Zero To Travel Podcast

What does it look like when travel becomes more than just a trip, but a lifelong evolution of identity, choices, and community? Dianni Hall is a queer, second-generation Latina, solo budget backpacker, podcaster, and podcast producer. She’s the host of While She’s Away, a podcast highlighting stories and advice from women travelers around the world. After choosing a one-way flight to India instead of enrolling in graduate school, Dianni spent six years traveling full-time across 30+ countries while building a freelance career and exploring what it means to find home. In this episode, we explore how Dianni’s travel lifestyle has changed over time, from solo backpacking and volunteering abroad to building a freelance career and eventually settling into a home base in Brooklyn. Dianni shares specific lessons from various phases of travel, including navigating her first solo trip, volunteering in an ashram, adjusting to slow travel, and balancing travel with long-term stability. She offers honest reflections on managing anxiety while traveling, the importance of community, and what it means to reimagine one's identity when traveling full-time comes to an end. What’s one travel experience, big or small, that changed the way you see the world, and how did it shape who you are today? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How religious/spiritual curiosity shaped her decision to go to India What she learned from living and volunteering at an ashram What it felt like to “accidentally” become a full-time nomad and how teaching English in Spain opened doors to long-term travel and career growth Advice for navigating anxiety before and during travel, and how reframing your inner dialogue can make all the difference What solo travel taught her about confidence, community, and intuition The difference between feeling “at home” somewhere and choosing to build a life there Why returning to familiar places revealed a deeper need for belonging and community What drew her to Brooklyn, and how queer community became a central part of her rooted life And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter While She’s Away Podcast Dianni on Instagram Bar Lunatico Boyfriend Co-Op Want More? Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser Joys of Solo Travel with Manjinder Kang Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel, Saving Money as a Solo Traveler, Lessons from a Career Break, and How to Figure Out What You Want (In 60 Seconds) with Leslie McKellar Thanks To Our Sponsors Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging clip, Alex Honnold, renowned professional rock climber and founder of the Honnold Foundation, introduces Planet Visionaries. He emphasizes bold ideas and innovative solutions for planet conservation. Listeners will discover how visionaries are turning imaginative concepts into reality, working actively towards a sustainable future. With his unique perspective and passion for the environment, Alex sets the stage for inspiring conversations that motivate change and highlight the vital role of innovation in shaping a better world.

Join Lyn Hughes, the founding editor of Wanderlust Magazine and a travel journalism veteran, as she curates the top travel destinations for 2026. Discover remote wilderness routes, hidden cultural hubs, and wildlife-rich regions that demand your attention. Lyn shares her insights on balancing adventure and sustainability, personal anecdotes from her travels, and discusses how tourism can play a crucial role in conservation efforts. This chat is filled with inspiration for your next meaningful journey!

Tune in for a quick update on what's to come on the Zero To Travel podcast in 2026! Happy New Year, my friend. Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join a festive journey through Norwegian and American Christmas traditions. Taste Julebrus for the first time and hear lively reactions. Discover Norway's iconic Christmas dishes like ribbe and lutefisk. Enjoy a fun comparison of Santa Claus and Julenisse, both charming characters with unique traits. Listen to personal anecdotes about community celebrations and caroling. Reflect on appreciating traditions anew, just like a curious traveler. Plus, enjoy a special traditional song to wrap up the holiday spirit!

Explore creative reflection and planning strategies for the new year, as Caitlin and Janessa discuss personal growth and identity shifts from 2025. Discover alternative goal-setting methods that ditch traditional resolutions and the pitfalls of the 'new place, new me' mindset. They highlight memorable travel superlatives, unexpected life lessons, and emphasize the importance of small, sustainable routines while living and working remotely. Tune in for insightful prompts and practical ideas to help you embrace 2026 with intention!

Don Jenkins, a seasoned high-school social studies teacher and Fulbright Roving Scholar, reflects on his transformative year in Norway. He shares fascinating contrasts between Norwegian and American education, emphasizing outdoor learning and community engagement. Don discusses how living abroad reshaped his view of home and the importance of building cross-cultural connections. With practical tips for travelers and insights into personal growth, he illustrates how teaching can open doors to new experiences and foster lifelong bonds.

In this chat, Kenny Dunn, founder of Eating Europe and a European food expert, reveals 11 must-try dishes that showcase the continent's culinary richness. He shares fascinating stories, like the scotch egg's origins as a travel snack and the spicy bomba from Barcelona. Discover where to find the best Francesinha in Porto, and learn the secrets behind Florence's lampredotto sandwich. Kenny even pairs each dish with a film to elevate your dining experience, making the journey of flavors a feast for both the palate and the imagination!

Explore the challenges of remote living across two vibrant locations: Bangkok and Oaxaca. Discover the unique café culture and affordable lifestyle in Bangkok, along with insider travel hacks. In Oaxaca, dive into the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead and the local culinary delights. The hosts also discuss the rise of unexpected remote careers like therapists adapting to digital work. Personal insights reveal the emotional trade-offs of travel, especially during holidays. Plus, find the perfect gift ideas for fellow nomads.

Gunnar Garfors, the first person to visit every country twice, and Jacqui Kunz, named 'World’s Most Intrepid Traveler' in 2023, dive into the world's toughest countries to visit. They unpack how nationality affects visa access and share gripping tales from Yemen, Iran, Turkmenistan, and beyond. Discussions reveal the complexities of political tensions and the ethical dilemmas of travel. With insights on navigating restrictive entry and the debate on what counts as 'visiting,' their experiences are both eye-opening and thought-provoking.