Zero To Travel Podcast

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!

How can moving abroad help solve a specific life challenge? How do you choose the right location-independent business to start? What’s the best way to navigate traveling across longer distances?In this episode, I answer listener questions to help you take a more intentional approach to designing your travels and location-independent lifestyle.You’ll hear my thoughts on why you should reverse-engineer your travels and choose a destination based on your unique needs. If you’re feeling stuck on what kind of location-independent business to start, I’ll share a simple, fun litmus test to help you find the right fit. And if you’re wondering how to travel across Asia or any continent without burning out, I’ll tell a story from my time in Cambodia that completely changed my perspective on slow travel.Plus, is watching moose cross a river for 500 hours the most relaxing thing you might do this year?!What questions do you have on travel or the digital nomad lifestyle? I'd love for you to share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Budget airlines in Asia Want More? 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Southeast Asia Travel: Getting Off The Banana Pancake Trail 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 can your hotel or accommodations change how you experience a place?Annie Fitzsimmons is a seasoned luxury travel expert and author of the National Geographic book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Retreats. Annie has covered hotels, travel, lifestyle, restaurants, and destinations around the world for the last 20 years, working with major travel media companies such as National Geographic Travel and AFAR, and is currently the editor-in-chief at Embark Beyond.Annie shares the top five hotels that are worth seeking out in your life, covering not just luxury stays but those that tell a story, bring people together, and enhance the entire travel experience. We talk about the best hotels in the world that are actually worth their price tag and why you should experience these places even if you’re not a guest. You’ll learn how to find places that match your travel style, gain insight into the world of hospitality, and learn how the hotel industry is evolving in the era of Airbnb. We also discuss how she landed her dream job as National Geographic’s first-ever Urban Insider and how you, too, can forge your own unique career path.PLUS: You'll hear part three of our Top 5 Road Trips in the USA series!What was the most memorable hotel you’ve ever stayed in? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: What it was like to leave her home country, raise a family abroad, and navigate cultural differences How to match the right hotel to your travel style and expectations Tips for making the most of a hotel, even if you’re not a guest Where to find unique stays beyond typical luxury hotels The top hotels in the world that immerse you in the local experience  Why “affordable luxury” is on the rise and what that means for travelers Where the future of hotels is headed in a world of alternative stays How Annie landed a dream job at National Geographic and created her own career path Her best advice for writing and interviewing  And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Annie’s website Read her book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime Want More? Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson Travel TV Legend Samantha Brown: Pursuing Dreams, Solo Travel, Making Authentic Connections, and Why Success Begins Behind the Scenes 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

How can access to travel transform someone's life?Brandon Miller is the co-founder and director of brand strategy for Too Fly Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide passports, travel grants, and educational experiences for students in underresourced communities.In this episode, Brandon shares how his travel experiences shaped his outlook and ultimately led to his work creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel.We discuss the challenges of travel for these communities, how he went from a fun idea with friends in a bar to advocating for systemic change, and how his experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show amplified their mission.Brandon's story proves that small actions can lead to big change, and our conversation offers valuable perspectives on the importance of supporting travel equity, fostering inclusion, and always staying curious.How can you bring awareness to travel equity and inclusion on your adventures? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you'll share them 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: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 Brandon's own privilege inspired the creation of Too Fly Foundation The impact of studying abroad and how he viewed his home country differently after having those experiences The barriers to travel for underserved communities and the "Too Fly Why" that fuels their work How he went from "turning up for a cause" to building a nonprofit  How he blends having a full-time career with running his foundation  Why being on The Kelly Clarkson Show and meeting Tyler Perry was an inflection point of their work His biggest takeaways from running an organization How travelers can create and bring awareness to travel inclusion and equity And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Donate to Too Fly Foundation Follow Too Fly Foundation on Instagram Watch Brandon's interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show Want More? How To Solve Big Problems, Making An Impact, Growing Up Around The World w/ Chesca Colloredo-Mansfeld from Miracle Feet World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Walking 300 Miles In Medieval Armor + Being The Change w/ Lewis Kirkbride 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 would it be like to cycle the entire length of Africa? What are the most important lessons that travel can teach us?Alex Hennock is a 28-year-old Australian who's already traveled to nearly half the countries in the world, mostly overland. At the time of this recording, Alex is on a life-changing journey, cycling the length of Africa while raising money for Pure Water for Africa. His travels have taken him from the deserts of Namibia to the jungles of Tanzania, and his thoughtful approach to travel has given him a unique perspective on risk, resilience, and the power of human connection.In this episode, Alex shares stories from his epic adventure, how his approach to travel has evolved over the years, and nine key lessons that travel has taught him along the way.This conversation is full of practical travel wisdom and adventure stories and is a powerful reminder that travel can push us beyond our limits in the best way possible. Alex's journey highlights how travel challenges our worldview, reshapes our priorities, and helps us appreciate the beauty of stepping into the unknown. PLUS: You'll hear part two of our mini-series featuring the five best road trips in the USA!What's one unexpected lesson you've learned while traveling? How did it change your perspective? 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: Why Alex decided to trade fast travel for a 10,000-kilometer bike ride through Africa The most surprising lessons he's learned from traveling through "dangerous" places How to shift your mindset from focusing on the worst-case scenario to embracing the best-case possibilities Why your pre-travel worries rarely match your actual travel challenges How he handles logistics (like finding water in remote areas) while cycling through Africa Why traveling slower and deeper can be more rewarding than rushing to hit every destination How doing hard things while traveling builds resilience and shifts your perspective The importance of being flexible and leaving room for serendipity in your travels How Alex's journey is helping provide clean water for communities through Pure Water for Africa And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Alex’s website Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Want More? Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore 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

Join me for a coffee chat with my wife, Anne Dorthe, as we share the top 10 places we’re dying to visit.We break down our dream locations into five categories: mountains, cities, beaches, historical sites, and spiritual destinations. And since we didn’t share our lists ahead of time, we get to surprise each other along the way!We talk about the places that keep pulling us in, what makes a destination feel like a must-visit, and how personal experiences shape our travel wish lists. As we go through our picks, you’ll find new places to add to your list and inspiration for your next trip. What are the top places you’re dying to visit? I'd love to hear what they are, 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: The mountain range that keeps calling our names (and why we can’t agree on the best way to experience it) A city that’s been on Anne Dorthe’s radar for years The unexpected historical sites that made our cut and why they feel so compelling A beach destination that proves paradise doesn’t always mean palm trees The country that’s been described as a spiritual awakening in itself and why we both want to go How solo travel fits into our relationship and why we’re both believers in taking trips alone And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? Top 10 Places We’re Dying To Go Back To (And Why) 14 Best of “The Best Places to Travel in 2025” (Jason’s Picks) Top 7 Travel Trends for 2025 with Lyn Hughes 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it be like to travel the world alphabetically or create a YouTube channel that inspires millions?Paul Barbato is the creator of Geography Now, the first YouTube channel dedicated to covering every UN-recognized country in alphabetical order. Since its inception in 2014, the channel has featured episodes exploring each nation's geography, culture, history, politics, and quirks. With a unique blend of humor and educational content, Paul has built a global audience, making complex geographical and geopolitical information accessible and enjoyable for viewers of all ages.Whether you’re a content creator, geography nerd, or someone looking for inspiration to tackle your next big idea, you’ll find plenty of insight as Paul shares the story behind his channel’s success and what it’s like to wrap up such a massive creative undertaking after 10 years. Paul’s reflections are raw and relatable, touching on themes like identity, imposter syndrome, and navigating creative burnout. He discusses the highs and lows of being a YouTube creator in a rapidly evolving digital world and gives candid advice for aspiring content creators. Paul also reveals his favorite hidden gem destinations and places that make him wonder, “Why don’t more people go here?”PLUS: In this episode, I kick off a new road trip series featuring my top choices for the best USA road trips.What travel quest would you love to go on? 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 story behind his life-changing burglary and the existential crisis that followed Why Paul started Geography Now and how he built an international community Why connecting with locals is the secret to understanding a country What it’s like to wrap up a decade-long creative project and prepare for what’s next Paul’s favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations you haven’t heard of Honest insight for content creators navigating today’s high-production digital world How he stays motivated after 10 years on YouTube despite creative burnout and changing algorithms His personal Popcare Index for rating crowded tourist spots and how to avoid them His thoughts on traveling to controversial destinations and how the perceptions of a country’s government often differ from the on-the-ground reality How reconnecting with his Korean heritage helped him reclaim a part of his identity And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Subscribe to Geography Now on YouTube Follow on Instagram and Facebook Extraordinary Travel Festival Globe Trekker Want More? The Geography of Bliss With Eric Weiner The World’s Most Traveled Person on the Ethics of Gamifying Travel, Best Regions in the World, and Why To Keep Traveling With Harry Mitsidis of NomadMania Exploring A Single Map: A Travel Adventure For Everyone With Alastair Humphreys Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices