Zero To Travel Podcast

Paige McClanahan, an author and journalist based in France, dives into the intricate world of tourism. She discusses the evolution of travel, highlighting its complexities and dualities—both the cultural benefits and potential harms to local communities. Paige shares insights on becoming a 'new tourist,' advocating for deeper, respectful engagement with destinations. She also reflects on her writing process for her book, the role of social media in shaping travel choices, and the importance of hiring local guides to maximize positive impacts.

In this engaging conversation, Steph Dyson, a travel journalist and guidebook author with nearly a decade of experience in Latin America, shares her adventures discovering Chile's hidden gems. She highlights breathtaking spots like wild Patagonia and the vibrant culture of Chiloé. Steph discusses meaningful travel, offering tips on hitchhiking the scenic Carretera Austral and visiting Mapuche communities with respect. She also reflects on her transition from teaching to travel, tackling safety myths about Latin America while promoting sustainable tourism.

Discover the secrets to thriving as a remote worker! Explore the tradeoffs of minimalist living on the road and hear insights on borderless tax strategies. The hosts dive into the little comforts that boost productivity, like eye masks and silk pillowcases. Plus, uncover the hidden costs of nomadic life and how cultural differences can surprise travelers. Tune in for practical tips and thoughtful discussions on making remote life sustainable while navigating new normals!

Heidi Nicklaus, founder of HeidiRunsAbroad, transitioned from higher education to help travelers maintain wellness on the road. She shares how a transformative solo trip and couchsurfing spurred her epic travel adventures. From glacier kayaking to running marathons under the midnight sun, Heidi offers practical tips on blending fitness with exploration. She contrasts structured workouts with active travel and reveals her adventure bucket list, inspiring listeners to move and explore the world with purpose.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Frye, a seasoned travel and outdoor writer, shares insights from his book on top U.S. national park hikes. He reveals hidden gems and lesser-known trails that provide solitude amidst stunning landscapes. Frye advises on trip planning, matching hikes to skill levels, and avoiding the crowds. He dives into unforgettable hiking experiences, emphasizes the importance of preparation and safety, and recommends incredible parks like New River Gorge and Denali for adventurous souls. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories!

Join Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, an Icelandic author and speaker, as she unravels the mystique of InnSæi, the art of intuition. Discover how this concept allows us to tap into our inner wisdom, balancing it with logic for life’s big choices. Hrund shares practical tools for calming the nervous system, differentiating between fear and genuine intuition, and the power of journaling to enhance self-trust. From her transformative journey from the UN to coaching, she encourages embracing intuition as a pathway to authentic living.

Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail ethically? Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru. In this episode, we dig into why Heather believes it’s nearly impossible to hike the Inca Trail ethically, and she offers lesser-known, more respectful alternatives and hidden gems across Peru. This episode may help you become a better traveler and make more informed decisions. Heather explains why the system behind the Inca Trail, from permit quotas to porter treatment, is deeply flawed. You’ll hear exactly what red flags to look for when choosing a trekking company in Peru and what questions to ask before booking. We also explore alternative routes that offer just as much beauty with less harm, plus other parts of Peru that travelers often skip entirely. What’s one assumption you hold about a destination you’re planning, and how might you challenge it? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Heather built a career in travel writing while living in Peru (and her thoughts on AI!) Why she says the Inca Trail is almost impossible to hike ethically What happened during the pandemic that sharpened her view on porter welfare How to spot an “unethical” trekking company just by their marketing or photos The surprising reason why smaller trekking agencies tend to be more ethical Specific treks in Peru that bypass the worst of mass tourism Hidden destinations in Peru beyond Machu Picchu - art, desert, rainforest, and religious tourism And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Heather’s website An Ethical Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail Horizon Guides Alternatives to the Inca Trail Instagram Want More? How to Plan a Hike on the Inca Trail, Winning $500,000 on a Game Show, Learning from the Past with Philip Gibbons Nomadic Matt on “How to Travel the World on $75 a Day,” Budget Travel, and Finding Your Balance While Traveling DIY Adventure: Around the World in a $100 Car, the Pan-American Highway in a School Bus, Community-Powered Travel with Global Convoy Founder Joel Chevaillier Thanks To Our Sponsors CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between.  Atlas Obscura Podcast: Experience an audio guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have the skills to survive on a deserted island?  Tom Williams is the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that maroons people on desert islands, and the winner of the TV survival show Alone UK 2023. In this episode, Tom traces his path from wealth management to remote survival guiding, explains how he designs his desert island expeditions, and shares the deep transformations that he's witnessed in his participants. Tom shares how he went from being at the bottom of his class and experiencing childhood bullying in England to walking to the North Pole, becoming a dive master, and launching a wilderness survival business. He breaks down how Desert Island Survival trips work, why they’re structured the way they are, and what makes the format accessible even to beginners. You’ll hear real stories of guests who made dramatic life changes afterward - quitting jobs, leaving relationships, transforming their health - not because they were promised transformation, but because of what happens when you slow down and reconnect with your primal self. Tom also shares business lessons from starting small, building around passion, and growing with intention. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What travel experiences have changed your life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why a trip to Honduras at 20 shifted Tom’s identity and changed the course of his life How walking to the North Pole helped him build the resilience to start a business What inspired him to leave a finance job and build Desert Island Survival from scratch What actually happens on the island and why it’s designed to feel like raw adventure, not hardship The “non-negotiables” that make each trip feel special, accessible, and transformative What it means to go back to “layer zero” of technology and why that’s so powerful How Tom finds untouched islands in a mapped world, and what makes the perfect location What he’s learned from growing slowly, staying picky, and building around passion Why following your dream isn’t always about success And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Tom's website Tom on Instagram  Desert Island Survival Tom’s book recommendations:  Humankind, Sapiens, At Home,  438 Days Want More? 3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis Finding Your Island Paradise: An Interview With Alex Sheshunoff How To Hike The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) Thanks To Our Sponsors: Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the French Riviera you’ve seen in photos is only half the story? Cédric Pages is the founder of WhatToDoRiviera.com, a local tour entrepreneur driving discovery across the Côte d’Azur by partnering with small operators and curating authentic experiences. In this episode, we dive into seven hidden gems of the French Riviera that most visitors miss, plus Cédric’s journey from IT to tour guide and how he’s building a travel business that’s rooted in human connection. Cédric shares seven of his favorite French Riviera hidden gems, including secret coastal walks, ancient monasteries, and even a solar-powered sailing experience. You’ll hear what makes the region so unique, how to explore it without breaking the bank, and why most visitors miss its most memorable spots.  Which of these hidden gems are you most excited to explore, or which region have you discovered that surprised you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Cedric turned a single walking tour into a platform supporting local guides and curated experiences across the Riviera A coastal walk that offers dramatic sea views, rare flora, and villa-lined cliffs An under-visited nearby island that still houses monks and produces local wine and olive oil The story of a tiny, family-run vineyard still using centuries-old winemaking methods Why a scenic train ride turns a Riviera base into an unexpected mountain gateway What it’s like to glide silently along the coast on a solar-powered boat How one inland river canyon makes for an epic full-day adventure Which town Cédric recommends as your base, and when it actually makes sense to move The biggest assumption people make about French hospitality and how to break through Advice for building a travel business that connects you with people, not just tours And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Cédric’s list of French Riviera hidden gems What To Do Riviera Instagram Want More? How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey 5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Thanks To Our Sponsors Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how intentional travel can transform your journey as a digital nomad. The hosts share their evolving views on Berlin, revealing its hidden charms. Learn about essential remote work tools that enhance comfort and productivity on the road. Explore the rise of pop-up co-living spaces and the importance of community. They dive into popular destinations that often fail to meet Instagram's standards. Plus, tune in for playful travel dilemmas and insightful takeaways on blending purpose with adventure.