Zero To Travel Podcast

Travel expert Christie Hudson from Expedia reveals flight hacks based on the 2024 Air Hacks Report. She discusses ticket price fluctuations, booking in advance, pros and cons of travel platforms, and the cheapest day to book flights. The podcast also covers personal topics, flight analysis, current trends in ticket prices, psychology of booking flights, and the best time to book flights. Packing strategies and a listener's inspiring travel story are also shared.

Megan Routbort is one half of a French-American duo on a mission to tell stories of optimism about the people working to find solutions against climate change. At the time of this recording, they’re six months into their three-year voyage, visiting "climate hotspots" and exploring the world through low-carbon travel. In this episode, Megan shares why she and her partner started their climate storytelling non-profit, The Green Journey, and how she was able to blend her passions with her love of travel. We talk about her experience hitchhiking and biking across multiple countries and what it’s taught her about getting out of her comfort zone, and she shares what she considers the most powerful motivator for going on any travel adventure.You’ll hear plenty of stories from their crazy adventure through 20 European countries (so far), gain insight into the benefits of slow travel beyond fighting climate change, and be inspired to consider new ways of travel for your next adventure.What is your experience with slow travel? How can you combine your passions and travel to create change? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: Why this cause is so close to her heart, the details of their trip, and hopes for the project How they supplement their income and afford to travel long-term  Why low-carbon and slow travel needs to become mainstream Her unexpected experiences from slow travel and why sharing stories matter How they manage the logistics of their trip while traveling with a low-carbon footprint Her favorite stories of communities creating systemic change  How they participate in activism on the road and advice for taking action at home Which countries she’s found are leading the charge on climate change How she was able to get past the limiting belief that she couldn’t travel long-term And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Learn more about The Green Journey Follow The Green Journey on Instagram and TikTok Want More? Biking The World For Climate Change w/ Devi Lockwood Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote The Slow Travel Philosophy + Traveling As A Black Woman with Oneika Raymond Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

Today, I’m joined by my friend Travis Sherry to learn how to use real estate and short-term rentals to support your travel lifestyle. Whether you’re new to the game or a real estate pro, this episode has value for everyone!Travis and his wife Heather combined their love for travel and real estate to build a thriving short-term rental business. One of their properties has even been featured in Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 14 best beach rentals in the United States! Travis is also the founder of the travel community Extra Pack of Peanuts and the co-founder of Location Indie, a global community for people looking to travel and work from anywhere in the world.In this episode, Travis breaks down his top five strategies, from the lowest monetary investment to the highest. He’ll dispel common myths, share his favorite hacks, and we’ll explore some key mindset shifts that will completely change your perspective on real estate.What was your biggest takeaway? Which strategy will you try first? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: The misconception about real estate Travis’ story with real estate and how he ended up in North Carolina Why you shouldn’t be intimidated by real estate or more experienced investors The biggest advantage that has served Travis more than anything else The easiest way to get started and make money while you travel How to get in the game without purchasing any property How to house hack and get creative with your property or home to generate income How to earn passive income with short-term rentals The benefits of investing and the unique way he’s leveraging investment properties Travis’ top resources to dive into real estate and his best advice for getting started And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Learn about Location Indie and Extra Pack of Peanuts Listen to his short-term rental series on the Extra Pack of Peanuts podcast Travis’ resources - Zillow, Redfin, LoopNet, AirDNA, BiggerPockets  Want More? How to Get Incredible Airbnb Deals (and Save More Money) with Zach Busekrus from Sponstayneous How To Use Airbnb to Fund Your Travels (Even If You Don’t Own Anything Or Live Anywhere) The Paradise Pack Sessions: Jasper Ribbers from The Traveling Dutchman on Renting Your Home Out on Airbnb Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

Today, I'm joined by author Tom Cotter to learn about his experience taking the most epic American road trip from Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska!Tom is no stranger to road trips, having traced Route 66 in a 1939 Ford Woody wagon and following the Lincoln Highway coast to coast behind the wheel of a 1926 Model T. Popularly known as "The Barn Find Hunter," Tom travels around the country in search of hidden classic car collections and has his own series on YouTube with Hagerty Media. Tom shares why he decided to get off the interstate and travel off-grid and what he learned along the way. You'll hear his advice on what type of vehicle setup is best for a massive road trip like this, how one of the "crusty" cowboy towns he ended up in turned out to be one of his favorite experiences, the least impressive spot he visited (which might surprise you), why he hates using a GPS or doing research before he travels, and a ton more.What's the longest road trip you've taken? I'd love to hear your experience and hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.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 he balanced being present with documenting the travel experience The lesson he learned at a Chinese restaurant that he'll remember for the rest of his life What inspired the book, why they traveled in the vehicle they did, and what he learned from it How he was able to build a life around his passions and what success means for him Why he prefers not to do any research before a trip The experience that made him fall in love with a dirty, dreary small town in Montana What he was relieved to learn about people in America and something he didn't expect driving through Canada His top 3 hidden gems and advice for making a great road trip And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Grab a copy of Tom's book Watch his Barn Find Hunter series on Youtube Want More? A Soulful Southern Road Trip: About The Journey With Oneika Raymond 32 Reasons Why Road Trips Rule: Part One Road Tripping Europe To India: Daily Life On A Land Rover Overland Adventure Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Today, I’m sitting down with Gunnar Garfors, the first person to travel to every country in the world not once… but TWICE! As the ultimate travel expert, he’s with us to share his list of the best places to visit before they get too popular.You’ll hear about seven out-of-the-ordinary destinations spanning all seven continents to help you plan for the coming year and beyond. Whether it’s beach life, mountain hikes, big cities, or relaxing getaways, there’s something on the list for everyone. We’ll also talk about his upcoming project, share plenty of stories, and he’ll let us in on a fun travel concept you’ll want to steal and use with your friends!Where are you headed first? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: The ROI of travel and why you should explore out-of-the-box destinations What makes this overlooked part of this Caribbean island worth the visit  How to have an authentic South American river adventure An African country ideal for extreme sports and coastal wildlife The vastly underestimated European country that has something for everyone A fun way to plan trips with your friends (You’ll want to steal this!)  An affordable, diverse, and mountainous country along the Old Silk Road An underestimated Asian country rich in culture, innovation, and amazing food (It’s his favorite big city in the world!) A small but incredible Pacific island kingdom for an alternative to Fiji His bonus destination for an affordable Maldives experience Gunnar’s new book and his thoughts on climate change And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Visit Gunnar’s website Follow him on Instagram and TikTok Listen to his podcast Want More? Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying (In a Single Journey) With Thor Pedersen Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

Have you started planning your 2024 travels? Today, I’m joined by National Geographic Senior Editor Allyson Johnson to explore some of the must-visit places from National Geographic’s new book Best of the World: 1,000 Destinations of a Lifetime.After a decade of releasing Best of the World lists, National Geographic has now crafted the ultimate illustrated guidebook to help you find your next exhilarating destination. From the top hiking trails to the most scenic train rides, the most stunning coral reefs to the most epic mountain retreats, Best of the World will help you find new ways to experience both beloved destinations and hidden gems around the globe.In this episode, Allyson breaks down her favorite destinations for adventure, exploring nature, soaking in culture, and just getting away! She shares tips for planning your trip of a lifetime, and we also talk about her career with National Geographic, the process of creating this book, tips for self-editing, and so much more. If you’re looking for new destinations to explore or dream of working in this field (or pitching an idea to Nat Geo yourself), you do not want to miss this episode!What is your trip of a lifetime? Which destination are you adding to your list? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: Allyson’s journey to becoming an editor with Nat Geo, what she enjoys about the craft, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career Her advice for self-editing (whether you consider yourself a writer or not) Which African country is her #1 destination and how a safari can be a life-changing experience Why Costa Rica is one of the best international trips for new travelers How to integrate cultural philosophies when you return home An underrated US gem for unlimited adventure The destination she hasn’t yet visited, but most wants to An honorable mention and thoughts on the effects of the remote work movement Tips for planning a trip of a lifetime as a new traveler and where to visit before it gets too crowded Allyson’s advice on pitching to Nat Geo And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Grab your copy of Best of the World: 1,000 Destinations of a Lifetime Want More? 5 Must See Destinations In 2023 with National Geographic Travel Senior Editor Amy Alipio (Plus Learn How To Successfully Pitch Nat Geo) Safari 101: How To Plan A World-Class African Safari (Without Going Broke) Top 5 Hidden Highlights Around the World with Jackie Nourse from JUMP Adventures Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! Get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations with US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. Apply today to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

Today, I’m joined by photographer Mark Fox to talk about his experience working in Amazon Rainforest conservation and how he built a life around travel and his passions.Mark is a British photographer based in Quito, Ecuador. In 2017, he quit his stable job as a cameraman in the UK to travel the world. He now works with an Amazon conservation organization, collaborating with Indigenous leaders and local governments to protect three world-class biocooridors for wildlife migration.In this episode, Mark shares what he’s learned from working in conservation and spending time with Indigenous communities, advice on visiting these communities as an independent traveler (and having genuine experiences), and how to respectfully photograph locals on your travels. You’ll hear about his stint working at an Ayahuasca retreat and how this opened him up spiritually, daily life in Ecuador, and much more!How can you build a life around your passions and travel? Are you already on that path? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: Why Mark chose Ecuador as his base and his approach to living life in stages How skateboarding sparked his passion for photography and how he manages self-doubt What it was like working at an Ayahuasca retreat and his experience using plant medicine Mark’s advice for pursuing your passion and sustaining a living while traveling Why biocorridors are essential to wildlife and conservation   How we can best support Indigenous communities and avoid the “white savior” complex His advice for photographing locals without being intrusive The must-visit places in Ecuador (besides the Galapagos) Living expenses, daily life, and culture in Ecuador His dangerous adventure through narco territory And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - Airbnb Check out Mark’s photography Support Andes Amazon Conservancy Plan a work exchange with Workaway Want More? Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins Australia Through Indigenous Eyes Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa Thanks To Our SponsorsSometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb!

Media lawyer and world adventurer Rupert Grey and his wife spent six months driving across India in their beat-up 1930s Rolls Royce. Their epic journey was turned into a documentary film called “Romantic Road” and was produced by Sharon Stone!In this episode, Rupert shares about this adventure, and we discuss their bold choice to travel through India in a vehicle that's seen as a symbol of wealth. You’ll hear about the blunt wisdom he received from a trucker that he still carries with him today, the value of accepting risk and pursuing your passions no matter what anybody says to you, how this adventure became a highly-rated documentary, and so much more.Did Rupert’s story inspire you to take your own unusual journey through a foreign land? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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: Rupert’s life-changing travels after college and how they continue to impact his life The origins of his connection with India and Bangladesh Why he chose to take his family on risky adventures and the impact it had on his children Why they decided to travel in a Rolls Royce despite being apprehensive His experience driving through India and how this unusual vehicle helped him form deeper connections How their godson convinced them to document their adventure Rupert’s passion for photography and his experience creating his book on Bangladesh What leaving a legacy means for Rupert and how he wants to be remembered And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - AirBnB Watch the documentary Romantic Road Grab Rupert’s book Homage to Bangladesh Want More? From Wall Street To Nepal, Life Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough w/ James C. Hopkins An African In India w/ Kevin K Cheeseman Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa Thanks To Our SponsorsSometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb!

There is no denying that places like Alcatraz and Auschwitz are rooted in dark history, but Disney World? A dark destination?! Today, I’m joined by Dr. James Treadwell to unravel the intricacies of dark tourism. Dr. Treadwell is a Professor of Criminology at Staffordshire University. He is also the co-author of 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism, which highlights travel destinations across six continents and explores the past and contemporary issues that we often disregard during our everyday leisure.In this episode, we talk about the sensationalization of true crime, why we’re so attracted to places marked by violence, and what actually makes a destination “dark.” You’ll learn how we may all be some form of deviant tourist (whether we realize it or not) and ways to be more mindful when visiting these locations.Have you visited a dark destination? What was your experience? Let me know by sending me an audio message.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: The study of criminology and how Dr. Treadwell found himself working in this field Why society is fascinated with true crime and dark history How his book explores and reimagines the meaning of dark tourism How we are unknowingly participating in dark tourism (Watching the World Cup?!) The fine line between historical preservation and visiting for education vs. leisure and consumerism How we can be more cognisant when traveling to problematic places His thoughts on the death penalty and how society can minimize crime and violence And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - US Bank Go Grab your copy of 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism Want More? Adventures In Urban Exploration w/ Greg Abandoned Factfulness: Why The World Is Better Than You Think Ethical Travel, Life In Mozambique and Ocean Love w/ Francesca Trotman Thanks To Our SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. Get 4X the points on eating out and 2X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days. 

In 2013, Jasmine Reese took her puppy and a violin on a bicycle tour across the United States with less than $50 in her pocket.She was, in her words, a “chubby city girl, trying to regain self-confidence and recapture the person she thought she’d lost.” In this episode, you'll hear about the profound acts of kindness that renewed Jasmine's faith in humanity, how she reshaped both her body and mind, and gain insight into how your attitude defines your actions.This is one of my top picks from the Zero To Travel archive and was originally published in 2017.Would you go on an adventure like Jasmine? What did you take away from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.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 to use your internal power Ways to get out of your rut How to start planning a bicycle tour across the USA Where to stay when traveling by bike with your pet What Jasmine eats while on the road Why the journey is more important than the destination Practical tips for saving (and creating) money The pros and cons of riding 12 hours a day The smart way to hitchhike And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - US Bank Learn more about Jasmine's travels and music at Fijapaw Other mentions: DoggyRide, Springer America, Warm Showers, ICE Recumbent Trikes, Pet Travel Want More? Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Thanks To Our Sponsors This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Upgrade your sleep at home and on the road! Get 10% off your pair of Loop Earplugs by visiting www.loopearplugs.com/zerototravel.