How To Become a Digital Nomad in 2026: Location Independence With Jason Long & Kristen Zalatan

A nomadic entrepreneur is a location-independent individual who moves around the world while running a business or working. This lifestyle generally falls into two categories: digital nomads (often single, without kids, moving easily from location to location for short periods, and often working from co-working spaces) and location-independent entrepreneurs (who need a professional setup, travel less frequently, and often spend longer periods in one place, especially if they have children). [01:28]

It depends heavily on the specific situation—what the "it" is (the extent and location of travel) and why the reluctant partner doesn't want to go. There are many "flavors" of location independence, so there's usually room for creativity and finding a middle ground that suits both partners' ideal situations and addresses any concerns about stability. [05:48]

Having a partner can help alleviate the "loneliness" or "extra work" of constantly building new relationships in new places. Additionally, if one partner is a better planner, they can ensure a more enjoyable experience, such as booking better accommodations well in advance. [07:52]

Yes, definitely. The interviewees recommend a progression, starting with two-week trips that are more like vacations, then gradually increasing the length of the trips (e.g., six weeks) to force them to "set up their lives" and deal with the realities of working and living in a new place (like finding a gym, grocery shopping, dealing with potential internet or power issues, etc.). [10:07]

The biggest challenge is often the planning—thinking through what it will actually look like, and what needs to be figured out before, during, and after the trip. It's crucial to do the legwork upfront to avoid scrambling, inconveniences, or surprises (like poor internet for an important call) that take up time you'd rather spend working or relaxing. As one grows and has children, planning for school and stability becomes even more critical. [19:39]

No, you don't need to be a traditional entrepreneur. While it is easier to be an entrepreneur (or a contractor) because you handle your own taxes and location, many jobs can be performed remotely as a contractor (e.g., software developer, writer, executive assistant). You can often ask your current employer to switch you from an employee to a contractor as long as you handle your own benefits and taxes. [24:53]

For financial planning, figure out a roundabout budget for essential needs and hobbies, and then decide which places make sense. Book flights and long-term accommodations (like an Airbnb with a cancellation policy) well in advance. For visas, many countries allow Americans/Canadians to travel visa-free or on a tourist visa for a reasonable amount of time (e.g., up to 180 days in Mexico), but you must be careful not to overstay. For taxes, if you plan to stay abroad for a long time, you should absolutely consult with an expert to ensure you remain an American tax resident and set yourself up for a tax-advantaged situation. [30:05]

The interviewees initially used Safety Wing for travel medical insurance for several years due to its easy global coverage. They switched to a more robust full-service global insurance (excluding the U.S.) when they became permanent residents in Mexico, supplementing with travel insurance for U.S. visits. For banking, they stick with American banks that reimburse ATM fees abroad (like Fidelity or Schwab) to avoid the complexity of setting up local bank accounts in different countries. [35:05]

While Playa del Carmen is on the higher end of cost within Mexico, many services are significantly more affordable than in the U.S. For example, a nanny can cost about a third of the Atlanta price, and a house cleaner can be around $30–$35 compared to over $200. Groceries depend on what you buy; local food staples are affordable, but imported American products can be very expensive. Restaurant meals are often less than in the U.S., and the standard tip is lower (10% to 15%). Other places, like Thailand, are generally much more affordable than Mexico, offering high variety at lower prices. [01:01:40]

Safety varies dramatically by region. Places in Southeast Asia, like Chiang Mai, often have a very high level of safety where the concept of being robbed doesn't even occur to locals. In parts of Latin America, you need to be more careful, especially at night, and look closely at the specific area you are staying in. A great resource for finding out about safety and other local details is local expat-focused Facebook groups. Another broad resource is Nomad List (nomadlist.com), which rates places on everything from crime to walkability and air quality. [01:08:18]