the Algarve With Kristin in 2024

Is Portugal at the top of your list of places to travel or live abroad? If so, now you can visit Portugal with Kristin as your host! Kristin will be leading her first-ever group trip from Lisbon to the Algarve April 15-21, 2…
Oct. 24, 2023

Join Me on Nomad Cruise 12 from Spain to Brazil In December

Want to travel with Kristin in 2023 or 2024? Find out how to join Kristin on Nomad Cruise 12 from Spain to Brazil this December 2-12, 2023 and if the Nomad Cruise is right for you.
Oct. 3, 2023

10 Countries To Live Well on $1,000 Per Month

After traveling to 63 countries, these are Kristin's top picks for 10 places to live abroad under $1k per month, giving you a complete budget and full cost-of-living breakdown for each location. Plus, info on healthcare, hou…
Aug. 29, 2023

The Power of Solo Travel

15 things you must know before solo-traveling the world. Kristin also shares why it's important to buy your computer hardware at home before going abroad. Plus, we have new podcast art! Do you like it?
Aug. 8, 2023

How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World

The host of International Living's Bigger, Better World podcast interviews Kristin about living overseas, how she got started in a travel lifestyle, escaping burnout, and the highs and lows of living abroad and adapting to d…
Aug. 1, 2023

Asking Digital Nomads How They Make Money Online (Part 2)

Kristin interviews 10 digital nomads from 9 different countries about how they make money online, from the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, Portugal. She also gives travel tips and insights into visiting Liverpool and York,…
July 26, 2023

Asking Digital Nomads How They Make Money Online (Part 1)

Kristin interviews five digital nomads from four different countries about how they make money online. Recorded in-person at the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, Portugal.
July 11, 2023

The Easy Way To Live a Better Life

Kristin shares a key she found to unlocking a better life - especially when it comes to your physical and mental health. She also dives deep on how your country's culture and current location or environment affect your belie…
June 27, 2023

5 Ways To Become a Digital Nomad

Wondering what you can do to make extra income online or work remotely? Kristin shares 5 of the top ways to become a location-independent digital nomad with examples of each.
June 20, 2023

8 Ways To Overcome Reverse Culture Shock

Have you ever felt reverse culture shock coming home after a trip abroad? Or do you feel culture shock in your home country regardless - even if you've never left? If you can relate, Kristin has 8 tips for you to help proces…
June 13, 2023

How I See the UK as an American Abroad

Kristin opens up about her experience in the UK so far and why it's made her sad and nostalgic about the current state of the USA. Watch the YouTube video version and join the conversation in the comments.
May 30, 2023

Why I Left the USA for UK

Kristin explains why she left the US to slow travel through the UK this summer and reveals 12 things to consider before moving to another country.
May 23, 2023

Talking to Locals in Manchester, UK

Kristin talks with her Manchester neighbors about what they like and don't like about their city, plus if they support the Royal Family and watched the coronation.
May 9, 2023

How To Cure Travel Itinerary Overwhelm and More of Your Travel Questions Answered

How do you overcome travel planning anxiety? What are the top mistakes to avoid when becoming a digital nomad? Is Airbnb too expensive for housing if you're slow traveling or living a slow retirement lifestyle? Kristin answe…
May 2, 2023

Culture Shock in Ireland: My First Impressions as an American

After traveling to Ireland for the first time, Kristin shares all the things that surprised her the most during her visit. Join her for a walk around the Enniskerry Powerscourt castle grounds to learn her first impressions o…
April 25, 2023

My Opinion on the Bali Digital Nomad Controversy - Reporting Live from the UK

Kristin comes to you live from Manchester in the United Kingdom after a rocky start to the trip. She shares what to look for when renting a property abroad (to avoid similar problems), then reflects on last week's viral vide…
April 4, 2023

Answering Your Questions LIVE on YouTube

Kristin answers questions from subscribers and listeners in the Badass Digital Nomads Facebook group during a YouTube Live Session. Hear what people want to know about loneliness, culture shock, dating, and her personal life.
March 29, 2023

Celebrating 200 Episodes of Badass Digital Nomads Podcast

Kristin celebrates the huge milestone of publishing 200 podcast episodes. She reflects on the journey so far, how it all started, and what's next for Badass Digital Nomads.
March 7, 2023

Living in Japan as an American Abroad (Cultural Differences)

Japan has reopened for travel and cherry blossom season is upon us! Tune in to learn about Japan’s cultural differences and what it’s like living abroad in Japan as an American.
Feb. 21, 2023

Talking to Locals in Dublin, Ireland

Kristin walks through Dublin, Ireland, talking to locals about what they like (and don't like) about their city. She also speaks with locals from Belfast, Northern Ireland about the differences between the two capital cities.
Jan. 10, 2023

How to Improve Your Health & Wellness By Moving Abroad

Can moving abroad improve your health and wellness? Tune in as Kristin speaks with a registered nurse about how different lifestyles in different countries impact your health, wellness, and quality of life.
Jan. 3, 2023

The Best Places To Travel in 2023

Kristin highlights the top ten places to travel in 2023, according to Forbes, with interesting facts and must-see things to do about each location.
Dec. 28, 2022

2022 Year in Review

Kristin shares her biggest insights, lessons, and takeaways from 2022 and looks forward to 2023.
Nov. 22, 2022

First Month Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad

Kristin reflects on her first month in Portugal as a digital nomad. Was leaving the USA the right decision? What are the pros and cons of Portugal? Does she prefer the lifestyle in Lisbon or Madeira? Find out in this episode.
Nov. 1, 2022

Why I Left the US (Again) and Moved to Portugal

Kristin left the United States (again) and moved back to Europe. This podcast explains why - with reflections on how she arrived at this decision and tips on how you can get clarity around making tough choices in your life.
Sept. 27, 2022

Leaving the US and Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Is Finally Revealed

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. 🇪🇸
Sept. 28, 2021

How To Find Housing Overseas Without Using Airbnb

When it comes to moving abroad, there are many tasks to check off your to-do list, one of which is finding somewhere to live. But did you know that Airbnb is one of the more expensive places to look? Whether it be in France …
Sept. 21, 2021

Moving Abroad? Avoid These 10 Mistakes

You wouldn’t be to blame if you didn’t know *everything* there is to know about moving to another country. (After all, this isn’t a topic that’s taught in school.) Moving abroad is a complex logistical feat, but here are som…
Sept. 7, 2021

12 Common Travel Mistakes To Avoid

Learn how to avoid twelve of the most common mistakes people make while traveling. Plus, hear bonus travel tips and mistakes from fellow members of the Traveling with Kristin and Badass Digital Nomads Community.
Aug. 31, 2021

The Best Places To Retire or Live Abroad (and How To Decide)

Where should you live abroad and how can you best decide? Hear about 10 Top Places to Retire and strategies for choosing the best place to live for your budget, lifestyle, and goals.
Aug. 4, 2021

My Thoughts on The Great Resignation and Mental Health Crisis

More than 4 million Americans quit their jobs this year. Should you, too? Kristin breaks down what's behind The Great Resignation and what it means for you. Plus, thoughts on mental health related to the Olympics and convers…
July 13, 2021

7 Reasons Why I’ll Never Renounce My US Citizenship

What are some reasons you might want to keep your US citizenship status forever? Kristin explains why she's keeping hers.
June 15, 2021

Europe Reopening for Summer Travel: France, Spain, Portugal, COVID Certificates, and More

Europe is open for summer travel! - Spain, France, Portugal, and more EU countries reopened for tourism last week and Kristin has all the details for you in today's podcast. Get an overview of which countries are opening, wh…
May 25, 2021

10 Best Cities To Live in America for Digital Nomads

Learn what Kristin thinks about Yelp & Zillow’s ranking of the Top 10 Best US Cities for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads. Kristin is also from the top city on the list and tells you why most locals would disagree with it b…
May 4, 2021

How U.S. Expats Feel About Paying Taxes Abroad and Renouncing Citizenship

What do American expats living abroad think about paying US taxes, renouncing their citizenship, voting from overseas, and how the US handled the covid-19 pandemic? An international Expat Opinion Survey of 4,000 American cit…
April 20, 2021

The Dark Side of Costa Rica - Why Expats Leave

Why do so many expats move to Costa Rica and then leave? Kristin talks about the dark side of living in Costa Rica that most people don’t know about and what you need to know before moving there. This is the unreleased audio…
March 30, 2021

How and Where To Start When Going Location Independent (100th Anniversary Episode Part 2)

Part 2 of Kristin's interview for the 100th episode of Badass Digital Nomads. Kristin was interviewed by listener Jeremiah, who asks questions about where to start as a beginner pursuing a location independent lifestyle.
March 23, 2021

100th Episode - Traveling with Kristin Interview on Travel, Life, and Becoming a Digital Nomad

A podcast listener interviews Kristin from Traveling with Kristin on who she is, how she started traveling, how she affords her lifestyle, and how she became a digital nomad. Plus, her advice for how to achieve location-inde…
March 9, 2021

What I Dislike About Living Abroad (After 20 Years in 60 Countries)

In this podcast, I talk about what I hate (more like strongly dislike) about living abroad while sharing stories and examples of how moving to a foreign country has challenged me, caused me to miss out on important events ba…
March 2, 2021

What I Love About Living Abroad

Living abroad takes the many benefits of travel to a whole new level. But there’s much so more to the expat lifestyle than posting a sweet Instagram photo.   Living abroad is one of the best life experiences you can have. In…
Feb. 16, 2021

How To Create and Monetize a Personal Brand in the Age of Remote Work

Societal change is upon us. How can you combine your skills and personality to make money online in the new economy? Get ideas and inspiration in this episode of Badass Digital Nomads, especially for aspiring writers and con…
Feb. 2, 2021

How I See the U.S. After 15 Years Abroad (EXTENDED UNCUT VERSION)

How I see the US after living abroad as an expat for 15+ years: The pros, cons, and reverse culture shock I've experienced. (This podcast is the full, uncut version of a video I published on YouTube last week and includes to…
Jan. 19, 2021

How To Overcome Loneliness While Traveling

Loneliness is something I’m asked about frequently. It's intimidating to set off on an adventure without knowing how long you’re going to be traveling for or when you'll be "home." And, nearly one year into life under the pa…
Dec. 29, 2020

How to Become a Minimalist Digital Nomad

The mainstream perceives a minimalist lifestyle as "extreme" - but is it? Today's podcast explores how the conscious choice to own as little as possible can be the ultimate path to freedom. Learn how to overcome the three …
Dec. 15, 2020

5 Reasons Why 2021 Is the Best Time to Become a Digital Nomad

2021 will be the best time in history to become a digital nomad! Here are five reasons why.  Want to become a digital nomad in the upcoming year? Apply for a free strategy call with Kristin to discuss your plans at:  traveli…
Dec. 1, 2020

How to Work Remotely from Iceland for Six Months

Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Iceland
Nov. 17, 2020

On Life, Death, and Coping with Grief

Reflections on life, death, and how to cope with grief, guilt, or regret after the passing of a loved one. Lessons learned from my grandparents, advice from Steve Jobs on how to seize the day, a song to make you think, and q…
Nov. 4, 2020

UK and Europe Lockdowns + How to Move From England to Costa Rica

The UK, France, and Germany are under renewed lockdowns until at least December - here's what that means for travel in and out. Plus - if you're a remote worker stuck under lockdown somewhere, we have some inspiration and ti…
Oct. 27, 2020

The Shocking Truth About How US Expats Vote

Find out why US expats abroad have the lowest voter turnout of any demographic in America, despite having the power to swing elections. Learn why US expats are ignored by the government, political pundits, pollsters, and res…
Oct. 20, 2020

DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS: Do You Really Need One?

Digital nomad visas have become quite the trend in 2020 as countries look for ways to bolster their economies with remote worker tourists. But are digital nomad visas just hype? How valuable are they? Do the benefits of digi…
Oct. 13, 2020

8 Essential Skills You Need to Become a Digital Nomad

What types of personal and professional knowledge are important in becoming a digital nomad? What types of skills should you focus on now to achieve success in your personal and professional remote life in the future? And fi…
Sept. 29, 2020

Retire Early Aftercast - Biggest Takeaways for Retiring on FIRE

This short "solocast" is to help you absorb and apply the biggest, most important takeaways from the last two podcasts (Episodes 72-73), which were both about how to retire early with passive income and the FIRE method.
Sept. 8, 2020

How to Be a Digital Nomad With Kristin Wilson

In this special guest episode of The Expat Money Show podcast, hosts Mikkel Thorup and Kristin Wilson share tips and strategies for becoming a digital nomad or expat - drawn from both of their decades of experience traveling…
Aug. 18, 2020

Where Can Americans Travel? - 35 Countries Open to U.S. Tourists

Find out which countries Americans can travel to during COVID-19, what the entry requirements are and what the risks are right now.
July 27, 2020

How I Make Money Online - My Top 10 Online Income Streams

You want to make money online, but how do you do it? Where do you start? In this episode, Kristin shares exactly how she created her top ten online income streams, one by one, with examples and tips for how you can do it, to…
July 21, 2020

6 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad

This podcast shares the six most common ways to become a digital nomad - giving you ideas for the different types of remote jobs, online business models, and revenue sources that can help you become location independent.
July 14, 2020

How the World Changes When Everyone Works From Home

WORK-FROM-HOME FOREVER: What happens when no one commutes to the office anymore? The pandemic marks a turning point in global society and the start of a major cultural change in working remotely for the rest of our lives.
June 30, 2020

The New E.U. Travel Ban Explained

June 30: The European Union confirmed today that it will be opening external borders of the continent. But who will be allowed in? Which nations will be banned? What are the criteria for determining which countries will be r…
June 16, 2020

Your Top Frequently Asked Questions on Travel and Becoming a Digital Nomad

Kristin answers questions and comments from Badass Digital Nomads listeners who left voice messages on the website and also shared their digital nomad quarantine experiences.
June 9, 2020

Black Lives Matter

Badass Digital Nomads unequivocally supports the global anti-racism movement. In this brief episode, Kristin discusses her choice not to publish a podcast last week (on Blackout Tuesday) and shares the names of a few people …
May 19, 2020

Travel During Coronavirus Restrictions: Travel and Tourism During the Pandemic

Global coronavirus travel update and the state of international travel and tourism for the week of May 17, 2020.
May 12, 2020

One Year of Badass Digital Nomads - Lessons and Reflections on a Fulfilling Life and Why We Travel

I traveled by bike to a historical site near my current home base in Miami, FL to sit under the trees and reflect on a year of podcasting and a lifetime of travel while recording this one-year anniversary episode of Badass D…
May 5, 2020

My Digital Nomad Daily Routine

Find out my exact morning routine and daily routine as a digital nomad working from home. In this episode, you'll learn my eight top tips for staying productive every day, three things you should avoid, and the two biggest r…
April 7, 2020

How to Find Remote Work and Make Money Online Using the Skills You Already Have

Welcome to this special guest episode of Badass Digital Nomads where I'm interviewed by Matt Bowles of The Maverick Show. I jump on his podcast from my Coronavirus quarantine in Miami to share the mental and emotional techni…
March 24, 2020

5 Podcasts to Inspire You During the Coronavirus Lockdown

Listen to these podcasts to boost your mood and productivity while at home.
March 16, 2020

Free Remote Work Tools for Companies & Freelancers During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Coronavirus Update and Impact on RemoteWork: Millions of people are struggling to cope in the wake of schools and businesses closing overnight. To help people adjust quickly, I've compiled a list of tech companies offering f…
March 10, 2020

How to Break Up With Your Phone and End Device Addiction

The average person in 2020 spends 5 hours a day on their cell phones - checking it 50x and tapping the screen more than 2,600 times daily. Don't let it be you! After realizing that device addition was ruining my life, I even…
Feb. 25, 2020

Let's Talk About Your Dreams and What To Do About Them

Feeling blocked or stuck in life? Don't worry - it's normal. You're living below your potential because society is designed for you to stay in your lane. But you can change your destiny by acknowledging that your dreams, ide…
Feb. 11, 2020

Best Book Recommendations for 2020

I read more than 30 books in 2019. In this podcast, I’ll share what they were, my main takeaway from each one, and if I would recommend it to you. What are your favorite books? Or do you struggle to find time to read? Slide …
Feb. 4, 2020

Insights from Meditating for 100 Hours in 10 Days

On January 1, 2020, I sat for a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation course in Merritt, British Columbia and survived to tell the tale. Although it was difficult at times, I found this meditation technique to be one of the mos…
Jan. 28, 2020

How the World Will Look with One Billion Digital Nomads

Within the next decade, there could be one billion remote workers and digital nomads roaming the planet. How will that affect you? What can you expect? How will daily life change for billions of people? What should you do to…
Jan. 21, 2020

Where I've Traveled - Top Travel Destinations and Tips from Living Abroad

Although I've been to more than 60 countries now, I'm always learning new things about travel and the world! This year was no different. I went back to some of my favorite destinations and discovered new ones. Here are my to…
Jan. 14, 2020

Benefits of Meditation + Doing a 10-Day Silent Vipassana Course

As the pace of life on Earth continues to seemingly speed up with technology and to-do lists vying for our attention, it's more important than ever to slow down and focus on what's important. Meditation and mindfulness can h…
Nov. 26, 2019

Coworking and Coliving in Iceland with the Founder of the Blue Bank Startup Incubator

Learn why the tiny village of Pingeyri in the West Fjords of Iceland is a great place to work remotely! Whether you are a startup, digital nomad, or even an artist, The Blue Bank in Iceland is a beautiful retreat space, co-w…
Nov. 19, 2019

Founding the World's Biggest Remote Work Conference - Running Remote

Liam is the co-founder of Running Remote - the World's Biggest Remote Work Conference.
Aug. 20, 2019

How To Upgrade Your Lifestyle and Lower Your Cost-of-Living so You Can Travel More

You want to travel more and you want to have more freedom. But how? One of the things that becoming a remote worker allows you to do is escape the rat race. Start living below your means. STOP caring about "keeping up with t…
Aug. 6, 2019

How To Protect Your Job from Outsourcing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

It’s no secret that automation is eliminating jobs. The question is, will it replace yours? In this solo episode, Kristin explains how to decrease your risk of being replaced by a robot. Instead of focusing on excelling in o…
July 23, 2019

The History of Remote Work

For the past 50 years, remote work has been treated as an "employee benefit" or reward that should be used sparingly. But to resist remote work is to resist change - a costly mistake that makes companies less competitive, in…
July 2, 2019

What is a Digital Nomad?

In this solo episode, Kristin clarifies the common myths, misconceptions, and possibilities around digital nomadism, location independence, and remote work.
June 11, 2019

The Best Life Advice I've Ever Received

Today’s topic is life advice: I share the best 5 pieces of advice I’ve ever received and even more, I found this week.
May 13, 2019

How to Work Remotely with Badass Digital Nomad Kristin Wilson

Kristin Wilson welcomes you to the Badass Digital Nomads audio experience, which is all about how to be free, happy, make money online, and live life on your terms. If you’ve ever been curious about how to work online and tr…