Traveling the Equator and Polar Circle (Top 5 Countries to Visit) + How Climate Change Impacts Locals with Gunnar Garfors

Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Today, I’m sitting down with Gunnar Garfors, the first person to travel to every country in the world not once… but TWICE! As the ultimate travel expert, he’s with us to share his list of the best places to visit before they get too popular. You’ll hear about seven out-of-the-ordinary destinations spanning all seven continents to help you plan for the coming year and beyond. Whether it’s beach life, mountain hikes, big cities, or relaxing getaways, there’s something on the list for everyone. We’ll also talk about his upcoming project, share plenty of stories, and he’ll let us in on a fun travel concept you’ll want to steal and use with your friends! Where are you headed first? 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 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 ROI of travel and why you should explore out-of-the-box destinations What makes this overlooked part of this Caribbean island worth the visit  How to have an authentic South American river adventure An African country ideal for extreme sports and coastal wildlife The vastly underestimated European country that has something for everyone A fun way to plan trips with your friends (You’ll want to steal this!)  An affordable, diverse, and mountainous country along the Old Silk Road An underestimated Asian country rich in culture, innovation, and amazing food (It’s his favorite big city in the world!) A small but incredible Pacific island kingdom for an alternative to Fiji His bonus destination for an affordable Maldives experience Gunnar’s new book and his thoughts on climate change And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Visit Gunnar’s website Follow him on Instagram and TikTok Listen to his podcast Want More? Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying (In a Single Journey) With Thor Pedersen Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

9 Marras 20231h 29min

Have you started planning your 2024 travels? Today, I’m joined by National Geographic Senior Editor Allyson Johnson to explore some of the must-visit places from National Geographic’s new book Best of the World: 1,000 Destinations of a Lifetime. After a decade of releasing Best of the World lists, National Geographic has now crafted the ultimate illustrated guidebook to help you find your next exhilarating destination. From the top hiking trails to the most scenic train rides, the most stunning coral reefs to the most epic mountain retreats, Best of the World will help you find new ways to experience both beloved destinations and hidden gems around the globe. In this episode, Allyson breaks down her favorite destinations for adventure, exploring nature, soaking in culture, and just getting away! She shares tips for planning your trip of a lifetime, and we also talk about her career with National Geographic, the process of creating this book, tips for self-editing, and so much more. If you’re looking for new destinations to explore or dream of working in this field (or pitching an idea to Nat Geo yourself), you do not want to miss this episode! What is your trip of a lifetime? Which destination are you adding to your list? I'd love to hear what they are 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 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: Allyson’s journey to becoming an editor with Nat Geo, what she enjoys about the craft, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career Her advice for self-editing (whether you consider yourself a writer or not) Which African country is her #1 destination and how a safari can be a life-changing experience Why Costa Rica is one of the best international trips for new travelers How to integrate cultural philosophies when you return home An underrated US gem for unlimited adventure The destination she hasn’t yet visited, but most wants to An honorable mention and thoughts on the effects of the remote work movement Tips for planning a trip of a lifetime as a new traveler and where to visit before it gets too crowded Allyson’s advice on pitching to Nat Geo And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Grab your copy of Best of the World: 1,000 Destinations of a Lifetime Want More? 5 Must See Destinations In 2023 with National Geographic Travel Senior Editor Amy Alipio (Plus Learn How To Successfully Pitch Nat Geo) Safari 101: How To Plan A World-Class African Safari (Without Going Broke) Top 5 Hidden Highlights Around the World with Jackie Nourse from JUMP Adventures Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! Get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations with US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. Apply today to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

7 Marras 20231h 19min

Today, I’m joined by photographer Mark Fox to talk about his experience working in Amazon Rainforest conservation and how he built a life around travel and his passions. Mark is a British photographer based in Quito, Ecuador. In 2017, he quit his stable job as a cameraman in the UK to travel the world. He now works with an Amazon conservation organization, collaborating with Indigenous leaders and local governments to protect three world-class biocooridors for wildlife migration. In this episode, Mark shares what he’s learned from working in conservation and spending time with Indigenous communities, advice on visiting these communities as an independent traveler (and having genuine experiences), and how to respectfully photograph locals on your travels. You’ll hear about his stint working at an Ayahuasca retreat and how this opened him up spiritually, daily life in Ecuador, and much more! How can you build a life around your passions and travel? Are you already on that path? 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 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 Mark chose Ecuador as his base and his approach to living life in stages How skateboarding sparked his passion for photography and how he manages self-doubt What it was like working at an Ayahuasca retreat and his experience using plant medicine Mark’s advice for pursuing your passion and sustaining a living while traveling Why biocorridors are essential to wildlife and conservation   How we can best support Indigenous communities and avoid the “white savior” complex His advice for photographing locals without being intrusive The must-visit places in Ecuador (besides the Galapagos) Living expenses, daily life, and culture in Ecuador His dangerous adventure through narco territory And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - Airbnb Check out Mark’s photography Support Andes Amazon Conservancy Plan a work exchange with Workaway Want More? Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins Australia Through Indigenous Eyes Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb!

5 Marras 20231h 42min

Media lawyer and world adventurer Rupert Grey and his wife spent six months driving across India in their beat-up 1930s Rolls Royce. Their epic journey was turned into a documentary film called “Romantic Road” and was produced by Sharon Stone! In this episode, Rupert shares about this adventure, and we discuss their bold choice to travel through India in a vehicle that's seen as a symbol of wealth. You’ll hear about the blunt wisdom he received from a trucker that he still carries with him today, the value of accepting risk and pursuing your passions no matter what anybody says to you, how this adventure became a highly-rated documentary, and so much more. Did Rupert’s story inspire you to take your own unusual journey through a foreign land? 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 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: Rupert’s life-changing travels after college and how they continue to impact his life The origins of his connection with India and Bangladesh Why he chose to take his family on risky adventures and the impact it had on his children Why they decided to travel in a Rolls Royce despite being apprehensive His experience driving through India and how this unusual vehicle helped him form deeper connections How their godson convinced them to document their adventure Rupert’s passion for photography and his experience creating his book on Bangladesh What leaving a legacy means for Rupert and how he wants to be remembered And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - AirBnB Watch the documentary Romantic Road Grab Rupert’s book Homage to Bangladesh Want More? From Wall Street To Nepal, Life Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough w/ James C. Hopkins An African In India w/ Kevin K Cheeseman Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb!

2 Marras 20231h 19min

There is no denying that places like Alcatraz and Auschwitz are rooted in dark history, but Disney World? A dark destination?! Today, I’m joined by Dr. James Treadwell to unravel the intricacies of dark tourism.  Dr. Treadwell is a Professor of Criminology at Staffordshire University. He is also the co-author of 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism, which highlights travel destinations across six continents and explores the past and contemporary issues that we often disregard during our everyday leisure. In this episode, we talk about the sensationalization of true crime, why we’re so attracted to places marked by violence, and what actually makes a destination “dark.” You’ll learn how we may all be some form of deviant tourist (whether we realize it or not) and ways to be more mindful when visiting these locations. Have you visited a dark destination? What was your experience? Let me know 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 study of criminology and how Dr. Treadwell found himself working in this field Why society is fascinated with true crime and dark history How his book explores and reimagines the meaning of dark tourism How we are unknowingly participating in dark tourism (Watching the World Cup?!) The fine line between historical preservation and visiting for education vs. leisure and consumerism How we can be more cognisant when traveling to problematic places His thoughts on the death penalty and how society can minimize crime and violence And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - US Bank Go Grab your copy of 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism Want More? Adventures In Urban Exploration w/ Greg Abandoned Factfulness: Why The World Is Better Than You Think Ethical Travel, Life In Mozambique and Ocean Love w/ Francesca Trotman Thanks To Our Sponsors This episode is sponsored by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. Get 4X the points on eating out and 2X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.

31 Loka 20231h 19min

In 2013, Jasmine Reese took her puppy and a violin on a bicycle tour across the United States with less than $50 in her pocket. She was, in her words, a “chubby city girl, trying to regain self-confidence and recapture the person she thought she’d lost.” In this episode, you'll hear about the profound acts of kindness that renewed Jasmine's faith in humanity, how she reshaped both her body and mind, and gain insight into how your attitude defines your actions. This is one of my top picks from the Zero To Travel archive and was originally published in 2017. Would you go on an adventure like Jasmine? What did you take away from this episode? 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 monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click here to try Premium Passport for only $1. Tune In To Learn: How to use your internal power Ways to get out of your rut How to start planning a bicycle tour across the USA Where to stay when traveling by bike with your pet What Jasmine eats while on the road Why the journey is more important than the destination Practical tips for saving (and creating) money The pros and cons of riding 12 hours a day The smart way to hitchhike And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsor - US Bank Learn more about Jasmine's travels and music at Fijapaw Other mentions: DoggyRide, Springer America, Warm Showers, ICE Recumbent Trikes, Pet Travel Want More? Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Thanks To Our Sponsors This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Upgrade your sleep at home and on the road! Get 10% off your pair of Loop Earplugs by visiting www.loopearplugs.com/zerototravel.

24 Loka 20231h 24min

Today, I’m joined by Aaron Millar, host of the Armchair Explorer podcast, to share the top lessons he’s gathered through his conversations with some of the world’s greatest adventurers.  In this episode, Aaron shares his favorite stories from travelers who have trekked through Africa in search of their next “thing,” traveled along the Oregon Trail to escape predictability, ran towards their fears in the Brazillian Amazon, and rowed across the Atlantic while battling Cushing’s disease, among many others. These remarkable stories hold valuable lessons about breaking out of the mold, pushing past our fears, and daring to be alive. Which story was most inspiring to you? How will you take these lessons and integrate them into your own life? 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 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: A lesson on courage and why it’s so important to actively choose your own path in life Why your adventurous life and “normal” life can coexist How following your passions allows you to better serve others Why facing your fears and embracing uncertainty is the real catalyst for change How culture shock can change the world What being put into extreme situations teaches you about letting go And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - US Bank, Loop Earplugs Hear more stories on the Armchair Explorer podcast  Want More? The World Walk (Trilogy): Lessons From A 7 Year Walk Around The World w/ Tom Turcich Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa “Universe, I Trust You” – An Experiment on Letting Go with Roberta Mussato Thanks To Our Sponsors This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  Upgrade your sleep at home and on the road! Get 10% off your pair of Loop Earplugs by visiting www.loopearplugs.com/zerototravel.

17 Loka 20231h 1min

We're pulling one of my top picks from the archive for a second episode this week! What an incredible show today as I sit down (in person) and chat with legendary explorer and adventurer Erling Kagge. Erling is a man of many firsts. In 1990, Erling was the first to reach the North Pole without support as part of a two-person team, and in 1992-93, he was the first to do a solo unsupported expedition to the South Pole. He spent 50 days walking alone across Antarctica without any contact with anyone. He also climbed Mt. Everest in 1994, which made him the first to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot. Then, in 2010, he completed a 5-day walk through the sewers of NY to the Atlantic Ocean, and in 2012, he walked the entire length of LA's Sunset Boulevard! We talk about his book Silence: In the Age of Noise, why silence is such an essential part of our lives as humans, walking, travel (of course!), and much more. 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: A huge misunderstanding about today The new attitude for Erling Kagge The one secret to having a good life The best things about walking What you can hear in silence Things to make your life more difficult How to transition from adventuring to publishing One of the most underestimated feelings you can have The best parts of the writing process How to know when to move on His advice if you're thinking about traveling or exploring And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - LifeStraw, Loop Earplugs 4'33" by John Cage Albert Schweitzer: A Biography Papillon Zero To Travel Want More? Inspiring Female Adventurers Series: Around America And Beyond with Renata Chlumska 3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis The World Walk (4 Years In) With Tom Turcich Thanks To Our Sponsors This episode is sponsored by LifeStraw Go water bottles. Use the promo code TRAVEL to get 20% off your LifeStraw Go purchase when you visit www.lifestraw.com. Upgrade your sleep at home and on the road! Get 10% off your pair of Loop Earplugs by visiting www.loopearplugs.com/zerototravel.

12 Loka 20231h 5min