The anti-destination

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The Money: Build a personal brand

Want to make money remotely? Sell you.

Your story, skills, and personality are more valuable than you think—and people will pay for it.

Share your expertise through content, courses, or consulting, and build a personal brand that makes you unforgettable.

But here’s the catch: no website, no credibility.

Your website is where you prove you’re the real deal, captivate your audience, and turn clicks into cash.

I manage three business websites, but my personal site is where I showcase my personal brand. My site + social media presence (namely, LinkedIn and Twitter) is how I land client work and B2B brand partnerships.

Here are some other fantastic ways to make $ via a website:

• Sell influencer partnerships: Collaborate with brands to promote their products or services and monetize your audience. (I do this with LinkedIn and my newsletter, Content Connect)

• Offer consulting services: Use your expertise to provide one-on-one or group consulting directly from your site.

• Sell digital products: Create and sell e-books, templates, courses, or guides tailored to your audience. (I do this on my personal site)

• Run a membership program: Offer exclusive content or perks through a subscription model. (Working on this)

• Monetize through ads: Partner with ad networks to earn revenue from traffic to your site. (I find this more lucrative on a newsletter. If you get a lot of traffic, this is a good way to go).

• Affiliate marketing: Promote products or services you love and earn a commission for every sale through your referral. (I do this with this newsletter)

• Host webinars or workshops: Charge for live sessions where you teach or share valuable insights. (I partner with B2B brands as a guest webinar speaker.

Here’s another newsletter that spotlights how other creators make $:

Last week, you picked your niche.

This week, it’s time to get a website up. Here’s how.

I recommend getting started with Bluehost + WordPress. It’s fairly intuitive with a small learning curve. You don’t need to know how to code and they have a lot of templates you can use.

If you need help with design, email me back and I’ll give you some recommendations.

Hope you had a great holiday!

-Ashley

The Work: A VPN is a MUST

Traveling without a VPN is like walking through a busy market with your wallet wide open—it’s an open invitation to digital thieves.

Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafes might seem convenient, but it’s a goldmine for hackers. They can intercept your data, steal passwords, or even access your bank accounts without you realizing it.

A VPN encrypts your connection, making your online activity invisible to prying eyes. It protects sensitive information like credit card details, keeps your location private, and shields you from cybercriminals lurking on unsecured networks.

Without it, you’re not just risking your data—you’re risking your peace of mind.

The added benefit? You can watch the TV shows you like by tricking your computer into thinking you’re in your home country. I like Nord (affiliate).

The Destination: How do you know a place is safe?

I just landed on a website advertising a trip to Russia. ❌ 🤔 😬 ❌

Now, if you know me, you know I love Russia. I lived there for 2 years and have visited several times.

But would I click on this advertisement and book a trip to Russia right now? Duh. No!

This got me thinking…how do you know whether or not a destination is safe—especially if you’re traveling with your family?!?

I mean, Russia seems like a fairly obvious “no” for Americans right now. But what about other locations you’re not sure about?

Here’s a quick list of places you can check for travel advisories:

• U.S. Department of State (Travel.state.gov):
  Offers country-specific advisories, safety updates, and guidance for U.S. travelers.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  Provides health-related advisories, including vaccinations, outbreaks, and COVID-19 updates.

• Government Websites for Your Home Country:

  • Canada: Travel.gc.ca

  • UK: Gov.uk

  • Australia: Smartraveller.gov.au

• World Health Organization (WHO):
  Offers global health alerts and travel-related health risks.

• Local Embassy Websites:
  These often have up-to-date, region-specific safety advice.

• Reputable Travel Apps:
  Apps like TripIt and TravelSafe aggregate advisories and alerts for your destination

Another ABSOLUTE must is to register for the STEP program for notifications on destinations you’re traveling.

I registered for this when I was in the UK, and it notified me every time there was a suspected protest in the areas where I was traveling. While protesting is a necessary right, it’s not exactly something I want to stumble upon with my family accidentally.

How to Register for STEP:

1. Visit the STEP Website: Go to step.state.gov.

2. Create an Account: Click on "Create an Account" and provide your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and contact information.

3. Set Up a Login.gov Account: You'll be prompted to create a login.gov account, which enhances security and allows you to manage your STEP enrollment.

4. Enroll Your Trip: After setting up your account, log in and enter your travel details—such as destination countries, dates, and accommodation information.

5. Submit Your Enrollment: Review your information for accuracy and submit your enrollment.

By completing these steps, you'll stay informed about safety conditions at your destination and ensure that U.S. authorities can contact you during emergencies.

The Worldschooling: 1K hours outside, bebe

One of the biggest motivators for me for homeschooling and worldschooling was the 1000 Hours Outside podcast.

Some of the content is a little out there, but most of it is SPOT. ON.

If you’re feeling ick about your children’s current education situation, give this podcast a whirl. Let me know how you like it. I’d love to hear from you

The Community

Hit reply, friends!

Tell me:

1. What is your biggest challenge with finding community while on the go?

2. What do you wish existed in terms of on-the-go community?

You’ll love this newsletter as much as I do