I think the connection for me, between minimalism and location independence [I am both], is that, in most cases, location independence [or the desire for it] comes first.
When becoming location independent, in life and work style, minimalism becomes immediately necessary, in order to be able to relocate one's life [and work] from location to location. This in turn forces us to make decisions on what clothes to carry, keeping technology and other tools of our trade to a strict minimum.
When I set out on my own journey, four years ago, I had many possessions, a permanent home, a vehicle, and more computer tech than you could shake a stick at. Now, four years on, I have a MacBook, iPhone [I was a pro photographer when I set out], my back up drive, 3G modem, my clothes, a few other essentials. Not because I set out to reduce, nor to own a specific number of things, just that what I carried to each location had to justify itself, and most things just couldn't justify their place in my armoury.
I sold my vehicle last year, gave up my home three years ago, sold all my stored possessions, all in stages. Do I have less? Actually, not so much less as you might think – I have a pool, a dog, two houses and an apartment, a car, a bike. Do I own or rent any of these things? No. Do I enjoy them? Yes. Some of them. Sometimes.
Next week, I will have a different apartment, a shared pool, a shared car, and the same bike [on long term loan from a client]. I have internet wherever I live. I currently housesit for more than 90% of the year. It enables me to travel, meet new people, experience different lives and lifestyles, different types of housing, transport etc. I have met some amazing people this way. I pay no bills. I have no need for insurance. My only overhead of car use is fuel. In return, I take care of other people's homes, pets [sometimes] and possessions, I return them in better condition than they were handed over. It is a win win situation.
What do I seek? To learn about humankind. To learn about myself. Peace. Personal development.
I'm not frugal, I didn't set out for that. I simply set out to travel. In exchange, I received a whole lot more… an education in life. Is location independence bullshit? No. But it could be. It all depends on the individual, as with all things in life.
If you are interested in reading more about simplicity and travel, I highly recommend Journeys of Simplicity: Travelling Light with Thomas Merton, Basho, Edward Abbey, Et Al.