The Vagabond’s Way: Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel w/ Rolf Potts

Today I am joined by esteemed travel writer and teacher Rolf Potts to talk about his new book The Vagabond’s Way and dive into how anybody can enrich their lives through maintaining a traveler’s mindset, even at home.

Rolf Potts has reported from over 60 countries for publications like National Geographic, NPR, and Travel Channel. He has lectured all over the world and hosts a yearly writer's workshop. His travels have brought him through 6 continents, including boating 900 miles down the Mekong in Laos, hitchhiking in Eastern Europe, bicycling in Burma, and traveling for 6 weeks across the world with no luggage or bags, and much more. His first book Vagabonding was published in 2003 and was of paramount importance in my own travel journey.

If you love to travel as much as me, then this episode will be extra special. We dive into exactly how travel changes our inner and outer perspective, allows us to embrace unseen parts of self, and try on new identities. We also discuss how to have micro adventures at home, what it means to feel comfortable in a culture and so much more.

What are your biggest spiritual or philosophical takeaways from your recent travels? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.

Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1000 in your first 90 days.

Premium Passport:

Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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:

Thoughts and takeaways from visiting Norway
What is forest bathing and why it’s a great travel virtue
Artists and thinkers who have made an impact on Rolf’s travel mindset
What the pandemic has taught Rolf about travel
Why what’s on your bucket list matters less than what you do when you get there
What it means to take the travel attitude home with you and how to do it
Practical ways you can explore new locations based on your interest
What it was like to live in a van long before the van life movement
How to overcome imposter syndrome and give yourself permission to live your travel dreams
Why it's important to travel for your own growth rather than other’s
How to pay attention to life, practice gratitude, and make the most of the moments we have
What motivated Rolf to write his most recent book and a secret look inside
Why having a mission while traveling can drastically change the experience
How to occupy time instead of managing it
Why it's important to travel first and become a digital nomad later
Insights on navigating the complicated relationship between travel and technology
What it means to feel a part of a culture
Tips for travelers who want to write about their experience
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
The North Face & US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Today’s sponsors
Learn more about Rolf Potts
Get your copy of The Vagabond’s Way
Listen to the Deviate podcast
Sign up for the Paris Writing Workshop
Follow Rolf on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Want More?