Zero To Travel Podcast : National Geographic Type Adventures, Lifestyle Design Like Tim Ferriss Plus Inspiration Like Ted

Megan Routbort is one half of a French-American duo on a mission to tell stories of optimism about the people working to find solutions against climate change. At the time of this recording, they’re six months into their three-year voyage, visiting "climate hotspots" and exploring the world through low-carbon travel.  In this episode, Megan shares why she and her partner started their climate storytelling non-profit, The Green Journey, and how she was able to blend her passions with her love of travel. We talk about her experience hitchhiking and biking across multiple countries and what it’s taught her about getting out of her comfort zone, and she shares what she considers the most powerful motivator for going on any travel adventure. You’ll hear plenty of stories from their crazy adventure through 20 European countries (so far), gain insight into the benefits of slow travel beyond fighting climate change, and be inspired to consider new ways of travel for your next adventure. What is your experience with s

Today, I’m joined by my friend Travis Sherry to learn how to use real estate and short-term rentals to support your travel lifestyle. Whether you’re new to the game or a real estate pro, this episode has value for everyone! Travis and his wife Heather combined their love for travel and real estate to build a thriving short-term rental business. One of their properties has even been featured in Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 14 best beach rentals in the United States! Travis is also the founder of the travel community Extra Pack of Peanuts and the co-founder of Location Indie, a global community for people looking to travel and work from anywhere in the world. In this episode, Travis breaks down his top five strategies, from the lowest monetary investment to the highest. He’ll dispel common myths, share his favorite hacks, and we’ll explore some key mindset shifts that will completely change your perspective on real estate. What was your biggest takeaway? Which strategy will you try first? I'd love to h

Today, I'm joined by author Tom Cotter to learn about his experience taking the most epic American road trip from Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska! Tom is no stranger to road trips, having traced Route 66 in a 1939 Ford Woody wagon and following the Lincoln Highway coast to coast behind the wheel of a 1926 Model T. Popularly known as "The Barn Find Hunter," Tom travels around the country in search of hidden classic car collections and has his own series on YouTube with Hagerty Media.  Tom shares why he decided to get off the interstate and travel off-grid and what he learned along the way. You'll hear his advice on what type of vehicle setup is best for a massive road trip like this, how one of the "crusty" cowboy towns he ended up in turned out to be one of his favorite experiences, the least impressive spot he visited (which might surprise you), why he hates using a GPS or doing research before he travels, and a ton more. What's the longest road trip you've taken? I'd love to hear your experience and

Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Today, I’m sitting down with Gunnar Garfors, 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! Where are you headed first? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click

Have you started planning your 2024 travels? Today, I’m joined by National Geographic Senior Editor Allyson Johnson to explore some of the must-visit places from National Geographic’s new book Best of the World: 1,000 Destinations of a Lifetime. After a decade of releasing Best of the World lists, National Geographic has now crafted the ultimate illustrated guidebook to help you find your next exhilarating destination. From the top hiking trails to the most scenic train rides, the most stunning coral reefs to the most epic mountain retreats, Best of the World will help you find new ways to experience both beloved destinations and hidden gems around the globe. In this episode, Allyson breaks down her favorite destinations for adventure, exploring nature, soaking in culture, and just getting away! She shares tips for planning your trip of a lifetime, and we also talk about her career with National Geographic, the process of creating this book, tips for self-editing, and so much more. If you’re looking for new d

Today, I’m joined by photographer Mark Fox to talk about his experience working in Amazon Rainforest conservation and how he built a life around travel and his passions. Mark is a British photographer based in Quito, Ecuador. In 2017, he quit his stable job as a cameraman in the UK to travel the world. He now works with an Amazon conservation organization, collaborating with Indigenous leaders and local governments to protect three world-class biocooridors for wildlife migration. In this episode, Mark shares what he’s learned from working in conservation and spending time with Indigenous communities, advice on visiting these communities as an independent traveler (and having genuine experiences), and how to respectfully photograph locals on your travels. You’ll hear about his stint working at an Ayahuasca retreat and how this opened him up spiritually, daily life in Ecuador, and much more! How can you build a life around your passions and travel? Are you already on that path? I'd love to hear your thoughts an

Media lawyer and world adventurer Rupert Grey and his wife spent six months driving across India in their beat-up 1930s Rolls Royce. Their epic journey was turned into a documentary film called “Romantic Road” and was produced by Sharon Stone! In this episode, Rupert shares about this adventure, and we discuss their bold choice to travel through India in a vehicle that's seen as a symbol of wealth. You’ll hear about the blunt wisdom he received from a trucker that he still carries with him today, the value of accepting risk and pursuing your passions no matter what anybody says to you, how this adventure became a highly-rated documentary, and so much more. Did Rupert’s story inspire you to take your own unusual journey through a foreign land? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your question

There is no denying that places like Alcatraz and Auschwitz are rooted in dark history, but Disney World? A dark destination?! Today, I’m joined by Dr. James Treadwell to unravel the intricacies of dark tourism.  Dr. Treadwell is a Professor of Criminology at Staffordshire University. He is also the co-author of 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism, which highlights travel destinations across six continents and explores the past and contemporary issues that we often disregard during our everyday leisure. In this episode, we talk about the sensationalization of true crime, why we’re so attracted to places marked by violence, and what actually makes a destination “dark.” You’ll learn how we may all be some form of deviant tourist (whether we realize it or not) and ways to be more mindful when visiting these locations. Have you visited a dark destination? What was your experience? Let me know by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed,

In 2013, Jasmine Reese took her puppy and a violin on a bicycle tour across the United States with less than $50 in her pocket. She was, in her words, a “chubby city girl, trying to regain self-confidence and recapture the person she thought she’d lost.” In this episode, you'll hear about the profound acts of kindness that renewed Jasmine's faith in humanity, how she reshaped both her body and mind, and gain insight into how your attitude defines your actions. This is one of my top picks from the Zero To Travel archive and was originally published in 2017. Would you go on an adventure like Jasmine? What did you take away from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click here to try Premium Passport for only $1. Tune In To Learn: How to use your internal

Today, I’m joined by Aaron Millar, host of the Armchair Explorer podcast, to share the top lessons he’s gathered through his conversations with some of the world’s greatest adventurers.  In this episode, Aaron shares his favorite stories from travelers who have trekked through Africa in search of their next “thing,” traveled along the Oregon Trail to escape predictability, ran towards their fears in the Brazillian Amazon, and rowed across the Atlantic while battling Cushing’s disease, among many others. These remarkable stories hold valuable lessons about breaking out of the mold, pushing past our fears, and daring to be alive. Which story was most inspiring to you? How will you take these lessons and integrate them into your own life? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and

We're pulling one of my top picks from the archive for a second episode this week! What an incredible show today as I sit down (in person) and chat with legendary explorer and adventurer Erling Kagge. Erling is a man of many firsts. In 1990, Erling was the first to reach the North Pole without support as part of a two-person team, and in 1992-93, he was the first to do a solo unsupported expedition to the South Pole. He spent 50 days walking alone across Antarctica without any contact with anyone. He also climbed Mt. Everest in 1994, which made him the first to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot. Then, in 2010, he completed a 5-day walk through the sewers of NY to the Atlantic Ocean, and in 2012, he walked the entire length of LA's Sunset Boulevard! We talk about his book Silence: In the Age of Noise, why silence is such an essential part of our lives as humans, walking, travel (of course!), and much more. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (d

Do you want to quit your job, embark on an epic adventure, and build an online business? After leaving his successful career as the trainer for the New Zealand Olympic swimming team, Antonio Cala went on to cycle 25,000 kilometers from California to Patagonia, live on a sailboat for three years, and ride a motorcycle 30,000 kilometers from Spain to Cape Town. Along the way, he founded Adventure Fix, the ultimate online adventure magazine packed with the top travel expeditions, wildlife encounters, and remote places from around the world.  In this episode, Antonio and I unpack the lessons he’s learned from training Olympians, traveling to over 150 countries, and building a seven-figure business while on the road. You’ll hear about the moment when he had to decide between his dream job and a life of travel, how his values influence his choices, why cycling may be the best way to experience a country’s culture and people, and how hitching a ride on a sailboat led them to a new life path. You’ll also learn how he

How would your travels be different if you set aside expectations and surrendered to the journey? After realizing that much of Roberta’s pain came from unmet expectations, she decided to experiment with a new life approach that involved planning nothing and letting go of any attachment to how things turned out. In this episode, author and coach Roberta Mussato and I unpack the lessons she learned when she decided to trust the universe during her three-month adventure through Sri Lanka, South India, and Nepal. You’ll learn why she adapted this new life philosophy, how the mindset of a traveler lays the entire foundation for a trip, why you need to live in trust, and how we can find the balance between our philosophies and the necessities of the real world. You’ll also gain insight into solo travel in Asia, the process she took to write her book, and much more! What new life philosophy or mentality can you experiment with on your travels? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me a

Does travel really make you happier?  Today, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Stevenson to unravel the mysteries of travel from an academic and psychological perspective. Dr. Stevenson is a cultural psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England. In his recent book, The Psychology of Travel, Dr. Stevenson offers key insights into the psychological factors behind different kinds of travel and introduces the reader to new ways of thinking about global mobility and movement. In this episode, Dr. Stevenson shares insight into the reciprocal relationship between people and their environments, advice on managing travel fears and anxieties, and how to use travel as a tool for self-development. We explore the dilemmas of cultural integration, how travel changes our perception of time, the psychological factors behind different travel styles, and much more. How has travel improved your life? I'd love to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share by sending me

Saddle up and get ready for a wild ride because today, you're headed to the Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota! This episode is from The Travel South Dakota Stories, an immersive first-person podcast that takes you on a journey through the Land of Infinite Variety. In this episode, award-winning travel writer and host Brian Thacker takes you to one of my favorite hidden gem destinations in America, where you'll get to experience one of the most unique events in the state. Feel the ground rumble and the dust fly as sixty cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the 57th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Through this compelling audio experience, you'll be right there with Molly, one of the cowgirls, as she cracks her whip and corals the galloping buffalo. You'll discover the buffalo's role in American and Native American History, hear from a Lakota rider who explains what the buffalo means to them, and so much more. Resources: Listen to The Travel South Dakota Storie

How can volunteering abroad enhance your travels? Today, I’m joined by Ricardo Lima, founder of Worldpackers, to talk about how you can get the most out of your work exchange experience. Worldpackers is an online platform that connects travelers looking to exchange their skills for accommodations with incredible hosts from around the world and has facilitated more than 140,000 exchanges in 140+ countries.  In this episode, Riq shares why he left his successful career as an investment banker to travel the world and eventually found one of the largest work exchange platforms for travelers. You’ll gain insight into how these types of programs work on both the volunteer and hosting side, common concerns and misconceptions, and why volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture and experience deep transformations. We also talk about the state of the hostel industry, why he moved his company from a hostel to a van, and his best business advice for someone who wants to create something

How can travel serve as a path to healing and self-discovery? Today, I’m joined by C.D. Seventeen, a techno music artist, DJ, painter, and poet, to talk about what it was like growing up in the Yunnan Province of China and how a bike-packing trip through the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands helped her reclaim her power. In this episode, Seventeen opens up about her challenges coming out of that environment to pursue an unconventional path and what she had to overcome to follow her dreams. We also explore her book The Weight We Carry, which contains poems from her solo bike-packing journey. She shares how this transformative trip contributed to her healing, what the adventure was like, and how it continues to impact her to this day. This story just might inspire you to, as Seventeen wrote on the back of her book, “jump on a bike, go on a journey, dive deep into the self, and let the weight of your human identity dissolve into the wind.”  Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and suicidal ide

Want to visit some of the less popular but equally epic destinations in Europe? Joseph Reaney is a freelance travel writer based in the UK and Czech Republic who’s written for Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, Fodor's Travel, National Geographic, and Rough Guides. In addition to his freelance writing, Joe is the founder and editor-in-chief of the travel content writing agency World Words, as well as a jobbing comedy writer/producer/director. In this episode, Joe and I talk about his life as a travel writer and his favorite alternatives to the more commonly visited places around Europe. He shares about his lifestyle living between cities, his experience taking a gap year to teach English in Nepal, tips for being a hospitable host and guest when couchsurfing, how he unexpectedly became a travel writer without any journalism training, and (of course!) his list of the top five alternative European destinations. Where would you want to visit first? Do you have your own alternative spot to add to the list? I'd love to

Need help landing your dream remote job? Considering becoming a digital nomad but not sure where to start? Look no further than Jordan Carroll, AKA The Remote Job Coach! After landing his dream job working for Remote Year, Jordan now helps job seekers level up their game by teaching them an effective strategy to land legitimate remote job opportunities without the traditional application process. In this episode, Jordan and I talk about some considerations for becoming a remote worker, how to test the remote work and digital nomad lifestyles, and why it’s important to define fulfillment for yourself. He also shares the secret to how he secured his dream job and actionable strategies to help you do the same! You’ll learn his step-by-step process for assessing and landing remote jobs, why interviews start well before the actual interview, and his systemized approach to networking and building relationships that can lead you to incredible opportunities. Whether you’re seeking remote work, are an established entr

Integrating ourselves into a new culture allows us to meet more locals and enhance our travel experience. But how can we do this in the most authentic and ethical way? Lorelou Desjardins is a French lawyer who’s lived in seven countries, speaks four languages, and has dedicated over a decade to addressing environmental issues and fighting injustice on behalf of Indigenous people worldwide. She is also a fellow immigrant to Norway and has a popular blog and book called A Frog in the Fjord, which has become a bestseller here in Norway.  During today’s chat with Lorelou, you´ll hear about her experience advocating for Indigenous rights and rainforest protection. She’ll share tips on ethical travel to Indigenous areas, advice for cracking the cultural code wherever you go so you can get the most out of your trip, and the importance of being unafraid to follow a different path that others may not agree with. We also commiserate on the curiosities of life in Norway and some of the quirky things we’ve experienced li