Zero To Travel Podcast

Is studying abroad in Europe the ultimate travel hack? How can you get your entire college degree abroad for a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition?Through her website, Beyond The States, Jen Viemont helps students and lifelong learners navigate the world of European university programs.In this episode, Jen explains how to study in Europe for free or at a much lower cost. She also shares her own story of moving abroad with her family and building a location-independent business.You’ll learn practical advice on how to find, apply, and finance your studies in Europe, plus some surprising benefits of taking the leap into international education. Even if college isn’t in your plans, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about travel, cultural identity, and the power of global citizenship.Have you ever considered studying or living abroad for the long term? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How Jen’s personal journey led her to move abroad and start Beyond The States The cultural challenges and surprises of adapting to life in Portugal How Jen’s children have adjusted to international schools and what it’s taught them How she turned a personal challenge into a global resource and business Why European universities offer English-taught degrees and how they benefit from international students How much it actually costs to get an education in Europe, and what degrees you can pursue The surprising truth about how U.S. high school diplomas compare to European admission standards Where to find tuition-free or low-cost universities across Europe How studying abroad can boost career prospects and provide an edge in the job market And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Beyond The States Follow on Instagram and Facebook Want More? How To Exchange Your Home For Free Accommodations Around The World w/ Emmanual Arnaud 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak 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

How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion.Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone.She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places.Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? I'd love to hear about it, 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: How Maria’s van journey started as a pandemic project inspired by her mother’s dream The shift in her family relationships and the harrowing experience of her mom getting attacked by dogs in Turkey Why she originally planned to travel with a companion but ultimately decided to go solo How traveling with a dog has changed her experience on the road How her expectations of solo female travel compared to the reality of it Her favorite places for vanlife in Southwest Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia (and where to avoid) The biggest lessons she’s learned about resilience, independence, and making peace with uncertainty And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Maria’s website Follow Maria on Instagram “Stufen” by Hermann Hesse Want More? Vanlife In Europe (A Beginner’s Guide), Moving To Spain, and 5 Tips For Running A Successful Remote Work Retreat With Chase Warrington From About Abroad New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland 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

What does it really take to visit Tibet, and how can you have an authentic experience while you're there?My guest today is Robert Kelly, a seasoned travel writer who has co-authored multiple editions of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guidebook. With years of firsthand experience in Tibet and its surrounding regions, Robert shares his insights on what makes Tibet an unforgettable travel experience as we explore its culture, landscapes, and historical complexities.Robert shares what travelers need to know: how to navigate the permit system, the best ways to experience Tibetan culture, and why some areas are easier to visit than others. We also talk about what it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash, the role of monasteries in Tibetan life, and how to respectfully connect with locals.If you could visit Tibet, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them 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: Why Tibet is a must-visit destination and why you should go sooner rather than later What it’s like to be a Lonely Planet guidebook writer for Tibet How Tibet’s history with China has shaped travel in the region The deep spiritual traditions of Tibet, from pilgrimage routes to sacred monasteries What it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash and how to prepare for the journey Tips for independent travelers who want an authentic experience Hidden gems outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region where you can experience Tibetan culture more freely How local Tibetans perceive travelers and how to make meaningful connections What to pack for high-altitude trekking and why being prepared is crucial And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Trekking Nepal audio series Lonely Planet Tibet Trip Advisor Tibet Want More? Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings How A Pilgrimage Can Transform Your Life w/ Paul Barach From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins 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

Brian Kelly, the Founder of The Points Guy and bestselling author, dives into the art of maximizing travel rewards and loyalty programs. He shares insights on turning travel into a financial strategy, revealing hidden perks and personal anecdotes from his travels and LGBTQ+ journey. Kelly emphasizes the significance of understanding points as more than just freebies but as a lifestyle tool. Listeners also get tips on smart spending, the importance of travel insurance, and an adventure-filled road trip through beautiful Colorado.

Why should you explore Eastern Europe?Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander learning,” explains why he believes slow travel is the future, and even gives us a sneak peek into his epic five-year overland journey across Africa.This episode will encourage you to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly experience a place. Francis shares insights into how to travel deeply, meet locals, and gain a richer understanding of different cultures. He also opens up about how he financially sustains his travels, his approach to living with less, and why investing unconventionally has helped him maintain a life of adventure. Plus, if you’re curious about long-distance hiking, you won’t want to miss his take on hiking all three of America’s major trails and the crazy adventure he took on the Continental Divide Trail.What’s a place you’ve visited that completely changed your perspective? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: His philosophy of "wander learning" and how travel is the best education How Francis hiked the three longest trails in the U.S. and what he learned from each Why taking a contrarian approach to money and investing can fuel a life of travel Why Francis defines Eastern Europe differently than most people (and why that matters) The biggest misconceptions about Eastern Europe The best ways to meet locals and truly experience a destination How slow travel can lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences How he managed to travel through all 54 African countries over five years How Francis approaches writing about his travels and his latest project, Unseen Africa What destinations you should visit now And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit FrancisTapon.com Follow Francis on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Visit Africa54.com Listen to Wander Learn Podcast Grab a copy of Francis' books CouchSurfing RescueTime Want More? How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

What does it take to turn a childhood dream into reality, even when it seems impossible?Alex Harz is an adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller who took his dream of climbing Mount Everest and turned it into a powerful multimedia project, The Quest: Everest. With a background in acting, business, and international travel, Alex combined his skills to document the Everest experience like never before, bringing audiences up the mountain with him through both a documentary film and an immersive VR experience. But his journey was about much more than just summiting Everest; it was about embracing challenge, cultural connection, and pushing human limits. In this episode, Alex shares the incredible story behind his ascent of Mount Everest, providing an unfiltered look at what it takes to push beyond your limits and climb the world’s highest peak. From his rigorous training and years of preparation to the emotional and spiritual impact of the journey, Alex talks about the intense preparation, the surreal beauty of the Himalayas, and the life-and-death decisions climbers face on the mountain. Beyond the climb itself, we dive into the deeper meaning of pursuing a lifelong dream and how the people of Nepal profoundly shaped his journey. What is your “personal Everest?” I'd love to hear about it, 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: The random moment that inspired Alex to embrace his childhood dream after 15 years  How he went from zero mountaineering experience to climbing the world’s tallest peak The extreme training regimen required to prepare for Everest What it’s like to experience Everest Base Camp’s international tent city The spiritual side of Everest and how Nepalese culture shaped his journey The life-or-death decisions climbers must make on the mountain Why physical fitness alone won’t get you to the summit The ethical questions surrounding Everest tourism and the role of Sherpas How witnessing death on Everest changed his perspectives  The challenges of documenting a high-altitude expedition and bringing the story to life The moment Alex stood at the top of the world and what it meant to him And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more and watch The Quest: Everest Want More? Everest Excellence with Ellen Miller From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins Silence in the Age of Noise with Legendary Explorer Erling Kagge 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

Discover the joy of missing out and how it can shift your travel mindset for the better. Learn about new digital nomad visas in New Zealand and the impact of increasing tourist taxes in Europe. Get practical tips on choosing your next travel destination with simplicity in mind. Explore the importance of authentic experiences and the value of kindness while traveling. Plus, hear about packing solutions that make your journeys less complicated. Tune in for inspiring ideas and a personal mantra to guide your travels in 2025!

How can moving abroad help solve a specific life challenge? How do you choose the right location-independent business to start? What’s the best way to navigate traveling across longer distances?In this episode, I answer listener questions to help you take a more intentional approach to designing your travels and location-independent lifestyle.You’ll hear my thoughts on why you should reverse-engineer your travels and choose a destination based on your unique needs. If you’re feeling stuck on what kind of location-independent business to start, I’ll share a simple, fun litmus test to help you find the right fit. And if you’re wondering how to travel across Asia or any continent without burning out, I’ll tell a story from my time in Cambodia that completely changed my perspective on slow travel.Plus, is watching moose cross a river for 500 hours the most relaxing thing you might do this year?!What questions do you have on travel or the digital nomad lifestyle? I'd love for you to share them 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! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Budget airlines in Asia Want More? 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Southeast Asia Travel: Getting Off The Banana Pancake Trail 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

How can your hotel or accommodations change how you experience a place?Annie Fitzsimmons is a seasoned luxury travel expert and author of the National Geographic book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Retreats. Annie has covered hotels, travel, lifestyle, restaurants, and destinations around the world for the last 20 years, working with major travel media companies such as National Geographic Travel and AFAR, and is currently the editor-in-chief at Embark Beyond.Annie shares the top five hotels that are worth seeking out in your life, covering not just luxury stays but those that tell a story, bring people together, and enhance the entire travel experience. We talk about the best hotels in the world that are actually worth their price tag and why you should experience these places even if you’re not a guest. You’ll learn how to find places that match your travel style, gain insight into the world of hospitality, and learn how the hotel industry is evolving in the era of Airbnb. We also discuss how she landed her dream job as National Geographic’s first-ever Urban Insider and how you, too, can forge your own unique career path.PLUS: You'll hear part three of our Top 5 Road Trips in the USA series!What was the most memorable hotel you’ve ever stayed in? I'd love to hear about your experience, 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: What it was like to leave her home country, raise a family abroad, and navigate cultural differences How to match the right hotel to your travel style and expectations Tips for making the most of a hotel, even if you’re not a guest Where to find unique stays beyond typical luxury hotels The top hotels in the world that immerse you in the local experience  Why “affordable luxury” is on the rise and what that means for travelers Where the future of hotels is headed in a world of alternative stays How Annie landed a dream job at National Geographic and created her own career path Her best advice for writing and interviewing  And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Annie’s website Read her book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime Want More? Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson Travel TV Legend Samantha Brown: Pursuing Dreams, Solo Travel, Making Authentic Connections, and Why Success Begins Behind the Scenes 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

How can access to travel transform someone's life?Brandon Miller is the co-founder and director of brand strategy for Too Fly Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide passports, travel grants, and educational experiences for students in underresourced communities.In this episode, Brandon shares how his travel experiences shaped his outlook and ultimately led to his work creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel.We discuss the challenges of travel for these communities, how he went from a fun idea with friends in a bar to advocating for systemic change, and how his experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show amplified their mission.Brandon's story proves that small actions can lead to big change, and our conversation offers valuable perspectives on the importance of supporting travel equity, fostering inclusion, and always staying curious.How can you bring awareness to travel equity and inclusion on your adventures? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you'll share them by sending me an audio message.*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.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 Brandon's own privilege inspired the creation of Too Fly Foundation The impact of studying abroad and how he viewed his home country differently after having those experiences The barriers to travel for underserved communities and the "Too Fly Why" that fuels their work How he went from "turning up for a cause" to building a nonprofit  How he blends having a full-time career with running his foundation  Why being on The Kelly Clarkson Show and meeting Tyler Perry was an inflection point of their work His biggest takeaways from running an organization How travelers can create and bring awareness to travel inclusion and equity And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Donate to Too Fly Foundation Follow Too Fly Foundation on Instagram Watch Brandon's interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show Want More? How To Solve Big Problems, Making An Impact, Growing Up Around The World w/ Chesca Colloredo-Mansfeld from Miracle Feet World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Walking 300 Miles In Medieval Armor + Being The Change w/ Lewis Kirkbride 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code 'zerototravel' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you're looking for on booking.com