Zero To Travel Podcast

Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Gunnar Garfors is the first person to travel to every country in the world not once, but TWICE. As the ultimate travel expert, he’s with us to share his list of the best places to visit before they get too popular. You’ll hear about seven out-of-the-ordinary destinations spanning all seven continents to help you plan for the coming year and beyond. Whether it’s beach life, mountain hikes, big cities, or relaxing getaways, there’s something on the list for everyone. We’ll also talk about his upcoming project, share plenty of stories, and he’ll let us in on a fun travel concept you’ll want to steal and use with your friends. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Where are you headed first? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: The ROI of travel and why you should explore out-of-the-box destinations What makes this overlooked part of this Caribbean island worth a visit How to have an authentic South American river adventure An African country ideal for extreme sports and coastal wildlife The vastly underestimated European country that has something for everyone A fun way to plan trips with your friends (You’ll want to steal this!) An affordable, diverse, and mountainous country along the Old Silk Road An underestimated Asian country rich in culture, innovation, and amazing food (It’s his favorite big city in the world!) A small but incredible Pacific island kingdom for an alternative to Fiji His bonus destination for an affordable Maldives experience Gunnar’s new book and his thoughts on climate change And so much more Resources: Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Visit Gunnar’s website Follow him on Instagram and TikTok Listen to his podcast Want More? Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying (In a Single Journey) With Thor Pedersen Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is night train travel making a comeback? Trains have long been seen as a romantic or nostalgic way to explore a destination, but what if it could also be the most practical, comfortable, and climate-friendly way? Thibault Constant is a French train enthusiast turned entrepreneur who built a following of 300k on his YouTube channel, Simply Railways. He’s the author of Trains de Nuit and co-founder of Nox, a new sleeper train company aiming to revolutionize overnight travel across Europe with affordable private rooms. In this episode, host Paige McClanahan speaks with Thibault about the rising demand for night trains in Europe, the design and mission behind his upcoming sleeper train company, and why privacy, practicality, and sustainability are reshaping how we move through the world. You’ll hear why a new wave of travelers are choosing overnight rail, how the travel experience shifts when you’re able to rest, reflect, and arrive ready to go, and what it takes to build a better sleeper train from the ground up. Thibault shares the key barriers that have kept night trains from breaking through in recent decades, and how his company, Nox, is working to overcome them with smart design and realistic pricing. Whether you’re curious about slow travel, concerned about flying’s climate impact, or just want to know what it’s like to wake up in Sicily after sleeping on a train ferry, this episode offers both practical insights and pure travel inspiration. If you could take one of Thibault’s recommended overnight train journeys tomorrow, which would you choose and why? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How growing up in northern France inspired Thibault’s lifelong love of trains Why he started his YouTube channel, and how it became a full-time job What led him to co-found Nox, a new sleeper train company launching in 2027 Why most night trains today fail to deliver on sleep, and how privacy changes everything The real reason night trains declined in Europe, and what brought them back How the climate crisis is pushing more travelers to rethink short-haul flights What makes overnight train travel a win–win for comfort, convenience, and carbon Thibault’s top 3 night train routes in Europe, and his favorite long-haul ride in North America And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Paige McClanahan’s website Paige on Instagram Thibault on Instagram Simply Railway YouTube Trains de Nuit Nox Sleeper Trains Want More? Sustainable Travel 101 (How to Be A Better Traveler) With Richard Hammond Train Travel Around The World w/ Mark Smith World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly⁠ - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is tourism impacting communities, and what can we do about it? Paige McClanahan joins me to talk about the dualities of the tourism industry and how we can have deeper travel experiences while benefiting the world. Paige McClanahan is the author of The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She is an American journalist based in France and a regular contributor to The New York Times, where she reports on the impacts of tourism. She is also the host of The Better Travel Podcast, which aims to make sure that our travels have a positive impact on the world. We talk about the evolution of tourism as context to how it got to where it is today, the consequences of travel on local communities (good and bad) and what we can do about it, and insights into how we can become what Paige calls a “new tourist.” She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she wrote this book and used her professional journalism skills to her advantage. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. How will you become a “new tourist?” I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: The evolution of tourism and travel and why it’s so complicated How guidebooks and social media have shaped the industry The complexities of influencers and why we are all influencers in some way How destinations can minimize the negative impact of tourism and promote responsible travel The fantasy of tourist traps and how tourism affects the quality of life for residents How she approaches serendipitous moments and genuine connections as an author The impact of AI on the future of tourism Insights on navigating digital nomadism and its effects on residents And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Paige’s website Get a copy of her book, The New Tourist Listen to The Better Travel Podcast Follow her on Instagram Check out the book Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? Take a MasterClass Transcribe with Trint Want More? Is Your Summer Vacation Destroying The Planet? w/ Seth Kugel Avoiding The Instagram Trap w/ Kashlee Conscious Travel Mindset With Robin Greenfield Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to explore volcanoes, wine valleys, remote wilderness, and vibrant indigenous cultures, all in one country? Why not make Chile your next adventure? Steph Dyson is a travel journalist, guidebook author, and founder of the website Worldly Adventurer. She has spent nearly a decade living and travelling across Latin America, including three years in Chile, and is the author of Moon Chile With Patagonia & Rapa Nui (Easter Island). In today’s episode, we explore Chile’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity through seven hidden‑gem destinations, with stories and advice for exploring them responsibly. Steph breaks down her favorite hidden corners of Chile, from wild Patagonia to volcano climbs, ancient mummies, and the vibrant island culture of Chiloé. You’ll hear tips for hitchhiking the Carretera Austral, visiting Indigenous communities with cultural respect, and building a flexible mid-range travel budget in Chile. We also talk about how to approach destinations more consciously as travelers, not just tourists. Plus, you're going to hear Part 2 of the Best in Travel Tech series! What’s the one hidden gem you’ve discovered in your travels (or want to discover) that changed how you think about a place? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How a burned-out teacher bought a one-way ticket to Bolivia and ended up building a new life across Latin America What makes the Carretera Austral a must‑visit, and why she recommends you hitchhike How Chile’s wine valleys offer cultural and culinary depth beyond the typical vineyard experience How the Mapuche people in the south of Chile maintain ancient traditions, and how travellers can engage respectfully How to choose when to travel in Patagonia to avoid crowds and still get wild‑land experiences How to climb a volcano near Pucón and what to expect (terrain, season, logistics) Why a remote island like Chiloé delivers cultural and natural surprises that few visit Advice for budget mid‑range travellers in Chile: transport, accommodation, local costs, and how to balance comfort with adventure And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Get your Being Box Stephdyson.com Worldly Adventurer Moon Chile: With Patagonia & Rapa Nui Worldpackers Workaway Pangae App Meetup Want More? Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters Peru’s Hidden Gems, Why NOT to Hike the Inca Trail + Amazing (Less Crowded) Alternatives with Heather Jasper Building a Travel Lifestyle: Digital Nomadism, Slow Travel, Exploring Latin America with Kyle Cohenour Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What tools and routines make the biggest difference for nomads? What really drives down your cost of living abroad, and what are you giving up to get there? On this month’s episode, Caitlin and Janessa swap stories on budgeting, daily tradeoffs, and what it takes to feel comfortable in constant motion. You'll hear their thoughts on shifting priorities, overlooked productivity habits, tax residency trends, and why your “normal” might not be so normal elsewhere. Remote Roundup is a new monthly series hosted by Zero To Travel’s associate producer, Caitlin Sunderland, and partnerships manager, Janessa Klatt. Explore what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world. What’s something you’ve either given up (or refused to give up) to make remote work and travel sustainable for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Janessa’s experience traveling and working on Vancouver Island A simple travel item that can seriously improve your remote work (that we often ignore), and how small comforts can make or break your productivity What to consider before making borderless tax or residency moves The hidden tradeoffs behind minimalist living on the road Why your priorities might shift the longer you live as a nomad What remote workers are getting wrong about cost-of-living savings abroad The unexpected mindset shift that happens when you stop “vacationing” and start living Which everyday habits feel surprisingly hard (or freeing) to give up Cultural quirks that can challenge what you thought was “normal” One playful question that reveals way more about someone than you’d expect (steal this!) And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Want More? Remote Roundup: Intentional Travel, Nomadding Berlin, Work Setups, Co-Living Trends, Overhyped Destinations (September 2025) How To Find Balance and Be Productive Working Remotely w/ Liam Martin from Running Remote Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote Thanks To Our Sponsors Moon Travel Guides: USA National Parks Hiking - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order of Moon’s latest book and other guides. Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would your travels look like if you planned them around the most epic, life-shaping active adventures you could dream up? Heidi Niklaus is the founder of Heidi Runs Abroad LLC, where she helps travelers, expats, and digital nomads maintain their wellness routines on the road. With a background in higher education at Rutgers University, she pivoted into fitness instruction, became a long‑term traveler, and is now planning her move to Sofia, Bulgaria. In this episode, Heidi shares how a divorce, a career pause, and a couchsurfing connection sparked a global lifestyle. She also shares her active travel and fitness adventure bucket list, ranging from volcano sunrises and glacier kayaking to a marathon under the midnight sun. You’ll hear how Heidi traded structure for uncertainty and why she now helps travelers maintain their wellness routines on the road. She shares practical insights on how to blend movement with exploration, and why fitness doesn’t have to take a back seat just because you're abroad. Heidi’s bucket list and personal stories will challenge how you think about travel and inspire you to create your own list of active travel adventures. What’s one adventure you’ve always thought about doing, big or small, that would get you moving and exploring? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How couchsurfing and solo travel unlocked a new chapter for her Why fitness wasn’t always part of Heidi’s life, and how she made that shift Advice on staying active and finding the balance while traveling (even on “vacation”) • The difference between intentional exercise and being physically active while traveling Why labeling your trip a “runcation” or “active adventure” actually matters The seven fitness adventures on her bucket list (plus three bonus picks) How movement during travel doesn’t need to be a “workout” Nutrition tips to balance indulgence and wellness abroad How to start your own bucket list to help you prioritize your travels And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Being Box Heidi’s website Instagram VoiceMap walking tours Peaks of the Balkans Want More? Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling With Kirsten Pontius Greatest Hits: How Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health With Gilad Gamliel Thanks To Our Sponsors Moon Travel Guides: USA National Parks Hiking - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order of Moon’s latest book and other guides. Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of? Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, covers 100 hikes across 40 U.S. national parks. Jason takes us through some of the best hikes in America’s national parks, broken down into three helpful categories: the iconic must‑do trails where the views are legendary but the crowds may be heavy, the lesser‑known trails inside the big parks where you can find solitude without sacrificing scenery, and the true hidden gems tucked away in lesser‑visited parks waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to get outside and explore nature, Jason shares practical tips on how to avoid crowds, pick a hike that fits your comfort level, and get the most out of your park visit. Plus, we have part one of our bonus three-part mini series, Best in Travel Tech! What’s the best hike you’ve ever done in a national park, and what made it memorable for you? I'd love to hear what about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why hiking down into a surreal red-rock landscape full of spires and silence can feel like a private wilderness escape Why the right timing in one of the most visited parks in the country can make all the difference Why the annual U.S. National Parks pass is still one of the best travel deals in America How to identify lesser­crowded trails in major parks, and what to do when you arrive and the parking lot is full. Safety tips for extreme terrain, wild weather, and remote locations that catch many hikers off guard Why “just try” might be the most important mindset to take into the backcountry A short trail that leads to an unforgettable view, yet barely anyone talks about Why national parks aren’t just about nature—they’re also about culture, history and the stories of people and place beneath the landscapes. Which resources Jason uses to scout, prep, and get the most out of every national park trip And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Moon US National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails Jason on Instagram National Park Service Recreation.gov AllTrails Google Explore Want More? Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Moon Travel Guides: USA National Parks Hiking - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order of Moon’s latest book and other guides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would life feel like if you could reliably tap into your intuition, even when your logic is pulling in another direction? Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic author, speaker, and creative leader known for popularizing the concept of InnSæi, the Icelandic approach to intuition. She spent years working in international development (including the UN) before shifting into coaching, writing, and teaching how to access inner wisdom. Her book InnSæi: Heal, Revive, and Reset with the Icelandic Art of Intuition draws on psychology, neuroscience, poetry, and cultural insight. In our conversation, Hrund talks about what intuition is and isn’t, and how her InnSæi framework can help us reconnect with it. We explore how intuition is both real and learnable, and how it can work alongside logic to guide big life choices, including where and how you want to travel. You’ll get practical tools to calm your nervous system, tell the difference between fear and true inner signals, and create space in your day-to-day life to actually hear and trust your intuition. What decision or longing is tugging at you these days, and how can you use your intuition to help guide you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How InnSæi maps to “the sea within,” insight, and seeing from the inside out Hrund’s definition of intuition as the efficient use of unconscious information When intuition is most reliable and when emotional states might cloud it Two powerful journaling practices to sharpen self-awareness and help decode your inner signals A simple breathing technique to calm your system before a decision How to show up grounded in meetings, creative tasks, and travel decisions How intuition and creativity are intertwined, and how to create structure to channel them Why self‑trust and confidence in your own judgment matter more than any external validation And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Hrund’s website and book InnSæi course Want More? Using Intuition to Make Tough Decisions, Learning to Surrender, Discovering Purpose, and Living Your Best Life with Amrit Sandhu from Inspired Evolution How to Flourish in 2025: 5 Pillars of Well-Being with Pat Sperry How to Navigate Transitions and Design Your Life (Without the BS) with Lauren Handel Zander Thanks To Our Sponsors CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail ethically? Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru. In this episode, we dig into why Heather believes it’s nearly impossible to hike the Inca Trail ethically, and she offers lesser-known, more respectful alternatives and hidden gems across Peru. This episode may help you become a better traveler and make more informed decisions. Heather explains why the system behind the Inca Trail, from permit quotas to porter treatment, is deeply flawed. You’ll hear exactly what red flags to look for when choosing a trekking company in Peru and what questions to ask before booking. We also explore alternative routes that offer just as much beauty with less harm, plus other parts of Peru that travelers often skip entirely. What’s one assumption you hold about a destination you’re planning, and how might you challenge it? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Heather built a career in travel writing while living in Peru (and her thoughts on AI!) Why she says the Inca Trail is almost impossible to hike ethically What happened during the pandemic that sharpened her view on porter welfare How to spot an “unethical” trekking company just by their marketing or photos The surprising reason why smaller trekking agencies tend to be more ethical Specific treks in Peru that bypass the worst of mass tourism Hidden destinations in Peru beyond Machu Picchu - art, desert, rainforest, and religious tourism And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Heather’s website An Ethical Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail Horizon Guides Alternatives to the Inca Trail Instagram Want More? How to Plan a Hike on the Inca Trail, Winning $500,000 on a Game Show, Learning from the Past with Philip Gibbons Nomadic Matt on “How to Travel the World on $75 a Day,” Budget Travel, and Finding Your Balance While Traveling DIY Adventure: Around the World in a $100 Car, the Pan-American Highway in a School Bus, Community-Powered Travel with Global Convoy Founder Joel Chevaillier Thanks To Our Sponsors CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. Atlas Obscura Podcast: Experience an audio guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have the skills to survive on a deserted island? Tom Williams is the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that maroons people on desert islands, and the winner of the TV survival show Alone UK 2023. In this episode, Tom traces his path from wealth management to remote survival guiding, explains how he designs his desert island expeditions, and shares the deep transformations that he's witnessed in his participants. Tom shares how he went from being at the bottom of his class and experiencing childhood bullying in England to walking to the North Pole, becoming a dive master, and launching a wilderness survival business. He breaks down how Desert Island Survival trips work, why they’re structured the way they are, and what makes the format accessible even to beginners. You’ll hear real stories of guests who made dramatic life changes afterward - quitting jobs, leaving relationships, transforming their health - not because they were promised transformation, but because of what happens when you slow down and reconnect with your primal self. Tom also shares business lessons from starting small, building around passion, and growing with intention. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What travel experiences have changed your life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why a trip to Honduras at 20 shifted Tom’s identity and changed the course of his life How walking to the North Pole helped him build the resilience to start a business What inspired him to leave a finance job and build Desert Island Survival from scratch What actually happens on the island and why it’s designed to feel like raw adventure, not hardship The “non-negotiables” that make each trip feel special, accessible, and transformative What it means to go back to “layer zero” of technology and why that’s so powerful How Tom finds untouched islands in a mapped world, and what makes the perfect location What he’s learned from growing slowly, staying picky, and building around passion Why following your dream isn’t always about success And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Tom's website Tom on Instagram Desert Island Survival Tom’s book recommendations: Humankind, Sapiens, At Home, 438 Days Want More? 3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis Finding Your Island Paradise: An Interview With Alex Sheshunoff How To Hike The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) Thanks To Our Sponsors: Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the French Riviera you’ve seen in photos is only half the story? Cédric Pages is the founder of WhatToDoRiviera.com, a local tour entrepreneur driving discovery across the Côte d’Azur by partnering with small operators and curating authentic experiences. In this episode, we dive into seven hidden gems of the French Riviera that most visitors miss, plus Cédric’s journey from IT to tour guide and how he’s building a travel business that’s rooted in human connection. Cédric shares seven of his favorite French Riviera hidden gems, including secret coastal walks, ancient monasteries, and even a solar-powered sailing experience. You’ll hear what makes the region so unique, how to explore it without breaking the bank, and why most visitors miss its most memorable spots. Which of these hidden gems are you most excited to explore, or which region have you discovered that surprised you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Cedric turned a single walking tour into a platform supporting local guides and curated experiences across the Riviera A coastal walk that offers dramatic sea views, rare flora, and villa-lined cliffs An under-visited nearby island that still houses monks and produces local wine and olive oil The story of a tiny, family-run vineyard still using centuries-old winemaking methods Why a scenic train ride turns a Riviera base into an unexpected mountain gateway What it’s like to glide silently along the coast on a solar-powered boat How one inland river canyon makes for an epic full-day adventure Which town Cédric recommends as your base, and when it actually makes sense to move The biggest assumption people make about French hospitality and how to break through Advice for building a travel business that connects you with people, not just tours And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Cédric’s list of French Riviera hidden gems What To Do Riviera Instagram Want More? How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey 5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Thanks To Our Sponsors Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every choice as a digital nomad, from where you live, to how you work, to the people you surround yourself with, was made with more intention? Remote Roundup is a new monthly series hosted by Zero To Travel’s associate producer, Caitlin Sunderland, and partnerships manager, Janessa Klatt. Explore what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world. In this episode, we talk about how adding intentionality to your travels can completely reshape your experience as a digital nomad, and how the right tools, communities, and mindsets can turn a place from “just okay” to somewhere you thrive. We reflect on how our experiences of a popular European city have shifted over time, share the realities of finding remote work setups that actually support this lifestyle, and unpack the growing trend of pop-up co-livings. You’ll get our honest take on destinations that look perfect on Instagram but don’t always hold up in real life, and how to think differently about where (and why) you go next. What’s one experience, community, or personal goal that could guide your next destination? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Berlin won Caitlin over on her second visit, and what makes it a compelling nomad base The gear and simple upgrades that can make remote work more comfortable and sustainable on the road Why pop-up and self-organized co-livings are on the rise and how they’re creating more organic, affordable, and aligned ways to live and work together How choosing a purpose or focus for your travels can lead to deeper connections, routines, and a more memorable time Which popular destinations are overhyped, and how expectations shape our experience A fun round of Would You Rather” that can help you reflect on your own travel values and priorities And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Instagram vs Real Life article Want More? Remote Roundup: Future Hotspots, Productivity Experiments, Digital Nomadding 2.0 (August 2025) Digital Detox: Downsizing Your Digital Life to Create Freedom + Reboot Your Lifestyle Business with Corbett Barr Co-living 101: How to Build Community While Traveling + the Future of Remote Work with Fabio and Juls Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would happen if you left home with no destination, no goal or deadline, and simply just went until you couldn’t go any further? Jacob Lemanski is an engineer-turned-world traveler who bicycled 38,000 miles over 999 days, crossing six continents and circling the earth twice. After returning home, he turned his travel journal into a video podcast, How To Move The Stars. He also founded an art and clothing company inspired by the experience and now runs a bike touring business in Colorado. Jacob shares what it was like to travel without a finish line and how it reshaped his entire approach to life and adventure. He reveals how three years of solo, open-ended travel deepened his understanding of presence, identity, and emotional endurance. You’ll hear what it took to stay on the road for 999 days, the personal cost and reward of extreme solitude, and how returning home led him to reshape his life through creativity, entrepreneurship, and reflection. This episode challenges conventional ideas of success and shows what’s possible when the journey itself becomes the destination. What’s one journey you’ve been holding back from because you felt you needed a clear goal or endpoint? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: What inspired Jacob to leave home without a destination and why he expected to quit much earlier What it’s like to live without a schedule for three years and how that changes your sense of time What the trip taught him about limits, identity, and emotional endurance The emotional impact of returning home after years of open-ended movement How Jacob turned thousands of journal pages into a long-term podcast art project Why he built a giant ant farm, and how psychedelics helped him process the trip His best advice for aspiring long-distance cyclists and building a trip around your personal limits And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Jacob’s podcast, How To Move The Stars Ant Life psychedelic art and clothing Mountain High Bicycle Tours Want More? Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack 7 Bike Rides of a Lifetime With National Geographic’s Roff Smith Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to plan an unforgettable African safari? How can one trip lead to building a life and business around travel? Scott Brills is a long-time digital nomad, international entrepreneur, and co-founder of Pamoja Safaris, a locally run company offering custom wildlife safaris in Tanzania. Over the past 20 years, he’s lived at the intersection of travel, business, and service — running trips, participating in charities, and creating a location-independent lifestyle before “digital nomad” was a common phrase. This episode is both a guide to planning a world-class African safari and a behind-the-scenes look at how Scott built a thriving travel-based business from scratch. Whether you're dreaming of lions in the Serengeti or wondering how to design your own unconventional lifestyle, this conversation delivers both practical insights and personal inspiration. If a safari is on your bucket list, you’ll learn how to plan smart: when to go, where to go, what it should cost, and what red flags to avoid. And if you’ve ever dreamed of building your life around travel, Scott’s story is proof that it’s possible, even without outside funding, marketing spend, or a fixed address. What would building your life around travel look like, and what’s one step you could take today? What element of a Safari is the most important to you? I'd love to hear what you think and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: What makes Tanzania a world-class safari destination How Scott co-founded a safari business through a single serendipitous encounter Key factors that affect safari pricing and how to keep costs down without sacrificing quality When and where to go for the best wildlife, weather, and experience Why guide quality is the single most important factor in a great safari What to look for in ethical safari operators (and how to avoid greenwashing) How Scott ran his business for over a decade on referrals alone The origin of his travel obsession and how it shaped everything What “building a life around travel” actually looks like, practically and emotionally Advice for travelers considering a leap into remote work or entrepreneurship And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn about Pamoja Safaris Scott’s website Pamoja on Instagram Scott on Instagram Want More? 9 Ways Travel Will Change You + Lessons from Cycling Africa and Visiting 95 Countries with Alex Hennock Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa 5 Surprising Experiences in Africa, How to Transition to a New Career After Travel, and Exploring the African Diaspora With Jay Cameron Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could you turn a product idea into passive income, without starting a business or having to do it all yourself? Courtney Laschkewitsch is a serial inventor who, with no prior experience, licensed six products after facing 51 rejections. Now, Courtney helps everyday inventors bring their ideas to life and earn passive income through the free resources on her website, Serial Inventing, and the company she works for, inventRight. Courtney lays out the inventRight 10-step product licensing business model and shows how she went from zero experience to multiple licensable products. We dig into what realistic timelines, costs, and mindsets look like when you want to bring your product idea to market by licensing instead of manufacturing. Courtney explains how licensing can let someone else build your idea while you collect royalties from anywhere in the world. You’ll learn not just the mechanical steps, but why so much of your success depends on persistence, handling rejection, and building skills many people overlook. She’s honest about the financial realities - what small checks look like, what good deals look like - and what terms in contracts you should always negotiate. If you want a clear, actionable path toward turning ideas into income without a massive risk, this episode gives you that roadmap. Do you have a product idea that could help you earn passive income while you travel? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share them sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why product licensing can let you earn passive income location‑independently without owning inventory or manufacturing The first three foundational steps: doing market research, checking for prior art/patents, and defining what makes your idea unique How to build prototypes or virtual models to show your concept How to write a one‑line benefit statement and develop an effective sell‑sheet Common myths around patenting and protection: what it does, the costs, limitations, and when it’s essential How to build a hit list of companies, reach out sensitively to avoid unsolicited idea policies, and follow up well Key negotiation levers beyond royalty rates: territory, exclusivity, distribution, wholesale vs net sales How to decide when an idea is worth continuing vs when to shelve it, and how to improve your process as you iterate And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Courtney’s website The Serial Inventing Podcast Want More? How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns 10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky How To Run A Profitable Local Business From Anywhere In The World w/ Neel Parekh Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever had the urge to explore the world beyond the boundaries of society? Greg Abandoned shares his passion for urban exploration, including stories of some of his most challenging journeys, most cherished experiences, and all about the URBEX movement. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to visit lost parts of society and want to know more about finding beauty in decay, then you don't want to miss this episode. We discuss how Greg discovered a new perspective on life through urban exploration, what inspired him to adopt this lifestyle, the unwritten rules of URBEX, and how to begin your own journey. Have you ever participated in urban exploration? I'd love to hear about your experience and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: What happened when Greg was arrested by the Chinese secret police How to follow proper etiquette when doing urban exploration When and why Greg fell in love with urban exploration The video game that inspired Greg to visit Chernobyl and start his journey How to start out on your own urban exploration adventure Why it's important to find a balance between sharing locations and keeping undiscovered places off the map What makes photography an important part of the process for Greg The most challenging urban exploration experiences Greg has ever encountered Why Greg feels that URBEX has given him a new life purpose The hidden meaning behind Chasing Bandos And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out Greg’s Website Listen to the Chasing Bandos Podcast Instagram Want More? How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Getting Off The Beaten Path with Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings Hidden Paths and Sacred Rides with Mike Brcic Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best time to start your business or creative pursuit was before you felt fully ready? And what if you didn’t need to follow all of the current “best practices” to market yourself? Nat Eliason is an entrepreneur and author based in Austin, Texas. Over the past decade, he’s built a career that gives him location freedom through writing, course creation, and now fiction. His debut sci-fi novel Husk: Book 1 of the Meru Initiative, was released in May 2025. In this episode, Nat returns to share his experience transitioning from nonfiction writer to sci‑fi novelist, revealing the counterintuitive strategies he used to launch Husk and build momentum in the noisy creator economy. Whether you're building a location-independent business or launching a creative project from anywhere in the world, Nat shares how to take control of your output, challenge “start later” thinking, and embrace the long game. He also opens up about what it takes to be patient in a fast-moving digital world, how he used an experimental marketing mindset to sell his products and books, and the often unseen emotional work of building something sustainably. What’s one creative project you want to launch? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Nate’s journey as an entrepreneur and author, and how he constructed the fictional world of Husk Insight into balancing the joy of the journey with your bigger goals Why starting creative work before feeling "ready" may be your strongest move How to think like a business even while focusing on fiction or creative work Why Nat says newsletters and funnels are out and where you should focus instead The creative way that Nat sold his preorders instead of launching through Amazon Advice for staying motivated before your work gains traction How the "prep trap" holds creators and entrepreneurs back, and how Nat learned to bypass it Nat’s favorite fiction book recommendations And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Nat’s website Get the book, Husk Instagram Want More? Lessons From Winning and Losing Millions in Crypto, How To Find Fulfilling Work, Advice for Transitioning to a Creative Career, and Creating Unlimited Upside With Nat Eliason How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns An Interview With John Craigie: Notes From The Road Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I’ve got a special episode from The Elements of AlUla, a travel docuseries produced by Armchair Productions. The company was founded by Aaron Millar, who you may know as the host of The Armchair Explorer podcast. In this series, Aaron is going to take you on a journey into the heart of one of the most ancient kingdoms on Earth. Located in the northwestern corner of Saudi Arabia, Alula is an oasis in the desert, layered in 200,000 years of human history. Until recently, it was closed to outsiders, and to this day, only a handful of visitors have ever been. In this immersive documentary recorded on location, we’ll take you to the heart of one of the great wonders of Arabia and give you a glimpse of what it feels like to be there for real. Highlights Include: Exploring the ancient city of Hegra. Built by the same people who built Petra in Jordan, Hegra is every bit as spectacular, but only visited by a handful of intrepid travelers. Visiting Jebel Ikmah, a library of ancient inscriptions carved into stone that reveal life in the desert more than 2,000 years ago. Riding Arabian horses to petroglyphs in the desert (and nearly falling off). Meeting a herd of overly friendly camels, with a taste for microphones. Learning from rawis, local storytellers, about the history of the incense road, a vast trading route that passed through Alula and changed the face of Arabia forever. Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Listen on Apple, Spotify ExperienceAlula.com Instagram, Facebook, X Armchair Productions Armchair Explorer Podcast Want More? Top 3 Life Lessons from the World’s Greatest Adventurers with Aaron Millar (Host of the Armchair Explorer Podcast) Travel To Utah: Fireside Dances, Ancient Ruins, and the Beauty of Hózhó (Balance) Exploring San Francisco by Cable Car Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when someone gives up security to build a tropical dream on a tiny island, with no job, no plan, and only one light bulb for power? Martin Vrana is the founder of Lost Paradise, a boutique resort he spent nearly 15 years building from scratch on a small island off Bali’s coast. Born and raised in Scandinavia, Martin left a safe life behind to follow an adventurous dream, one that taught him resilience, determination, and the art of creating a life on his own terms. In this episode, Martin tells the story of how he turned a blank plot of land into Lost Paradise resort, through three jobs, relentless determination, and years of overcoming logistical, emotional, and cultural challenges. Martin shares the raw truth behind building Lost Paradise from the ground up: the emotional cost, the logistical nightmares, and the relentless mindset that carried him through. You’ll hear how he navigated burnout, sacrificed relationships, and lived off-grid with no electricity, all while staying anchored to his vision. This story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about what’s possible when you refuse to quit. What wild dream or goal of your are you ready to make happen? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why he kept the journey secret (even from his own mother) How sourcing reclaimed wood across Indonesia became an epic logistical feat What it felt like to work 450 hours a month to fund a project you’re not sure will succeed How natural disasters and COVID unexpectedly pushed the project forward The emotional toll of isolation, stress, and living off-grid in a half-built bungalow How Martin became part of the community, learning language and culture on the ground Why he calls himself a modern-day adventurer, not a social media entrepreneur What building Lost Paradise taught him about success, freedom, and fulfillment How he’s recovering from the journey and what he’s dreaming up next And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Lost Paradise Resort Martin on Instagram Watch the YouTube documentary Want More? 100 Documentaries Project: Traveling the Globe to Find Extraordinary Humans + Changing the World One Story at a Time with Robin Danehav How To Go Sailing Around The World with Brian Trautman Bicycling Across the USA Without Money in Search of Human Connection With Daniel Troia Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does thriving as a long‑term digital nomad look like in 2025? Welcome to our debut episode of Remote Roundup - a new monthly series exploring what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world. Caitlin Sunderland is the associate producer, and Janessa is the partnerships manager of the Zero To Travel podcast. Both are digital nomads who’ve embraced the ups and downs of remote work life from all over the world. Caitlin and Janessa open up about navigating burnout, experimenting with work routines, their thoughts on where nomads will be heading next, and what it means to be a “digital nomad 2.0.” You'll hear real stories and reflections on money, mindset, productivity, identity, and the emotional shifts that come with long-term travel. What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why one underrated city could be your ideal remote base outside of the Schengen Zone How 4‑hour work containers and energy management can boost focus Advice for experimenting with your routines (without the guilt) Our predictions for the next digital nomad hubs What it means to build a sense of stability and home on the move A wild café policy that had us doing a double-take What rapid‑fire questions reveal behind the scenes of Zero to Travel And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Rogue Roundup article Cal Newport Deep Work Want More? Two Paths to Location Independence and Travel (No Skills Required) With Caitlin Sunderland and Janessa Klatt Building a Travel Lifestyle: Digital Nomadism, Slow Travel, Exploring Latin America with Kyle Cohenour The Reality of Digital Nomad Life (Warts and All) With Steph and Dalt Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can happen when a filmmaker decides to spotlight invisible geniuses and hidden stories that change how we see the world? Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker known for embarking on a bold quest to create 100 short films revealing the everyday impact-makers whose stories remain untold. Based in Stockholm and often traveling worldwide, Robin explores humanity, creativity, and empathy through compelling, intimate films. In this episode, Robin shares how the “100 Documentary Project” began, what fuels the journey, and why storytelling rooted in purpose can reshape our lives. Robin shares how a one-year TV course and leap from IT sparked his filmmaking path and why his “100 Documentary Project” became both a purpose and a personal challenge. You’ll hear what it means to reframe your side hustle as your main work, and how traveling to places like Uganda and Bali shaped his storytelling. Robin opens up about the emotional depth he seeks in his subjects, why integrity matters more than clicks, and the biggest creative lesson travel continues to teach him. Whether you’re a storyteller, creator, or traveler, you’ll walk away with new insight into the value of empathy and everyday impact. What hidden stories in your life or community deserve to be shared? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why a dinner with a pasta maker in Lisbon led Robin to start his filmmaking quest How counting down from 100 shaped the structure and mindset of the project Advice for identifying emotional moments even when subjects are camera‑shy Why reframing the side hustle as your main purpose can change everything How storytelling connects emotion and deeper impact How travel constraints sparked creative solutions on location How collaborating with a mission‑driven coffee company enabled an unforgettable shoot in Uganda Tips for filming long‑form with limited gear and adapting when tech breaks Insight into the editing grind, the “80/20 rule,” and the tweaks that take the longest And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Robin’s website YouTube Instagram Want More: Making IMAX Films Around the World, Mindful Travel, and Working with Jane Goodall with Mike Day Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz Immersion Travel: Becoming a Porter in Nepal with Nate Menninger Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel limited by society’s expectations and stereotypes surrounding travel? When Beth Santos started a travel blog, her goal was to challenge norms by exploring the diverse and shared experiences of women traveling the world. It has since morphed into Wanderful, an international community and social network with over 40,000 active members composed of women and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds. Aside from this booming online community, Beth has also created WITS Travel Creator + Brand Summit, the Bessie Awards, and the first-ever outdoor women’s festival. This episode is all about rethinking what it means to travel and how the narratives we tell (and believe) can exclude so many people. Beth and I get into how she reconnected with her Portuguese heritage and how that led to a life of travel and leadership. She shares her story of moving to São Tomé and Príncipe in her early 20s, the emotions around not speaking the language of her own family, and how she eventually turned those early experiences into a powerful global community. We talk a lot about what it means to lead with vulnerability, how to build safe and inclusive spaces, and why the dominant solo female travel narrative is way too narrow. Beth also opens up about entrepreneurship, failure, and parenting as a founder. What are some ways you can create a safe space for others? I'd love to hear some of your ideas and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why "travel" isn’t about miles traveled, but the challenge to your assumptions How Beth’s heritage and a two-year stint in São Tomé shaped her journey Advice on using vulnerability to build authentic, enduring communities How solo female travel is often framed as either romantic or frightening—and why that’s incomplete Why women dominate travel decisions and how that shapes industry narratives How Wanderful links women around the globe with real, local advice How to hold space as a leader—even if "failure" occurs Why the life of a traveling entrepreneur and motherhood aren’t mutually exclusive The story behind Wanderfest—the first outdoor travel festival by and for women Why breaking the rules empowers people to be themselves Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out the Wanderful community Learn more about Beth Santos Connect with Beth on LinkedIn Want More? Inspiring Female Adventurers Series: Around America And Beyond with Renata Chlumska How Words Can Shape Your Life w/ Stephanie James Choosing The Travel Life w/ Rachel Hill Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to unlocking a better life and travel experience lies not in more, but in smarter choices? Chris Hutchins is the host of the “All the Hacks” podcast, where he distills practical strategies across life, money, and travel. An optimizer by nature, Chris has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life to maximize happiness at the lowest cost. Chris joins me to share the top hacks from his podcast - life-changing mindset shifts that shape how we experience travel, time, and value. You’ll hear how he uses travel as a lens for smarter life decisions, from taking second trips to embracing intentional spending. We talk about the emotional side of optimization, how to avoid over-optimizing, and why some of the best “hacks” are actually mindset shifts. If you've ever questioned whether squeezing in that extra flight or saving those extra points was worth it, this conversation might change how you travel and live. What’s one tiny hack you’ve adopted that’s unexpectedly amplified your joy or efficiency? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why returning to the same destination can unlock a more meaningful travel experience How buying back your time (groceries, errands) can pay more than saving money When it's smarter to spend money instead of optimizing every detail, especially in different seasons of life Surprising things you didn’t know you could negotiate and how a simple ask can save thousands Why buying airline or hotel points during promotions can open up luxury travel for a fraction of the cost How to spot deals that aren’t just discounts, but potential income streams with a little creativity The mindset shift from deal-hunting for its own sake to building long-term value in how you spend and live A simple way to search for unclaimed money that might literally have your name on it Chris’ favorite tools and tech to save time, money, and mental energy with almost no effort Why the best hacks are the ones aligned with your time, energy, and priorities - not just your wallet Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Listen to All the Hacks podcast Coyote game Die with Zero by Bill Perkins The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Want More: How to Win at Travel with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn 10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary? Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag. In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through Norway. We talk about the lessons we learned along the way, sharing insights that can be applied to anyone planning a more relaxed, rewarding road trip, whether in Norway or somewhere else. If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling Norway without spending a fortune, this conversation offers a real-world example of how to make it work. You’ll hear about the small, in-the-moment choices that shaped each day, the unplanned stops that became highlights, and how following the weather brought a sense of ease and adventure to the whole trip. We’ll also talk about the joy of connecting with friends along the way, the simple comfort of cabin stays, and why embracing flexibility over a fixed plan deepened our connection to every place we visited. What’s a spontaneous road trip or travel adventure you took that surprised you by how well it flowed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why letting go of a rigid schedule created our best family memories How weather reports guided our route more than any app ever could The exact approach I used to politely get a hotel refund How overpacking led to lessons for smarter packing next time Why cabins felt more authentic than hotels The power of paper maps and local advice What it’s like to wild-camp at 900 m with kids How visiting friends became our travel anchor How an unplanned ferry ride led to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches What it felt like swimming with our kids in Norwegian fjords and lakes And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Stiklestad Viking Experience Want More? America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter 2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the best hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, and how can you experience this Baltic city like a local? Lelde Benke-Lungevica is a Latvian writer and cultural storyteller who was born in Australia and moved back to Riga in her teens. Since 2013, she’s run the blog Life in Riga, offering a personal and authentic look at life in Latvia’s capital through stories, guides, and reflections on identity and homecoming. This episode explores what makes Riga unique and how to see the city (and beyond) through local eyes. You’ll hear Lelde’s top tips for exploring Riga off the beaten path, how Latvia’s seasonal rhythms shape daily life, and the local wellness ritual that might just change how you travel. She shares everything from the best markets and bakeries to an unusual national pastry and a coastal trail that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. If you're looking to travel deeper and more intentionally, these hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, will give you a new way in. What’s one lesser-known destination where you’ve felt a deep connection to the local culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Lelde moved back to Riga after years abroad, and how it shaped her sense of home What to do beyond Riga’s Old Town (and why it matters) How Riga’s past and present shape its identity today Advice for souvenir shopping that supports local makers How to explore Riga’s lesser-known beaches and hiking routes Why bakeries became a lifeline during Latvia’s economic crisis How Latvian cider culture is quietly booming Where to experience Latvia’s contemporary art scene without a national museum What “pirts” means, and why this wellness ritual might surprise you How to escape Riga and explore the rest of Latvia with just a few days Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Life in Riga website Live Riga tourism website Visit Riga Facebook Group Latvia Expats Facebook Group Zuzeum Art Centre Kim? Contemporary Art Centre Riga Neighborhoods Project Baltic Coastal Hiking Route Agenskalns Market Sidrerija Want More: World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing it later in life? Philip Gibbons is a 68-year-old traveler, podcaster, and former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire winner who just got back from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the time of this recording. In this episode, Philip walks us through the whole experience, from the planning process and permit system to the physical demands, group dynamics, costs, and what he'd do differently next time. Philip shares what worked, what surprised him, and all the practical stuff that online forums and tour companies tend to gloss over. Whether you're just starting to dream about Machu Picchu or deep into planning mode, this episode will help you feel more prepared (and more excited) to go. Have you hiked the Inca Trail or visited Machu Picchu? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message Tune In To Learn: Why Philip chose the 5-day, 4-night route over the standard 4-day trek How to avoid a miserable early-morning line at Machu Picchu The best time of year to hike for safety, views, and weather Why the altitude and terrain are more intense than most expect How to choose a trekking company and avoid overpriced “luxury” options What Philip spent and where he splurged (and saved) Tips for avoiding food poisoning and staying healthy on the Inca Trail How a $30 private tent upgrade changed everything Why trekking poles are essential gear, even for the young and fit How winning $500,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire changed Philip’s life And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Philip’s website and podcast Philip on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Hiram Bingham Trail - PeruRail Info Inca Trail Permits Info - Peru Tourism Want More? A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro Trekking from France to Austria (Using Hand-Drawn Maps from Locals) + Advocating for Torture Prevention Around the World with Ben Buckland Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What changes when you give your travels a singular mission? Conor Knighton is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the bestselling author of Leave Only Footprints. After a personal breakup and some professional uncertainty, Conor pitched an idea that turned into a once-in-a-lifetime journey to all 59 national parks - a mission that transformed his life. In this episode, Conor shares how the trip came to be, the people and parks that changed him, and why structure and singularity can create deeper travel experiences. He also offers practical advice for making the most of your national park visits, especially when you want to avoid the crowds. If you’ve ever wanted to build a long-term travel journey around a specific goal, Conor’s story shows how powerful that can be. He opens up about the personal challenges that led to the trip, how he pitched it to CBS, and what it was really like to live on the road for a year. Along the way, he shares travel-tested tips for navigating national parks, connecting with strangers, and building a meaningful solo travel experience. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What’s the most powerful travel experience you’ve had in nature? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Conor transitioned from acting to TV journalism What sparked his idea to visit every U.S. national park in one year Why structure and a mission can elevate your travels How he funded and planned the yearlong journey Advice for navigating national parks without the crowds What to do on “lazy” travel days and why they’re important The best gear and apps for park-based road trips How to balance travel and content creation Stories of the inspiring people he met along the way Reflections on uncertainty, risk, and reinvention And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter ConorKnighton.com Instagram Want More? RV´ing Across America: A Quest To Visit All 50 States w/ Alyssa Padgett Reading a Book from Every Country in the World: A Year-Long Quest of Understanding with Ann Morgan How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to get beyond the clichés in Paris? Paige McClanahan is a journalist and author of The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She’s spent years reporting for The New York Times and has lived in France for seven years. Her work explores tourism’s power to shape communities and how we can all travel more consciously. In this episode, Paige shares five unexpected and meaningful things to do in Paris that you’re not likely to find in a guidebook. We also talk about three offbeat places in France that are worth exploring if you want to go beyond the usual stops. You’ll learn how small things like saying “bonjour” can shift your whole experience, and how curiosity can lead you into everything from revolutionary history to North African hammams to street art scavenger hunts. Paige brings that perfect mix of local insight and traveler perspective that makes these suggestions feel not just interesting, but personal and lived-in. What are the most unexpected places you’ve discovered while traveling, and what made them stand out to you? I’d love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Paige’s favorite Paris park feels like a secret escape in the city How a hammam visit near the Grand Mosque can open your eyes to Arab culture in France Why “bonjour” and “au revoir” might be the most important words you say in Paris How to explore the French Revolution using a free app on your phone Advice to uncover Black history in Paris through immersive tours Tips for engaging with France’s diversity and colonial history through travel How to join a real-life street art scavenger hunt across Paris Where to go in the French Alps besides Chamonix What makes La Rochelle an underrated coastal gem Why Lille is a culture-rich city most tourists skip And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Paige McClanahan on Instagram Paige’s website and The New Tourist book Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Rosa Bonheur Bar Grande Mosquée de Paris Parcours Révolution App Black Paris Tours (Ricky Stevenson) Le Paris Noir Tour (Kevi Donat) Flash Invaders street art app Want More? How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan 3 Travel Trends You Should Know w/ Paige McClanahan How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card – Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides – Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered doing a digital detox, but were unsure where to start or how it would impact your life or business? Corbett Barr is an OG in the lifestyle business world, being a seasoned entrepreneur, creator, and technologist. After stepping away from the startup grind in search of a more balanced life, Corbett did a complete digital reset. He wiped away all the digital noise, keeping just one social media platform, which helped him refocus and recommit to ONLY the things that genuinely brought him joy. In this episode, we explore the concept of a “digital reboot,” how our online lives impact our real-world experience, and what it looks like to live more intentionally in the digital age, especially if you're building a business. Corbett opens up about the stress of entrepreneurship, the emotional weight of maintaining an online presence, and how minimizing his digital footprint helped him reconnect with what matters. You’ll hear real talk about creative burnout, finding balance between work and life, and how to rethink your relationship with social media and technology without burning it all down. We also talk travel, sabbaticals, pickleball, and how to design a business that fits your life, not the other way around. Did this episode inspire you to do your own version of a digital reboot? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why putting "lifestyle first" should always be the foundation of your decisions What Corbett learned from the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley startups (and why he walked away) How to communicate effectively with your partner when making major life or career changes Why managing your “runway” (aka your savings) is essential How to rethink your digital habits and start your digital reboot from a lifestyle perspective What happened when Corbett deleted all his social media, and what he learned about identity, presence, and pressure The unexpected power of visualizing a better future and recommitting to work you thought you might leave behind A simple framework you can use to make any decision with more clarity Where Corbett lands on the “pursue your passion vs. chase the opportunity” debate What makes life in Mexico so magical And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? The Location Free Lifestyle With Melody From Black Digital Nomad Saying "Yes" to Full Time Travel with Christina McEnvoy 7 Pro Tips For Finding A Perfect Work/Life/Travel Balance w/ Kelly Claus & Jeremy Enns Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is hiking a camino really like? Can you do it even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, or don’t have a big, life-changing quest in mind? Shawn and Lainey are the husband-and-wife team behind Days We Spend, where they share stories and videos about their experiences walking Caminos and slow traveling across Europe. Both are experienced travelers -Lainey is a swing dance teacher who once built a global dance tour from scratch, and Shawn is a writer and creative whose love for "not hiking" somehow led him to walk over a dozen pilgrimages. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around the kind of travel that slows you down, invites connection, and helps you hit the reset button on life. In this episode, we explore the modern pilgrimage lifestyle and why walking across Spain (or Portugal… or France…) might be the most human thing you ever do. Shawn and Lainey share an honest, down-to-earth look at what it’s actually like to walk a pilgrimage route, from navigating albergues to letting go of itineraries. You’ll hear what draws people to walk hundreds of kilometers (sometimes again and again), how to plan a Camino no matter how much time you have, and why these long walks are more about transformation through stillness than any big dramatic revelation. Whether you're craving community, solitude, or just a break from the algorithmic noise of modern life, this one will leave you thinking about what it means to just… walk. What kind of reset are you craving right now, and do you think a slower, more intentional kind of travel could help you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Lainey’s first Camino de Santiago completely changed how she viewed Spain How Lainey and Shawn went from New York hustle to full-time pilgrims Advice to anyone who thinks they’re “not a hiker” (and why Shawn still doesn’t identify as one) What makes the Camino different from other travel experiences How walking helps you reset physically, mentally, and emotionally Why the Camino doesn’t have to be life-changing to be meaningful How to plan a Camino if you only have 1 or 2 weeks off Why the Camino Primitivo might be your perfect first (or second) pilgrimage Logistics tips: booking, WhatsApp hacks, and when to ditch your plans How to avoid crowds and find less-traveled but equally beautiful routes What it’s like to walk with a partner (and even a donkey!) And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Days We Spend website YouTube Instagram Buen Camino App Wise Pilgrim App Gronze Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de Espana The Chemin du Puy (Via Podiensis, Le Puy Camino, GR65) The Way of Compostela Want More? Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman Walking Europe’s GR5, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Wise Strength With Kathy Elkind Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted? Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conversations, and culture. After leaving a prestigious corporate career in Sydney, he hit reset, taking only a backpack and a big question on the road: What is happiness? In this episode, Will and I unpack the complex relationship between travel and happiness, and what he discovered by going off-grid in some of the world’s least-visited countries. If you’ve ever felt torn between being grateful for what you have and craving something more, this conversation might hit home. Will doesn’t offer a tidy formula for happiness, but instead, he shares five powerful themes that emerged during his journey - from purpose and minimalism to gratitude and detachment. We talk about how travel can shift your perspective, why sometimes you just have to book the flight, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper meaning. Plus, we explore how moving abroad redefined my own ideas about happiness. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while traveling that changed the way you define happiness? I'd love for you to share your thoughts by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why Will walked away from a “dream” corporate job to explore the Silk Road How a photo on Instagram sparked a life-changing decision What the “anti-bucket list” is and how it might reshape your goals Advice to anyone stuck in a career rut and wondering what’s next Why pursuing “more” isn’t always a bad thing—and when it is How five schools in Afghanistan changed Will’s view of purpose Why these little-visited countries offer some of the most generous hospitality Insights from ancient philosophy (and a scary night on the Pamir Highway) The difference between enthusiasm and passion when it comes to career How practicing gratitude—especially while traveling—can shift your mental state And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Will's book The Silk Road To Happiness Follow Will on Instagram, LinkedIn Want More? The power Of Death In Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry Sweet Ass Strategies For Achieving Anything Fast w/ Heath Armstrong Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you craving an adventure that’ll connect you deeper to Scotland’s wild places, warm people, and timeless legends? Andy McAlindon, better known as Andy the Highlander, is a Scottish tour guide, author, actor, and storyteller whose passion for Scotland’s history and culture has captivated millions online. From learning to sword fight on the set of Outlander to guiding travelers through hidden villages and ancient rituals, Andy’s journey is all about bringing Scotland’s living traditions to life. In this episode, we explore Andy’s transformation from electrician to beloved Highland guide and content creator, and his best advice for experiencing Scotland beyond the tourist traps. Andy shares the raw story of how he found purpose through grief, what he learned about work and resilience from his dad, and how stepping into the Highlander role helped him fall deeper in love with his homeland. We dig into the lesser-known places to go, local festivals to plan around, cultural traditions you’ll want to bring home, and the magic of slowing down to connect with real people. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to daydream about wild glens and cozy pubs, you’ll come away with practical tips and a new perspective on what travel in Scotland can really mean. What’s one local tradition you’d love to borrow from Scottish culture and weave into your own life? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Andy swapped a career as an electrician to become Scotland’s most recognizable Highlander How a tragic loss unexpectedly led him to the stage and ultimately to the screen What it was like sword fighting for Outlander and how that shaped his tours The lesser-known places that need to be on your Scotland list How Andy balances sharing Scotland’s hidden gems while protecting them from overtourism Advice on hiking the West Highland Way without the rookie mistakes Why staying in a bothy or croft helps you experience Scotland like a local How handfasting ceremonies and sharing a ‘quake’ cup reveal the heart of Scottish connection What local foods, drinks, and live music spots make your trip unforgettable How to support local communities and keep Scotland’s spirit alive when you visit And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Highlander Tours Lochs and Legends book Andy the Highlander on Instagram TikTok YouTube Want More? Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen Lessons From Running Every Street In Glasgow, Scotland w/ Michael Shanks Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you travel to Tbilisi, Georgia? While you might come for the 8,000-year-old wine, you’ll want to stay for the wild hospitality and a city full of surprises. Levan Giorgadze is a theater-trained tour guide and founder of Tbilisi Free Walking Tours, where he shares Georgia’s rich history and culture with travelers from all over the world. A passionate ambassador for his homeland, Levan’s deep knowledge and playful storytelling have made him one of the most sought-after local guides in the region. In this episode, we’re talking all things Georgia (the country!), from ancient wine traditions to offbeat Soviet architecture, cultural quirks, and tips for connecting with locals in Tbilisi and beyond. If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia or curious about why it’s become one of the most talked-about destinations, this episode is a must. Levan shares what makes the city so special, from it’s special amber wines made in underground clay jars to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and other hidden gems in Tbilisi. You’ll learn why you should never cut a khinkali and what it’s like to lead a free walking tour in Tbilisi for nine years. You’ll get insider tips on the best local wine bars, Soviet-era architecture, and how to connect with locals on a deeper level. Whether you're after a cultural travel experience or just want the best Tbilisi travel tips, this episode will help you see the city like a local. What do you think makes a place truly unforgettable - the food, the people, the stories, or something else entirely? I'd love to hear what you think, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Georgian amber wine might be the oldest winemaking tradition in the world How Georgia's diverse microclimates shape its food, nature, and wine Advice to connect with locals (and maybe get invited to dinner) What travelers can learn from locals, and what Levan’s learned from travelers Why you should never cut a khinkali dumpling How Levan started one of the first free walking tours in Tbilisi Hidden gems in Tbilisi, including the SkyBridge and Soviet-era print house Why the “Chronicle of Georgia” monument is worth the trip out of town Where to find the best markets, street food, and people-watching opportunities What to bring home from Georgia besides a bottle of wine And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Tbilisi Free Walking Tours Want More? Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler Exploring Kyoto Japan, Creative Expression Through Street Photography, Connecting With Your Heritage Abroad with Taro Moberly Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences? Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle. In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting. We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort. Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Timor-Leste gets so few tourists and why that’s part of its magic How it feels to be one of the only foreigners in a place (and how locals respond) What slow travel really means, and how it compares to traditional tourism Advice for traveling in places with limited infrastructure (and why it’s worth it) Jonty’s take on authenticity, cultural connection, and purpose-driven travel The best things to do in Timor-Leste, from coral reefs to mountain hikes What it’s like volunteering abroad and “working” while exploring Why slow travel doesn’t have to mean doing nothing A peek at Timor-Leste’s rich history and resilient spirit And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Jonty’s website and Instagram Exploring Timor-Leste website Jonty’s books on Timor-Leste Exploring Timor-Leste Podcast TikTok YouTube Want More? Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly Top 10 Hidden Gems: East Africa (Beyond the Safari) and Transitioning to Travel With Sasha and Megnote Lezhnev Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could flip your thinking, let go of old scripts, and start showing up as the hero in your own life, right now? Derek Loudermilk is a coach, adventurer, podcaster, and bestselling author who helps coaches, healers, and creators become global thought leaders. After leaving behind a PhD program, surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and traveling the world for years, Derek rebuilt his life on his own terms. In this episode, Derek and I explore five “thought reversals” to help you in your hero journey, especially during times of big transitions or when you’re feeling stuck. I loved this conversation because it’s packed with practical ways to reframe the stories you tell yourself, and it’s a great reminder that a lot of what holds us back happens in our heads. You’ll hear Derek’s wild backstory, how he rebuilt his identity after losing everything, and what it looks like to live more freely by dropping the old scripts. If you’ve ever felt caught between wanting more adventure and wanting stability, or if you’re curious how to “be lazy” in a way that actually helps you succeed, there’s something here for you. What old script are you ready to rewrite? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why focusing on money might be keeping you broke How Derek survived a 20% chance of living and used it to start over The mindset shift to stop thinking your way out of every problem How to work from who you want to be (instead of where you’re stuck) Why dropping your past identity can free you to travel (and live) better How “lazy” CEOs actually get more done Why your attention and your questions shape your reality Practical ways to tap into luck, synchronicity, and abundance How to balance family, travel, and the pull to put down roots again Derek’s simple advice for crossing time zones with less stress And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Derek’s website The Derek Loudermilk Show Instagram Want More? 16 Mindset Hacks To Help You Travel Long Term Exploring Your Limiting Beliefs & Finding Your Purpose w/ Kathleen Sinclair How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does it take a brush with death for some of us to finally do the things we’ve dreamed of? Stephan Kesting is an accomplished martial artist, firefighter, wilderness explorer, and the author of Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic. You might know him from his popular jiu-jitsu videos and teachings at Grapplearts, but Stephan’s story goes far beyond the mat. After surviving a life-threatening kidney disease and receiving a transplant from his brother, Stephan set out on a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition through Canada’s remote Subarctic - a journey that became both an epic adventure and a profound exploration of mortality, identity, and what it means to truly live. In this episode, Stephan and I dig into what it takes physically, mentally, and emotionally to embark on a solo wilderness journey in the face of mortality and grief. Stephan’s story will inspire you to rethink your own limits. You’ll hear how he navigated a rare kidney disease that threatened his identity as a martial artist and outdoorsman, and how facing death up close became the push he needed to tackle a dream he’d been putting off for years. From his raw reflections on loss and resilience to his honest look at fear, self-doubt, and satisfaction versus happiness, Stephan’s insights will stick with you long after you’ve listened. Whether your version of adventure is paddling 1,000 miles alone or just stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation might just give you that nudge to get started. When was the last time you answered your own call to adventure? What did it teach you about yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Stephan walked away from a career in physics and ended up studying botany in the Arctic How growing up with a foot in the city and a foot in the wilderness shaped his love of the outdoors The surprising overlap between martial arts and wilderness survival How polycystic kidney disease forced Stephan to confront his mortality and identity How he planned and trained for a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition after a transplant What it’s like to be alone in the Subarctic for weeks, battling harsh weather and self-doubt Why he believes satisfaction matters more than happiness when it comes to big goals How the wilderness has helped him process grief and loss Practical advice for anyone who wants to dip their toes into solo outdoor adventures safely And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Stephan’s website Essential Wilderness YouTube Instagram Perserverence book Want More? The Power of Death in Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to build a life abroad, and what happens when travel pushes you far outside your comfort zone? Jackie Nourse, aka Traveling Jackie, is an adventure travel pro, host of JUMP podcast, tour leader, and storyteller who’s built a life around helping people explore the world boldly and authentically. With over 20 years of travel under her belt, Jackie’s led countless group trips, launched two podcasts, and built a passionate community of travelers who seek adventure and growth. In this crossover episode, Jackie and I reflect on our first in-person meetup in Norway and dive into what it means to design a lifestyle you love, raise a family in a new culture, and face fear head-on. From raising kids in the forest outside Oslo to climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff with a serious fear of heights, this episode explores the intersection of travel, courage, and personal transformation. This episode offers a personal look into what it means to build a new life in a different country, from navigating culture shock to raising bilingual kids and finding your own rhythms far from home. Jackie also shares a powerful story about doing something she truly didn’t think she could do: climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff on a via ferrata, despite having a serious fear of heights. Her reflections on fear, courage, and support are deeply relatable, whether you're standing on a cliff face or facing something uncertain in your own life. What’s one moment in your life when curiosity helped you say yes to something scary? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Jackie decided to design an off-the-beaten-path adventure through Norway How I ended up living in Oslo (and what I love about it) Advice to anyone considering a move abroad, especially with a family How “friluftsliv” shapes Norwegian life and values What it’s like to raise kids in a forest-filled neighborhood outside Oslo Why self-designed lifestyle checklists help you reverse-engineer the life you want How public transport and local access shape rural Norwegian life What via ferrata is (and why climbing one on a cliff face isn’t as relaxing as it sounds) How Jackie faced a phobia head-on and climbed the highest sea cliff in Europe Why small choices (like buying gloves) can snowball into big courage And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Jackie’s website JUMP Podcast Want More? Top 5 Hidden Highlights Around the World with Jackie Nourse from JUMP Adventures The Best Of Argentina w/ Jackie Nourse Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best way to explore Copenhagen isn’t in the guidebooks, but in a cemetery, on a bike hunt for trolls, or over a plate of smørrebrød with locals? Rikke Bisgaard-Svensen is the co-founder of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and a self-described travel addict whose life has revolved around two things: taking off to faraway lands and sharing her love for her hometown. What started as a side hustle born out of winter-season job loss turned into a 13-year journey building one of the most beloved free walking tour companies in Denmark. In this episode, we’re exploring the evolving spirit of Copenhagen and sharing 10 Copenhagen hidden gems for travelers who want to see the city like a local, plus the surprising backstory behind Rikke’s tour company and how she fell into entrepreneurship. If you want to experience Copenhagen beyond the usual sights, Rikke brings the kind of insight only a longtime local can offer. You'll hear about troll hunts in the suburbs, the deeper meaning behind a now-vanished statue, and what it’s really like to build a business in a country where modesty is a cultural expectation. Along the way, we talk about the unique Danish relationship with happiness (hygge), and hanging out in cemeteries (yes, really). What’s your favorite hidden gem in your hometown that you wish more people knew about? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Couchsurfing led to launching a tour company Why she never imagined becoming an entrepreneur (and what changed) How “janteloven” impacts ambition and leadership How Copenhagen has transformed over the past decade Where to find Copenhagen’s hidden troll sculptures (and why they matter) The oldest amusement park in the world, and it's very unusual location How locals use cemeteries as parks (and what that says about death) An alternative to the famous Little Mermaid statue Where to get the best smørrebrød, cinnamon snails, and pastries in town Advice to anyone wanting to run a travel business And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Copenhagen Free Walking Tours Forgotten Giants Donkey Republic bike-renting app I Am Queen Mary Københavner Cafeen Hart Bageri Want More? New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Top 5 Hidden Gem Film Locations For Travelers w/ Rebecca Almost Ginger Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussions about depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255). Is debt stopping you from traveling? What if the life you’ve been told to want is actually the thing that’s breaking you? That was the reality for Annette and Daniel Fortner of Chase for Adventure, a couple who sold everything, paid off $70,000 in debt, and hit the road full-time - not because they had it all figured out, but because they knew they couldn’t keep living the way they were. Their journey into long-term travel started with depression and burnout, and turned into something entirely different. Annette and Daniel share the full story behind their decision to leave behind high-paying jobs and a “successful” lifestyle in favor of travel, healing, and freedom. This conversation goes way beyond the typical “how we quit our jobs to travel” story. You’ll hear what it’s like to hit emotional rock bottom and use travel as a lifeline, not just a lifestyle. Annette and Daniel open up about their mental health, the practical steps they took to make long-term travel financially doable, and what it’s really like to work, live, and grow alongside your partner 24/7. Their story is raw, funny, thoughtful, and full of honest reflections that anyone thinking about big life changes will relate to. What’s one belief about success you’ve outgrown? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why depression and burnout led Annette to rethink everything How Daniel's emotional struggles surfaced after they hit the road How they paid off $70,000 in debt and saved $16.5K to start traveling Advice to couples traveling and working together (without losing their minds) Why setting “hammock time” saved their relationship The financial realities of long-term travel and how they tracked every dollar How to decide how much savings you need to leave and when it’s enough Remote work tips to fund a travel lifestyle Why Southeast Asia was key to stretching their budget Places that blew them away, and a surprise detour with 10 rescue dogs in Thailand And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Find Annette & Daniel at ChaseForAdventure.com Follow on Instagram Facebook YouTube ActionForDogs.com Want More? An Unconventional Approach to Challenges, Maximizing Travel With a Full-Time Job, Advice on Publishing, Creating Solo Travel Magic With Jen Ruiz From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson Lessons from Quitting a Job and Selling Everything to Motorcycle Around the World with Mike Barr Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to feel seen, safe, and celebrated as an LGBTQ+ traveler? How can understanding other people’s travel experiences help us feel more connected, wherever we go? Alicia Valenski is an American writer, editor, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking new LGBTQ+ travel guide with Lonely Planet that explores 50 of the most queer-friendly destinations around the globe. Now living as an expat in the Netherlands, Alicia brings a unique and deeply personal lens to her work as an autistic, bisexual woman and passionate advocate for inclusive travel. In this episode, Alicia shares her top seven LGBTQ+ destinations. We talk about what it means to feel truly comfortable in a place and why inclusive travel benefits everyone. Alicia talks about growing up in a small town, navigating cultural expectations, and finding the courage to live differently. Her journey shows how traveling with intention can change not just your perspective but your life. The insights she shares about creating safe spaces for the most marginalized groups offer a powerful reminder: when a place works for those often overlooked, it works better for everyone, including solo travelers, women, and anyone who's ever felt out of place. Have you ever visited somewhere you immediately felt like you belonged? Where was it, and what made it feel that way? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Alicia and her partner chose the Netherlands as their home base, and what makes Dutch culture feel “just right” How growing up in a conservative area shaped Alicia’s perspective on travel, identity, and chosen family Why moving abroad was both a logistical challenge and an act of self-acceptance Why travel is different for LGBTQ+ folks, and how “feeling welcome” can’t always be assumed Advice for queer travelers who are new to travel and how to stay safe while still being yourself The story behind her LGBTQ+ travel book, and why it centers diverse voices within the community Her top 7 queer-friendly cities Tips for navigating sensory overload while traveling as a neurodivergent person And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Alicia’s website Grab the Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Guide Alicia’s article in Attitude Magazine Everywhere is Queer app transequality.org ILGA world maps Equaldex Moonlight experiences Quouch Want More? LGBTQ+ Travel and Making A Difference with Ravi Roth Travel on the Spectrum: Embracing Autism + Neurodivergence with Dan Bird Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about what your travels would look like without alcohol? After eliminating alcohol, Margaret rediscovered her joy for travel, so much so that she started Alcohol-Free Adventure Retreats (AFAR), where she helps women rediscover and challenge themselves by embracing travel without alcohol. In this episode, Margaret shares her 10 expert tips on alcohol-free travel, and we talk about why this may be something you’d want to consider trying yourself. Whether you’re sober-curious or just interested in a different travel experience, Margaret’s tips are valuable in many situations. In addition to Margaret’s advice, we have a deeper conversation about living in an alcohol-centric society. You’ll learn about some of the benefits of the sober-curious movement and sober travel, why committing is sometimes easier than moderating, how to avoid decision fatigue while traveling, and plenty more. Are you considering going alcohol-free on your next trip? If you already travel without alcohol, what do you enjoy the most? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why Margaret decided to change her lifestyle and how the sober-curious movement allows you to experiment with alcohol-free living How traveling with the intention of eliminating alcohol can add another layer of transformation and self-exploration to travel The problem with alcohol culture in Western society How to best prepare before your trip and why having the right mindset is so important The advantages of sober travel and five easy things you can do to help your trip run smoothly Why building identity-based habits can help you embrace a new lifestyle or culture My experience with alcohol-free living and why committing 99% is so much harder than 100% And so much more Resources: Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Learn more about Margaret and AFAR Connect with Margaret on Instagram and Facebook Join Margaret’s Facebook group, Teetotaling Travelers Check out the books, Quit Drinking Without Willpower, This Naked Mind, Quit Like a Woman Want More? From $12 In Savings To Living Your Travel Dreams w/ Matt Fetbrandt The Call Of Adventure with Brendan Leonard Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling w/ Kirsten Pontius Thanks to Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like to trade the hustle of NYC for a slower life in Iceland? And how do you explore its volcanic landscapes without getting stuck in the tourist crowds? Jewells Chambers is the creator and voice behind All Things Iceland, a podcast and YouTube channel that helps people experience Iceland beyond the tourist trail. Originally from New York City, Jewells moved to Iceland in 2016 after falling in love with an Icelander and has since carved out a meaningful life abroad, blending creativity, digital marketing, travel planning, and a deep respect for Icelandic culture. In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like to move to Iceland, how Jewells found her way into content creation, and her top recommendations for discovering Iceland's lesser-known destinations and experiences. If you’ve ever considered moving abroad, reinventing your career, or exploring Iceland beyond the usual tourist stops, Jewells’ story offers both inspiration and practical insights. We chat about embracing discomfort, building a new identity in a foreign land, and how creativity and authenticity have shaped her journey. She also shares a curated list of hidden gems in Iceland—from geothermal wonders to ghost towns—and offers practical advice on navigating Iceland's wild weather and unpredictable terrain. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, you'll leave this episode with a fresh perspective and a bunch of new places to add to your Iceland itinerary. If you could slow down and live like a local somewhere (even for a little while), where would you go? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Jewells moved to Iceland and how love and logistics played equal roles What it was like adjusting from NYC hustle culture to Iceland’s work-life mindset How moving to Iceland changed how she views her home country How she carved out a creative niche in a foreign country without a plan What most travelers miss when visiting Iceland and why the highlands are so underrated How the Icelandic mindset of “þetta reddast” (it will all work out) reshaped her life How a rainy, rough hike turned her into an outdoor enthusiast Advice for dealing with Iceland’s intense weather and road conditions Where to find hidden hot springs, ghost towns, and fjords with almost no crowds Pro tips for driving in Iceland’s highlands (and why your car insurance matters!) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out Jewell’s website and podcast, All Things Iceland Jewell’s ultimate packing checklist Schedule a trip-planning call Iceland map and travel resources Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Get Jewell’s Top 10 Iceland Hidden Gems list Want More? Top 10 Hidden Gems: East Africa (Beyond the Safari) and Transitioning to Travel With Sasha and Megnote Lezhnev The Hidden Gems of Andalusia: Discover the Spain Most Travelers Miss with Lucas Peters Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can we actually learn about climate change when we stop reading headlines and start listening to the people living it? Gunnar Garfors is the first person to travel to every country in the world not once, but twice. He’s a Norwegian adventurer, journalist, and author whose latest project took him across the equator, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic region to explore the lived experiences of climate change. His new book, Mellom Linjene (Between the Lines), captures these human stories behind the headlines, showing us how the changing climate is affecting the lives of fishermen, farmers, city dwellers, and Indigenous peoples from the Amazon rainforest to the ice desert of Greenland. Gunnar shares his experience researching and writing his book and recounts the very real ways climate change is reshaping the planet’s most climate-vulnerable zones. We talk through five of his favorite countries along the Arctic Circle and the equator, weaving together adventure, personal stories, and eye-opening conversations with locals on the ground. Gunnar’s first-person encounters with reindeer herders, farmers, fishermen, and locals living at the edges of the world help paint a fuller, more human picture of what’s happening. You’ll hear how polar bears are wandering into villages in search of food, why Amazonian ferry rides matter, and what it’s like to get called out on the Congo River for representing the global north. How is climate change affecting the places you care about or the way you think about travel? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Gunnar retraced his steps across 21 countries and Antarctica despite already visiting every country twice What ticks, shifting seasons, and reindeer behavior are revealing climate changes in Finland What a screaming fox in Canada had to say about a massive landslide and how melting snow and rising rivers are reshaping northern communities How the Amazon River’s disappearing waterways are affecting transportation, food access, and entire communities Why fishermen in São Tomé and Príncipe are traveling farther for fewer fish, and what a disappearing rainy season means for daily life What it’s like to spend five days on a cargo barge in the Congo (with very little food and a lot of humidity) How climate change is forcing rural farmers in the DRC to question the cause and confront visitors with unexpected responsibility Why telling personal stories might be the most powerful way to talk about climate change Advice to travelers who want to get out of the Western bubble and witness these changes firsthand And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Gunnar’s website Follow on Instagram Want More? Top 7 Up-And-Coming Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) With Gunnar Garfors Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some conversations leave you feeling seen and understood, while others fall flat? Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and his latest, Supercommunicators. He's spent years exploring the science of communication to find out what separates those rare, magical conversations from ones that leave us disconnected or misunderstood. In this episode, we explore how communication really works - what’s happening in our brains during conversations, the skills that make someone a “supercommunicator,” and how to have more meaningful, connected interactions no matter where you are in the world. If you’ve ever left a conversation wondering why it didn’t land the way you wanted or if you’re trying to get better at connecting with people across cultures, relationships, or work, this one’s for you. Charles shares practical frameworks and surprising science-backed insights that help you show up better in any conversation. Whether you're navigating conflict with your partner or chatting with a stranger abroad, this episode is full of takeaways that’ll make you rethink how you communicate. PLUS, stick around on the backend for a special segment on the best things to do, see, and eat in Baltimore, Maryland. What’s one small shift you could make to be more present and connected in your conversations this week? I'd love to hear what you took away from our talk, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Charles and his wife spent six months surfing in El Salvador and living in Costa Rica How living abroad shaped his worldview as a journalist What led Charles to write Supercommunicators after the success of The Power of Habit How to identify the 3 types of conversations (and why mismatching them causes conflict) How to ask deep questions that invite real connection Why “looping for understanding” is a powerful listening tool How vulnerability really works in our brains, and why energy matching is a powerful way to build trust and connection Why we’re all supercommunicators already And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Charles’ website Subscribe to his Substack Follow on Instagram Want More? Strategies for Living an Unconventional Life with Ingrid Alm Rick Steves On the Hippie Trail (The Making of a Travel Writer) with Special Guest Host Eric Weiner How to Navigate Transitions and Design Your Life (Without the BS) with Lauren Handel Zander Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is co-living the secret sauce to building community and staying inspired on the road? Fabio and Juls are the co-founders of Casa Basilico, a pop-up foodie co-living experience designed for digital nomads who crave meaningful connection, delicious food, and a vibrant sense of community. As full-time travelers and friends-turned-business-partners, they’ve hosted over 200 nomads around the world, using shared meals and creative adventures to turn strangers into family. We dive deep into the world of co-living: what it means, why it’s catching on, and how food, friendship, and shared experiences can lead to some of the most powerful travel experiences. If you've ever wondered what it's like to stay in a co-living space or dreamed about building your own travel-inspired community, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look. Juls and Fabio share honest, hilarious, and heartwarming stories from the road, including why cooking together is their not-so-secret weapon for connection, what happens when your car breaks down on the way to a surprise helicopter ride, and how they create spaces that feel like home, even when you’re far from it. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how co-living can deepen your travel experience, along with practical tips if you're considering trying it yourself. What do you think makes a place feel like home when you're traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why co-living is more than just shared housing for digital nomads How Juls and Fabio stumbled into the co-living scene and ended up launching Casa Basilico What sets co-living apart from hostels and Airbnbs How long-term stays create deeper connections (and why short-term may not cut it) Advice to find a co-living space that fits your vibe, goals, and lifestyle Why Fabio’s pasta dinners became the foundation for building community What it’s like to run a surprise weekend adventure (including a busted car and a helicopter) Why choosing lesser-known destinations creates richer experiences (+ destination recs) The future of co-living and why pop-ups and hybrid models might be the next big thing And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out Casa Basilico Follow on Instagram Want More? What Does “Home” Mean For Nomads w/ Diego Bejarano Gerke Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote How to Be a Digital Nomad With Kayla Ihrig Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you take a grand piano into the wild and let nature lead the performance? Hunter Noack is a classically trained pianist and the founder of IN A LANDSCAPE, a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert series that brings a 9-foot Steinway grand piano into the great outdoors. Instead of setting up traditional speakers at every show, audience members are given wireless headphones, allowing them to wander freely through the landscape while listening. Since its launch, the project has reached over 75,000 people through more than 300 concerts in some of the country’s most awe-inspiring settings. By combining music, nature, and community, Hunter is redefining what a classical concert can be - and who it’s for. Hunter shares the origin story of IN A LANDSCAPE, how it’s evolved over a decade, and how art can shape the way we connect with nature, place, and each other. If you’ve ever dreamed of merging your creative passions with travel or building something that feels meaningful, this episode will hit home. You’ll learn about the challenges (and magic) of taking a concert piano off the grid and how he balances artistic integrity with logistics, grants, and the realities of funding a big idea. You'll also hear how nature shapes his music, his relationships with local communities, and his broader view of what it means to be human today. There’s insight here for anyone creating something unconventional, trying to reconnect with nature, or simply curious about how a piano ends up in the middle of the desert. If you were to reimagine something in your life, whether that’s travel, work, or relationships, what would it be? What would that look like? I'd love to hear more about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why he left the traditional concert hall behind to perform in deserts, forests, and county parks How a single grant launched an idea and insight on using grants to fund creative, unconventional work How nature influences the way he plays, from wind gusts to bug cameos What it takes to haul a 1,200-pound Steinway up a mountain (and why it’s worth it) The story behind one surreal concert on tribal land that left everyone speechless What performing across the American West has revealed about the country’s beauty, complexity, and common ground Why artistic projects need real critique (not just applause) to evolve Hunter’s favorite overlooked spots in the American West you should visit And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more about IN A LANDSCAPE Watch Hunter’s TEDx Follow Hunter on Instagram Want More? Following Inspiration Towards A Life Of Travel with Mark and Steffi (The World’s Only Chapman Stick Duo) Passion Mashin´: Combining Travel With Your Other Interests, Embracing Limitations, Lessons From 13 Years of Travel With Adrian “Ady” Parzentny How to Travel Using Artist Residencies (Even if You’re Not an “Artist”) + a Creative Approach to Life With Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you skateboard nearly 1,000 miles across the U.S. with no real plan, just to see what would happen? Mike Kosciesza did just that with three friends and a dream to make a documentary out of it. Back in 2008, these four 20-year-olds set off from Chicago with their skateboards pointed toward New York City. A decade later, that wild ride became Shred America, a raw, DIY travel film packed with lessons they never saw coming. We’re digging into Mike’s adventure, the long road to making Shred America, and what it takes to turn a crazy idea into something real, especially when you don’t feel fully prepared. Mike’s story is a reminder that you don’t always need a perfect plan to start something meaningful. You’ll hear about what it takes to follow through on a wild vision, the lessons that come with looking back on your younger self, and why doing something imperfectly can lead to your most unforgettable adventures. We also get into the unexpected challenges of documenting a trip like this, what it’s like to finish a film a decade after shooting it, and why a little rebellion can take you a long way. Would you ever go on a trip without much planning, just to see where it leads? Or have you done something similar before? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Mike and his friends decided to skate from Chicago to NYC in the first place How picking a departure date changed everything What went wrong with their original film plan, and how they adapted How the team pushed through injuries, burnout, and zero navigation skills Why a random guy in a bathroom helped save their trip What it’s like editing a film of your 20-year-old self, ten years later Advice to anyone dreaming up a bold idea but unsure how to start How filming organically added authenticity (and chaos) to the journey Why they turned down film festivals and opted for DIY distribution How rebellion and risk-taking shaped their travel and creative paths And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Watch Shred America Want More? 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore Walking the World with Alexander Campbell and Tom Turcich Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes Baltimore, Maryland, one of the best US cities to visit? Brian Oliver is the founder of BMore See More, a nonprofit organization empowering minority male students in Baltimore City to become local and global leaders through education, mentorship, and travel. A seasoned traveler who’s visited over 60 countries, Brian always finds himself returning to Baltimore and has become a voice for reframing how people see his home city by highlighting the stories, neighborhoods, and experiences that show its full heart and charm. In this episode, Brian shares his list of seven hidden gems in Baltimore and gives us a local’s perspective on what makes the city so magnetic. If Baltimore isn’t already on your travel radar, this conversation may change that. Brian gives us a tour of the city’s most vibrant spots, from the best place to watch fireworks to where you can get lost in local food culture. He talks about how neighborhoods shape identity, why steamed crabs are more than a meal, and how seeing the world has deepened his love for home. You’ll leave this episode with a fresh sense of what makes a city truly worth exploring and how travel can spark both global and local change. What’s one city that surprised you in the best possible way, and what made it so memorable? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How a childhood of road trips sparked his lifelong love of travel What makes Baltimore’s people so memorable to visitors Why the neighborhoods are the heart of the city, and how to explore them Advice to get the most out of your first crab feast (and why it’s more than just a meal) Why Camden Yards changed the game for stadiums across the U.S. The local museum that tells 400 years of African American history in Maryland How to use the water taxi like a local and why everything is better from the water Where to find authentic food, murals, music, and community in Charm City How travel inspired Brian to launch BMore See More for youth empowerment And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Plan your trip to Baltimore Visit Brian’s website Learn about BMore See More Follow Brian on Instagram Want More? Only in Wisconsin 5 Reasons To Visit The Florida Keys 9 Best United States Museums and Advice for Fostering Your Creativity with Bob Eckstein Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What adventures have you been dreaming up but haven't done yet? Lynne Nieman is the founder of Wander Your Way, a podcast and website dedicated to helping you explore off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout Europe. As a professional travel planner, Lynne combines her passion for Europe and off-the-beaten-path exploration with her expertise in creating personalized travel experiences. In this episode, Lynne shares her experience hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland - what the trail is like, how to prepare for it, and why this iconic hike is well worth adding to your travel list. She walks us through the mental and physical challenges of solo hiking, the beauty of trail life, and how she handled the unexpected. We talk about the deeper lessons that emerged from letting go of perfection to embracing a slower, more personal pace. You'll also hear about Lynne's plans for making a living with travel, how a trip to Europe changed both of our lives, and more. What is in your travel box? What does the experience look like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why giving yourself permission is half the battle to pursuing your passions and creating your future What made Lynne fall in love with Europe and what makes walking one of the best travel experiences Logistics for hiking the West Highland Way, including when to go, how to prepare, and costs Why it's important to tailor the hike to your needs How this experience reshaped her relationship with travel and self-trust Her favorite stories from the trail How creating a "box" for your trip can be a fun and rewarding way to design your travels And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Find Lynne on her website Listen to Wander Your Way Follow Lynne on Facebook, Instagram Walker Ways West Highland Way website Want More? You're Coming Hitchhiking Around Scotland With Me Hitchhiking Stories From Scotland Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe Thanks To Our Sponsors: Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost two decades after The 4-Hour Workweek was published, what does lifestyle design look like now, and where is it headed next? Travis Sherry is a longtime traveler and entrepreneur who’s spent over a decade building a life centered around freedom, travel, and location independence while helping thousands of others do the same. He’s the founder of the Extra Pack of Peanuts blog and podcast, co-founder of the Location Indie community, and co-creator of Camp Indie, an adult summer camp for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and adventure-seekers. In this episode, Travis and I explore the concept of lifestyle design and how it’s evolved since the early days of digital nomadism. You’ll hear what lifestyle design really looks like in today’s world of remote work, shifting values, and growing responsibilities, and how our own definitions of freedom have changed over the years as dads, business owners, and travelers. We reflect on what still holds true, what no longer fits, and what it takes to stay aligned with what matters most as you design your own version of your “best” life. How has your definition of freedom or success evolved over the years and what does your ideal lifestyle look like now? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why “lifestyle design” in 2025 is more about values than travel hacks or passive income The surprising things we both no longer prioritize when it comes to freedom and success What we’ve learned about redefining productivity, especially after becoming parents What to consider if you’re feeling burnt out, uninspired, or out of sync with your goals Why slow travel still wins out and how technology is sabotaging our freedom How we both think lifestyle design will evolve in the next 5–10 years and where we see the movement going The trade-offs to consider when designing a non-traditional lifestyle Advice for anyone feeling stuck or questioning their current path And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Travis’ website, Extra Pack of Peanuts Check out Location Indie Come to Camp Indie Tim Ferriss’ Ideal Lifestyle Costing Want More? Jason’s Travel Wish List (Come Along and Dream with Me) with Special Guest Host Travis Sherry from Extra Pack of Peanuts How to Leverage Real Estate to Fuel Your Ideal Travel Lifestyle (5 Expert Strategies) With Travis Sherry From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices