How do you start your first digital nomad business?

Today I am in a studio with the founder of the Nomad Cruise Johannes Voelkner to talk about his story of how he became a digital nomad and also how he created one of the most well known significant digital nomad communities, The Nomad Cruise.

Today we talk about:

• How Johannes went from a virtual assistant to building a thriving business that funds his global lifestyle.
• Why understanding marketing is the key to success in any digital nomad business.
• Find out how you can join an international network of remote workers and entrepreneurs—and why Nomad Cruise could be your best career investment.

Connect with Johannes & Nomad Cruise:
🌐 Website: Nomad Cruise (Sign up for the newsletter for trip updates!)
📸 Instagram: @nomadcruise

DM Me this Codeword:
💼 Learn how to start your digital nomad business: DM “ROADMAP” to @christabellatravels on Instagram!

🎟️ Upcoming Nomad Cruises Mentioned:
➡️ France to Greece (June 2025): A perfect intro to the Nomad Cruise experience, with daily stops in stunning Mediterranean locations!
➡️ Seattle to Sydney (Late 2025): A once-in-a-lifetime trip across the Pacific, with stops in Hawaii, Fiji, and more.

✉️ Want to stay in the loop?
Join the Nomad Cruise newsletter for exclusive updates: nomadcruise.com

Chapter Marks:

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Digital Nomad Life Podcast
Host Christa introduces the episode and guest Johannes Voelkner, founder of Nomad Cruise, discussing the impact of the cruise on the digital nomad community.

[00:02:00] Becoming a Digital Nomad: Johannes’ Origin Story
Johannes shares his journey from Germany to Cape Town, his first steps as a digital nomad, and his struggles in tourism before transitioning to remote work.

[00:06:00] The 4-Hour Workweek & Online Income
Inspired by Tim Ferriss’ book, Johannes explores ways to make money online, starting as a virtual assistant before transitioning into digital marketing.

[00:12:00] From Virtual Assistant to Business Owner
Johannes explains how he scaled his skills from web design to online marketing, eventually running an e-commerce business that allowed him to sustain a nomadic lifestyle.

[00:16:00] The Search for a Digital Nomad Community
Early in his travels

Support the show

Message 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/masterclass

Digital Nomad Starter Codes:
Discover the best remote career for YOUR personality
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkout

Enroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academy
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnla

Watch the Campus Tour:
https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/

Follow me on Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

I think you deserve to life a passion filled life, but what if you don't know what you passion is?

If you are the kind of person who doesn't know what your passion is or how to make a dream digital nomad life career out of it this episode is for you. Many of us feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs, craving a lifestyle that offers location independence, financial freedom, and work that truly inspires us. Today we dive deep into how to identify your passions and transform them into a sustainable career through remote work, helping you move closer to your dream of becoming a digital nomad.

In this episode:

• Uncover practical exercises to help you identify your true passions—even if you currently feel disconnected from them.
• Learn how curiosity, consistency, and taking small steps can lead to building a passion-driven career.
• Gain insight into how to create a "lowercase i" impossible life where you have the freedom to live and work anywhere in the world.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler
• Episode 73: Shadow and Light Work for Digital Nomads
• Episode 84: How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2025

CODEWORD:

• DM @christabellatravels the keyword “roadmap” to receive the 12-week roadmap to become a digital nomad

Support the show

Message 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/masterclass

Digital Nomad Starter Codes:
Discover the best remote career for YOUR personality
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkout

Enroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academy
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnla

Watch the Campus Tour:
https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/

Follow me on Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels

In today's episode, I am talking to my younger self and anyone out there who has lost their job, quit their job or wants to know the next steps to freedom as a digital nomad.

I tell my honest story of how I lived in a shoebox apartment with no light or privacy in New York City and even eventually lost my corporate job. I had to hustle many jobs from waitressing to dog-walking and even thought about needing to move home..

I now am a successful digital nomad whose travelled to nearly 70 countries, and built a remote business online, the Digital Nomad Life Academy. So I want to give my unconventional career advice to anyone out there who wants to make a major change in their life, because I have been in your shoes.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next steps, this episode is packed with actionable insights on finding remote jobs, overcoming scarcity mindset, and taking control of your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How losing your job can be the best thing that ever happened to you
✅ The mindset shift needed to break free from financial scarcity
✅ How to find remote jobs that align with your passions in 2025
✅ The power of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you
✅ Creative ways to start earning money online or abroad

Quotes from the Episode

💡 “Scarcity is not a fact—it’s a mindset. Opportunities are all around you if you choose to see them.”
💡 “Be careful who you take advice from. Listen to people who are already living the life you want.”
💡 “Trust the process. Sometimes, losing your job is the first step toward discovering your dream career.”

Resources & Next Steps

🚀 Want to become a digital nomad in 2025? DM me the keyword "89" on Instagram @christabellatravels and let’s chat about your goals!
📌 Follow me for more digital nomad insights: Instagram

Support the show

Message 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/masterclass

Digital Nomad Starter Codes:
Discover the best remote career for YOUR personality
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/offers/i5HuJjbk/checkout

Enroll in the Digital Nomad Life Academy
https://www.digitalnomadlifeacademy.com/dnla

Watch the Campus Tour:
https://dnla.thrivecart.com/join/

Follow me on Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@christabellatravels