115) The Trip That Changed My Life: My Digital Nomad Origin Story

Today, I want take you back to where my nomad life all began because I happen to recording this where it all started, Costa Rica.   And to be honest, being there on this trip has surfaced some emotional stuff for me that I wasn't fully expecting to surface and it’s kind of caught me off guard. I want to share the lessons that are coming up, my story and some things I want to come clean about. I've kind of been a little bit l offended when people ask me this question, which is: what are you running away from? And I have always thought,  why do I have to be running away from something?   I'm not running away from anything. But to be honest, I now understand 10 years later that at the time I was running away from something,  that I just wasn't ready to acknowledge. And today I want to talk about that and my story of how I became a digital nomad and now have a life in Bali. I also think that with everything that I share I just really hope that it falls upon the right ears, that there is someone out there who needs to hear this story and is gonna resonate with it, not just to help you feel less alone, but also to as a conclusion to this whole podcast to give you permission. Give you permission to follow your dream, whether you are running away from something or not.   So let me take you back to when my nomadic life began.. We will dive into: The travel story of how my digital nomad life actually beganWhy Costa Rica changed everything for meWhat it felt like taking the first steps toward a remote job lifestyleThe emotional side of returning to the place where your dream startedThe excitement, uncertainty, and discomfort of building a life as a digital nomadWhy sometimes our biggest life pivots begin with one spontaneous tripCurious about becoming a digital nomad? DM me @christabellatravels the code: APPLY Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today, I am interviewing one of my previous clients, Aleigha Knight, who has such an amazing success story I wanted to share it with you.  We are now recording this in Bali where she lives with her digital nomad business she built, but that isn’t where she started. She started in New York working a corporate job, getting no sunlight and working in a basement and realized this can’t be it for her. So she invested in my program, The Digital Nomad Life Academy to redirect and change the trajectory she was on. This year, she sold all of her stuff, let go of her apartment, and took her new Fractional Chief of Staff Business across the world to Bali.Today we are talking about her transition and also how her story is a testament that you too can change the trajectory your life is on. This episode is for you if:You feel stuck in your 9-to-5 but don’t know how to leaveYou want to quit your job and work remotelyYou dream of becoming a digital nomadYou want to get paid to travelYou’re curious about starting a service-based online businessYou want proof that it’s possible to reinvent your careerConnect with Aleigha:Instagram:  @aleighaaknightHer business: @virtualseaaWebsite Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today's episode we recorded in Bali, Indonesia, where I live with my good friend, Virginia Campo, who like many of the listeners comes from a pretty traditional corporate background but ultimately networked her way into an amazing digital nomad opportunity with Selena Hostels. She coins the word “intreprenuer” where she moved in and out of “Intrepreneurship” to “Soloprenuership” and now runs an agency. We also dive into how she has toyed back and forth from being nomadic to living a traditional life in the US to now living out her freedom filled life in Bali. Today we cover:What you are getting wrong abour starting your own business What is blocking you from starting a life in entrepreneurship and how to unblock your resistance to "do it scared"   How Virgina toggled between "traditional life and careers" and a "nomadic entrepreneur life" What the digital nomad lifestyle really looks being able to live a freedom filled life. Why being a digital nomad doesn't mean you have to live a nomdic lifestyleTo connect with Virginia Campo: Instagram: @virgicampo12If this episode sparked something for you and you’re curious about remote work, working online, or creating a digital nomad lifestyle that actually fits you, here’s what to do next:👉 DM me on Instagram @christabellatravelsSend the word “APPLY” if you’re ready to start working togetherSend “CAREER ASSESSMENT” if you want to explore how your background could translate into a remote jobOr send “FIVE STEPS” to receive my free 90-minute training breaking down my exact process for working onlineSend a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today's episode is not a normal business episode. It’s more of a life episode with business woven through it. I’m taking you behind the scenes of the six weeks where I basically ignored my to do list and said yes to life instead. I share what was going through my head as work piled up, why I chose presence over productivity, and what actually happened when I stopped trying to control everything. There’s a bit of story time, a bit of honest confession, and a lot of lessons about trust, freedom, and remembering why we built these businesses in the first place. If you’ve ever felt torn between living your life and keeping up with your goals, this one is for you. In this episode, we talk about:What freedom really looks like after years of being a digital nomadWhy recently I've chosen presence over productivity (and why I haven't been as active on the podcast or my socials as much)My recent identity shift when travel is no longer my main priority Why having a location-independent income changes everything—including motherhood, relationships, and how you experience lifeThe balance between saying yes to magic and knowing when to put your head down and workWhy quitting corporate isn’t about escaping work..How to build a life where time freedom is normal and not a luxuryIf this episode lit something up inside you and you’re serious about creating a life with time freedom, location independence, and work you actually enjoy, I can help you.I’ve helped 500+ people quit corporate, build online businesses, and design lives that don’t require asking for permission.👉 To apply for the Digital Nomad Life Academy:Send me a DM on Instagram @christabellatravelsType the word “APPLY”We’ll take it from there!Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today's episode is about making 2026 the year you finally make money from anywhere doing work you actually enjoy. We are not talking about affiliate marketing, e-commerce, or get-rich-quick schemes for your online remote business.. I’m talking about real, sustainable, high-ticket online businesses, the kind that give you freedom, stability, and the ability to live anywhere in the world without hating your work.We are also talking about the tidal wave of AI and how to prepare yourself and get ahead with your own remote business while other's may lose their jobs. If you position yourself correctly, this is the best time in history to become a digital nomad and build a career that lets you work anywhere.By the end of this episode, you’re going to feel clear, empowered, and ready to take action on changing your career, your income, and your life  so that next year you’re running your own remote business, traveling the world, and not listening to an episode called “How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2027.”In this episode, I break down:How to become a digital nomad in 2026Why the high-ticket service provider model is the fastest way to work onlineHow to niche yourself so clients say yes without shopping aroundWhy AI is a threat to corporate jobs — not digital nomadsHow to get paid for outcomes, not hours🎧 Check out these episode next: Episode 56: Can’t Decide on a Remote Career?Episode 82: The Secret to Online Marketing for Digital NomadsEpisode 33: Inside My Career Assessment ProcessDon’t know what online business to start? DM me “CAREER ASSESSMENT” on Instagram @christabellatravelsReady to go all in and work anywhere? DM “APPLY” to talk about joining the Digital Nomad Life AcademySend a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today’s episode is for any entrepreneur out there who has already started their digital nomad business, but isn’t quite sure what to charge their clients.I’m here to help you come up with a price that you feel really good about—a price that makes you feel well compensated for what you’re doing, but also feels fair. But I am guessing you might be feeling resistance or even imposter syndrome when it comes to charging the price you want. Or maybe you’ve been pricing your offer based on “inflation,” or because “you’re worth it,” or simply because “that’s what my competition charges.”Today, I’m going to show you exactly what I teach my clients inside the Digital Nomad Life Academy, how to price your offer with intention, clarity, and zero imposter syndrome.What We CoverThe two BIG questions that determine your priceWhy pricing is an ENERGY exercise, not a math equationHow your money mindset is quietly sabotaging your incomeWhy your clients WILL find money when they believe your offer is actually worth itWhy market research matters WAY more than competitor researchThe real reason most early-stage entrepreneurs struggle to charge high-ticketResources MentionedCheck out Episode 49 next: “How Your Money Mindset Will Dictate Your Success as a Digital Nomad” Great next episode,  if you’ve ever felt weird about charging money, receiving money, or wanting more money.My top Book Recommendation:You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen SinceroWant my help starting or scaling your business?If you’re ready to start a business, grow your remote income, or build a high-ticket offer that lets you work remotely and get paid to travel…→ DM me “APPLY” on Instagram (@christabelltravels)I’ll send you a few quick questions so we can see if the Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

A lot of people want the digital nomad lifestyle and the perks of being an entrepreneur, but they think “ but I'm not cut out for it because I'm not entrepreneurial or I'm not Insert whatever quality it is that you think that you need in order to make that lifestyle happen.”Well, here is the thing.I think that there's these common misconceptions that people have about what entrepreneurship looks like. People out there like Alex Hermosi will have you thinking to become an entrepreneur you have to wake up super early,  do cold plunges and you gotta join the 5:00 AM club.  They tell you that if you wanna be successful you better make sure that you're willing to sacrifice and you're willing to do this and do that in order to be an entrepreneur. And I just find that kind of hustle culture and it's just not necessarily true.  So today I want to talk about what it REALLY takes to become an entrepreneur and being able to live a freedom filled lifestyle as a digital nomad and if you really are cut out for it? We are diving into:Why most people misunderstand entrepreneurship (and how to reframe it) How to start a business that gives you freedom — not burnout Why people with ADHD or creative minds actually thrive as entrepreneurs How to overcome fear, perfectionism, and “corporate thinking” The truth about what it takes to build a profitable remote business The #1 skill that separates successful digital nomads from the restWatch the FREE training: 5 Steps to Work From Wherever — Learn the high-ticket small service provider model that helps beginners build a profitable business in under 6 months. 👉 digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztraining or DM me on Instagram @christabellatravels with the code word “Five Steps.Ready for a Personalized Plan? Book a Remote Readiness Rating Call — find out how ready you are to start your remote work journey and what to do next. DM  me @christabellatravels with the code word “RRR.”Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Hate to break it to you, but AI isn’t going anywhere , but your job might. In today’s episode, I want to teach you how and why you need to save yourself. We’re diving into how AI can fit into your business, how to protect your time, and how to start building your freedom.Technology is evolving fast, but you get to choose how you live your life.Lately, I’ve had a massive wake-up call with technology,  both the rise of AI and my own screen-time addiction (I know you’re probably addicted too). I want to talk about how these shifts are impacting remote work, our attention spans, and most importantly, our freedom — financial, location, and emotional,  in a world that’s changing faster than ever.If you’ve ever felt like tech is taking over your life (or maybe even your career), this is your wake-up call.Today we will dive into:How many years of my life I realized I’d lose to my social media  addictionHow AI is reshaping remote work and why corporate employees are the most vulnerableWhy now is the time to start your own online business or side hustle (and how to use AI to your advantage)My “social media nutrition” metaphor that’ll forever change how you think about screen timeThe #1 app that helped me take back my life (and how you can use it too)Real talk about loneliness, connection, and how to stop using tech as a mask for your real feelings🔗 Resources & MentionsApp: Be Present — the screen-time app I swear by Listen next: [Episode 33: My Career Assessment Process] — for a deeper dive into discovering your next remote-ready careerDM me on Instagram @christabellatravels with the word “apply” to explore working with me 1:1Or message “RRR” to book your free Remote Readiness Rating call with my team and find out how ready you are to launch your remote careerAI, digital nomad, remote work, start your own business, online business, location independence, career coach, Christa Bella Travels, Digital Nomad Life Podcast, Be Present app, screen time, entrepreneurship, freedom lifestyleSend a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today I want to talk to those who are truly not resonating with the country that you were born in and how you are not stuck and you CAN move abroad.There is another way to live life. The is another way to not be part of a  system that, that you were born into, but you didn't really actually have consent to. If you wanna be part of a different system, if you wanna go to a culture that has values that are more aligned with who you are as a person, you can. But here's the thing, unless you are a multimillionaire or someone with a trust fund. You are gonna need an income if you wanna survive in another country. So how do you have an income in another culture? That is what I want to teach you today and what I teach in my academy, the Digital Nomad Life Academy. If you’ve ever thought:  “I’m over this system.”  “I want to move abroad but don’t know how.” “Is remote work or digital nomad life actually realistic?” This episodes is for you. We talk about today: What reverse culture shock actually means (and why it hits so hard).The hidden ways U.S. culture shapes your beliefs about safety, success, and “normal life.”Why you don’t have to stay in the U.S. — and how living abroad can realign your values.How to create an online business that funds your freedom Step-by-step ways to take action — even if you have zero experience with remote work. DM @christabellatravels the keywords below:Podcast – to start a chat with MeMasterclass – to watch my free training: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad.RRR – to get your Remote Readiness Rating and find out how close you are to your dream life.key points: culture shock, reverse culture shock, leave the US, move abroad, remote work, digital nomad, living in Bali, how to move abroad, digital nomad business, online income, work from anywhereSend a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

Today we have on Evan Gage to talk about  his journey of becoming a digital nomad and how he has exited the matrix and he is  never going back. Evan started his career in medical sales chasing money, women  and just really doing the whole corporate nine to five thing for many years. Now we are recording this in Bali both as digital nomads and entrepreneurs who can live from literally anywhere, and work from anywhere. Today he has  got a coaching business where he helps men in their healing journeys and host healing retreats.  So I thought that it would be awesome to have him on the podcast and you can hear firsthand his story of how he was able to go from nine to five to you decide, and far beyond. We dive into: -How Evan went from a 9–5 in sales to becoming a digital nomad entrepreneur -The pivotal moment when he stopped ignoring his intuition and finally followed his heart -Why meditation didn’t “work” at first—and how tuning into the heart changed everything -The role of mentorship, community, and taking bold risks  -Why self-love and joy—not money—are the real keys to freedom and fulfillmentConnect with EvanInstagram  Website — book a free session with him here! Learn more about his upcoming retreat in Egypt (November 2025).Send a text🎧 Ready to take action? Watch Christa’s free training “5 Steps to Work From Wherever” — your roadmap to building a remote business: digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/biztrainingSupport the showMessage me on Instagram:(tell me you came from the podcast!)https://www.instagram.com/christabellatravels/FREE: How to Get Started as a Digital Nomad Masterclass (2 hr training)https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/masterclassDigital Nomad Starter Codes:Discover the best remote career for YOUR personalityhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkoutEnroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academyhttps://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnlaWatch the Campus Tour:https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/Follow me on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels