Zero To Travel Podcast

Have you ever wondered what makes a curated travel experience worthwhile?This week I am joined by Torunn Tronsvang, the founder of Up Norway, to discuss how to have an authentic adventure and unforgettable experience in Norway. After working and living in Bhutan, Dubai, Switzerland, Thailand, and the Maldives for many years, Torunn came back to her home country with a mission to make Norway the world’s most attractive destination. In 2016 she set out to create Up Norway with the vision of providing thoughtful off-the-beaten-path experiences for anyone. If you have ever been curious about Norwegian culture then you will not want to miss this episode. Torunn breaks down popular Norwegian concepts, shares a few unique destinations you’ve probably never heard of, reveals the key elements that make a curated travel experience worthwhile, shares her perspective on the art of doing nothing, and so much more. Which Norwegian destination catches your eye the most? 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 bonus episode every month (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 sustainable furniture company that you must visit Why there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing The unlikely conversation that led Torunn to live and work in Bhutan What makes living in Butan like living in a fairy tale What brought Torunn back to Norway after many years of travel Inspiring Norwegian concepts explained by a native Norwegian Bucketlist items to consider when planning a trip to Norway Why traveling in the off-season can bring major benefits Where to go to visit the “Norwegian Maldives” The hand-carved cabins that will help you practice the art of doing nothing Why travel can help you make important life changes How to find an authentic farm experience in Norway Torunn’s most cherished experience traveling in Norway And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport  Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card - Today’s Sponsor Experience the Real Norway with me Learn more about Up Norway Want More? Norway To Cape Town On A Tandem Bike + How Sweet It Is How To See The Northern Lights In Norway How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Thanks to Our Sponsors  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.

What are the essential qualities of the best remote work destinations?Today I am joined by award-winning travel journalist and friend of the show, Tim Leffel, to review his hand-tailored list of up-and-coming remote work destinations for 2023.Tim has been a travel writer since 1993 and has been writing, editing, and publishing travel-related content full-time since 2006. He has lived abroad in Turkey, Korea, and Mexico and combines his extensive personal experience living abroad with his professional resources to produce quality content that helps others achieve their travel dreams.If you want to spend quality time in a new location, you will not want to miss today’s episode. Tim shares his favorite tools for gauging rental costs, tips for getting over jetlag quickly, Jet lag tips, which destinations will match your personality best, why you should ditch the coworking space, how to support the local economy, trends in long-term Visas and so much more. When is your next proper vacation? 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 bonus episode every month (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: Top tips for beating jet lag when traveling internationally How Tim tailored the list to your personal preferences Why consider a country’s politics before spending time there Which popular big cities (5 million + population) are also affordable  The difference between cutting expenses and upgrading your lifestyle The best cost of living tool to compare destinations How to break free of the ex-pat bubble when living abroad Great affordable destinations in mid-sized cities The next big hotspot in Eastern Europe Where to go if you prefer small cities Up and coming cities to settle if you love beach life How changes in Visa trends can impact a destination’s age demographic Why some countries are offering an easier path to becoming citizens What made Tim decide to settle down in Mexico How to stay engaged in the business community when living abroad And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Experience the Real Norway Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Sign up for the Nomadico Newsletter Check out Numbeo Cost of Living calculator  Get the latest version of The World's Cheapest Destinations and A Better Life for Half the Price Want More? Everything You Need To Know About Living Abroad with Tim Leffel 7 Best Places To Live Abroad w/ Tim Leffel The Cheapest Places To Live In The World (2022 Updates) w/ Tim Leffel Thanks to Our SponsorsUS 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.

What destinations are on your list of places to visit in 2023? Today I am joined by the senior editor for National Geographic Traveler, Amy Alipio, to talk about 5 of her favorite destinations from Nat Geo’s Best of the World 2023 List.With a career 20+ year career at National Geographic, Amy provides an insider perspective on how the publication upholds integrity and creates great stories as well as gives tips for how you can pitch your own story. If you are currently manifesting which destinations to visit next, you will not want to miss this episode. Amy shares her favorite destinations from the categories of family, adventure, culture, nature, and community, she also gives insight into how to tell a great story, the process National geographic uses to curate content, and so much more. Which of these destinations have you added to your bucket list? 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 bonus episode every month (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 motivated Amy to attend college abroad and what it taught her How Amy’s personal travel style differs from work trips Highlights from 20+ years as a travel writer What sparked Amy’s love for traveling The process National Geographic uses to curate great travel content How to create a unique story and find your voice as a writer Advice for creating a pitch that Nat Geo will actually read The responsibilities of modern travel journalism today and exciting e Where to go to get a meal cooked by natural Hotsprings The lesser-known but equally breathtaking alternative to Machu Pichu Which country you should visit with the whole family What destination do you need to visit if you love history The Canadian province that emphasizes and respects community Highlights from 10 years recording Zero to Travel And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport  Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsor Nat Geo’s Best of the World 2023 List Want More? World’s Cheapest Destinations Updated w/ Tim Leffel Up and Coming Destinations (And Digital Nomad Hotspot): Bulgaria with Mitko Destination Bonanza w/ Chris Christensen Thanks to Our SponsorsUS 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.

What can thinking about death teach us about living life? Bronnie Ware is an author, songwriter, speaker, and free spirit devoted to helping others find the courage to embrace life on their own terms and live without regrets. Her international bestselling memoir,⁠ The Top Five Regrets of the Dying⁠, has been translated into 32 languages and has a movie in the pipeline. Bronnie spent much of her life traveling nomadically and now has a home base in rural Australia. In this episode, we talk about what those final life lessons can teach us about living more freely, creatively, and intentionally, especially when it comes to crafting a life filled with meaningful travel. This conversation is a reflection on what it really means to live life on your own terms. Bronnie shares how she embraced her creative self later in life, the lessons she’s learned from the dying, and the surprising relationship between death and joy. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “wrong box,” or wondered how to start living more authentically, Bronnie offers wisdom that might just change the way you think. We also talk travel, belonging, and why courage is always rewarded, even when the outcome looks different than you expected. What’s one truth you’ve learned through travel that continues to shape how you live today? 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 Bronnie went from banking to bestselling author and the process she followed to commit to writing a book What a “gentle rebel” really is, and why it fits Bronnie so well Why growing up on a farm led to her propensity for travel How she launched on a creative journey and embraced her new identity later in life How self-doubt shows up and what to do when it tries to stop you How she reframes challenges through a soul-level lens Why travel will help you get to know yourself in a different way and uncover what really makes you feel at home How courage, even when it’s quiet or imperfect, always pays off And so much more Resources: ⁠Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport⁠ ⁠Sign up for our FREE newsletter⁠ Visit⁠ Bronnie’s website⁠ Get your copy of⁠ The Top Five Regrets of the Dying⁠ Listen to Bronnie’s albums⁠ Songs For The Soul⁠ and⁠ Sun Showers⁠ Want More? ⁠What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore⁠ ⁠Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack⁠ ⁠What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard⁠ Thanks To Our Sponsors ⁠Unbound Merino⁠ - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. ⁠Visit Baltimore⁠ - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! ⁠Harvest Hosts⁠ - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership.

Are you ready for the 9th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular?The time has come my friends!On today’s extra special Christmas episode, Anne Dorthe and I snuggle up and talk about 5 ways you can make this a magical holiday season. Tune in to hear our favorite parts of the holiday season, find gratitude, gain new ideas about how to celebrate, and so much more.What are your favorite experiences and traditions during the holiday season? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.Don't forget that if you want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more. Click Here To Try Premium Passport For Only $1Tune In To Learn: Reasons to get into the holiday spirit as soon as possible Big differences between American and Norwegian Christmas traditions My kid’s favorite Norwegian Christmas treat Creative ideas to give back this Holliday season How to find the perfect holiday gathering Simple ways to bring your friends and family together Resolutions that will guarantee you have fun in the new year Anne Dorthe’s special Christmas song And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face & Purchasing Power - Today’s Sponsors Want More? A Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 2nd Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 3rd Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular Thanks to Our Sponsors The North Face - athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com Purchasing Power - gives federal civilian employees, retirees, and retired military a way to travel by paying over time (right through your paycheck) with no interest or hidden fees. Visit purchasingpower.shop today to find out more

Do you ever wish you could just slow down?Today I am joined by a long-time digital nomad and founder of Wandering Earl Tours, Derek "Earl" Baron to dive into the best countries to settle in and spend quality time. Derek set off for his first trip in December of 1999 and has been traveling the world non-stop since. Having visited over 100 countries, totaling nearly 8000 days on the road (at the time of this interview) he has the unique perspective of someone who has spent over 2 decades living, working, and building relationships abroad. If you are in the midst of making travel plans for the coming year, you will want to tune into this episode. Derek shares how to find the right place to spend quality time, tips for finding good housing abroad, the best country to make friends, advice for building relationships on the road, and so much more. Where is the last place you spent quality time? 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 bonus episode every month (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 balance and honor shifting values when traveling long-term What being stuck in Bali for 7 months taught Derek about burnout Takeaways from watching the digital nomad lifestyle grow in popularity What it was like to be a digital nomad in the 90s  Key differences between being part of a local community vs. a travel community What it means to spend “quality time” in a new place Tips and tricks for finding housing abroad Advice for building meaningful relationships while traveling The best place to easily make friends with locals Upcoming small group trips hosted by Wandering Earl Tours How Derek “turns on” as an introvert when leading a travel adventure What it was like to be an American traveling through Iraq The experience of coming back to the U.S. as an ex-pat And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face & Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card - Today's Sponsors Check out Wandering Earl Travel with Wandering Earl Tours Want More? An Interview With Wandering Earl Travel Tactics 3: How to Extend Any Trip, Learn Languages & Use Tech to Get Cheap Flights Rob Greenfield On How To Travel Moneyless, Wandering With Purpose and Simple Living Thanks to Our Sponsors The North Face - athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card - earn up to 6% cash back at selected stores. Visit https://usbank.com/shopper to get $250 Cashback after spending $2000 in the first 120 days of opening your account

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make a radical change in the way you experience day-to-day life? Today I am joined by long-time listeners and founders of The Giving Experiment, Owen and Christina Dargatz, to learn all about their family’s transition from life in a cushy Canadian ski town to becoming members of a small Guatemalan community.In May of 2021, the family of 7 arrived in Guatemala with the goal of understanding how they could enhance the lives of others. They have not looked back since and have started a plethora of projects including a community garden and food forest, a neighborhood music academy, workshops and courses to support local entrepreneurs, just to name a few.If you have ever sought a simpler way of life, you will not want to miss this episode. We dive into what it's like to live abroad with 5 kids, why less is always more, how travel has the power to transform your belief system, the beauty of giving and receiving, and so much more.What does discomfort mean to you and how has it helped you grow? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 unlikely way that Owen and Christina fell in love Why trusting intuition led to the realization it is possible to live abroad with children What made Owen and Christina want to “escape from comfort”  The water shut-off experiment that set their family free How to help your kids adjust to major life changes Why finances played a big role in the decision to move to San Pedro, Guatemala The mindset required to switch to an experimental way of life What it means to redefine what success looks like How to keep financial stress at bay when living with a giving mindset The biggest changes they have seen in their kids since moving to Guatemala Why you should teach your children it’s okay to struggle The benefits of pausing relationships and missing your loved ones Owen and Christina’s biggest takeaways from living in Guatemala How to break free from the mold of other’s expectations Easy ways you can give back to your own community And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Check out The Giving Experiment  Follow @the.giving.experiment on Instagram Learn more about Charity Water Want More? Resettling Abroad and Overseas Education Learning Through Travel: Gap Year, Career Breaks, and Beyond w/Jennifer Miller from BootsnAll.com Discovering Meaningful Work Through Travel Thanks to Our Sponsors: Better Help - visit their website today to get 10% off your first month of services.  US Bank Visa Platinum - get a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles and no annual fees, this card is a tool for getting ahead. Visit usbank.com/platinum to signup today. The North Face - athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a flight attendant?Today's episode provides an insider look into the world of flying with Skybabes Tee and Nena who have 20 years of experience in the aviation industry as senior flight attendants and recruiters for a prestigious international airline. Together they have flown across the world 400 times, visited two-thirds of the world, and spent almost 20,000 hours in the air as flight attendants. They have flown on some of the biggest passenger aircraft including Airbus A330-300, Airbus A340-500/800, Airbus A380, and Boeing 777-200/300 ER.If you plan on spending any time on a plane, you are not going to want to miss this episode. Tee and Nena share some invaluable advice about how to stay safe and healthy on any flight, crazy passenger stories that shed light on what NOT to do on a plane, the serendipitous story about how they met and became skybabes, why growing up during a time of war drew them to travel, and so much more.What was the most surprising thing you learned from today's episode? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also supported by US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, earn up to 6% cash back at selected stores. Visit https://usbank.com/shopper to get $250 Cashback after spending $2000 in the first 120 days of opening your account. Zero to Travel is also brought to you by Intrepid Travel - What’s on your 2023 travel bucket? list? Make it happen on a small group tour with Intrepid Travel and get up to 25% off* at intrepidtravel.com between November 21st to December 2nd. And finally a big thanks to Kachava for supporting the show. Get a blend of organic superfoods and plant-based proteins that has all your essential nutrients in one, visit www.kachava.com/zerototravel for 10% off your first order.Premium Passport:Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 it was like to grow up Serbia (then known as Yugoslavia) during the war The serendipitous story of how Tee and Nena met and what brought them to live in Dubai How the experience of travel helped heal past wounds Advice for introverts who work in a forward-facing job Stories about horrible passengers (don’t be these people) How to show your appreciation to a flight attendant The truth about the “mile high” club Must know do’s and don’ts of flying Best practices for ordering food and drinks during a flight Key carry-on items that will make your flight more comfortable What to do before your flight to ensure your day goes smoothly Tee and Nena’s favorite destinations The inspiration for writing Call Me Sky Babe And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face, US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, Intrepid Travel, Kachava - Today’s Sponsors Get a copy of Call Me Skybabe™: The Unfiltered, Laugh-Out-Loud, Empowering Guide to Finding Your Way to Health, Love, and Joy While Flying Follow @callmeskybabe on Instagram Reach out to the Skybabes via email at callmeskybabe@gmail.com Learn more Amazing Facts About Airplanes Want More? The Secret World Of Flight Attendants: An Interview With Betty In The Sky Around The World Ticket: Is It Worth It? Hitting The Reset Button On Life Through Travel

If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it? When this week's guest, professional photographer and loyal listener Leslie McKellar, was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in January 2022.This week's interview is extra special because not only was it recorded in person but I also met Leslie 8 months into her travels so she has some fantastic insights to share from her experience.You will not want to miss what she has to say about how she budgeted for the trip, advice on how to pick the right destinations, valuable lessons from curveballs along the way, why traveling can help you reset, a 60-second challenge to help you find new adventures, and so much more.What are your takeaways from the 60-second challenge? I'd love to hear about them and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, earn up to 6% cash back at selected stores. Visit https://usbank.com/shopper to get $250 Cashback after spending $2000 in the first 120 days of opening your account. We are also proudly supported by the About the Journey podcast. Host Oneka Raymond takes you around North America to answer the question what does it mean to travel better? Search for About the Journey today wherever you get your podcasts! Zero to Travel is brought to you by Better Help, visit their website today to get 10% off your first month of services. Premium Passport:Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 toxic mold was the unexpected launching point for Leslie’s travel dreams What made Leslie decide to seize the opportunity to travel long term Reasons why saying traveling is like hitting a reset button How it felt to finally leave on a trip that was 2 years in the making The strategy Leslie used to budget and plan accommodations How Leslie has navigated visas renewals during her year abroad What type of unexpected challenges have arisen during Leslie’s time abroad Why Leslie took climate and weather into account when seeking destinations Leslie’s experience being a solo female traveler  A few of Leslie’s favorite moments abroad  The biggest differences between slow travel and a quick trip How this journey impacted Leslie’s perspective on her career Why Leslie decided to leave her photography equipment at home The biggest takeaways from nearly a year of traveling Why it is a bigger risk to not seize the opportunity A 60-second challenge to everyone And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face, US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, About the Journey, & Better Help Check out Leslie’s Photography Follow Leslie McKellar on Instagram  Want More? Only $50 And A Dream: Biking Across The USA Solo With Zero Experience with Jasmine Reese Transition To Travel: Melinda’s Story Shamans, Solo Travel, and a Healing Path

Are you working on your 2023 travel bucket list? Well then, today’s very special episode is just for you. I chat with Matt Berna, President of North America for Intrepid travel, to get insight into some of the best and most unique places to visit as a solo traveler.Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travelers to discover the world's most amazing places for more than 30 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel. Intrepid offers over 1,150 trips designed to truly experience local culture across every continent. Regardless of next year's travel plans, you will need information from this episode in your arsenal. Not only does Matt share the top 5 countries for solo travelers (based on real statistics), but he also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a tour guide and shares how to break into the travel industry, why you should consider group travel, what realistic sustainable travel looks like and so much more. What has been one of the greatest travel days you’ve ever had? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.What’s on your 2023 travel bucket? list? Make it happen on a small group tour with Intrepid Travel and get up to 25% off* at intrepidtravel.com between November 21st to December 2nd.Premium Passport:Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 going to college in Boulder, CO grew Matt’s love for the outdoors How Matt became a tour guide and why he keeps doing it The best parts about Matt’s time living abroad in London Advice for someone who wants to make a living based on travel What Intrepid Travel is all about Insight into how to be a more sustainable traveler Why solo travelers should consider a group tour experience The best (unexpected) countries to visit as a solo traveler Why creating unique travel itineraries is a tool for building sustainable travel What it takes to make a great leader The greatest travel day Matt can remember Why you should put something fun on your calendar And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Don’t Miss the  Intrepid Cyber Sale from November 21st to December 2nd Check out Intrepid Travel stories at the Intrepid Journal Want More? Top 7 Hidden Wonders Of The World w/ Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura) Joys of Solo Travel w/ Manjinder Kang Top 10 Places We’re Dying To Visit That We’ve Never Been