Are you considering a trip to Eastern Europe?

For this week's episode, I'm pulling one of my favorite shows from the archive!

Francis Tapon has a travel resume that inspires all of us to get out there and explore. He is the author of many renowned books, is an avid backpacker and slow travel junkie, and someone who has never owned a television, couch, bed, or spaceship (and is most disappointed about the last one).

In this episode, we dive into Eastern Europe, the beautiful benefits of slow travel, and why connecting with locals (not your phone) is so important to your overall experience.

What hidden spots have you added to your list? I'd love for you to 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 meaning of 'wander learn'
• Who is Francis Tapon?
• Comfort zones and epic hiking trails
• Living below your means and choosing life
• Techniques for saving money
• Becoming a writer
• Hidden Europe
• Meeting locals through couchsurfing
• Why Eastern Europe?
• Where to visit in Eastern Europe and where Francis would live
• Married life and travel
• The writing process and Unseen Africa
• Relationship with technology
• Upcoming destinations to visit now
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
• Check out fancistapon.com
• Follow Francis on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube
• Visit Africa54.com
• Listen to Wander Learn Podcast
• Grab a copy of Francis' books
• Couchsurfing
• RescueTime
• Camp Indie

Want More?

• Tips for Travel to Europe this Summer
• How to Travel Europe on a Budget w/ Andy Steves
• How to Road Trip Around Europe
• Around the World Ticket: Is it Worth it?

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What effect do you want your travels to have on the world?

Today I'm joined by Co-Founder and CEO of AFAR, Greg Sullivan.

AFAR is an award-winning travel media brand making a positive impact on the world through high-quality storytelling that inspires, empowers, and enriches travelers who care.

In this episode, Greg gives us his take on the state of travel, the roles and responsibilities of travel media, and how travel is a force for good. He shares the destinations you should consider visiting before they get too crowded and business advice for working remotely and getting started in the travel industry.

Has travel made you more empathetic? 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:

• Why Greg dropped everything to go back to school and his experience studying abroad in his 40s
• The conclusions he came to through studying philosophy and ethics and how travel is the best teacher of all
• Greg's core values as an individual and how travel influences your ethics
• How AFAR came to be and the transformative trip that sparked this journey
• The early days of AFAR and the challenges of running a magazine
• The meaning behind their mission of travel as a force for good
• When travel media does more harm than good, and the biggest issues in travel media and tourism
• When it's better to stay home
• How AI will change the industry
• Greg's experience with failure and advice for working remotely, managing a distributed team, and scaling a company
• His thoughts on living in balance and protecting your time
• Advice for finding your place in the travel industry
• Choosing to visit places during moments of radical change
• Destinations that exceeded Greg's expectations and a moment that changed his thoughts on travel 
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
• Check out AFAR Magazine
• Listen to the Unpacked by AFAR podcast

Want More?

• Top 5 Countries for Solo Travelers, the Future of Tourism, and Making an Impact with Matt Berna from Intrepid Travel
• Sustainable Travel 101 (How to be a Better Traveler) w/ Richard Hammond
• 3 Travel Trends You Should Know w/ Paige McClanahan

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Are you where you need to be right now in life? 

Today I'm joined by Ernest White II to learn about the value of living in alignment and following your creative pursuits.

Ernest has circumnavigated the globe six times. He's a storyteller, explorer, executive producer, and host of the television travel docuseries Fly Brother with Ernest White II. 

In this episode, Ernest talks about his life as an ex-pat, the importance of joy and celebrating life, his perspective on trusting in your vision, and the struggles of carving your own path. He shares his thoughts on overcoming doubt and fears, his experience producing and hosting a successful travel TV show, and what he loves most about the cultures he's visited. 

How can travel bring you more into alignment? 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:

• Why Ernest decided to move to Vancouver
• How the physical and cultural environment impacts his creativity
• Expansion, leaning in, and the support of others
• Operating from integrity rather than fear
• The traveler's advantage and experiencing the romance of life 
• Establishing a foundation of trust and safety
• Ernest's experience growing up in Florida, Disney World, and visiting Sweden as a teen
• Finding the balance between "what's next" and living in the "now"
• Connecting through language and Ernest's experience learning Portuguese and Spanish
• Ernest's most standout experiences while filming Fly Brother
• How traveling for a shoot vs. personal travel changes his relationship with a place
• What "the world is our tribe" means to Ernest 
• Ernest's three favorite adjectives as a writer
• The destinations he's dying to go to and the most adventurous thing he's ever done
• Ernest's most treasured travel memories 
• Why a passion for living is more prevalent in certain cultures
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Today's Sponsor
• Learn more about Fly Brother
• Check out Ernest's new community, Fly Brother and Friends
• Connect with Ernest on Instagram

Want More?

• The Vagabond's Way: Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel w/ Rolf Potts
• The Spiritual Journey + Travel and Creativity with Karan Bajaj
• From Wall Street To Nepal, Life Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough w/ James C. Hopkins

Thanks to our Sponsors

• This episode is also sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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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Have you ever considered traveling to Galicia, Spain? 

This week I’m swapping shows and bringing you a bonus episode from Amateur Traveler Podcast, an award-winning blog and podcast helping real travelers plan real trips to their own backyard or around the world.

In this episode, host Chris Christensen talks to Lisa Rose Wright about her adopted home of Galicia, Spain. Lisa shares why you should add this lesser-known, greener corner of Spain to your bucket list and lays out an eight-day itinerary to get you started on planning your trip.

Full show notes here!

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Is Ireland on your list of places to visit?

Today I'm joined by National Geographic tour leader and author Jack Kavanagh to give us the scoop on his homeland of Ireland.  

Jack Kavanagh is an expert traveler, journalist, writer, and tour leader for National Geographic Expeditions. He has worked as an editor for National Geographic International Editions and was the senior editor for National Geographic Books. Jack is the author of National Geographic Complete National Parks of Europe and is currently writing a book about Unesco World Heritage Sites. His newest book, Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle, offers the ultimate insider's tour of Ireland's most iconic sites. 

This episode will make you want to jump on a plane and head straight to The Land of Saints and Scholars. Jack shares his insight into all things Ireland, from the culture and where to find the best traditional music to the less-touristed road trips worth taking. You'll learn why chatting and daydreaming are Ireland's two unofficial past times, which festivals are worth a visit, where to find some of the best nature, and plenty more!

Where in Ireland are you headed to first? 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:

• Jack's life in Philadelphia and experiencing Ireland with fresh eyes
• How Jack carved out his career, his new book, and why he considers it a 'dreamer's guide'
• Jack's advice on trip planning and driving around Ireland
• The importance of talking with locals and leaving a day for nothing
• Why the Irish are great storytellers
• The best places to get out in nature 
• The culture around music and the best pubs for live music
• My favorite travel moments in Ireland
• Jack's favorite road trips, the quintessential Irish pub experience, and the town you don't want to miss
• The future of tourism in Ireland and the rise of film tourism (Star Wars festival?!)
• Local festivals that most travelers never experience
• The Irish food revolution and must-try dishes
• What Jack is chatting and daydreaming about these days
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Today's Sponsor, connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
• Grab a copy of Jack's book, Always Ireland
• Check out the Nat Geo Expeditions Ireland tour
• Follow Jack on Instagram  

Want More?

• Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe
• Hiking the West Highland Way w/ Lynne Nieman
• 5 Must-See Destinations in 2023 with National Geographic Travel Senior Editor Amy Alipio (Plus Learn How to Successfully Pitch Nat Geo)

Thanks to our Sponsors

• This episode is sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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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Have you ever experienced a trip that changed your perspective on life?

Today, I'm joined by Kari Gale to learn about her experience hiking 500 miles from the French border into Spain on the Camino De Santiago and the unique way she journals her travels. 

Kari is an artist specializing in capturing the narratives of journey, food, and travel through pen, ink, and watercolor. From her tiny house in Portland, Oregon, she works as an author, illustrator, and creative mentor to others who want to document their stories through journal art.

Kari's perspective on life and travel provides valuable insight for any journey, big or small. Kari shares her experience hiking the Camino De Santiago, the profound effects of documenting your travels with a paintbrush, the importance of staying curious, her commitment to minimalism, and so much more.

What have you carried home from your travels? 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 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 struggle of working as an artist and balancing business with creativity
• The story of Kari's pilgrimage and how her illustrated books came to be
• Finding the harmony between passion projects and making a living
• How drawing enhances your travels and the importance of being present
• Kari's thoughts on having intention behind a trip 
• Valuing curiosity over expectation and processing trauma
• What being a pilgrim means to Kari and forming a bond with others
• The spiritual experience of a pilgrimage
• Kari's perspective on minimalism, deciding to live in a tiny home, and her advice on downsizing
• How Kari overcame impostor syndrome as an art teacher
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Today's Sponsor, connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
• Learn more about Kari and her artwork 
• Follow Kari on Instagram @karimgale
• Take a tour of Kari's Tiny House

Want More?

• How a Pilgrimage can Transform Your Life w/ Paul Barach
• How to Overcome Personal Struggles Through Travel w/ Michael Lavers
• 7 Lessons from the Tiny House Movement that will Help You Travel the World

Thanks to our Sponsors

• This episode is sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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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Have you ever dreamed of campervanning around Europe? Have you ever wanted to plan a remote work retreat for yourself or your organization?

Today I’m joined by Chase Warrington, host of the About Abroad podcast, to talk about his experience campervanning around Europe and planning remote work retreats that create meaningful connections.

Chase Warrington is an American expat living in Europe with his wife and dog. He’s the Head of Remote at Doist, a leading remote-first company with teammates spreading across 35+ countries, and has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice for Remote Work. After calling half a dozen countries home, Chase is passionate about the future of work and its impact on global mobility, as well as making location independence the new standard and helping others build a life without borders. 

In the first half of this episode, Chase dispels the glamourized version of vanlife and shares the reality of this lifestyle. He provides plenty of actionable tips on campervanning in Europe, including how to buy and sell a campervan, the benefits of road-tripping around Europe, and the options available for European residency.

As the retreat planner for Doist, Chase also shares his favorite up-and-coming retreat destinations and his advice for creating successful remote work retreats. If you’re a solopreneur or traveler working remotely, Chase’s advice can be applied to create your own mini-retreat to recharge and escape your daily routine.

Is vanlife for you? 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 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 Chase builds connections while traveling and his transition from nomad to expat
• Chase's first vanlife experience and tips for buying campervans in Europe
• Chase's preferred way of travel and the importance of structuring trips around what works for you
• The best hubs for vanlife and Chase's favorite campervan resources
• What to consider when purchasing a van and the reality of vanlife
• The cost of vans and what you can expect to pay for parking
• Chase's favorite places to explore by van
• Advice on living with someone in close-quarters
• How easy it is to resell campervans as a tourist 
• Why Chase left Spain and the decision to become a permanent resident
• Chase's role at Doist and how he builds connections through retreats
• Tips for creating a successful remote work retreat 
• The top 5 places Chase recommends for retreats and why 
• Key takeaways for fostering a remote work culture
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsor
• Connect with Chase on LinkedIn, Twitter
• Listen to the About Abroad Podcast
• Read about remote work on the Doist blog
• Download park4night 

Want More?

• How To Campervan In New Zealand
• Campervan Therapy
• How To Navigate Life Changes Gracefully, Full Time RVing, and Finding Courage Through Travel w/ Geri Suster
• RV'ing Across America: A Quest To Visit All 50 States w/ Alyssa Padgett

Thanks to Our Sponsors

• This episode is also sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wanted to create your own path toward travel? 

Today I'm joined by Mark White and Steffi Barthel to learn about the inspiring moments that led them to a life of travel, adventure, love, and music.

Mark and Steffi met in a small town on the east coast of Australia in November 2016. After traveling together for six months, Mark decided to share his passion with Steffi and taught her to play the Chapman Stick. They now travel around the globe as the world's only Chapman Stick duo, sharing their music and making a difference. 

If you're looking for that spark of inspiration to start living life on your own terms, this episode is for you. Mark and Steffi share their unconventional approach to earning a living on the road, their advice for international couples, how music connects them as a couple and to the cultures around them, and so much more.

How can you take an unconventional approach to incorporate more travel into your life? 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 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 Mark and Steffi met, their unique engagement story, and advice for international couples
• How Mark discovered the Chapman stick and the epiphany that led him to busk
• Why Steffi started playing the Chapman Stick and how music was their answer for staying together
• What they do to maintain discipline on the road
• How their relationship has grown through music 
• Why they chose to busk instead of taking the stage
• Why busking allows them to form deeper connections to cultures
• Their experience playing in different cities and their favorite places to travel
• Why travel inspires their songwriting 
• How they give back to the environment through their music
• How they learned to embrace their identities as artists and deal with skepticism
• The importance of staying true to yourself and choosing the uncommon path
• Tips for van life in Europe and their favorite apps to use on the road
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsor
• Grab a copy of Cascade's new album
• Follow @cascademelodies on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube 
• Book flights with Skyscanner, Google Flights
• Download park4night (Europe), iOverlander (United States), CamperMate (New Zealand, Australia)
• Find accommodations through Hostelworld, Agoda, Booking.com

Want More?

• Couplepreneur Conundrums with Nick and Gen
• Leaving A Comfortable Life For Travel w/ Cassie And Nate
• 7 Pro Tips For Finding A Perfect Work/Life/Travel Balance w/ Kelly Claus & Jeremy Enns
• From $70K In Debt To World Travel w/ Annette and Daniel Fortner

Thanks to Our Sponsors

• This episode is sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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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Tony Giles has visited 130 countries on 7 continents and counting. He’s written 3 books, delivered an epic TEDx talk, and has been featured in major media all over the globe, including the BBC and Travel + Leisure. 

In this episode, Tony shares his inspiring story of traveling the world as a blind solo traveler. He talks about his struggles growing up with alcohol and kidney disease, his trust in strangers, the surprising advantages of being blind, how he unintentionally became a motivational speaker, and so much more.

How did Tony’s story change your perspective on travel?

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 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 Tony become blind and partially deaf, and his personal struggles with alcohol addiction and kidney disease
• The pivotal moments that sparked Tony’s passion for travel and the challenges he’s overcome
• How Tony’s book, “Seeing the World My Way,” came to fruition and the therapeutic effects of sharing his story
• How Tony navigates through the world by utilizing “body feeling” 
• The drawbacks of traveling as a sighted person and the advantages of traveling blind (like being able to touch the Liberty Bell!)
• The story of how he unintentionally became an inspirational speaker 
• Why Tony feels he is less vulnerable than sighted people and how he’s learned to trust others
• What solo travel has taught Tony about himself 
• His most memorable interactions and experiences 
• Which countries may be more difficult for him to visit 
• Where you should visit on your trip to England
• His best travel advice for everyone
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card -Today's Sponsor
• Check out Tony’s Website
• Listen to the TEDx Talk
• Grab Tony’s Book - Seeing a Slice of Southern Africa My Way 

Want More?

• Legendary Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer: Kayaking 277 Miles Down The Grand Canyon
• Riding 16,000 Miles Blind
• Joys of Solo Travel

Thanks to Our Sponsors

• This episode is also sponsored by US Bank'sconnect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is your favorite style of travel?

Today I am joined by Tim Marting to dive into what it means to be a “Slowmad” and the biggest benefits of spending more time in a new country. 

Tim is the co-founder and COO of Citizen Remote, an online community geared toward helping its members achieve their travel dreams. It is a platform built by digital nomads, for digital nomads that specializes in obtaining Visas, unearthing hidden gem experiences, and building relationships abroad. 

If you have ever dreamed of spending quality time in a new country, you will not want to miss this episode. Tim shares all about why he loves settling into a new country, the challenges that arise when adjusting to a new culture, why it is important to be bored, the importance of connecting with the local community, and so much more.

What intention have you set for the day? I'd love to hear what it is 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:

• Where Tim calls home after slow traveling throughout 5 countries
• Unexpected tips for getting a resident permit in Spain
• Why boredom led Tim to book his first international trip 
• The experience that gave Tim the courage to change his professional trajectory
• How to plan an epic Australian adventure
• The biggest challenges and lessons from being in an international relationship
• What it’s like to find balance as a busy entrepreneur in a relaxed culture
• How Tim was taught to slow down during his time in Italy
• The difference between a digital nomad and slowmad
• Top benefits of having time to settle into a new culture
• Why befriending locals will allow you to have unique experiences 
• What it means to have a home away from home
• How to break away from preconceived notions about others
• Why Citizens Remote will help digital nomads
• Where to get the best Kansas City BBQ and other must-dos in Missouri 
• Two simple tips for anyone dreaming of living and working abroad
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html">Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsor
• Check out Citizen Remote
• Follow @citizenremote on Instagram
• Learn more about Kansas City, Missouri
• Follow Helen and Tim Travel on YouTube 

Want More?

• The Great Debate: Slow vs Fast Travel
• The Slow Travel Philosophy + Traveling As A Black Woman with Oneika Raymond
• Random Travel Jobs, Digital Nomading and Slow Travel with Hannah Dixon

Thanks to Our Sponsors

• connect-visa-signature-credit-card.html"> 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices