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Today, we're bringing you an episode from Untold Italy!
Traveling to Italy offers a chance to immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. However, to make your trip more enriching and sustainable, consider small adjustments that enhance your experience while respecting the local environment and communities. By valuing the places you visit, exploring lesser-known attractions, supporting local businesses, and making mindful decisions, you can enjoy a more authentic and positive impact on your travels. Embrace these tips to ensure that your Italian adventure is not only memorable but also sustainable.
Today's guest, Corinna Cooke, runs small group tours in Italy and is the author of the best-selling book series Glam Italia! How to Travel Italy. In her guides, Corinna approaches travel differently, showing you the places that you probably don't know about inside the big, famous cities.
We discuss how to really enjoy your travels to Italy without contributing to the ever-growing problem of overtourism. Many of us are keen to be more responsible and sustainable travelers but don't always know where to start. The good news is that a lot of little choices you make can have a big impact, with the bonus of likely improving your experiences, too.
What you'll learn in this episode
Making small adjustments can make a big difference – to sustainability as well as to your experiences
Value your destination – appreciate and respect where you're visiting, which includes reducing your waste
Explore beyond the major sights in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice and also consider visiting less touristy places like Le Marche, Abruzzo, and the Tuscan coasts for affordability and much less international tourism
Spend wisely – your spending impacts the local economy. Make mindful decisions about where you shop and what you buy and eating where the locals eat will mean supporting local businesses as well as better food at lower prices
Re-consider large group tours. Explore small group tour options or travel independently to avoid feeding the mass tourism model
For the full show notes, click here.
Want More?
Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe
Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn
Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
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It's time to grab your pen and paper and start planning your adventure to Europe!
Europe travel planner Lynne Nieman joins me to discuss the current state of European travel and how to plan the perfect trip in 2025—whether it's your first visit or your 50th.
Lynne Nieman is the founder of Wander Your Way and a professional travel planner with over a decade of experience organizing independent and small-group trips throughout Europe. As a semi-nomadic traveler, Lynne combines her passion for off-the-beaten-path exploration with her expertise in creating personalized travel experiences.
Lynne shares her take on upcoming travel trends, explains how to balance spontaneity and planning, and offers her favorite lesser-known destinations to avoid the crowds. You'll gain insight into crafting an itinerary tailored to your interests, navigating Europe's evolving transportation options, and embracing a more meaningful travel style.
What destinations are you adding to your Europe itinerary? I'd love to hear what your Europe travel plans are, and I hope you'll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why Lynne decided that having a base was important for her travel lifestyle
How she approaches planning the "perfect" travel itinerary
How European travel is evolving in a post-Covid world, including new trends for 2025 (cool-cations?!)
Why spontaneous travel may be more difficult and why the shoulder season may no longer mean smaller crowds
Alternative destinations for busy hotspots in places like Scotland, Spain, and Croatia
What to consider when planning transportation around Europe
Advice for walking trails like the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way
Tips for navigating Schengen rules and upcoming visa changes
Her favorite spots for working remotely
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Wander Your Way
Join a Europe group tour
Listen to Lynne's podcast
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Europe visa information
Macs Adventure
Walkers Ways
Darksky.org
Schengen calculator
Want More?
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
Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
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What’s next for travel? Get ahead of the curve with travel expert Lyn Hughes as she reveals the top seven travel trends in 2025.
Named one of the “50 Most Influential People in Travel,” Lyn Hughes is the founding editor of Wanderlust, the UK’s largest and longest-running travel magazine. She is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and regularly consults on travel-related issues, especially regarding sustainable tourism.
Discover what’s shaping the future of travel in 2025, from the rise of meaningful connections to unconventional modes of exploration. You’ll get destination recommendations and plenty of insights for planning your future adventures as we explore topics such as sustainable travel trends, how solo travel is evolving, and why the skies are calling more travelers than ever.
PLUS: Hang around on the backend for part one of our special bonus series to help you plan your mystery road trip! In this episode, I share my three best tips to prepare for your adventure.
What emerging travel trend for 2025 excites you the most? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share your plans by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How a scribbled idea on an airplane led to the creation of the iconic Wanderlust magazine
Why Lyn believes 2025 will be the “year of the locals” (and insight into its cultural impact)
Why this style of expedition travel is quickly becoming a must-do for unconventional travelers
Which mode of transportation is making a comeback as a sustainable and romantic way to go on a journey
How the wellness movement is making its mark on travel
Why solo travel continues to grow and how the industry is adapting to it
How our increasing fascination with natural phenomena has us looking to the skies in 2025
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Wanderlust Magazine
Wanderlust’s 2024 Travel Green List
Darksky.org
Want More?
Train Travel Around The World w/ Mark Smith
Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins
Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler
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Pat Sperry shares his approach to flourishing through the “Five Pillars of Well-being” and explores how transformative travel experiences, cultural immersion, and ancient practices can help you find fulfillment and well-being on the road and in everyday life.
Pat Sperry is a professional well-being coach, Iyengar yoga teacher, and founder of Flourish—a community that creates healing and transformational experiences through elevated retreats and online education, empowering individuals to live with purpose and compassion.
Pat shares his unique journey from being an athlete, musician, and even David Beckham’s body double to traveling the globe and becoming a leader in personal growth and well-being. You’ll hear about the lessons he learned from studying with spiritual masters and spending time at the Five Immortals Temple in China. From tips on cultivating mindfulness to building a life of meaning, Pat’s insights offer actionable steps on using travel for deeper purpose and connection.
What’s the most life-changing travel experience you’ve had? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Pat’s fascinating journey from a career in sports and music to a life dedicated to self-discovery
How his travels and immersive cultural experiences through places like Thailand, China, and India reshaped his views on life, purpose, and fulfillment
Pat’s philosophy of “traveling light” and how simplifying his life while on the road helped him cultivate gratitude and inner peace
The concept of the “hedonic treadmill” and insight on how to balance chasing new experiences with finding peace in the present
An in-depth look at the “Five Pillars of Well-being” and how each can be activated through travel and everyday life
Why rites of passage matter and how they differ across global cultures
How to align your travel experiences with personal growth goals and values
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Pat’s website
Follow Flourish on Instagram
Flourishing by Maureen Gaffney
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore
Be Here Now by Ram Dass
Ram Dass podcast
Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell
The Gift by Hafiz
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Using Intuition to Make Tough Decisions, Learning to Surrender, Discovering Purpose, and Living Your Best Life with Amrit Sandhu from Inspired Evolution
How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk
Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler
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Looking to travel without breaking the bank? Tim Leffel gives us the inside scoop on the cheapest destinations for 2025, insight on making the most of your adventures without overspending, and tips for traveling Europe on a budget.
Tim Leffel is an award-winning travel writer and author of The World's Cheapest Destinations (currently in its fifth edition) and A Better Life for Half the Price, a guide to cutting your expenses in half by living abroad. With years of experience living abroad and now living in Mexico, Tim has been covering destinations around the world and helping people move abroad for over three decades.
Tim's expert insights provide a practical guide for choosing affordable destinations, plus valuable tips and hacks for stretching your budget while still experiencing all that a destination has to offer.
What country from this episode would you want to visit or live in? I'd love to hear where you’re most excited about, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
The key factors that make some countries more affordable than others
What two “golden opportunity” destinations you should take advantage of before it’s too late
Which South American countries remain top budget-friendly picks
A Central American gem that offers serene lakes, rich history, yoga culture, and unbeatable value (plus an affordable place to get scuba certified)
Which Middle Eastern countries offer a rare, crowd-free experience this year—and why now is the time to go
How to navigate European travel affordably, with tips on transportation, meal planning, and budget-friendly city options
Travel hacks for stretching your budget, including strategies to maximize ATM exchanges and avoid hidden fees
The art of discovering free and low-cost activities abroad that add depth to your experience
Tim’s perspective on living and traveling in Mexico (compared to mainstream media)
Advice on balancing work and travel
And so much more
Resources:
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Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Check out cheapestdestinationsblog.com
Visit cheaplivingabroad.com
Subscribe to Nomadico on Substack
Sign up for the Cheap Living Abroad report
Tim’s list of cheapest destinations 2024
Read about touring Europe on a budget
Follow Tim on Instagram
Want More?
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
How To Take More Vacations by Booking Better, Cheaper Flights With Scott Keyes
Best Remote Work + Digital Nomad Destinations 2023 (And Beyond) w/ Tim Leffel
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What would exploring a new city without relying on technology be like?
Lisa Abend is a journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, the New York Times travel section, and National Geographic Traveler, among others. In response to the collapse of many traditional media outlets for narrative travel writing and how social media has sucked the serendipity and sense of discovery out of travel, she launched a Substack called The Unplugged Traveler. For the newsletter, she travels to a new European city every month without using the internet—that means no Google research, no online reservations, no GPS maps, no AirBnB or Uber, and no mindless scrolling while in a cafe or on a train.
Lisa shares her unique travel philosophy, giving a fresh perspective on what it means to travel authentically. Her stories and strategies challenge the "must-see" checklist mentality, encouraging us to embrace serendipity and let go of travel FOMO. You’ll learn how going offline can deepen your connection to people, places, and unexpected moments to create a more immersive travel experience.
What’s one place you’d like to explore without relying on your phone or social media? I'd love to hear where you’d go, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
The unusual way Lisa went from academic to a journalist in Spain
Her experience living as an outsider in Spain and Denmark (and what makes the Danes so happy)
Lisa’s philosophy behind "unplugged" travel and letting go of the pressure to see everything
How to use curiosity and spontaneity to guide your travels
Practical advice on finding accommodations and local recommendations offline
How she navigates destinations without a GPS or Uber
Lisa’s favorite memories of authentic encounters and unexpected discoveries
How small inconveniences can lead to richer, more memorable travel stories
Why it’s important to consider what you really want out of your travel experience
How the experiment has changed her relationship with technology and choosing destinations
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Subscribe to the Unplugged Traveler Substack
Follow Lisa on Instagram
Want More?
Is Technology Ruining Your Travel Experience? With Seth Kugel
Unplugged America
Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
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Considering a move abroad now or in the future? How do you choose the correct digital nomad visa or remote work visa for your lifestyle and goals?
Citizen Remote co-founder Tim Marting discusses the latest insights on digital nomad visas and essential tips for relocating abroad.
Tim Marting is a digital nomad and co-founder of Citizen Remote, a platform dedicated to helping remote workers and travelers move abroad. With years of experience living and working globally, Tim has firsthand knowledge of navigating visa complexities, relocating, and thriving in foreign environments.
Tim highlights digital nomad visa options by duration and benefits and talks about exciting upcoming and new remote work visas. You'll get mindset advice on how to think about where you want to go and why, tips for settling into a new place, and insight into the visa application process. You'll also hear some of Tim's personal stories from his travels and plans to live in Iceland that will inspire your next move.
Where do you want to move abroad? I'd love to hear why, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Advice for traveling around Scandinavia for an extended period
Key benefits and requirements of digital nomad visas for top destinations
Tips on navigating complex visa applications (with requirements that can change anytime!)
Short-term visas that offer tax advantages
Medium-term visa options that encourage entrepreneurial growth
Long-term digital nomad visas that can open pathways to residency and citizenship
Advice on staying flexible with travel plans to maximize your relocation options
Tim's insights on moving and living abroad, adapting to new cultures, and making the most of remote work opportunities
How Citizen Remote can assist with visas, taxes, accommodation, and more for a seamless relocation experience
Tim’s strategies for connecting in a new country
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Sign up for Citizen Remote
Follow Citizen Remote on Instagram
Want More?
Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright
Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe
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Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month!
What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I'd love to get your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Resources:
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Thanks To Our Sponsors
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What does hell on earth look like?
Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world.
Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations.
Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder.
What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
A city filled with death, a centuries-old “skull cult,” and the inspiration behind Dante’s Inferno
A small cave in Ireland linked to ancient folklore and the origins of Halloween
The fiery pit that’s been burning for decades and the surprising theory behind it (plus, you can camp here!)
Where you can witness surreal blue flames rolling down a deadly sulfuric volcano
An island with some of the most gorgeous yet hellscape-y features, geothermal pools, and more
The most electric place on earth and the fascinating science behind it
Where to find razor-sharp “stone forests” and navigate the devil’s obstacle course
Which charming but hellish US town you can be mayor for the day
Will our pets eat us if we die? The five-second rule (fact or fiction?)
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Erika’s website
Grab Erika’s book, Go to Hell
Would your dog eat you if you died?
Want More?
What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore
Top 10 World’s Weirdest Restaurants With La Carmina
Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell
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Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France.
Why should you go to Normandy?
Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.”
Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here.
Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast.
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Want More?
Destination Bonanza w/ Chris Christensen
How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson
Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn
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Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better?
Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit.
Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.”
He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road.
What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How his around-the-world journey in a $100 car with strangers evolved into a global travel movement
What it really means to DIY an adventure and travel on nothing but optimism
What it was like to pick up hitchhikers and invite strangers from the internet to join their convoy
How Joel manages the reality and expectations of this kind of trip and how he vets participants
Tips on managing conflict, group dynamics, and building trust on the road
Insights into the overlanding community, his most memorable encounters, and favorite locations
The unusual way they choose their route on the Pan-American Highway (a fun way for you to plan your next trip!)
Perspectives on balancing spontaneity with preparation in global travel
Why being open is the best way to make travel sustainable and insights on creating your own unique lifestyle
Why you should consider Bansko, Bulgaria as your base
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit the Global Convoy website
Global Convoy on YouTube
Follow on Instagram, TikTok
Joel’s favorite stop in Caral, Peru
Workaway
Nomad Cruise
Eight Boots Abroad
Want More?
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
Tales From A Converted School Bus: Working Full Time & Traveling With An Adventure Dog
New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen
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How can you make a smoother transition into your new life abroad?
Relocation expert Chrishan Wright discusses the hidden challenges and unexpected mistakes people make when moving abroad. She shares lessons from her experience living in Portugal and offers valuable advice for both aspiring expats and long-term travelers.
Chrishan Wright is the creator of Blaxit Global, a vibrant hub dedicated to providing information, inspiration, and empowerment for the global Black community seeking a fresh start abroad.
Chrishan highlights the top mistakes you may never have considered—from underestimating costs to the legal and healthcare surprises that can catch you off guard. She also shares valuable insights on integrating and adjusting to a new lifestyle and embracing personal growth as you navigate life in a foreign country.
If you could move to any country tomorrow, where would you go and why? I'd love to know, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
The emotional and practical challenges of adjusting to expat life
How to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle in a new culture
The impact of moving abroad on personal growth and self-discovery
Why your relocation costs may not be as low as you thought
The importance of understanding visa options and requirements
What you need to consider when managing finances back home
The reality of death and uncommon considerations for healthcare
The legal requirements to think about when living abroad
How to be more intentional when packing (and save $!)
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Learn about Blaxit Global
Move to Portugal Virtual Summit (Nov 2024)
Listen to Chrishan’s podcast
Want More?
Why Black Americans Are Moving Abroad With Chrishan Wright
Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe
Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak
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How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like?
Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life's A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years.
As someone who never actually set out to become an influencer, she shares her unexpected story of building a career around full-time travel, the realities of social media influencing and travel blogging, and her experience leading tours in Antarctica.
Alyssa talks about the mindset shifts that helped her push past societal expectations and how solo travel has profoundly shaped her life and choices. She reveals the truth behind the lifestyle, addresses misconceptions, and provides insight into the positives and negatives of the industry.
You’ll also hear about what it’s like to travel to Antarctica and gain plenty of practical advice about the costs and logistics of planning your adventure.
What’s the most transformative experience you’ve had while exploring solo? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How to “get under the skin” of the places you visit
The hurdles she had to overcome to become a paid full-time traveler (especially as a woman)
Her pivot from Hollywood journalist to travel blogger and why she never intended to become an “influencer”
Her experience with “haters” and why she struggled with putting herself out there
The shady side of social media and how it’s impacted travel destinations
Insights on traveling solo as a woman and three places to start your solo adventure
Why she decided to freeze her eggs and how that relates to her travel lifestyle
Tips and insights on planning a trip to Antarctica
Alyssa’s favorite underrated destinations for being awestruck, romance, and local connections
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Alyssa’s website
Follow Alyssa on Instagram
Join a trip to Antarctica
Listen to her podcast
Grab her book, Yes, I'm a Woman, and I'm Traveling Alone
Want More?
An Unconventional Approach to Challenges, Maximizing Travel With a Full-Time Job, Advice on Publishing, Creating Solo Travel Magic With Jen Ruiz
Choosing The Travel Life w/ Rachel Hill
How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan
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What does it mean to read the world, and how can it transform your perspective on global cultures?
Ann Morgan is an author, novelist, and literary explorer based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she challenged herself to read a book from every country, recording her quest at ayearofreadingtheworld.com and in the non-fiction book Reading the World.
Ann shares her experience, giving us powerful insights into literature’s ability to expand horizons and challenge preconceptions. She shares tips on finding books that challenge your worldview, the importance of reading outside your comfort zone, and how literature can reveal cultural blind spots. We talk about some of the challenges with reading globally and what to be cautious of when choosing what to read.
You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives on how stories from around the globe can enrich your understanding of the world and your place in it.
Which book from a different culture or country has impacted how you see the world? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How her quest developed and grew beyond anything she expected (and why people are STILL talking about it!)
The concept of "authentic reading" and avoiding the "authenticity trap"
Tips on finding authentic voices in global literature
The fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation when sharing stories
The role of translation and how it influences your perception of a culture
Stories of fascinating connections she made through her literary project
The challenges and rewards of reading globally and understanding biases
Why reading internationally can deepen more than just your travel experiences
And so much more
Resources:
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Ann’s website and book list
Ann’s book, Reading the World
Ann on Instagram
Want More?
Traveling While Black with Nanjala Nyabola
Factfulness – Why The World Is Better Than You Think
The Geography of Bliss With Eric Weiner
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Want to experience the real flavors of Europe? Eating Europe founder Kenny Dunn shares his eight food hacks in Europe for avoiding tourist traps and eaing like a local.
Since 2011, Eating Europe has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities. Their immersive culinary experiences allow travelers to discover where locals eat, hear the stories behind each dish, and interact with the people who make these iconic foods.
Kenny’s insider tips will help you spot high-quality, authentic dishes anywhere in Europe, from Milan to Paris and beyond. You’ll learn not only about the best locations to visit but how to look for certain qualities in your food to ensure a delicious and authentic experience and why a food tour should be a part of your next adventure.
What’s the best local dish you’ve discovered while traveling? I'd love to know what it was and why you loved it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How to tell the difference between real and fake gelato
The secrets to finding the best steak in Florence
The must-try risotto in Milan
How to spot authentic French onion soup in Paris
The best places to get macarons in Paris
Where to find the freshest mini pancakes (poffertjes) in Amsterdam
Insider tips on finding great fish and chips in London
The key to spotting authentic gyros in Athens
Why food tours are the best way to connect with local cultures
Bonus: The best Philly cheesesteak?!
And so much more
Resources:
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Kenny's resource list
Eating Europe’s website
Eating Europe on Instagram
Check out my band, Laundry House
Laundry House on Apple Music and Spotify
Want More?
Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe
Top 5 Alternative European Destinations (to Avoid the Crowds) with Joseph Reaney
Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
Thanks To Our Sponsors
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Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots?
In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience.
As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is known for discovering unique spots. His book encourages travelers to avoid crowded places and explore smarter with fresh alternatives to typical bucket list locations.
Over-tourism is one of the biggest issues in global travel today, and this episode offers actionable tips to steer clear of crowded tourist spots while still having amazing experiences. Andrew’s knowledge is timely and will give you plenty of new ideas, whether you're looking at destinations in the US or beyond.
If you could swap a popular tourist destination for a lesser-known gem, where would it be? I’d love to hear your ideas and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why popular destinations are becoming "loved to death" and how to avoid contributing to the problem
Alternatives to famous spots like Cape Cod, Miami, and Norway
How to find the essence of a place, even if it’s off the beaten path
Historical experiences in Andrew’s home city of Charleston
The most underrated cities in the U.S. and why they’re worth visiting
Hidden gems in the Southern hemisphere
How to shift your mindset to prioritize experiences over destinations
Tips for choosing travel destinations that fit your style without the crowds
And so much more
Resources:
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Andrew’s book Here Not There
Andrew’s website
Connect with Andrew on Instagram
Want More?
Top 7 Hidden Wonders of the World With Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura)
Top 5 Alternative European Destinations (to Avoid the Crowds) with Joseph Reaney
National Geographic’s Best of the World: Where to Travel in 2024 and Beyond (With Senior Editor Allyson Johnson)
Thanks To Our Sponsors
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What does it take to walk around the world, and what motivates someone to take on such a massive challenge?
Tom Turcich enjoys walking, a lot. Actually, he might enjoy walking too much. Over seven years, he and his dog, Savannah, walked 25,000 miles across thirty-eight countries to become the 10th person and first dog to walk around the world.
In this special episode, I’m handing the mic over to Tom to interview Alexander Campbell, who started his own world walk in February 2023. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of walking across multiple continents.
At the time of this recording, Alex is 12,000km into his 40,000km trek. Starting from his hometown in Sydney, Australia, he’s traveled through Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, and recently completed crossing Nepal through the Himalayas.
This episode offers a unique chance to listen in on a conversation between two world walkers, each with their own incredible stories. You'll hear about the challenges and experiences they’ve faced, from managing nutrition and health in remote areas to handling unexpected obstacles like border closures and injuries. Learn how Tom and Alex both approach walking as a way to build confidence and face their fears and why taking breaks along the way is crucial for long-term endurance.
What long-distance walk or quest would you want to go on? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How post-college burnout and “What’s next?” inspired Alex to take on a world walk
The challenges of walking through remote and densely populated areas
Insights into the emotional and mental resilience required for long-term adventures
How walking impacts physical fitness, from dealing with blisters to iron deficiencies
The role of social media in documenting such a massive journey
How they managed daily logistics like finding food, water, and shelter
The inspiring stories of kindness and generosity experienced along the way
Tom’s reflections on walking across six continents and the lessons learned from his seven-year journey
How Alex is using his walk for good, raising funds to cure blindness around the world
And so much more
Resources:
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Tom’s website
Tom’s book, The World Walk
Tom on Instagram
Alex’s website
Alex on Instagram
Fred Hollows Foundation
Want More?
The World Walk (Trilogy): Lessons From A 7 Year Walk Around The World w/ Tom Turcich
The First Woman To Walk Around The World with Polly Letofsky
Walking Europe’s GR5, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Wise Strength With Kathy Elkind
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Tiffany Mathias, a self-confessed baseball stadium chaser, recounts her quest to visit every ballpark in the US, touring the stadiums, chatting to ushers and fans, and sampling the often eccentric local concessions—often as a solo traveler. To watch a game in a new stadium, says Tiffany, is “to be in her happy place.”
This is a feed drop from Condé Nast Traveler's podcast Women Who Travel.
What kind of unique travel experience do you want to have? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Resources:
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Thanks To Our Sponsors
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How can you cultivate your creativity and pursue your passions? What unique museums should you add to your US travel bucket list?
It's a double episode today as award-winning illustrator, writer, and cartoonist Bob Eckstein shares his practical advice for pursuing your creativity and the best-of-the-best museums to visit in the United States.
Bob Eckstein has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times, Reader's Digest, and Smithsonian Magazine, among others. His recent book, Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums, serves as a smart, entertaining love letter to museums and museumgoers, filled with lush and whimsical illustrations that appear alongside stories and anecdotes from curators, museum workers, museum visitors, and more.
Don't think museums are for you? Listen in, as Bob's stories and unusual recommendations may have you reconsider!
In addition to his list, we talk about how he overcame life's challenges to follow his passion for the arts and his experience putting the book together. Bob shares plenty of insights into the creative process and pursuing fulfillment over profit. You'll hear about his "paper airplanes" approach for choosing and sticking to projects, the one trait you need to be successful, and mindset strategies for cultivating creativity.
What museum has left a lasting impact on you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why you should follow your curiosity and prioritize projects that are fun
How to push past struggles within your project and mental roadblocks like imposter syndrome
How to manage multiple projects simultaneously and the importance of rewarding yourself
Insight into embracing failure as part of the creative process and learning from your mistakes
Advice on creative decision-making and getting feedback from others
The top 9 US museums that deserve a spot on your bucket list (the Iron Man of travel museums?! Hideous art?! French castles in the States?!)
What it was like traveling to these museums and collecting their unique (and sometimes scandalous) stories
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Bob's website
Subscribe to The Bob on Substack
Email Bob for a free paid subscription
Want More?
Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts
Top 6 Reasons To Love Traveling in the USA
Top 7 Up-And-Coming Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) With Gunnar Garfors
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Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month!
What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I'd love to get your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Resources:
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Thanks To Our Sponsors
Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.
Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’
Women Who Travel Podcast - Pack your bags and go on a journey with the Women Who Travel podcast. - Se mer
