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

As you know, Mexico is a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, but they don’t often last long here… Why, you ask? Join Kristin for a candid conversation with author and personal development coach, Michael Dash, about the main reasons why expats leave Mexico. Hear about Michael’s struggles living in Mexico, why he chose to move to Tulum over 3 years ago, and why he hasn't left yet. Plus, he shares tips and advice on overcoming the challenges of living the #expatlife in Mexico. Wondering if Mexico is the right place for your next move? This episode could help you find the answer!   Special Offers: Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin Tortuga Backpacks Nomad Health by SafetyWing (Global Health Insurance for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads)   Topics Discussed: Michael’s daily life in California vs. Mexico. The shocking reality of Mexico during COVID. Favorite activities and places in Mexico. Michael’s cost of living in Mexico. Overcoming addiction & becoming an author and retreat host. Training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The challenges of living as an expat in Mexico. Why Michael has questioned living in Tulum. Tips and advice on moving to Mexico or anywhere abroad.   Questions Answered: Why did you decide to move to Tulum? What is the community like in Tulum? Do you still have to pay US taxes as an expat living in Mexico? Why do expats choose to quit living in Mexico? What are the best parts of living in Tulum? and more!   Episode Resources:  Learn about Michael’s Retreats Get Michael’s book, Chasing the High Online Men’s Group: Men of Means Allen Carr’s books on overcoming addictions 29029 Everesting   Related Podcasts: Ep 10: US Taxes for Digital Nomads with IRS Enrolled Agent, Grace Taylor Ep 106: How U.S. Expats Feel About Paying Taxes Abroad and Renouncing Citizenship Ep 118: Paying US Taxes as an Expat Abroad – What You Need To Know Ep 215: The Easy Way To Live a Better Life Ep 216: Demystifying Expat Taxes: What to Know About Filing Taxes Abroad Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Ep 250: From Canada to Mexico – How a Near-Death Experience Changed This Expat’s Life Ep 253: Finnish Pilot-Turned Poker Player on Starting a New Life in Mexico   Related Videos: How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK] Living in Mexico as an Expat: Crime, Health, Cost-of-Living, & More Why He Left the US to find FREEDOM in Mexico 🇲🇽 How She Became a Solo Female Traveler and Digital Nomad   Places in Mexico Mentioned: Holisitika, Tulum Palma Central, Tulum Valle De Bravo Mexico City Cabo Puerta Vallarta San Pancho Sayulita   Connect with Guest, Michael Dash: Visit his website Follow on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.

Kristin speaks with Teemu Alanen, a Finnish pilot turned poker player who moved from Europe to Mexico and changed his life. Hear why he made the life-changing leap to digital nomadism, his tips for thriving as an expat in Mexico, and what a typical day in the life of a remote poker player looks like. Teemu also talks about the differences between Finnish culture and Mexican culture, revealing why he’s not moving back to Finland anytime soon. Plus, Kristin highlights a few listener stories and questions about Tulum.   Special Offers: Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin! Check out Tortuga Backpacks Stay covered with Nomad Health by SafetyWing (Global Health Insurance for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads)   Topics Discussed: Why Teemu decided to quit being a pilot to pursue online poker. Unique aspects of Finnish culture (communication, socializing, dating, etc.) What you need to thrive as an expat in Mexico. Tips for finding a trustworthy immigration lawyer in Mexico. Activities and groups in Tulum. The phases of moving to a new place as a digital nomad. Differences in living in Tulum vs. Playa del Carmen. A typical work day in the life of a remote poker player. Teemu’s invite-only “family dinners”.   Questions Answered: Why did you decide to move abroad to Mexico? What was it like being in Tulum during the pandemic lockdown? What makes Tulum special compared to Playa del Carmen and other cities? How is Finnish culture different from other cultures? What phase of life and digital nomadism are you in? Will you move back to Finland or to another country in the future?   Episode Resources:  Trusted Bilingual Immigration Lawyer in Mexico: Adriana Vella - Immigration to Mexico Online Men’s Group: Men of Means   Related Podcasts: Ep 77: 8 Essential Skills You Need to Become a Digital Nomad Ep 97: What I Love About Living Abroad Ep 184: How To Find Community Abroad With the Co-Founder of WiFi Tribe Ep 219: How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World Ep 242: 7 Things to Know Before You Move Abroad Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Ep 250: From Canada to Mexico – How a Near-Death Experience Changed This Expat’s Life   Related Videos: How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK] Living in Mexico as an Expat: Crime, Health, Cost-of-Living, & More Why He Left the US to find FREEDOM in Mexico 🇲🇽 Live with Kristin: Your Most Burning Questions About Travel and Living Abroad 20 Incredible Places to Visit on Earth (Natural Wonders, Islands, Europe, and More!)   Connect with Guest, Teemu Alanen: Follow on Instagram   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.

Join Kristin and Dinah Redhouse, a digital nomad and online entrepreneur, in Tulum as they chat about the benefits and challenges of traveling and working abroad as a solo female entrepreneur. Hear how a breakup turned into a breakthrough that led Dinah to find freedom, self-love, and empowerment in the digital nomad lifestyle. Dinah shares how and why she took her business abroad, her favorite safety tips for traveling alone, and how the digital nomad lifestyle is empowering her to live her best life. If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to run a business and travel solo to places like France, Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico, tune in to hear all about it!   Special Offers: Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin  Leave a 5-Star Review for us Get Moving Overseas Support   Topics Discussed: Launching a business and traveling abroad. Dinah’s experience living and working remotely in Tulum, Mexico. How travel benefits business owners and creatives. Finding balance in the digital nomad lifestyle. Dinah’s average cost of living as a digital nomad vs. living in Miami. 3 things she looks at when deciding where to travel. How to pack minimally for travel. Prioritizing self-love and self-empowerment. Traveling to Paris, Istanbul, and Brazil alone. Tips for staying safe as a solo female traveler. Making friends abroad. Dealing with fear and loneliness as a digital nomad.   Questions Answered: How do you find balance while traveling full-time? How do you budget your travel as a digital nomad? Do you have a homebase back in the US? How do you choose your travel destinations? How long did it take you to feel comfortable as a solo female traveler in Paris? How do you meet new people while traveling abroad? Do you ever question the digital nomad lifestyle?   Episode Resources:  Article: How to Banish Writer’s Block for Good Learn a new language: Rosetta Stone Make new friends abroad: Bumble, Tinder Safety Gear for Travelers: Little Viper Bracelet   Books Mentioned: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle   Related Podcasts: Ep 97: What I Love About Living Abroad Ep 184: How To Find Community Abroad With the Co-Founder of WiFi Tribe Ep 213: 5 Ways To Become a Digital Nomad Ep 219: How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World Ep 222: The Power of Solo Travel Ep 242: 7 Things to Know Before You Move Abroad Ep 248: Female Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Make Money Online Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly   Related Videos: Asking Digital Nomads How They Make Money Online (from Brazil) How Do Female Entrepreneurs Make Money Online WITH NO experience? How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK] Living in Mexico as an Expat: Crime, Health, Cost-of-Living, & More Pack Like a Pro: Uncover My Secrets From 20 Years of Travel Top 10 Best Places To Live in France (Expats, Retirees, Digital Nomads) 15 Things I WISH I Knew About Solo Travel   Connect with Guest, Dinah Redhouse: Webite: https://www.digitalprodigee.com   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.

The host of About Abroad podcast joins the show again this week for a fireside chat about slow-traveling through Europe and why he and his wife want to move from Spain to Italy. Chase explains the issues you could have changing your residency from one European country to another and why the Italian Dolomites is one of his favorite places to live in the world. Plus, Kristin gives Chase a glimpse into the Nomad Cruise experience and they both give insight into their future plans for travel, work, retreats, citizenship, and residency. (Hint: Kristin is changing her plans for 2024!)   Subscribe to About Abroad podcast for more episodes with Chase and his guests!     Special Offers:  World Nomads Travel Insurance Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin (August 9-12, 2024) Save €200 on your Nomad Cruise cabin     Topics Discussed: The reality of visiting Tulum, Mexico as a foreigner. Challenges of moving to Spain. Living and traveling Europe in a van. Over-tourism in Europe. Moving from Spain to Italy as an expat. Applying for permanent residency in EU. Internal struggles of being a digital nomad. Living in a van with your significant other.     Related Podcast Episodes:  BADN Ep 156: Living in Spain as an Expat or Digital Nomad BADN Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly BADN Ep 250: From Canada to Mexico – How a Near-Death Experience Changed This Expat’s Life BADN Ep 175: Leaving Canada To Retire in Albania as a Solo Female Expat BADN Ep 240: Reflect, Recharge, Reinvent: Living with Purpose in 2024 About Abroad: Escaping Bosnia as a refugee to becoming CEO of Doist, with Amir Salihefendic About Abroad: Digital Nomads for Dummies and Traveling with Kristin     Connect with Guest, Chase Warrington: Check out the About Abroad Podcast Connect with him on LinkedIn Follow him on Instagram   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.

Thank you for 250 Episodes of Badass Digital Nomads! We would be grateful if you can leave a review in your favorite podcast app or on our website to celebrate. 🎉   In today's episode: After a near-death experience working at his manual labor job in Canada, Phoenix Sen re-evaluated his priorities in life and focused on healing himself and eventually starting a coaching business.   Kristin met Phoenix in Tulum this month and invited him on the podcast to share his story and how he sees Tulum after living there for six months. Enjoy!   Special Offers:  Get an International Travel Wi-Fi Device: EZ Mobile Data SkyRoam Solis Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin (August 9-12, 2024)     Tulum Places Mentioned:  Palma Central Market Jungle Kitchen Otti Cacao Bar Lapa Vida Mateo’s Rooftop Azulik rooftop La Pizzine Bacalar     Related Episodes:  BADN Ep 102: Tulum Mexico Digital Nomad Lifestyle BADN Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly BADN Ep 104: The Dark Side of Costa Rica - Why Expats Leave     Connect with Guest, Phoenix:  Instagram Website     Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast  for time stamps, transcripts, and more resources from this episode.

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 blogger puts it? Listen in to find out.    Special Offers:  Discover Cars Discounted International Car Rental World Nomads Travel Insurance Digital Nomads For Dummies Book Visit Costa Rica with Kristin   Topics Discussed:  Why (or why not) to visit Tulum? Mexican Culture Expat Community Cost of Living Coworking  Internet Speeds Safety - Is Tulum dangerous? Hospitals Over-Charging Tourists Where to Stay Things To See and Do Transportation and Getting Around   Resources Mentioned:  Costamed Hospital Reviews International SOS App:  Apple Store Google Play International Travel Insurance:  Generali IMG SafetyWing Nomad Insurance SafetyWing Nomad Health World Nomads   Places Mentioned:  Cenote Cristal Holistika Neek (Nopalitos Lagoon) Sian Ka'an Tulum Ruins Xielo (Nopalitos Lagoon)   Coworking:  Digital Jungle Coworking Tulum Selina Tulum   Related Episodes:  BADN Ep 102: Tulum Mexico Digital Nomad Lifestyle   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast  for time stamps, transcripts, and more resources from this episode.

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 business experience).    SPECIAL OFFERS: Open a Wise Account and get a free transfer up to £500 Get relocation support for your move abroad Travel with Kristin to Costa Rica 🌴 (ONLY 2 EARLY BIRD SPOTS LEFT!)    RELATED VIDEOS: Video version of this podcast - How Do Female Entrepreneurs Make Money Online with NO Experience?   RELATED PODCASTS: Digital Nomad Episodes Entrepreneurship Episodes Online Business Episodes   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast  for time stamps, transcripts, and more resources from this episode.

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 more.    Reserve your spot to travel with Kristin to Costa Rica! (ONLY 3 EARLY BIRD SPOTS LEFT) 🌴   SPECIAL OFFERS: Get more than 50% off lifetime access to Rosetta Stone Inquire about relocation support for your move abroad   RELATED VIDEOS: Video version of this podcast - 10 Places To Retire in 2024   RELATED PODCASTS: 7 Things to Know Before You Move Abroad The Nomadic Planner - How I Plan My Goals and Map the Year Ahead 10 Countries To Live Well on $1,000 Per Month How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast  for time stamps, transcripts, and more resources from this episode.

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 group trip to Costa Rica from August 9-12, 2024.   You will get to hang out with Kristin and a group of like-minded people from the Traveling with Kristin community for 4 days while enjoying the beautiful Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica.    Listen to this episode to get all the details and leave your email here to be notified when bookings open at 12pm EST on Friday, March 1st.    The first 8 people to sign up will receive $150 off with the Early Bird rate.    Special Offers: Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin in 2024 - Save $150 with the Early Bird Rate (Only $1,799) Check out Tripped Travel Gear on Amazon Day Backpack Packing Cubes Tech Travel Pouch Toiletry Set   Resources Mentioned: Costa Rica Email Notifications TrovaTrip Reviews   Connect with Kristin and Support the Show: *   Become a Patron - Welcome to Jola Fitzsimmons, our newest Patreon Patron! *   Buy a Coffee *   Follow on Instagram *   Join the Facebook Group *   Leave a 5-Star Review *   Subscribe on YouTube   Thank you to Kiana for the 5-Star Review!   I first started off by watching Kristin's youtube videos and later discovered the podcast.  As someone who is actively trying to move abroad (even just temporarily), I find the podcast very informative and entertaining. It's helped me to realize this dream of mine isn't that farfetched and totally doable. Keep up the great work Kristin!   Full show notes and the podcast transcript will be up shortly on www.badassdigitalnomads.com.

Throwback to one of Kristin's favorite podcast interviews with Nick Fabbri and Terysa Vanderloo of the YouTube channel, Sailing Ruby Rose.   In this podcast, they share how they quit their medical jobs in London to sail the world and what they've learned from three years at sea.   They talk about overcoming burnout and how they've been able to find more connection, community, and balance in their freedom-filled lifestyles.   They also describe the many cool features of their sailboats, the highs and lows of living life on the sea, detoxing from social media, and the lessons they’ve learned while exploring the globe.    Listen now to find the courage it takes to step outside of your comfort zone, take risks, and learn new skills to support yourself from anywhere. Plus, how to fund your travels while sailing full-time.   SPECIAL OFFERS: World Nomads Travel Insurance Podcast Feedback Form Traveling with Kristin Retreat Inquiry Form Subscribe to Kristin's weekly newsletter Wise International Account   TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why Nick and Terysa were drawn to the sailing lifestyle. How to overcome the lack of knowledge that holds people back from pursuing a nomadic lifestyle of full-time travel. The benefits and challenges of living on a sailboat. How society keeps us tethered to a certain work/life structure and what it takes to break free from the shackles of society. The defining characteristics it takes to step outside of your comfort zone and take risks. How to cope with experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness - even when you’re living a freedom lifestyle. The importance of staying in a country long enough to establish a community or friend circle and learn the local culture. What to do after the initial excitement of travel wears off.  How they learned how to make YouTube videos and how they come up with ideas for content. Their candid thoughts on quality vs. quantity when it comes to content creation. Why they transitioned from a monohull to a catamaran.  Where they’ve sailed so far and where they plan to travel next. Which countries have the cheapest mobile internet.  The near-death experience Kristin had on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico.   QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Why did you decide to quit your jobs to travel? How do you deal with being far away from friends and family? How did you learn your creative skills, like writing and making videos? How do you support yourselves financially? How do you find fast enough WiFi to work remotely from a boat? What advice would you give your past selves ten years ago? And much more!   RESOURCES Get your first international transfer up to £500 for Free with a TransferWise borderless bank account Book: The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer Book: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Documentary: The Social Dilemma Podcast: Interview with Surf Photographer, Jimmy Wilson MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) Curve of Cultural Adaptation Starlink (Internet by Elon Musk) GoogleFi WiFi Dopamine Detox Video   RUBY ROSE SAILING VIDEOS:  Seawind Catamaran Review Video Catamaran Design Playlist   CONNECT WITH SAILING RUBY ROSE:  Follow Nick and Terysa on YouTube Sailing Ruby Rose Website Sailing Ruby Rose Patreon Sailing Ruby Rose Instagram ....................................................................................................... Thank you to Kristin's patrons! You can become a Patron for $5/month at Patreon.com/travelingwithkristin and see all of Kristin's YouTube videos first, attend monthly live streams, submit questions for the podcast, and be the first to find out about special offers and guests, as well as the chance to participate in beta programs at free or discounted rates. .......................................................................................................   Support the Badass Digital Nomads Podcast: Become a Patron for $5 per month Leave a 5* Review: https://lovethepodcast.com/digitalnomad  Buy Official Merch  More Episodes: www.badassdigitalnomads.com   Connect with Kristin on Social Media:  Follow on Instagram Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin on YouTube  Subscribe to Digital Nomad TV on YouTube Join the Badass Digital Nomads Facebook Group   Podcast descriptions may contain affiliate links of products and services we use and recommend at no additional cost to you.