Zero To Travel Podcast

Today, I’ve got a special episode from The Elements of AlUla, a travel docuseries produced by Armchair Productions. The company was founded by Aaron Millar, who you may know as the host of The Armchair Explorer podcast.  In this series, Aaron is going to take you on a journey into the heart of one of the most ancient kingdoms on Earth. Located in the northwestern corner of Saudi Arabia, Alula is an oasis in the desert, layered in 200,000 years of human history.  Until recently, it was closed to outsiders, and to this day, only a handful of visitors have ever been. In this immersive documentary recorded on location, we’ll take you to the heart of one of the great wonders of Arabia and give you a glimpse of what it feels like to be there for real.  Highlights Include:  Exploring the ancient city of Hegra. Built by the same people who built Petra in Jordan, Hegra is every bit as spectacular, but only visited by a handful of intrepid travelers.  Visiting Jebel Ikmah, a library of ancient inscriptions carved into stone that reveal life in the desert more than 2,000 years ago.  Riding Arabian horses to petroglyphs in the desert (and nearly falling off).  Meeting a herd of overly friendly camels, with a taste for microphones.  Learning from rawis, local storytellers, about the history of the incense road, a vast trading route that passed through Alula and changed the face of Arabia forever.  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Listen on Apple, Spotify  ExperienceAlula.com  Instagram, Facebook, X  Armchair Productions  Armchair Explorer Podcast  Want More?  Top 3 Life Lessons from the World’s Greatest Adventurers with Aaron Millar (Host of the Armchair Explorer Podcast)  Travel To Utah: Fireside Dances, Ancient Ruins, and the Beauty of Hózhó (Balance)  Exploring San Francisco by Cable Car  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

4 Sep 48min

What happens when someone gives up security to build a tropical dream on a tiny island, with no job, no plan, and only one light bulb for power? Martin Vrana is the founder of Lost Paradise, a boutique resort he spent nearly 15 years building from scratch on a small island off Bali’s coast. Born and raised in Scandinavia, Martin left a safe life behind to follow an adventurous dream, one that taught him resilience, determination, and the art of creating a life on his own terms. In this episode, Martin tells the story of how he turned a blank plot of land into Lost Paradise resort, through three jobs, relentless determination, and years of overcoming logistical, emotional, and cultural challenges. Martin shares the raw truth behind building Lost Paradise from the ground up: the emotional cost, the logistical nightmares, and the relentless mindset that carried him through. You’ll hear how he navigated burnout, sacrificed relationships, and lived off-grid with no electricity, all while staying anchored to his vision. This story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about what’s possible when you refuse to quit. What wild dream or goal of your are you ready to make happen? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why he kept the journey secret (even from his own mother) How sourcing reclaimed wood across Indonesia became an epic logistical feat What it felt like to work 450 hours a month to fund a project you’re not sure will succeed How natural disasters and COVID unexpectedly pushed the project forward The emotional toll of isolation, stress, and living off-grid in a half-built bungalow How Martin became part of the community, learning language and culture on the ground Why he calls himself a modern-day adventurer, not a social media entrepreneur What building Lost Paradise taught him about success, freedom, and fulfillment How he’s recovering from the journey and what he’s dreaming up next And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Lost Paradise Resort Martin on Instagram Watch the YouTube documentary Want More? 100 Documentaries Project: Traveling the Globe to Find Extraordinary Humans + Changing the World One Story at a Time with Robin Danehav How To Go Sailing Around The World with Brian Trautman Bicycling Across the USA Without Money in Search of Human Connection With Daniel Troia Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

2 Sep 1h 16min

What does thriving as a long‑term digital nomad look like in 2025? Welcome to our debut episode of Remote Roundup - a new monthly series exploring what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world. Caitlin Sunderland is the associate producer, and Janessa is the partnerships manager of the Zero To Travel podcast. Both are digital nomads who’ve embraced the ups and downs of remote work life from all over the world. Caitlin and Janessa open up about navigating burnout, experimenting with work routines, their thoughts on where nomads will be heading next, and what it means to be a “digital nomad 2.0.” You'll hear real stories and reflections on money, mindset, productivity, identity, and the emotional shifts that come with long-term travel.  What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why one underrated city could be your ideal remote base outside of the Schengen Zone How 4‑hour work containers and energy management can boost focus Advice for experimenting with your routines (without the guilt) Our predictions for the next digital nomad hubs What it means to build a sense of stability and home on the move A wild café policy that had us doing a double-take What rapid‑fire questions reveal behind the scenes of Zero to Travel And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Rogue Roundup article Cal Newport Deep Work Want More? Two Paths to Location Independence and Travel (No Skills Required) With Caitlin Sunderland and Janessa Klatt Building a Travel Lifestyle: Digital Nomadism, Slow Travel, Exploring Latin America with Kyle Cohenour The Reality of Digital Nomad Life (Warts and All) With Steph and Dalt Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

28 Aug 56min

What can happen when a filmmaker decides to spotlight invisible geniuses and hidden stories that change how we see the world? Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker known for embarking on a bold quest to create 100 short films revealing the everyday impact-makers whose stories remain untold. Based in Stockholm and often traveling worldwide, Robin explores humanity, creativity, and empathy through compelling, intimate films. In this episode, Robin shares how the “100 Documentary Project” began, what fuels the journey, and why storytelling rooted in purpose can reshape our lives. Robin shares how a one-year TV course and leap from IT sparked his filmmaking path and why his “100 Documentary Project” became both a purpose and a personal challenge. You’ll hear what it means to reframe your side hustle as your main work, and how traveling to places like Uganda and Bali shaped his storytelling. Robin opens up about the emotional depth he seeks in his subjects, why integrity matters more than clicks, and the biggest creative lesson travel continues to teach him. Whether you’re a storyteller, creator, or traveler, you’ll walk away with new insight into the value of empathy and everyday impact. What hidden stories in your life or community deserve to be shared?  I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why a dinner with a pasta maker in Lisbon led Robin to start his filmmaking quest How counting down from 100 shaped the structure and mindset of the project Advice for identifying emotional moments even when subjects are camera‑shy Why reframing the side hustle as your main purpose can change everything How storytelling connects emotion and deeper impact How travel constraints sparked creative solutions on location How collaborating with a mission‑driven coffee company enabled an unforgettable shoot in Uganda Tips for filming long‑form with limited gear and adapting when tech breaks Insight into the editing grind, the “80/20 rule,” and the tweaks that take the longest And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Robin’s website YouTube Instagram Want More: Making IMAX Films Around the World, Mindful Travel, and Working with Jane Goodall with Mike Day Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz Immersion Travel: Becoming a Porter in Nepal with Nate Menninger Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

26 Aug 1h 5min

Do you ever feel limited by society’s expectations and stereotypes surrounding travel?  When Beth Santos started a travel blog, her goal was to challenge norms by exploring the diverse and shared experiences of women traveling the world. It has since morphed into Wanderful, an international community and social network with over 40,000 active members composed of women and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds. Aside from this booming online community, Beth has also created WITS Travel Creator + Brand Summit, the Bessie Awards, and the first-ever outdoor women’s festival. This episode is all about rethinking what it means to travel and how the narratives we tell (and believe) can exclude so many people. Beth and I get into how she reconnected with her Portuguese heritage and how that led to a life of travel and leadership. She shares her story of moving to São Tomé and Príncipe in her early 20s, the emotions around not speaking the language of her own family, and how she eventually turned those early experiences into a powerful global community. We talk a lot about what it means to lead with vulnerability, how to build safe and inclusive spaces, and why the dominant solo female travel narrative is way too narrow. Beth also opens up about entrepreneurship, failure, and parenting as a founder.  What are some ways you can create a safe space for others? I'd love to hear some of your ideas and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Tune In To Learn: Why "travel" isn’t about miles traveled, but the challenge to your assumptions How Beth’s heritage and a two-year stint in São Tomé shaped her journey Advice on using vulnerability to build authentic, enduring communities How solo female travel is often framed as either romantic or frightening—and why that’s incomplete Why women dominate travel decisions and how that shapes industry narratives How Wanderful links women around the globe with real, local advice How to hold space as a leader—even if "failure" occurs Why the life of a traveling entrepreneur and motherhood aren’t mutually exclusive The story behind Wanderfest—the first outdoor travel festival by and for women Why breaking the rules empowers people to be themselves Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out the Wanderful community  Learn more about Beth Santos Connect with Beth on LinkedIn Want More? Inspiring Female Adventurers Series: Around America And Beyond with Renata Chlumska How Words Can Shape Your Life w/ Stephanie James Choosing The Travel Life w/ Rachel Hill Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

21 Aug 1h 1min

What if the secret to unlocking a better life and travel experience lies not in more, but in smarter choices? Chris Hutchins is the host of the “All the Hacks” podcast, where he distills practical strategies across life, money, and travel. An optimizer by nature, Chris has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life to maximize happiness at the lowest cost. Chris joins me to share the top hacks from his podcast - life-changing mindset shifts that shape how we experience travel, time, and value. You’ll hear how he uses travel as a lens for smarter life decisions, from taking second trips to embracing intentional spending. We talk about the emotional side of optimization, how to avoid over-optimizing, and why some of the best “hacks” are actually mindset shifts. If you've ever questioned whether squeezing in that extra flight or saving those extra points was worth it, this conversation might change how you travel and live. What’s one tiny hack you’ve adopted that’s unexpectedly amplified your joy or efficiency? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why returning to the same destination can unlock a more meaningful travel experience How buying back your time (groceries, errands) can pay more than saving money When it's smarter to spend money instead of optimizing every detail, especially in different seasons of life Surprising things you didn’t know you could negotiate and how a simple ask can save thousands Why buying airline or hotel points during promotions can open up luxury travel for a fraction of the cost How to spot deals that aren’t just discounts, but potential income streams with a little creativity The mindset shift from deal-hunting for its own sake to building long-term value in how you spend and live A simple way to search for unclaimed money that might literally have your name on it Chris’ favorite tools and tech to save time, money, and mental energy with almost no effort Why the best hacks are the ones aligned with your time, energy, and priorities - not just your wallet Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Listen to All the Hacks podcast Coyote game Die with Zero by Bill Perkins The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Want More: How to Win at Travel with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn 10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

19 Aug 1h 23min

Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary?  Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag.   In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through Norway. We talk about the lessons we learned along the way, sharing insights that can be applied to anyone planning a more relaxed, rewarding road trip, whether in Norway or somewhere else.  If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling Norway without spending a fortune, this conversation offers a real-world example of how to make it work. You’ll hear about the small, in-the-moment choices that shaped each day, the unplanned stops that became highlights, and how following the weather brought a sense of ease and adventure to the whole trip. We’ll also talk about the joy of connecting with friends along the way, the simple comfort of cabin stays, and why embracing flexibility over a fixed plan deepened our connection to every place we visited.  What’s a spontaneous road trip or travel adventure you took that surprised you by how well it flowed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why letting go of a rigid schedule created our best family memories  How weather reports guided our route more than any app ever could  The exact approach I used to politely get a hotel refund  How overpacking led to lessons for smarter packing next time  Why cabins felt more authentic than hotels  The power of paper maps and local advice  What it’s like to wild-camp at 900 m with kids  How visiting friends became our travel anchor  How an unplanned ferry ride led to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches  What it felt like swimming with our kids in Norwegian fjords and lakes  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Stiklestad Viking Experience  Want More?  America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter  2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm  Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

12 Aug 45min

What are the best hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, and how can you experience this Baltic city like a local?  Lelde Benke-Lungevica is a Latvian writer and cultural storyteller who was born in Australia and moved back to Riga in her teens. Since 2013, she’s run the blog Life in Riga, offering a personal and authentic look at life in Latvia’s capital through stories, guides, and reflections on identity and homecoming. This episode explores what makes Riga unique and how to see the city (and beyond) through local eyes. You’ll hear Lelde’s top tips for exploring Riga off the beaten path, how Latvia’s seasonal rhythms shape daily life, and the local wellness ritual that might just change how you travel. She shares everything from the best markets and bakeries to an unusual national pastry and a coastal trail that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. If you're looking to travel deeper and more intentionally, these hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, will give you a new way in. What’s one lesser-known destination where you’ve felt a deep connection to the local culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Lelde moved back to Riga after years abroad, and how it shaped her sense of home What to do beyond Riga’s Old Town (and why it matters) How Riga’s past and present shape its identity today Advice for souvenir shopping that supports local makers How to explore Riga’s lesser-known beaches and hiking routes Why bakeries became a lifeline during Latvia’s economic crisis How Latvian cider culture is quietly booming Where to experience Latvia’s contemporary art scene without a national museum What “pirts” means, and why this wellness ritual might surprise you How to escape Riga and explore the rest of Latvia with just a few days Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Life in Riga website Live Riga tourism website Visit Riga Facebook Group Latvia Expats Facebook Group Zuzeum Art Centre Kim? Contemporary Art Centre Riga Neighborhoods Project Baltic Coastal Hiking Route Agenskalns Market Sidrerija Want More: World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

7 Aug 59min