Zero To Travel Podcast

Jason and Kelly Law, co-founders of Festy GoNuts, share their expertise on enhancing the music festival experience. They discuss the critical role of planning for a smooth festival, from creating a cozy campsite to making new friends through fun activities. Their insights highlight the importance of community and connection, encouraging attendees to embrace their 'fest self.' They also delve into ways to leverage volunteering for free tickets and choose festivals that align with personal interests, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Jessica Sueiro, a longtime traveler and part of the adventurous WorldTowning family, joins her son Largo, a teenager with a decade of travel under his belt. They dive into their remarkable journey on the Appalachian Trail, sharing the emotional and educational richness of their 2,190-mile hike. From navigating family dynamics to remote learning on the trail, their story is filled with adventure and growth. They reflect on overcoming challenges, the magic of kindness from strangers, and how this experience transformed their understanding of home.

Nate Menninger, a seasoned experience seeker and filmmaker, made headlines by being one of the first foreigners to work as a porter in Nepal. In his captivating stories, he shares the joys and challenges of a 23-day trek alongside local porters. Nate discusses how this immersive experience reshaped his mental health, perspective, and purpose, while also addressing the complexities of ethical travel and cultural connections. He emphasizes the importance of learning local languages and being fully present, offering valuable insights for thoughtful travelers.

Clare Hammond, an award-winning investigative journalist with Global Witness, shares captivating tales from her five-year journey uncovering a secret network of railways in Myanmar. She reveals the resilience of local communities amidst oppression and the ethical dilemmas faced in reporting from conflict zones. Clare discusses her transition from financial journalism to digging into corruption and human rights abuses, while emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shedding light on hidden truths. Her personal narratives challenge conventional travel perceptions and reveal the complexities behind Myanmar's history.

Linda Sarris, a Sicilian travel expert and private chef, shares her love for Sicily, revealing why it enchants visitors. She discusses navigating the vibrant street food scene, highlighting must-try dishes. Discover the unique characteristics of Sicilian wines and tips for savoring them. Linda emphasizes the importance of slow travel, encouraging immersion in local culture rather than rushing between attractions. With insider insights on budgeting and hidden gems, she paints a picture of Sicily as a gastronomic paradise worth exploring.

Lucas Peters, a tour operator and award-winning travel writer, uncovers the magic of Andalusia, revealing it as a hidden gem of Spain. He shares insights into the unique blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Arabic cultures that define the region. Listeners learn about the mouthwatering tapas culture and how to explore historic sites and stunning white villages affordably. Lucas highlights the breathtaking Caminito del Rey walkway and shares tips for experiencing authentic local life and vibrant culinary treasures that make Andalusia a must-visit destination.

In this episode, Dan Demsky, co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, shares insights from building his $40M clothing brand while embracing a digital nomad lifestyle. He discusses key principles of entrepreneurship, the balance of travel and business, and the importance of a positive mindset. Dan dives into the impact of personal experiences on brand growth and stresses the need for resilience in overcoming setbacks. Plus, he offers practical tips on packing smartly for travels, emphasizing the value of intentional travel and supportive relationships.

Ingrid Alm, an adventurous writer and mother, challenges the conventional rules of life with her refreshing insights on family and travel. She discusses the importance of redefining success and embracing boredom to lead a more meaningful life. Alm emphasizes slowing down in a fast-paced world and the value of disconnecting from technology for deeper connections. She also highlights the transformative power of gap years for children, advocating for more playful, intentional living that breaks free from societal expectations.

Discover how moving abroad can solve your life challenges and lead to personal growth. Find the right location-independent business with a fun litmus test. Learn insightful tips on navigating long-distance travel without burnout. Hear a transformative story from Cambodia that champions slow travel. Plus, is watching moose cross a river the ultimate relaxation? Tune in for these compelling discussions and more!

What if you could travel the world without breaking the bank? What does it mean to be a traveler after nearly two decades on the road?Travel-blogging legend and best-selling author Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world on a near-continual basis since 2006. In 2008, he launched his site NomadicMatt.com to catalog his travel experiences and share his insights. Over the years, the site evolved into a valuable trip-planning tool for budding and savvy travelers alike. His writing has been featured by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, BBC, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Forbes, The Daily Beast, NPR, Associated Press, FOX, Sydney Morning Herald, The Independent, Daily Mail, Irish Times, and National Geographic.With the latest edition of his book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, we discuss whether budget travel is still as accessible as it once was and how Matt’s approach to travel, blogging, and business has evolved over time.You’ll hear some of his favorite money-saving tips for things like accommodation and activities, but also a deeper conversation about how budget travel has changed, how to keep the magic alive after years on the road, and what it really means to build a life around exploration. We also get into the impact of social media on travel, why Matt is embracing shorter trips, and how he balances content creation with being present in the experience.Do you consider yourself a budget traveler? How has traveling evolved for you over the years? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Matt’s experience in Peru and what made him fall in love with the country  His mindset around keeping travel exciting after years on the road Matt’s decision-making process for business and why he’s no longer chasing an empire Advice for putting yourself out there as a new creator or business owner Why we should put down our phones and unplug when traveling What it’s been like transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to “settling down” Why taking shorter trips can be just as fulfilling as long-term travel as a nomad Why hostels can be a great option for any traveler, no matter their age Three destinations he would revisit in a heartbeat (besides Paris and Japan!) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Nomadic Matt Grab his book How to Travel the World on $75 a Day Want More? Ten Years A Nomad With “Nomadic” Matt Kepnes How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Evolution of a Travel “Influencer” + How to Travel to Antarctica (From Affordable to Expensive) with Alyssa Ramos Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com