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What if you could travel the world without leaving your kitchen?
Several years ago, to expand their children's geographic and cultural knowledge, David and Christy Bock decided to pick a country to learn and cook recipes from once a month. This unique practice has since evolved into a “Christmas Around the World” experience, where they've explored holiday customs and cuisines from 18 different countries.
Explore the Bocks’ inspiring family tradition of celebrating Christmas through the food and customs of cultures around the globe. From Japan's fried chicken Christmas feast to Spain's whimsical "pooping log," this episode is a flavorful and fun exploration of global holiday traditions.
You’ll learn how the Bocks turned a simple idea into a meaningful family tradition, discover fascinating and unexpected holiday customs, and get inspired to bring a little international flair to your holiday celebrations.
Whether you're looking for creative family activities or want to explore the world through its festive flavors, this episode offers heartwarming stories, insights, and plenty of laughs.
What’s one international holiday tradition or dish you’d love to try this year? 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 the Bocks started their “Christmas Around the World” tradition and its impact on their family
The surprising connection between a popular fast food joint and Christmas in Japan
The legend of Mexico’s poinsettia flower and its ties to modern-day Christmas
How Spain’s “pooping log” (Caga Tió) became a beloved holiday icon
Unique culinary highlights from countries like Armenia, Nigeria, and New Zealand
Why Armenia is an underrated destination for festive food
How exploring global traditions can deepen cultural understanding
And so much more
Resources:
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Get in touch with David and Christy
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The Atlas of Christmas: The Merriest, Tastiest, Quirkiest Holiday Traditions From Around the World by Alex Palmer
The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads by Heidi Herman
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
I Am Tama, Lucky Cat: A Japanese Legend by Wendy Henrichs
The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola
Frohliche Weihnachten: Learning Songs and Traditions in German by Linda Ravenhorst
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10th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
9th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
8th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
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If you could snap your fingers and spend a day anywhere in the world, no limits, where would you go and what would you do?
We are turning the tables as my friend and fellow travel podcaster Travis Sherry interviews me for my ultimate travel wish list.
A seasoned traveler and entrepreneur, Travis Sherry hosts the long-running travel podcast Extra Pack of Peanuts. He is also the co-founder of Location Indie, a community of people working together to kick ass in business and travel.
This episode covers everything from planning the perfect three-week adventure to dreaming about one unforgettable day anywhere in the world. It is packed with practical tips, personal reflections, and destination inspiration for solo and group trips, family getaways, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Follow along and answer these thought-provoking questions for yourself!
What’s on your ultimate travel wish list? What are your travel goals? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Three-week trip ideas with friends, including road trips through the “Stans,” backpacking through Europe, and exploring Southeast Asia
Insight into choosing solo travel destinations vs exploring with others
Creative ideas for family-friendly trips and why family resorts can still be a great option
Long and short-term destinations for families, ex-pats, and couples
The most epic single-day adventure (if we had a magic lamp!)
Important considerations when planning travel with friends or family
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Extra Pack of Peanuts
Follow Travis on Instagram
Listen to my band, Laundry House
Want More?
Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
Impressions on Travel in Bulgaria + 5 Reasons Why Group Travel Rocks with Travis Sherry
Trapped at Sea: Surviving a Shipwreck and Spending 10 Years Sailing the World (Against Her Will) With Suzanne Heywood
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What would it take to create a life of adventure, connection, and meaningful experiences?
Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek are on the world’s longest honeymoon—13 years and counting! They share how they’ve built a lifestyle centered on slow travel, sustainability, and their love for glamping, inspiring others to rethink what’s possible in life and travel.
Mike and Anne Howard are award-winning authors, seasoned travelers, and the visionary duo behind HoneyTrek. Known for their books Comfortably Wild and Ultimate Journeys for Two, they’ve inspired thousands of people to embrace meaningful, unique adventures through slow travel and sustainable living.
Mike and Anne share their experiences of turning an epic honeymoon into a lifestyle, offering practical advice on sustainable travel, avoiding burnout, and embracing spontaneity. You’ll also discover how glamping can provide immersive, eco-friendly adventures and hear their tips for building a life aligned with your passions and priorities.
What’s one way you’d make your travels more meaningful or sustainable? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Mike and Anne turned a honeymoon into a 13-year global journey
Their approach to slow travel and why it creates richer experiences
Tips for managing burnout and staying inspired during long-term travel
How they’ve avoided single-use plastics in 79 countries
Practical advice for eating vegan or plant-based, even in the most meat-heavy countries
The surprising ways glamping offers sustainable and impactful adventures
Their top glamping recommendations for outdoor adventures, creativity, and quiet reflection
Their philosophy on balancing simplicity, expenses, and purpose in life and travel
The importance of unplanned adventures and embracing the unexpected
Practical advice for couples who travel and work together
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit the HoneyTrek website
Follow HoneyTrek on Instagram
Ultimate Journeys for Two
Comfortably Wild
HappyCow app
Want More?
The World's Longest Honeymoon with Mike and Anne from HoneyTrek
Getting Comfortably Wild w/ Mike & Anne From HoneyTrek
Following Inspiration Towards A Life Of Travel with Mark and Steffi (The World’s Only Chapman Stick Duo)
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How can long-term travel and financial independence reshape your life—and open up new possibilities for your family or personal goals?
Maxwell Lee is a real estate investor, expat, and father who has built a lifestyle of financial independence and global adventure. In this episode, he shares his journey from traditional life in the U.S. to becoming financially independent, raising his children abroad, and embracing world schooling as a family. With his unique perspective, Maxwell explores how combining FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) principles with travel can lead to a fulfilling, unconventional life.
Maxwell breaks down the essentials of worldschooling, explaining how to incorporate travel into education and why it’s about more than just learning—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and fostering adaptability in children.
On the FIRE side, Maxwell shares his real estate strategies and explains how achieving financial independence gave him the freedom to prioritize his passions, family, and exploration. You'll learn how to make small, actionable changes to align your finances and lifestyle with your goals—whether that’s traveling long-term, raising a family abroad, or designing a life filled with purpose and adventure.
Even if you don’t have kids, this episode is packed with lessons about creativity, flexibility, and building a life that reflects what matters most to you.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to balancing travel, family, and personal goals? 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:
The differences between unschooling, worldschooling, and homeschooling
Tips for parents hesitant about a nomadic lifestyle with kids
Affordable and turnkey worldschooling solutions, including insights into hubs like Kuala Lumpur and organizations like Boundless Life
How living and traveling abroad as a family impacted their personal growth and family relationships
Advice for saving money without feeling like you’re sacrificing
How Maxwell leveraged real estate for financial independence and adapted geo-arbitrage to live a fulfilling expat life
Insight into overcoming fears and taking the first step into an unconventional lifestyle
Maxwell’s top hidden gem travel recs and why Tapai is severely underrated
And so much more
Resources:
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Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Listen to Maxwell’s music
Subscribe to his YouTube
Maxwell's worldschooling resources
Want More?
Transition to Travel with Maxwell Lee
Transition to Travel: Single Mom + 3 Kids Move to Mexico (Jenita’s Story)
10 Years on the Road, Self-Care for Long-Term Travelers, Excitement and Challenges of Different Travel Modes, and Creating Your Own “Dream Day” with Will and Jessica Sueiro
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What can the quirky and surprising adaptations of the natural world teach us about curiosity, creativity, and our own place on earth?
Cara Giaimo is a freelance writer with a deep love for biodiversity and storytelling. Her latest work with Atlas Obscura, Wild Life: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Living Wonders, is an over-the-top collection of the world's most extraordinary wild species that takes you to all seven continents and beyond. It's more than a field guide—it's an adventure.
Cara shares her journey of researching and writing Wild Life and how writing about the natural world has shaped her own life and creative process. You’ll hear fascinating stories as we unpack surprising animal behaviors and the ways species adapt to urban environments. From multi-headed caterpillars to the rewilding of Chernobyl, our conversation celebrates the natural world, its endless creativity, and what we can learn from the resilience of wildlife.
What’s the most surprising wildlife encounter you’ve experienced on your travels? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share it by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Cara balances her solitary writing life with collaborative creativity in her band (and how it influences her writing)
The three-year journey behind Wild Life and the passion that fueled the project
How the exploration of nature reshaped her daily life, worldview, and travel desires
Surprising wildlife stories, from monarch butterfly grounds to mussel filtration systems
How cities have become home to unexpected animals, like peregrine falcons hunting by streetlight
The unique relationship between Pakistan’s Jogi tribe and venomous snakes, rooted in tradition and respect
Insights into the rewilding of Chernobyl and its implications for humans and wildlife
How learning from nature can help us build more sustainable systems
Why curiosity and mindfulness are key to noticing the hidden wonders of the natural world
And so much more
Resources:
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Grab Cara’s book, Wild Life
Follow Cara on Instagram
Savannah Book Festival
Want More?
Top 7 Hidden Wonders of the World With Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura)
Ethical Wildlife Tourism With Kristen Diederich
Living in Ecuador, Indigenous Communities, Rainforest Conservation, and Cultural Experiences With Photographer Mark Fox
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How can embracing your differences lead to more fulfilling travel?
Dan Bird talks about his experience traveling with autism, offering personal stories, insights, and advice on how neurodivergence can enrich your adventures.
Dan Bird understands the unique joys and difficulties of traveling as a neurodivergent person. Diagnosed with autism at 27, he authored the book Go Neuro Way to share how he's embraced traveling with autism and how others can do the same.
Dan candidly shares his experiences navigating the world as an autistic traveler, showing how sensory sensitivities can be both a challenge and a unique advantage. By tuning in, you'll learn how to adapt your travels to fit your personal needs, explore destinations more intentionally, and embrace the strengths of neurodivergence. Whether you're neurodivergent or curious about different ways to approach travel, this episode will help you rethink what is possible when you see superpowers instead of limitations.
What perceived limitation can you turn into a strength while traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Dan's experience with misdiagnosis as a teen and why he sees his late diagnosis as a blessing in disguise
What it means to be on the spectrum and the common challenges of high-functioning autism
How Dan adapts his travel style to avoid overstimulation without missing out on adventure (plus examples of neurodivergent-friendly destinations)
How to leverage autistic strengths and the unique way he uses hyperfocus as a blueprint for his travels
Insight on how to communicate your needs with autism/neurodivergence
How travel has allowed him to connect with others in non-traditional ways
His experience traveling in Japan and overcoming intense situations (a stalker?!)
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Dan's website
Follow Dan on Instagram
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How To Overcome Personal Struggles Through Travel w/ Michael Lavers
Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling With Kirsten Pontius
How Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health With Gilad Gamliel
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What would it take for you to leave everything behind and pursue a life of adventure?
Will Hunt is a former accountant who traded his comfortable life in London for the challenge of canoeing the entire length of the River Gambia while documenting his adventures on YouTube.
This special Transition to Travel episode captures Will’s journey from preparation to post-expedition reflections as I interview him both before and after his trip.
Hear how Will Hunt turned his dream of an extreme expedition into reality despite having no prior canoeing experience and the emotional and physical transformation that comes with taking a leap into the unknown. From the unexpected challenges of navigating the River Gambia to the cultural lessons he absorbed, this conversation highlights personal growth, resilience, and the power of adventure.
Will’s story is a great reminder that you don’t need to know everything before you get started. If you've ever considered leaving stability behind for something bigger—or simply want to hear a story of courage and exploration—this episode will inspire you to take that first step.
PLUS, we have part three of our road trip planning series, where you’ll hear ideas to help you craft an unforgettable itinerary.
Are you preparing for a transition to travel? 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 he chose a 470 km river expedition with no canoeing experience over “just traveling”
The emotional impact of leaving behind friends, family, and a steady career
The eye-opening insights he learned from Gambian culture
How he organized the expedition and the logistical challenges of starting and overcoming unexpected obstacles (hippos?!)
How documenting his travels pushed him outside his comfort zone and deepened his experience
Insights into balancing relationships while pursuing a life of travel
Reflections on personal growth through extreme adventure and how it shifted his mindset
His recent bikepacking adventures, future travel plans, and how he’s turning his passion into a YouTube career
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Follow Will on YouTube
Follow on Instagram
Want More?
Transition to Travel with Maxwell Lee
Transition to Travel: Radical Life Change for World Travel With Jordan & Tyler
Transition to Travel: Single Mom + 3 Kids Move to Mexico (Jenita’s Story)
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Looking for the best gift for travelers? Whether you’re searching for travel gift ideas for a fellow wanderer or need inspiration for your own wish list, this guide has got you covered.
From thoughtful ideas that fuel wanderlust to practical travel essentials, I’ve broken down the best gifts for travelers into three categories, complete with personal stories and tips for gift-giving.
Plus, I’m sharing the three gifts you should never buy and my personal favorite gift to give (and get).
I won’t spoil the list here, so head over to the website after listening to grab the complete list of the best gifts for travelers!
What gifts are you adding to your list? I'd love to know, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Resources:
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10th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
9th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
8th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular
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How can you attract the right customers without feeling like you’re succumbing to the “content machine?” How can you market your business in a way that’s aligned with your values, works for your location-independent lifestyle, and is enjoyable?
Jeremy Enns is a nomadic entrepreneur and founder of Counterweight Creative and Podcast Marketing Academy. With a high-level view of what is working in content marketing, he discusses the evolving trends in organic marketing and content creation and how solopreneurs can leverage their unique strengths and values to build sustainable, location-independent businesses.
This episode is packed with realistic, actionable advice you can start implementing right away. Jeremy talks about the difference between content creators and business owners who create content and why choosing your camp is crucial. You’ll learn about the smartest ways to create content for your business in 2025 and mindset shifts that will completely change how you approach content creation.
Beyond business, Jeremy talks about his journey as a nomadic entrepreneur, the lessons he learned from eight years on the road, and how embracing slow travel helped him build a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle.
PLUS, you’ll hear part two of our road trip planning series! Listen in for my top three outstanding overland trips and get a simple exercise to start brainstorming your trip in the coming year.
What piece of advice are you going to implement first? I'd love to hear what you took away from this episode, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Content creation versus content marketing and the vastly different strategies for each
What to do when you’re not excited about content creation or apprehensive about jumping on the content bandwagon
Why you need more than a niche to attract the right audience to your content (no matter the medium)
Practical tips for building an audience through authenticity and finding your unique voice
Why identifying your limitations can be a superpower
Jeremy’s trick for finding creative inspiration
Insights on newsletters and email marketing in 2025
The most underrated approach to content creation that will lessen the pressure of creating
How to develop your point of view within your industry
The future of course creation and consulting with the rise of AI
Jeremy’s take on slow travel, how he chooses where to spend quality time, and why he’s settling down in Spain
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Learn more about Podcast Marketing Academy
Check out Counterweight Creative
Visit Jeremyenns.com
Subscribe on YouTube
Location Indie
Podnews
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7 Pro Tips For Finding A Perfect Work/Life/Travel Balance w/ Kelly Claus & Jeremy Enns
Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright
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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:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Check out Wander Your Way
Join a Europe group tour
Listen to Lynne's podcast
Follow Lynn on Instagram
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:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
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:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
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
Want More?
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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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:
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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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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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