Zero To Travel Podcast

Ingrid Alm, an adventurous writer and mother, challenges the conventional rules of life with her refreshing insights on family and travel. She discusses the importance of redefining success and embracing boredom to lead a more meaningful life. Alm emphasizes slowing down in a fast-paced world and the value of disconnecting from technology for deeper connections. She also highlights the transformative power of gap years for children, advocating for more playful, intentional living that breaks free from societal expectations.

Discover how moving abroad can solve your life challenges and lead to personal growth. Find the right location-independent business with a fun litmus test. Learn insightful tips on navigating long-distance travel without burnout. Hear a transformative story from Cambodia that champions slow travel. Plus, is watching moose cross a river the ultimate relaxation? Tune in for these compelling discussions and more!

What if you could travel the world without breaking the bank? What does it mean to be a traveler after nearly two decades on the road?Travel-blogging legend and best-selling author Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world on a near-continual basis since 2006. In 2008, he launched his site NomadicMatt.com to catalog his travel experiences and share his insights. Over the years, the site evolved into a valuable trip-planning tool for budding and savvy travelers alike. His writing has been featured by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, BBC, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Forbes, The Daily Beast, NPR, Associated Press, FOX, Sydney Morning Herald, The Independent, Daily Mail, Irish Times, and National Geographic.With the latest edition of his book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, we discuss whether budget travel is still as accessible as it once was and how Matt’s approach to travel, blogging, and business has evolved over time.You’ll hear some of his favorite money-saving tips for things like accommodation and activities, but also a deeper conversation about how budget travel has changed, how to keep the magic alive after years on the road, and what it really means to build a life around exploration. We also get into the impact of social media on travel, why Matt is embracing shorter trips, and how he balances content creation with being present in the experience.Do you consider yourself a budget traveler? How has traveling evolved for you over the years? I'd love to hear your thoughts, 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: Matt’s experience in Peru and what made him fall in love with the country  His mindset around keeping travel exciting after years on the road Matt’s decision-making process for business and why he’s no longer chasing an empire Advice for putting yourself out there as a new creator or business owner Why we should put down our phones and unplug when traveling What it’s been like transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to “settling down” Why taking shorter trips can be just as fulfilling as long-term travel as a nomad Why hostels can be a great option for any traveler, no matter their age Three destinations he would revisit in a heartbeat (besides Paris and Japan!) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Nomadic Matt Grab his book How to Travel the World on $75 a Day Want More? Ten Years A Nomad With “Nomadic” Matt Kepnes How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Evolution of a Travel “Influencer” + How to Travel to Antarctica (From Affordable to Expensive) with Alyssa Ramos Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. 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

Is studying abroad in Europe the ultimate travel hack? How can you get your entire college degree abroad for a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition?Through her website, Beyond The States, Jen Viemont helps students and lifelong learners navigate the world of European university programs.In this episode, Jen explains how to study in Europe for free or at a much lower cost. She also shares her own story of moving abroad with her family and building a location-independent business.You’ll learn practical advice on how to find, apply, and finance your studies in Europe, plus some surprising benefits of taking the leap into international education. Even if college isn’t in your plans, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about travel, cultural identity, and the power of global citizenship.Have you ever considered studying or living abroad for the long term? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How Jen’s personal journey led her to move abroad and start Beyond The States The cultural challenges and surprises of adapting to life in Portugal How Jen’s children have adjusted to international schools and what it’s taught them How she turned a personal challenge into a global resource and business Why European universities offer English-taught degrees and how they benefit from international students How much it actually costs to get an education in Europe, and what degrees you can pursue The surprising truth about how U.S. high school diplomas compare to European admission standards Where to find tuition-free or low-cost universities across Europe How studying abroad can boost career prospects and provide an edge in the job market And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Beyond The States Follow on Instagram and Facebook Want More? How To Exchange Your Home For Free Accommodations Around The World w/ Emmanual Arnaud 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. 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

How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion.Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone.She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places.Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? 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 Maria’s van journey started as a pandemic project inspired by her mother’s dream The shift in her family relationships and the harrowing experience of her mom getting attacked by dogs in Turkey Why she originally planned to travel with a companion but ultimately decided to go solo How traveling with a dog has changed her experience on the road How her expectations of solo female travel compared to the reality of it Her favorite places for vanlife in Southwest Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia (and where to avoid) The biggest lessons she’s learned about resilience, independence, and making peace with uncertainty And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Maria’s website Follow Maria on Instagram “Stufen” by Hermann Hesse Want More? Vanlife In Europe (A Beginner’s Guide), Moving To Spain, and 5 Tips For Running A Successful Remote Work Retreat With Chase Warrington From About Abroad New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. 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 does it really take to visit Tibet, and how can you have an authentic experience while you're there?My guest today is Robert Kelly, a seasoned travel writer who has co-authored multiple editions of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guidebook. With years of firsthand experience in Tibet and its surrounding regions, Robert shares his insights on what makes Tibet an unforgettable travel experience as we explore its culture, landscapes, and historical complexities.Robert shares what travelers need to know: how to navigate the permit system, the best ways to experience Tibetan culture, and why some areas are easier to visit than others. We also talk about what it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash, the role of monasteries in Tibetan life, and how to respectfully connect with locals.If you could visit Tibet, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience? I'd love to hear 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! Tune In To Learn: Why Tibet is a must-visit destination and why you should go sooner rather than later What it’s like to be a Lonely Planet guidebook writer for Tibet How Tibet’s history with China has shaped travel in the region The deep spiritual traditions of Tibet, from pilgrimage routes to sacred monasteries What it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash and how to prepare for the journey Tips for independent travelers who want an authentic experience Hidden gems outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region where you can experience Tibetan culture more freely How local Tibetans perceive travelers and how to make meaningful connections What to pack for high-altitude trekking and why being prepared is crucial And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Trekking Nepal audio series Lonely Planet Tibet Trip Advisor Tibet Want More? Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings How A Pilgrimage Can Transform Your Life w/ Paul Barach From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. 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

Brian Kelly, the Founder of The Points Guy and bestselling author, dives into the art of maximizing travel rewards and loyalty programs. He shares insights on turning travel into a financial strategy, revealing hidden perks and personal anecdotes from his travels and LGBTQ+ journey. Kelly emphasizes the significance of understanding points as more than just freebies but as a lifestyle tool. Listeners also get tips on smart spending, the importance of travel insurance, and an adventure-filled road trip through beautiful Colorado.

Why should you explore Eastern Europe?Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander learning,” explains why he believes slow travel is the future, and even gives us a sneak peek into his epic five-year overland journey across Africa.This episode will encourage you to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly experience a place. Francis shares insights into how to travel deeply, meet locals, and gain a richer understanding of different cultures. He also opens up about how he financially sustains his travels, his approach to living with less, and why investing unconventionally has helped him maintain a life of adventure. Plus, if you’re curious about long-distance hiking, you won’t want to miss his take on hiking all three of America’s major trails and the crazy adventure he took on the Continental Divide Trail.What’s a place you’ve visited that completely changed your perspective? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: His philosophy of "wander learning" and how travel is the best education How Francis hiked the three longest trails in the U.S. and what he learned from each Why taking a contrarian approach to money and investing can fuel a life of travel Why Francis defines Eastern Europe differently than most people (and why that matters) The biggest misconceptions about Eastern Europe The best ways to meet locals and truly experience a destination How slow travel can lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences How he managed to travel through all 54 African countries over five years How Francis approaches writing about his travels and his latest project, Unseen Africa What destinations you should visit now And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit FrancisTapon.com Follow Francis on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Visit Africa54.com Listen to Wander Learn Podcast Grab a copy of Francis' books CouchSurfing RescueTime Want More? How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. 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 does it take to turn a childhood dream into reality, even when it seems impossible?Alex Harz is an adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller who took his dream of climbing Mount Everest and turned it into a powerful multimedia project, The Quest: Everest. With a background in acting, business, and international travel, Alex combined his skills to document the Everest experience like never before, bringing audiences up the mountain with him through both a documentary film and an immersive VR experience. But his journey was about much more than just summiting Everest; it was about embracing challenge, cultural connection, and pushing human limits. In this episode, Alex shares the incredible story behind his ascent of Mount Everest, providing an unfiltered look at what it takes to push beyond your limits and climb the world’s highest peak. From his rigorous training and years of preparation to the emotional and spiritual impact of the journey, Alex talks about the intense preparation, the surreal beauty of the Himalayas, and the life-and-death decisions climbers face on the mountain. Beyond the climb itself, we dive into the deeper meaning of pursuing a lifelong dream and how the people of Nepal profoundly shaped his journey. What is your “personal Everest?” 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: The random moment that inspired Alex to embrace his childhood dream after 15 years  How he went from zero mountaineering experience to climbing the world’s tallest peak The extreme training regimen required to prepare for Everest What it’s like to experience Everest Base Camp’s international tent city The spiritual side of Everest and how Nepalese culture shaped his journey The life-or-death decisions climbers must make on the mountain Why physical fitness alone won’t get you to the summit The ethical questions surrounding Everest tourism and the role of Sherpas How witnessing death on Everest changed his perspectives  The challenges of documenting a high-altitude expedition and bringing the story to life The moment Alex stood at the top of the world and what it meant to him And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more and watch The Quest: Everest Want More? Everest Excellence with Ellen Miller From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins Silence in the Age of Noise with Legendary Explorer Erling Kagge Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. 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

Discover the joy of missing out and how it can shift your travel mindset for the better. Learn about new digital nomad visas in New Zealand and the impact of increasing tourist taxes in Europe. Get practical tips on choosing your next travel destination with simplicity in mind. Explore the importance of authentic experiences and the value of kindness while traveling. Plus, hear about packing solutions that make your journeys less complicated. Tune in for inspiring ideas and a personal mantra to guide your travels in 2025!