
Zero To Travel Podcast
✈️ The Zero To Travel Podcast has been downloaded 12+ million times and named a "Best Travel Podcast" by The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, and Forbes.Packed with life-changing perspectives, inspiration, and practical advice for everyone from travel newbies to nomads, this podcast will give you everything you need to travel the world on your terms, regardless of your situation or experience. Welcome to our amazing global listening community!Since 2013, "Travel Ambassador" Jason Moore from zerototravel.com has been picking the brains of adventurous people living an unconventional life on the road so you can discover new ways to travel endlessly.Along the way, you'll get actionable advice and key resources that will improve your life AND help you travel more as we get down and dirty on topics like; starting and running an online business from anywhere, the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit, travel and work opportunities, gutsy budget travel strategies, surprising ways to earn free travel, the digital nomad life, unconventional travel based lifestyles, fun travel jobs, how to plan epic adventures, backpacking, remote work, how to take a gap year or a career break, 4-hour work week inspired topics, ex-pat life, slow travel, travel hacking, sustainable travel, human-powered adventures, trips worth planning, and everything in between.Host Bio: Jason wandered the planet as a nomad for over a decade and spent 15+ years on the road as a tour manager in events/music, a seasonal adventure travel tour guide, and a digital nomad. Originally from the USA, he is now a dual citizen (Norway/USA) based in Oslo. He is obsessed with helping YOU explore our planet on your terms.Follow the show (it's FREE!) and welcome to the global community. 🙏PS - To sign up for our free newsletter to get travel tips, tricks, destination advice, and more visit zerototravel.com/newsletterPPS - If you'd like to access our paid premium feed with ad-free shows, bonus episodes, and more for just $3/month go to zerototravel.com/premium.
Latest episodes

Jul 4, 2023 • 1h 14min
Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying (In a Single Journey) With Thor Pedersen
Is traveling to every country on your bucket list?Today I’m joined by Thorbjørn Pedersen, the first person to visit every country in the world in a single journey without flying!In this episode, Thor and I unpack some of the many lessons he learned on this audacious 10-year quest. He shares what kept him going despite the mental stress and traumatic experiences, how this adventure has changed him, and how he’s maintained a long-distance relationship through it all.Make sure to catch part two of this episode on Thursday!What is your ultimate travel goal? 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:
Thor’s take on what it means to travel the world without flying and the stipulations he set for himself
Who Thor’s become through his 10 years of travel
The reality of long-term travel and the mental challenges that caused him to almost give up
How he balanced living in the moment with the need to reach his goals
Thor’s ambition to take over the world as a child and how that led him to where he is now
His thoughts on returning home and his plans for going back to “normal”
How Thor navigated a long-distance relationship and marriage while traveling
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsors - US Bank, Lingoda
Learn more about Thor’s journey
Follow Thor on Instagram
Want More?
Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors
Only Person To Travel Overland To Every Country In The World w/ Graham Hughes
The World Walk (Trilogy): Lessons From A 7 Year Walk Around The World w/ Tom Turcich
Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is 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.
This episode is also sponsored by Lingoda. Want to enhance your travel experience? Learn some of the local language! Get three free group classes until September 1 when you go to www.lingoda.com and use the promo code ‘TRAVEL.’

Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 19min
Traveling While Black with Nanjala Nyabola
Every now and then, I like to drop an extra episode! This week, I'm pulling one of my favorites from the archives. Nanjala Nyabola is a writer, humanitarian advocate, political analyst, and author of Travelling While Black: Essays Inspired by a Life on the Move. In this episode, we dive into giving back as a traveler, the impact that travel can have on your relationship with fear, how to recognize privilege, and why you can and should do many various things in life (no niching required).What resonated most with you in this episode? 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 idea of defining a mission for yourself and pursuing it authentically
The unspoken barriers of traveling with an African passport
Recognizing privilege and what we can do to create change
Being conscious of how we consume the world and how environmental alternatives can enhance the travel experience
Why your values will and should guide your decisions
How we can influence people in power to open their hearts and borders to asylum-seekers
How the media has failed us
How travel has changed Nanjala's relationship with fear
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsors - NordVPN, Lingoda
Learn more about Nanjala's work on her website
Order your copy of Travelling While Black
Follow Nanjala on Twitter
Want More?
Solo Travel, Coffee, & Blackpacking w/ Jarika Johnson
The Slow Travel Philosophy + Traveling As A Black Woman w/ Oneika Raymond
Finding Meaning Through Travel w/ Dr. Christopher Daniels
Thanks to Our Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!
This episode is also sponsored by Lingoda. Want to enhance your travel experience? Learn some of the local language! Get three free group classes until September 1 when you go to www.lingoda.com and use the promo code 'TRAVEL.'

Jun 27, 2023 • 1h 8min
Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe
Do you feel like it's time to do a 180 on your life? Moving abroad may be the answer!Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a global community for women over 30 who want to break free from a life of routine and move abroad.In this episode, Cepee and I talk about how to use travel to create radical change in your life. You'll learn about the realities of living abroad, why you should consider certain countries based on your long-term goals, advice on establishing a business while abroad, and so much more. What city would you move to? 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 importance of having an advocate when considering travel or moving overseas
How travel helped Cepee face her limiting beliefs and play with her identity
What "hitting refresh" means to Cepee and how to know when that means moving abroad
Cepee's breakdown of the European Union and the Schengen Zone
How to decide where to live and the top things you need to consider when planning your move
Cepee's advice on having a business in your home country vs. starting one abroad
How important knowing the language is when deciding where to move
The easiest visas to qualify for and the drawbacks that come with living abroad
How healthcare coverage works as an ex-pat
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsors - Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, NordVPN, Lingoda
Learn more about She Hit Refresh
Follow Cepee on Instagram
Join Cepee's Facebook group
Grab a copy of her digital book, I'm Outta Here!
Want More?
Moving To Guatemala To Learn About Giving (With 5 Kids and Minimal Savings), Living Outside Of Your Comfort Zone, and Finding Community w/ Owen and Christina Dargatz from The Giving Experiment
Transition to Travel with Maxwell Lee
Best Remote Work + Digital Nomad Destinations 2023 (And Beyond) w/ Tim Leffel
Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is 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.
This episode is also sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!
This episode is also sponsored by Lingoda. Want to enhance your travel experience? Learn some of the local language! Get three free group classes until September 1 when you go to www.lingoda.com and use the promo code 'TRAVEL.'

Jun 22, 2023 • 1h 13min
My Psychedelic Retreat Experience with Beckley Retreats (Featuring Sonia Kreitzer)
Are you curious about what it’s like to attend a psychedelic retreat?Today I’m joined by Sonia Kreitzer, facilitator at Beckley Retreats, to learn more about her story as a musician and song healer and to help me unpack my experience with psychedelic plant medicine.In this episode, Sonia shares how travel impacted her life, what led her to work with plant medicine, and some of her experiences around that. I’ll also share what it was like to attend a Beckley Retreat and my biggest takeaways and insights that have come from the experience.Disclaimer: This episode discusses using psychedelics and plant medicines, which are illegal in most countries. This is not medical advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to use psychedelics.What are your thoughts on psychedelic retreats? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will 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:
Sonia’s experience pursuing an alternative path in music
What led Sonia to travel through the Himalayas, and what studying Tibetan opera taught her about herself
The mystical experiences she encountered and insight on how to let your intuition guide you
How working with plant medicine has changed Sonia’s life and the transformations she’s witnessed as a facilitator
The ceremonial experience and the importance of preparation
How I felt after the retreat and the personal insights that have come through
What I experienced during the psychedelic ceremony
How Sonia uses music to guide the experience
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor, NordVPN
Learn more about Beckley Retreats and receive a $200 credit for your first retreat
Learn about Beckley Foundation
Check out Doe Paoro’s website and listen on Spotify and Apple Music
Listen to Sonia’s guided meditations on Spotify and Apple Music
Want More?
Understanding the Psychedelic Retreat Experience with Neil Markey
When Reality Shifts
Holistic Nomadding
Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 11min
Understanding the Psychedelic Retreat Experience with Neil Markey
Neil Markey is the CEO of Beckley Retreats, an organization that offers psychedelic wellness retreats with the aim to bridge the latest scientific research with ancient wisdom traditions to create the richest possible experience for their participants.In this episode, Neil and I talk about the framework of a psychedelic retreat and how this kind of plant medicine is being used for therapeutic purposes to create transformational opportunities and lasting change. If you’ve ever been curious about psychedelic tourism, this episode is for you!Disclaimer: This episode discusses using psychedelics and plant medicines, which are illegal in most countries. This is not medical advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to use psychedelics. The topic of suicide is mentioned in this episode.Would you go on a psychedelic retreat? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will 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:
What has led to the resurgence of psychedelics
Neil’s experience using meditation and psychedelics to heal PTSD and trauma
The common misconceptions and risks associated with psychedelics
What it’s like to attend a Beckley Retreat and the importance of prep and post work
The phenomenon of consciousness and what it means to surrender and live a more connected life
The value of incorporating meditation and nature into your practice
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor, NordVPN
Check out Beckley Retreats
Learn more about Beckley Foundation
Follow Beckley Retreats on Instagram
Want More?
When Reality Shifts
Holistic Nomadding
The Spiritual Journey + Travel and Creativity with Karan Bajaj
Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

Jun 13, 2023 • 1h 24min
Lessons from Quitting a Job and Selling Everything to Motorcycle Around the World with Mike Barr
This episode is sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!Have you ever thought about taking a trip around the world? How about on a motorcycle?Mike Barr quit his real estate job in New York City and sold all of his belongings to embark on a round-the-world motorcycle tour. He’s now using his time on the road to build his photography and writing portfolio and has traveled over 40,000 miles at the time of this recording.In this episode, Mike shares why he decided to prioritize adventure over college debt, how his hobbies influence his solo travel experience, why it’s important to create your own system when traveling, his advice on motorcycle touring, and more. Even if you never plan on traveling by motorcycle, this episode will help you unpack whatever is next for you on your journey.What type of round-the-world adventure would you take? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will 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 Mike’s interest in magic has influenced his life in unexpected ways
Mike’s introduction to travel and what it was like to road trip across the US in his Jeep
How he ended up in commercial real estate and his mentality on traveling with debt
How Mike incorporates his creative passions into his travel and the idea of falling in love with struggle
Why everyone should consider motorcycle touring
Mike’s advice on finding the right bike for you, where he sleeps, and how he budgets his travel
The biggest lesson this trip has taught him so far
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsors, Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card and NordVPN
Learn more about Mike’s Moto Travels
Follow Mike on Instagram and TikTok
Mike’s resources for free camping and biker accommodations
Check out the Iron Butt Association
Want More?
The World Walk (Trilogy): Lessons From A 7-Year Walk Around The World w/ Tom Turcich
The First Woman To Walk Around The World with Polly Letofsky
Inspiring Female Adventurers Series: Around America And Beyond with Renata Chlumska
Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is 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.
This episode is also sponsored by NordVPN. Get an exclusive NordVPN deal at www.nordvpn.com/zerototravel. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

Jun 6, 2023 • 1h 14min
How to Plan a Gap Year (at Any Age) with Julia Rogers
Are you considering a gap year or career break?Julia Rogers is a professional gap year coach and founder of EnRoute Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to fueling the gap year movement and developing a generation of compassionate and resourceful global citizens.No matter your age, this episode has a ton of value! Julia shares her best advice for tackling a gap year from a mindset perspective, questions to consider when planning, how to afford a gap year, and available programs and resources.What life skills or goals would you want to accomplish with a gap year or career break? Where would you go? I'd love for you to share your thoughts 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 Julia discovered her passion for travel
The transformative experience of a gap year and what it was like to spend 10 months in Tanzania
The importance of intentionality and embracing the journey without an end goal
What inspired Julia to become a gap year coach
What the Gap Year Association does and advice on finding a program that’s right for you
Her thoughts on investing in a gap year vs. higher education
The smartest way to approach a gap year without getting into debt
Julia’s #1 piece of advice for someone considering a gap year and for creating your dream job
Her favorite travel destinations and where she would go on a family gap year
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor, Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Learn more about EnRoute Consulting
Check out the Gap Year Association
Find meaningful programs abroad with Go Overseas
Listen to Julia’s podcast, Gap Year Radio
Follow Julia on Facebook and Instagram
Want More?
How To Take An Adult Gap Year w/ Brooke Thayer
Round The World Travel + GAP Year For All! With Sean Keener from BootsnAll.com
Learning Through Travel: Gap Year, Career Breaks, and Beyond w/Jennifer Miller from BootsnAll.com
Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is 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.

May 30, 2023 • 1h 33min
How to Get Incredible Airbnb Deals (and Save More Money) with Zach Busekrus from Sponstayneous
Want to save thousands of dollars on Airbnbs and short-term rentals? Of course you do!Today I'm joined by Zach Busekrus to talk about how to save money on Airbnbs and tips for starting your own short-term rental business. Zach and his wife spent 15 months traveling and living in Airbnbs full-time. They now operate a business called Sponstayneous, which sends last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb directly to your inbox.This episode has a ton of gold that you won't want to miss! Zach breaks down his tactics for scoring epic last-minute deals, including using dynamic pricing and listing rankings to your advantage and the three core windows you need to watch out for. He also shares insight into running a short-term rental business and the latest trends for a successful rental.Which tactic will you try first? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will 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 surprising reality of growing up in Hawaii
What Zach learned from becoming a father and a simple practice to shift your mentality
What led to Zach and his wife living in Airbnbs for 15 months
Dynamic pricing, how Airbnb ranks its listings, and the three windows to look for to score an epic deal
How to reach out to hosts and negotiate rates
How Sponstayneous helps you find the best deals and the tools he's created to help hosts grow their offerings
Zach's advice on how to get involved with short-term rentals and the formula for success
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor, MasterClass
Sign up for last-minute Airbnb deals with Sponstayneous
Listen to the Behind the Stays podcast
Reach out to Zach at zach@sponstayneous.com
Want More?
How to Use Airbnb to Fund Your Travels (Even if You Don't Own Anything or Live Anywhere)
How to Use Airbnb to Make Money and See the World with "The Traveling Dutchman" Jasper Ribbers
How to Buy International Real Estate 101 w/ Jon Sterling
Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by MasterClass. Get 15% off your annual membership when you go to www.masterclass.com/travel.

May 23, 2023 • 1h 25min
Travel Legend Rick Steves
Traveling abroad had such an impact on Rick early on, that he chose to dedicate his life to helping others see the world.In 1976, he launched Rick Steves’ Europe and, over time, built a travel empire along with a community of raving fans (including me!). His best-selling guidebook series, public television show, public radio show, syndicated travel column, small group tours, free resources, and other media all align with his core mission to help people get out and travel Europe.Rick has had a huge influence on me, both personally and professionally. His recommendations helped shape some of my early trips to Europe, ultimately leading to my life of travel. Rick also showed me it was possible to craft a career around my passion for helping others travel the world.Needless to say, he’s been a dream guest for me, and it was an absolute honor to chat with him and share this conversation with you today.What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will 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 Rick’s trip to Norway at 14 years old transformed him forever
What he learned from his first time off the road in decades during the pandemic
Why Rick encouraged people to rip out pages of one of his guidebooks
How the idea of “cronocentrism” can help to inform your travels
Our mutual love for “stolen” sandwiches
His thoughts on ethical travel in the era of climate change
Rick’s advice for getting out of your comfort zone as an experienced traveler
The best lesson his parents ever taught him (which also doubles as great business advice)
The joy of Rick’s work and how he uses his platform for change
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor, Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Follow Rick on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter
Learn more about Rick Steves Europe
Download the Rick Steves Audio Europe app
Want More?
Travel as a Force for Good, the Role of Travel Media, and Uncrowded Destinations to Visit with AFAR Co-Founder Greg Sullivan
Biking the World For Climate Change w/ Devi Lockwood
Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon
Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is 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.

May 16, 2023 • 1h 13min
Top 5 Hidden Highlights Around the World with Jackie Nourse from JUMP Adventures
What happens when you say yes to adventure?Jackie Nourse (aka Traveling Jackie) is a long-term solo traveler, podcaster, and blogger who founded JUMP Adventures to meet her listeners and readers offline to travel together through the most epic corners of the planet.In this episode, Jackie shares the top five hidden highlights from her travels and the biggest lessons and perspective shifts these moments created. Her thought-provoking insights will inspire you to embrace the unknown, seize every opportunity, and watch the adventure unfold before you.What have been some of your hidden highlights? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will 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 story behind Jackie’s adventure travel company
How challenging experiences can be the most rewarding
What Jackie has discovered about herself through bringing others on her trips
How unplanned experiences lead to the most powerful moments
The collective energy that emerges when traveling as a group
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Today's Sponsor - Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Learn more about JUMP Adventures
Listen to Jackie’s podcast, JUMP with Traveling Jackie
Follow Jackie on Instagram
Check out my band, Laundry House
Listen to Laundry House on Apple Music and Spotify
Want More?
Luck Is No Accident: Making the Most of Happenstance with Dr. John Krumboltz
From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What it Means to Have Enough w/ James C. Hopkins
Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel, Saving Money as a Solo Traveler, Lessons from a Career Break, and How to Figure out What You Want (in 60 seconds) w/ Leslie McKellar
Thanks to our SponsorsThis 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.
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