Zero to Travel https://zerototravel.com/ Start with anything. Go everywhere. Thu, 31 Oct 2024 03:43:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 What To Expect This Month on Zero To Travel (November 2024) https://zerototravel.com/zero-to-travel-november-2024/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:00:19 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502738 Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month!  What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I’d love to get your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: […]

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Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month! 

What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I’d love to get your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Photo by Lê Tân on Unsplash

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Hell on Earth: Top 7 Otherworldly Destinations with Erika Engelhaupt https://zerototravel.com/hell-on-earth-erika-engelhaupt/ Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:02 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502729 What does hell on earth look like?  Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world. Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in […]

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What does hell on earth look like? 

Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world.

Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations.

Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder.

What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? I’d love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Hell on Earth - Erika Engelhaupt - Tsingy de BemarahaHell on Earth - Erika Engelhaupt - Waimangu

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  • A city filled with death, a centuries-old “skull cult,” and the inspiration behind Dante’s Inferno 
  • A small cave in Ireland linked to ancient folklore and the origins of Halloween
  • The fiery pit that’s been burning for decades and the surprising theory behind it (plus, you can camp here!)
  • Where you can witness surreal blue flames rolling down a deadly sulfuric volcano 
  • An island with some of the most gorgeous yet hellscape-y features, geothermal pools, and more
  • The most electric place on earth and the fascinating science behind it
  • Where to find razor-sharp “stone forests” and navigate the devil’s obstacle course
  • Which charming but hellish US town you can be mayor for the day
  • Will our pets eat us if we die? The five-second rule (fact or fiction?)
  • And so much more

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From Amateur Traveler: Travel to Normandy, France https://zerototravel.com/amateur-traveler-travel-to-normandy-france/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:00:45 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502706 Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France. Why should you go to Normandy? Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to […]

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Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France.

Why should you go to Normandy?

Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.”

Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here.

Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast.

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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 https://zerototravel.com/joel-chevaillier-global-convoy/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:19 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502719 Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better? Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started […]

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Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better?

Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit.

Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.” 

He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road.

What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Global Convoy Global Convoy - Pan-American Highway

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Tune In To Learn:

  • How his around-the-world journey in a $100 car with strangers evolved into a global travel movement
  • What it really means to DIY an adventure and travel on nothing but optimism
  • What it was like to pick up hitchhikers and invite strangers from the internet to join their convoy 
  • How Joel manages the reality and expectations of this kind of trip and how he vets participants
  • Tips on managing conflict, group dynamics, and building trust on the road
  • Insights into the overlanding community, his most memorable encounters, and favorite locations
  • The unusual way they choose their route on the Pan-American Highway (a fun way for you to plan your next trip!)
  • Perspectives on balancing spontaneity with preparation in global travel
  • Why being open is the best way to make travel sustainable and insights on creating your own unique lifestyle
  • Why you should consider Bansko, Bulgaria as your base
  • And so much more

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright https://zerototravel.com/chrishan-wright-move-abroad/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:37 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502711 How can you make a smoother transition into your new life abroad? Relocation expert Chrishan Wright discusses the hidden challenges and unexpected mistakes people make when moving abroad. She shares lessons from her experience living in Portugal and offers valuable advice for both aspiring expats and long-term travelers. Chrishan Wright is the creator of Blaxit […]

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How can you make a smoother transition into your new life abroad?

Relocation expert Chrishan Wright discusses the hidden challenges and unexpected mistakes people make when moving abroad. She shares lessons from her experience living in Portugal and offers valuable advice for both aspiring expats and long-term travelers.

Chrishan Wright is the creator of Blaxit Global, a vibrant hub dedicated to providing information, inspiration, and empowerment for the global Black community seeking a fresh start abroad. 

Chrishan highlights the top mistakes you may never have considered—from underestimating costs to the legal and healthcare surprises that can catch you off guard. She also shares valuable insights on integrating and adjusting to a new lifestyle and embracing personal growth as you navigate life in a foreign country.

If you could move to any country tomorrow, where would you go and why? I’d love to know, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

 

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Tune In To Learn:

  • The emotional and practical challenges of adjusting to expat life
  • How to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle in a new culture
  • The impact of moving abroad on personal growth and self-discovery
  • Why your relocation costs may not be as low as you thought
  • The importance of understanding visa options and requirements
  • What you need to consider when managing finances back home
  • The reality of death and uncommon considerations for healthcare
  • The legal requirements to think about when living abroad
  • How to be more intentional when packing (and save $!)
  • And so much more

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Evolution of a Travel “Influencer” + How to Travel to Antarctica (From Affordable to Expensive) with Alyssa Ramos https://zerototravel.com/alyssa-ramos-my-lifes-a-travel-movie/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:44 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502699 How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like? Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life’s A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years.  As someone who never actually set out to […]

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How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like?

Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life’s A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years. 

As someone who never actually set out to become an influencer, she shares her unexpected story of building a career around full-time travel, the realities of social media influencing and travel blogging, and her experience leading tours in Antarctica.

Alyssa talks about the mindset shifts that helped her push past societal expectations and how solo travel has profoundly shaped her life and choices. She reveals the truth behind the lifestyle, addresses misconceptions, and provides insight into the positives and negatives of the industry. 

You’ll also hear about what it’s like to travel to Antarctica and gain plenty of practical advice about the costs and logistics of planning your adventure.

What’s the most transformative experience you’ve had while exploring solo? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Alyssa Ramos - Antarctica

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  • How to “get under the skin” of the places you visit
  • The hurdles she had to overcome to become a paid full-time traveler (especially as a woman)
  • Her pivot from Hollywood journalist to travel blogger and why she never intended to become an “influencer”
  • Her experience with “haters” and why she struggled with putting herself out there
  • The shady side of social media and how it’s impacted travel destinations
  • Insights on traveling solo as a woman and three places to start your solo adventure
  • Why she decided to freeze her eggs and how that relates to her travel lifestyle
  • Tips and insights on planning a trip to Antarctica
  • Alyssa’s favorite underrated destinations for being awestruck, romance, and local connections
  • And so much more

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Reading a Book from Every Country in the World: A Year-Long Quest of Understanding with Ann Morgan https://zerototravel.com/ann-morgan-reading-the-world/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:31 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502692 What does it mean to read the world, and how can it transform your perspective on global cultures? Ann Morgan is an author, novelist, and literary explorer based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she challenged herself to read a book from every country, recording her quest at ayearofreadingtheworld.com and in the non-fiction book Reading the […]

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What does it mean to read the world, and how can it transform your perspective on global cultures?

Ann Morgan is an author, novelist, and literary explorer based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she challenged herself to read a book from every country, recording her quest at ayearofreadingtheworld.com and in the non-fiction book Reading the World.

Ann shares her experience, giving us powerful insights into literature’s ability to expand horizons and challenge preconceptions. She shares tips on finding books that challenge your worldview, the importance of reading outside your comfort zone, and how literature can reveal cultural blind spots. We talk about some of the challenges with reading globally and what to be cautious of when choosing what to read.

You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives on how stories from around the globe can enrich your understanding of the world and your place in it.

Which book from a different culture or country has impacted how you see the world? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Ann Morgan

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  • How her quest developed and grew beyond anything she expected (and why people are STILL talking about it!)
  • The concept of “authentic reading” and avoiding the “authenticity trap”
  • Tips on finding authentic voices in global literature
  • The fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation when sharing stories
  • The role of translation and how it influences your perception of a culture 
  • Stories of fascinating connections she made through her literary project
  • The challenges and rewards of reading globally and understanding biases
  • Why reading internationally can deepen more than just your travel experiences
  • And so much more

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Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn https://zerototravel.com/food-hacks-europe/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:39 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502676 Want to experience the real flavors of Europe? Eating Europe founder Kenny Dunn shares his eight food hacks in Europe for avoiding tourist traps and eating like a local. Since 2011, Eating Europe has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities. Their immersive culinary experiences allow travelers […]

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Want to experience the real flavors of Europe? Eating Europe founder Kenny Dunn shares his eight food hacks in Europe for avoiding tourist traps and eating like a local.

Since 2011, Eating Europe has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities. Their immersive culinary experiences allow travelers to discover where locals eat, hear the stories behind each dish, and interact with the people who make these iconic foods.

Kenny’s insider tips will help you spot high-quality, authentic dishes anywhere in Europe, from Milan to Paris and beyond. You’ll learn not only about the best locations to visit but how to look for certain qualities in your food to ensure a delicious and authentic experience and why a food tour should be a part of your next adventure.

What’s the best local dish you’ve discovered while traveling? I’d love to know what it was and why you loved it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Food Hacks Europe - Eating Europe - Kenny Dunn

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Tune In To Learn:

  • How to tell the difference between real and fake gelato
  • The secrets to finding the best steak in Florence
  • The must-try risotto in Milan
  • How to spot authentic French onion soup in Paris
  • The best places to get macarons in Paris
  • Where to find the freshest mini pancakes (poffertjes) in Amsterdam
  • Insider tips on finding great fish and chips in London
  • The key to spotting authentic gyros in Athens
  • Why food tours are the best way to connect with local cultures
  • Bonus: The best Philly cheesesteak?!
  • And so much more

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Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson https://zerototravel.com/andrew-nelson/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:00:41 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502662 Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots? In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience. As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic […]

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Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots?

In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience.

As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is known for discovering unique spots. His book encourages travelers to avoid crowded places and explore smarter with fresh alternatives to typical bucket list locations.

Over-tourism is one of the biggest issues in global travel today, and this episode offers actionable tips to steer clear of crowded tourist spots while still having amazing experiences. Andrew’s knowledge is timely and will give you plenty of new ideas, whether you’re looking at destinations in the US or beyond.

If you could swap a popular tourist destination for a lesser-known gem, where would it be? I’d love to hear your ideas and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

  • Why popular destinations are becoming “loved to death” and how to avoid contributing to the problem
  • Alternatives to famous spots like Cape Cod, Miami, and Norway
  • How to find the essence of a place, even if it’s off the beaten path
  • Historical experiences in Andrew’s home city of Charleston
  • The most underrated cities in the U.S. and why they’re worth visiting
  • Hidden gems in the Southern hemisphere
  • How to shift your mindset to prioritize experiences over destinations
  • Tips for choosing travel destinations that fit your style without the crowds
  • And so much more

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Walking the World with Alexander Campbell and Tom Turcich https://zerototravel.com/alexander-campbell-world-walk/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:00:29 +0000 https://zerototravel.com/?p=502650 What does it take to walk around the world, and what motivates someone to take on such a massive challenge? Tom Turcich enjoys walking, a lot. Actually, he might enjoy walking too much. Over seven years, he and his dog, Savannah, walked 25,000 miles across thirty-eight countries to become the 10th person and first dog […]

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What does it take to walk around the world, and what motivates someone to take on such a massive challenge?

Tom Turcich enjoys walking, a lot. Actually, he might enjoy walking too much. Over seven years, he and his dog, Savannah, walked 25,000 miles across thirty-eight countries to become the 10th person and first dog to walk around the world. 

In this special episode, I’m handing the mic over to Tom to interview Alexander Campbell, who started his own world walk in February 2023. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of walking across multiple continents.

At the time of this recording, Alex is 12,000km in to his 40,000km trek. Starting from his hometown in Sydney, Australia, he’s traveled through Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, and recently completed crossing Nepal through the Himalayas.

This episode offers a unique chance to listen in on a conversation between two world walkers, each with their own incredible stories. You’ll hear about the challenges and experiences they’ve faced, from managing nutrition and health in remote areas to handling unexpected obstacles like border closures and injuries. Learn how Tom and Alex both approach walking as a way to build confidence and face their fears and why taking breaks along the way is crucial for long-term endurance.

What long-distance walk or quest would you want to go on? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Alexander Campbell

Alexander Campbell

Tom Turcich

Tom Turcich

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Tune In To Learn:

  • How post-college burnout and “What’s next?” inspired Alex to take on a world walk
  • The challenges of walking through remote and densely populated areas
  • Insights into the emotional and mental resilience required for long-term adventures
  • How walking impacts physical fitness, from dealing with blisters to iron deficiencies
  • The role of social media in documenting such a massive journey
  • How they managed daily logistics like finding food, water, and shelter
  • The inspiring stories of kindness and generosity experienced along the way
  • Tom’s reflections on walking across six continents and the lessons learned from his seven-year journey
  • How Alex is using his walk for good, raising funds to cure blindness around the world
  • And so much more

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  • Unbound Merino – Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.
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