Zero To Travel Podcast

Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month! What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I'd love to get 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! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does hell on earth look like? Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world.Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations.Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder.What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? 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: A city filled with death, a centuries-old “skull cult,” and the inspiration behind Dante’s Inferno  A small cave in Ireland linked to ancient folklore and the origins of Halloween The fiery pit that’s been burning for decades and the surprising theory behind it (plus, you can camp here!) Where you can witness surreal blue flames rolling down a deadly sulfuric volcano  An island with some of the most gorgeous yet hellscape-y features, geothermal pools, and more The most electric place on earth and the fascinating science behind it Where to find razor-sharp “stone forests” and navigate the devil’s obstacle course Which charming but hellish US town you can be mayor for the day Will our pets eat us if we die? The five-second rule (fact or fiction?) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Erika’s website Grab Erika’s book, Go to Hell Would your dog eat you if you died? Want More? What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore Top 10 World’s Weirdest Restaurants With La Carmina Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France.Why should you go to Normandy?Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.”Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here.Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast.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 Want More? Destination Bonanza w/ Chris Christensen How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better?Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit.Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.” He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road.What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? 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 his around-the-world journey in a $100 car with strangers evolved into a global travel movement What it really means to DIY an adventure and travel on nothing but optimism What it was like to pick up hitchhikers and invite strangers from the internet to join their convoy  How Joel manages the reality and expectations of this kind of trip and how he vets participants Tips on managing conflict, group dynamics, and building trust on the road Insights into the overlanding community, his most memorable encounters, and favorite locations The unusual way they choose their route on the Pan-American Highway (a fun way for you to plan your next trip!) Perspectives on balancing spontaneity with preparation in global travel Why being open is the best way to make travel sustainable and insights on creating your own unique lifestyle Why you should consider Bansko, Bulgaria as your base And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the Global Convoy website Global Convoy on YouTube Follow on Instagram, TikTok Joel’s favorite stop in Caral, Peru Workaway Nomad Cruise Eight Boots Abroad Want More? 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 Tales From A Converted School Bus: Working Full Time & Traveling With An Adventure Dog New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chrishan Wright, creator of Blaxit Global and relocation expert, shares her wisdom on moving abroad, drawing from her experiences in Portugal. She highlights common pitfalls like underestimating living costs and navigating visa requirements. Chrishan emphasizes the emotional challenges of adjusting to new cultures and the unexpected expenses that arise. With anecdotes of language mishaps and personal growth, she encourages embracing the journey and connecting with supportive communities. Tune in for invaluable insights on making a successful transition overseas!

How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like?Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life's A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years. As someone who never actually set out to become an influencer, she shares her unexpected story of building a career around full-time travel, the realities of social media influencing and travel blogging, and her experience leading tours in Antarctica.Alyssa talks about the mindset shifts that helped her push past societal expectations and how solo travel has profoundly shaped her life and choices. She reveals the truth behind the lifestyle, addresses misconceptions, and provides insight into the positives and negatives of the industry. You’ll also hear about what it’s like to travel to Antarctica and gain plenty of practical advice about the costs and logistics of planning your adventure.What’s the most transformative experience you’ve had while exploring solo? 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 to “get under the skin” of the places you visit The hurdles she had to overcome to become a paid full-time traveler (especially as a woman) Her pivot from Hollywood journalist to travel blogger and why she never intended to become an “influencer” Her experience with “haters” and why she struggled with putting herself out there The shady side of social media and how it’s impacted travel destinations Insights on traveling solo as a woman and three places to start your solo adventure Why she decided to freeze her eggs and how that relates to her travel lifestyle Tips and insights on planning a trip to Antarctica Alyssa’s favorite underrated destinations for being awestruck, romance, and local connections And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Alyssa’s website Follow Alyssa on Instagram Join a trip to Antarctica Listen to her podcast Grab her book, Yes, I'm a Woman, and I'm Traveling Alone Want More? An Unconventional Approach to Challenges, Maximizing Travel With a Full-Time Job, Advice on Publishing, Creating Solo Travel Magic With Jen Ruiz Choosing The Travel Life w/ Rachel Hill How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Morgan, an author and literary explorer from Folkestone, UK, embarked on a transformative journey to read a book from every country in the world. She discusses how literature can reshape our perspectives and highlight cultural blind spots. Ann shares her insights on 'authentic reading,' the balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation, and tips for discovering authentic voices. The conversation reveals the profound connections that stories can create, urging listeners to engage with diverse narratives and embrace the unfamiliar in literature.

Want to experience the real flavors of Europe? Eating Europe founder Kenny Dunn shares his eight food hacks in Europe for avoiding tourist traps and eaing like a local. Since 2011, Eating Europe has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities. Their immersive culinary experiences allow travelers to discover where locals eat, hear the stories behind each dish, and interact with the people who make these iconic foods.Kenny’s insider tips will help you spot high-quality, authentic dishes anywhere in Europe, from Milan to Paris and beyond. You’ll learn not only about the best locations to visit but how to look for certain qualities in your food to ensure a delicious and authentic experience and why a food tour should be a part of your next adventure.What’s the best local dish you’ve discovered while traveling? I'd love to know what it was and why you loved 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 to tell the difference between real and fake gelato The secrets to finding the best steak in Florence The must-try risotto in Milan How to spot authentic French onion soup in Paris The best places to get macarons in Paris Where to find the freshest mini pancakes (poffertjes) in Amsterdam Insider tips on finding great fish and chips in London The key to spotting authentic gyros in Athens Why food tours are the best way to connect with local cultures Bonus: The best Philly cheesesteak?! And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Kenny's resource list Eating Europe’s website Eating Europe on Instagram Check out my band, Laundry House Laundry House on Apple Music and Spotify Want More? Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe Top 5 Alternative European Destinations (to Avoid the Crowds) with Joseph Reaney Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots?In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience.As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is known for discovering unique spots. His book encourages travelers to avoid crowded places and explore smarter with fresh alternatives to typical bucket list locations.Over-tourism is one of the biggest issues in global travel today, and this episode offers actionable tips to steer clear of crowded tourist spots while still having amazing experiences. Andrew’s knowledge is timely and will give you plenty of new ideas, whether you're looking at destinations in the US or beyond.If you could swap a popular tourist destination for a lesser-known gem, where would it be? I’d love to hear your ideas 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: Why popular destinations are becoming "loved to death" and how to avoid contributing to the problem Alternatives to famous spots like Cape Cod, Miami, and Norway How to find the essence of a place, even if it’s off the beaten path Historical experiences in Andrew’s home city of Charleston The most underrated cities in the U.S. and why they’re worth visiting Hidden gems in the Southern hemisphere How to shift your mindset to prioritize experiences over destinations Tips for choosing travel destinations that fit your style without the crowds And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Andrew’s book Here Not There Andrew’s website Connect with Andrew on Instagram Want More? Top 7 Hidden Wonders of the World With Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura) Top 5 Alternative European Destinations (to Avoid the Crowds) with Joseph Reaney National Geographic’s Best of the World: Where to Travel in 2024 and Beyond (With Senior Editor Allyson Johnson) Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander Campbell, currently on a 40,000 km world walk raising funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, chats with Tom Turcich, the first person with a dog to walk around the globe. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges of their epic journeys, from navigating diverse landscapes to health management in remote areas. Both share insights on how walking builds confidence, the importance of taking breaks, and their personal motivations. Tom also reflects on his unique experiences during a seven-year adventure with his dog, Savannah.