Zero To Travel Podcast

We are wrapping up the 11th year of Zero To Travel! Listen in to get some food for thought, what you can expect on the podcast in 2025, and a simple challenge to get excited for the new year ahead. What are your plans for 2025? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? Greatest Hits: Around America and Beyond With Renata Chlumska (+ How to Meet More People While Traveling) How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman Top 7 Travel Trends for 2025 with Lyn Hughes Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture Women Who Travel Podcast - Pack your bags and go on a journey with the Women Who Travel podcast.

30 Des 202412min

Today, we’re taking it back to our very first Norwegian Christmas Spectacular!  My wife, Anne Dorthe, and I recorded this episode in our cabin in Engerdal, located in rural Norway, roughly 4.5 hours north of Oslo. Anne Dorthe shares what the traditional Norwegian farm Christmas is like and even sings a little tune for us at the end of the show.  Listen to this episode and get ready to travel to Norway for a holiday with one-horse open sleighs, cakes, cookies, little Santa men, and much more! What are some holiday traditions where you live? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Thanks for listening to the Zero To Travel Podcast, and Happy Holidays my friend! Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? 2nd Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 3rd Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 4th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture. Women Who Travel Podcast - Pack your bags and go on a journey with the Women Who Travel podcast.

25 Des 202422min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Get in touch with David and Christy Follow on Instagram 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 Want More? 10th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 9th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular 8th Annual Norwegian Christmas Spectacular Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture Women Who Travel Podcast - Pack your bags and go on a journey with the Women Who Travel podcast.

24 Des 202446min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture

19 Des 20241h 10min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter 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) Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture

17 Des 20241h 14min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture

12 Des 20241h 22min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture

10 Des 20241h 18min

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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! 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: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Dan's website Follow Dan on Instagram Want More? 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Fruition - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your first three months and visualize your full financial picture.

5 Des 202454min