You may be wondering what PT is let alone flags, but I assure you once you are done with this, you will want to start establishing flags and collecting freedom in the process.
My name is Zach. Since I was 16 I realized that freedom and opportunity have been declining in the West and in the US specifically. Year by year civil liberties and freedoms are taken away in the name of safety. When I was 19 I grew tired of it and finally was able to cobbled enough money to take a trip to Panama. At the time I was living at home and I was working a part time job. But I realized there were more opportunities and freedom abroad. With that I bought a plane ticket to Panama for $425 bucks and never looked back. I learned many things, including the fact that many other nations have more opportunity and freedom . With a bit of luck you can escape the sinking ship that is the US with PT theory!
PT theory involves placing aspects of your life in different countries, such as banking in one, enjoyment in one, living quarters in one, business in another, and in some cases romantic interest and digital interests in yet another. While you may not be able to do this yet, this should not deter you from planning. I am still working on finishing college and researching PT spots, but once I finish, you can bet that I will move to Panama, and from there diversify my life. For instance, you can earn $1k-1.5k a month teaching English in Panama. That is as competitive as China, but it requires less education (TESOL and a Bachelor's always set you apart, thus why I am working on mine), is a great place for someone that is single or does not require much space (a decent apartment can be had for $350 a month), street food while not the cheapest I have seen is still fresh and very tasty for the price, transit is dirt cheap, and there is always something to do. This may not fit your lifestyle, but staying in the US will likely not improve it either. That is why you should travel and see what fits.
One objection people may raise is that it is expensive to travel. This is an utter lie. If you spend money like most people on hotels and flights, you can afford a trip abroad. Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica can all be traveled to for under $450, although they may require creative couponing or flexibility on time (cheapoair and Skyscanner are good for nosebleed cost flights). For instance, I got a reservation at a hostel on AirBnb in Panama for $10 with a first time use discount. The best part was I was the only person in the room! There is little excuse for cost to be an issue. Even less so if you are single or not married. Others may say getting time off holds them back. Unless you are working for an employer that is a miser, most decent deals are had 6 months in advance, enough time to ask and plan, in addition most flights are cheapest around the 1 week mark, so you won't miss much work if you do take off.
When you are visiting other countries, the best flags to research are your domicile or any potential business opportunities. But if they don't measure up, don't fret. They may still be good for your time off spot, digital haven, or for other needs. For instance, Panama is good for general banking services, but when it comes to safe boxes and fun place, I would prefer other places (like Colombia for fun). Panama is however good for some one looking to chill and live decently while earning a decent living.
It may seem like you are over complicating your life with this, but you are adapting to the realities around you. People usually don't change unless something major happens, or if the power brokers have anything to gain. At least in the US, neither seems like they are likely to happen. So the next best thing is to find people that respect the freedoms you respect. Overall the Swiss are laid back, however their banking laws have been weakened, in addition to the fact that it is very expensive to live there. Colombia is good for being laid back, gambling, and if you are interested in adult entertainment, as well as labor intensive operations, but for ownership and other business related things it is not the best for that. Canada is a bit better than the US and has cheap land, but it has bouts with bureaucracy. It is all about what you value. But you should start now. You never know when the door may close on an opportunity.