After dreaming (and researching) about becoming a digital nomad for years, Darren Lamison-White quit his job to "make the leap." Now, he's finally able to work from anywhere! Darren has spent 2020 working remotely in IT and cybersecurity for a private investment bank from places like Croatia and Tulum, Mexico.

In this episode, Kristin and Darren sit down over a bottle of wine to discuss how he was able to make that transition, how his life has changed since he traded the office for the beach, and the pros and cons of living in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Is Tulum worth the hype? What is it really like living there? What are the accommodations and cost-of-living like? How do digital nomads deal with slow WIFI, infrastructure issues, and power outages? Do you need permanent residency to live in Mexico or can you stay forever with just a tourist visa/passport stamp?

And most importantly, what's better – tequila or mezcal? (Kidding!)

Tune in today to find out if Tulum lives up to its Instagram fame or if it's overrated.

Also learn some of Darren's top tips and lessons learned from his first year as a full-time digital nomad, plus where he plans to go next and why.

TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why Tulum, Mexico isn't the best destination for digital nomads.
• Perpetual Tourism vs. Permanent Residency in Mexico.
• Why it's not necessary to open a bank account in Mexico.
• What a day in the life of a Tulum Digital Nomad looks like.
• How Darren's experience as a digital nomad changed his life and his perspective of the world.
• How to make life-long friends while traveling.
• How to fit in better like a local abroad.
• The #1 lesson Darren learned from transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle.
• Darren's future travel plans for 2021.
• The best place to live in Portugal (aka the next Bali or Tulum!).

QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

• How did you get started with the digital nomad lifestyle?
• What was your motivation for becoming a digital nomad?
• How many countries have you traveled to and returned to since starting to work remotely?
• Why is Tulum, Mexico trending right now?
• Does it make sense for remote workers to move to Tulum?
• Tulum versus Playa del Carmen – which is better to live in?
• What are the accommodations and cost of living like in Tulum?
• What types of people fit in with the culture of Tulum compared with Playa del Carmen?
• Has your lifestyle of travel supported your professional skills and your role at your company?
• What do you think your purpose is in life? What are you striving for?

RESOURCES

Online Banking:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): https://www.travelingwithkristin.com/wise
• Revolut: https://www.revolut.com/en-US

Book: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

Videos:

• The Best Places to Live in Portugal
• What It's Like Living in Japan as an American
• Why I Left Costa Rica After 8 Years
• Living in Argentina as an American
• Living in Buenos Aires (Cost of Living)

Food Delivery Service in Tulum and Playa del Carmen:

• Tomato.mx
• Playa Now

Internet Speed Testing Tool: SpeedTest.net

Destinations Mentioned:

• Playa Guiones, Costa Rica
  • Nosara Yoga Institute
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Anne Frank House
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Nomad Hub
  • Palermo Neighborhood
  • WeWork BsAs
• Nomad Cruise Brazil

Support the Badass Digital Nomads Podcast:

• Buy Me a Coffee
• Become a Patron
• Leave a 5* Review: https://lovethepodcast.com/digitalnomad
• Buy Official Merch
• Search All Episodes: www.badassdigitalnomads.com

Connect with Guest, Darren:

• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with Kristin:

• Follow on Instagram
• Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin on YouTube
• Subscribe to Digital Nomad TV on YouTube
• Follow on Medium
• Follow on Clubhouse @KristinWilson
• Join the Badass Digital Nomads Facebook Group

......................................................................................................

Thank you to my current 2021 Patrons: Teklordz, Trader Walt, Shawn, Gary, Gary R, Yozhik, Bronwyn, Cynthia, Erick, Yasmine, Mike, Isaac, Michael, Scott, Karen, Erik, Heather, Craig, RZ, Timothy, Richard, Fred, Lakshay, Yohzik, Annie, Ray, and Ron

Become a Patron for $5/month at Patreon.com/travelingwithkristin

.......................................................................................................

Podcast descriptions may contain affiliate links of products and services we use and recommend at no additional cost to you.