Zero To Travel Podcast

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