Zero To Travel Podcast

Nat Eliason, an entrepreneur and author from Austin, discusses his journey from nonfiction to sci-fi with his debut novel, Husk. He shares counterintuitive approaches to launching creative projects, emphasizing the power of starting before you're ready. Nat dives into the complexities of fiction writing, balancing artistic integrity with marketing strategies. He encourages embracing patience in a fast-paced digital world and highlights the importance of building genuine connections with your audience. Lastly, he shares local Austin gems for food and inspiration.

Join Laura Alho, a Finnish writer and cultural expert in Saudi Arabia, and Aaron Millar, host of The Armchair Explorer, as they explore the enchanting AlUla region. They delve into the ancient city of Hegra, where breathtaking Nabataean architecture waits to be discovered. Laura shares her adventure riding Arabian horses to ancient petroglyphs, while Aaron introduces you to local storytellers who bring the rich history of this lost city to life. With friendly camels stealing the show, this journey through time captures the spirit of AlUla's hidden treasures.

In a captivating journey, Martin Vrana, the founder of Lost Paradise, shares how he spent nearly 15 years creating a boutique resort on a remote island in Bali after leaving his stable life in Sweden. He reveals the emotional and logistical hurdles he faced, from working 450 hours a month to sourcing reclaimed wood across Indonesia. Martin discusses the personal sacrifices made, including maintaining secrecy from friends and family, and reflects on the resilience required to turn a dream into reality despite burnout and challenges that tested his commitment.

Caitlin Sunderland, an associate producer and avid digital nomad, shares insights on what it means to thrive in 2025’s remote work environment. She discusses the balance between work and leisure, offering productivity tips like the 4-hour work container. Caitlin reveals potential future hotspots for nomads, emphasizing sustainable living. The conversation touches on navigating burnout, building community, and the emotional shifts of long-term travel. With humorous anecdotes from their nomadic journeys, they explore the nuances of creating a sense of home on the move.

Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker behind the ambitious '100 Documentary Project,' which highlights everyday heroes and their hidden stories. He shares his transformative journey from IT to filmmaking, sparked by a dinner with a pasta maker in Lisbon. Robin emphasizes how travel shapes his storytelling, revealing emotional depth in his subjects. He discusses the importance of integrity over clicks and reflects on the challenges faced while filming in Uganda, showcasing the power of genuine connection and empathy in storytelling.

Beth Santos, Founder and CEO of Wanderful, discusses her journey in creating a global community for women and non-binary travelers. She explores the transformative power of travel and the importance of community, recounting her experiences reconnecting with her Portuguese heritage. Beth challenges traditional narratives of solo female travel, emphasizing vulnerability and inclusivity. She also reflects on entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood, and the learning mindset that comes from failure, inspiring others to create safe spaces for authentic dialogue.

Chris Hutchins, host of the All the Hacks podcast, shares his journey as a life optimizer who's saved millions. He reveals that returning to favorite destinations can enrich travel experiences. Chris discusses the joy of slow travel and how intentional spending can align with life goals. He highlights the art of negotiation in daily life, emphasizing how simple asks can lead to better savings. The conversation also touches on the importance of balancing life hacks with authentic experiences, reminding us that imperfections can enhance our happiness.

In this conversation, Anne Dorthe, a Norwegian local and seasoned traveler, shares insights from her recent family road trip through Norway. She emphasizes the benefits of a loosely planned itinerary, highlighting how spontaneity created lasting memories. The couple discusses how following the weather shaped their route and why personal recommendations often lead to hidden gems. Listeners will also learn about lessons from packing mishaps and the joys of connecting with friends, all while embracing a flexible travel mindset for a more enriching experience.

What are the best hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, and how can you experience this Baltic city like a local?  Lelde Benke-Lungevica is a Latvian writer and cultural storyteller who was born in Australia and moved back to Riga in her teens. Since 2013, she’s run the blog Life in Riga, offering a personal and authentic look at life in Latvia’s capital through stories, guides, and reflections on identity and homecoming. This episode explores what makes Riga unique and how to see the city (and beyond) through local eyes. You’ll hear Lelde’s top tips for exploring Riga off the beaten path, how Latvia’s seasonal rhythms shape daily life, and the local wellness ritual that might just change how you travel. She shares everything from the best markets and bakeries to an unusual national pastry and a coastal trail that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. If you're looking to travel deeper and more intentionally, these hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, will give you a new way in. What’s one lesser-known destination where you’ve felt a deep connection to the local culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Lelde moved back to Riga after years abroad, and how it shaped her sense of home What to do beyond Riga’s Old Town (and why it matters) How Riga’s past and present shape its identity today Advice for souvenir shopping that supports local makers How to explore Riga’s lesser-known beaches and hiking routes Why bakeries became a lifeline during Latvia’s economic crisis How Latvian cider culture is quietly booming Where to experience Latvia’s contemporary art scene without a national museum What “pirts” means, and why this wellness ritual might surprise you How to escape Riga and explore the rest of Latvia with just a few days Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Life in Riga website Live Riga tourism website Visit Riga Facebook Group Latvia Expats Facebook Group Zuzeum Art Centre Kim? Contemporary Art Centre Riga Neighborhoods Project Baltic Coastal Hiking Route Agenskalns Market Sidrerija Want More: World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing it later in life? Philip Gibbons is a 68-year-old traveler, podcaster, and former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire winner who just got back from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the time of this recording.  In this episode, Philip walks us through the whole experience, from the planning process and permit system to the physical demands, group dynamics, costs, and what he'd do differently next time. Philip shares what worked, what surprised him, and all the practical stuff that online forums and tour companies tend to gloss over. Whether you're just starting to dream about Machu Picchu or deep into planning mode, this episode will help you feel more prepared (and more excited) to go. Have you hiked the Inca Trail or visited Machu Picchu? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message Tune In To Learn: Why Philip chose the 5-day, 4-night route over the standard 4-day trek How to avoid a miserable early-morning line at Machu Picchu The best time of year to hike for safety, views, and weather Why the altitude and terrain are more intense than most expect How to choose a trekking company and avoid overpriced “luxury” options What Philip spent and where he splurged (and saved) Tips for avoiding food poisoning and staying healthy on the Inca Trail How a $30 private tent upgrade changed everything Why trekking poles are essential gear, even for the young and fit How winning $500,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire changed Philip’s life And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Philip’s website and podcast Philip on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Hiram Bingham Trail - PeruRail Info Inca Trail Permits Info - Peru Tourism Want More? A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro Trekking from France to Austria (Using Hand-Drawn Maps from Locals) + Advocating for Torture Prevention Around the World with Ben Buckland Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices