Zero To Travel Podcast

What is the #1 fear of most travelers, and how can you reign that fear in? Today’s Greatest Hits episode is about changing your perspective, worldview, and life through factfulness. Anna Rosling Rønnlund is the co-founder of Gapminder.org, whose mission is to fight ignorance by providing a fact-based worldview (for FREE). She is also the co-author of the NY Times Best-Selling book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think. This book will change your life for the better, so be sure to check it out. We discuss why the world may not be getting worse (as some think), the role of the media in distorting our worldview, insights into how we can shift our perspectives based on facts, and so much more. How did this episode change your outlook? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. *We're sharing previous episodes that highlight authors this month! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How data literacy can help you understand the world objectively and avoid misinterpretations The problem with news reporting and what needs to change to have a more balanced perspective Why labels like "developed" and "developing" countries are outdated The value of understanding the world through an income-based lens How to virtually visit homes from all over the world to see everyday life And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more on Gapminder Get the book Factfulness Listen to Anna’s Ted Talk Listen to Hans Rosling’s Ted Talks Check out Dollar Street Want More? Travel as a Force for Good, the Role of Travel Media, and Uncrowded Destinations to Visit with AFAR Co-Founder Greg Sullivan Bicycling Across the USA Without Money in Search of Human Connection With Daniel Troia Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

20 Jun 202459min

How is tourism impacting communities, and what can we do about it? Paige McClanahan joins me to talk about the dualities of the tourism industry and how we can have deeper travel experiences while benefiting the world. Paige McClanahan is the author of The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She is an American journalist based in France and a regular contributor to The New York Times, where she reports on the impacts of tourism. She is also the host of The Better Travel Podcast, which aims to make sure that our travels have a positive impact on the world.  We talk about the evolution of tourism as context to how it got to where it is today, the consequences of travel on local communities (good and bad) and what we can do about it, and insights into how we can become what Paige calls a “new tourist.” She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she wrote this book and used her professional journalism skills to her advantage. How will you become a “new tourist?” I'd love to hear your thoughts, 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: The evolution of tourism and travel and why it’s so complicated How guidebooks and social media have shaped the industry The complexities of influencers and why we are all influencers in some way How destinations can minimize the negative impact of tourism and promote responsible travel The fantasy of tourist traps and how tourism affects the quality of life for residents How she approaches serendipitous moments and genuine connections as an author The impact of AI on the future of tourism Insights on navigating digital nomadism and its effects on residents And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Paige’s website Get a copy of her book The New Tourist Listen to The Better Travel Podcast Follow her on Instagram Check out the book Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? Take a MasterClass Transcribe with Trint Want More? Is Your Summer Vacation Destroying The Planet? w/ Seth Kugel Avoiding The Instagram Trap w/ Kashlee Conscious Travel Mindset With Robin Greenfield Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

18 Jun 20241h 40min

How would you describe your current level of happiness, and what would need to change to improve that?  Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Eric Weiner joins me to explore the many themes of his book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World and get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be happy. If you want to transform your outlook and increase your happiness, you don’t want to miss this episode. Eric shares stories from his time as a foreign war correspondent during the rise of the Taliban, his decision to leave behind a successful career at NPR, lessons from traveling the world to write his first book, and so much more.  How does traveling make you a better version of yourself? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. *We're sharing previous episodes that highlight authors this month! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How taking a break from familiarity inspires a fresh outlook The secret benefit of living and traveling expectation-free Why unhappiness is just as crucial to living a meaningful life What it was like to live in India as a foreign war correspondent Why it's important to let go of things not meant for you How an apartment in Kazakhstan turned into the idea for Eric’s first book The unexpected places that taught Eric the most about happiness  What is the difference between an interview and a conversation How to embrace duality to be the best version of yourself The principle embraced in Iceland that leads to greater happiness Eric's best advice for creative writers And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Get your copy of The Geography of Bliss Visit Eric’s website Check out his Bhutan writing workshops Learn more about Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation Want More? What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry Settling With The Nomad Spirit + The Beauty in Ugly Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.

13 Jun 20241h 26min

Did you know Ben Franklin was an extensive traveler for his time?  Today, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Eric Weiner to talk about his new, incredibly unconventional biography, Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life, a guide for living and thinking well. We talk about Eric's unique way of weaving travel into his writing, explore the life and wisdom of Ben Franklin, and share concrete takeaways you can use to enhance your own life and travels. You'll hear about Eric's three keys to living, thinking, and aging well, what it means to live a useful life, the importance of curiosity, and the benefits of being what he calls a "genuine fake." We also touch on Ben's flaws and the lessons we can learn from them. What insights stood out to you the most? I'd love to hear 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! Tune In To Learn: What it was like having his book turned into a docuseries His unique approach to blending history, travel, and philosophy into his books The unknown side of Ben Franklin: Traveler Ben, Buddha Ben, and more Why we should take humor more seriously  A different perspective on authenticity and how it relates to travel The importance of having the willingness to change your mind The biggest lessons we should all take from Ben How to live a fulfilling life and power questions to ponder How Ben's life can change your attitude toward aging The messy process of writing and how Eric develops his books And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Eric's website Grab a copy of his book, Ben & Me Watch Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss Follow Eric on Instagram Want More? The Geography of Bliss w/ Eric Weiner Reviving History's Forgotten Female Adventurers With Elise Wortley A Race Around the World, Meeting Strangers Abroad, and Storytelling With Adrien Behn Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There's no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.

11 Jun 20241h 17min

What do you love about your home country? What do you think could be better? After moving to America in 2008, Anu began to notice how much more complicated and stressful things seemed to be in the States compared to her home country of Finland. Anu Partanen is a Finnish journalist and author of The Nordic Theory of Everything—In Search of a Better Life. The book shows how the Nordic way of doing things can give you more freedom to fulfill your desires, enjoy more travel, have better health, better education, and more opportunities. In this Greatest Hits episode, you'll hear some of her interesting perspectives and ideas surrounding these topics and gain insight into how your view of your home country shifts (for better and for worse) when you move to a new country. How have your views changed about your home country since traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts, 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: The positives and negatives of Nordic and US society The value of blending different societal aspects and cultures The idea of socialism and her observations on family structure and the American Dream Why big government isn’t the best way to solve problems  The misconceptions with Nordic tax structures (and its real value) How adopting a Nordic healthcare and education system can alleviate stress and build a stronger society What makes the US a great place to live and why these changes wouldn’t take these things away How we can redefine success And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Anu’s website Grab her book, The Nordic Theory of Everything Read American Amnesia Listen to the episode on Trekking in Patagonia Listen to Trekking Nepal: Your Adventure Guide - A Zero To Travel Podcast Series Want More? Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe Connecting Across Cultures w/ Tayo Rockson Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

6 Jun 20241h 11min

How can one simple concept or decision radically change your life? In 2017, Jen Ruiz set out to take 12 trips in 12 months before her 30th birthday while employed full-time as an attorney. By the end of the 12 months, she had taken 20 trips and discovered a new career path, empowering others to change their lives through travel. Jen is a five-time Amazon bestselling author, three-time TEDx speaker, and solo travel maven. Her new memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic, documents this journey of what happened when she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself.  Jen and I talk all about solo travel and advice on traveling with a full-time job. She shares advice on self-publishing versus traditional publishing, how and when to make the transition to travel from a full-time job, how your perceived drawbacks can actually be your biggest benefits, and a ton more. What challenge can you set for yourself to make the most of your travels? I'd love to hear your thoughts and 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: Her journey of becoming an author and navigating publishing How she finds the balance in her personal and professional identity Why having a challenge can be exactly what you need to get from point A to point B Why choosing travel over responsibilities isn’t selfish Why she says being a content creator is an honor and insights on separating work and travel for aspiring content creators Advice on enhancing the solo travel experience and her favorite destinations for solo travelers How to decide when it’s time to take the leap from the “regular job” to pursue a passion or new lifestyle How she was able to travel with a full-time job Her best, seemingly counterintuitive travel advice Why it’s important to be flexible and adaptable to maintain your business and lifestyle And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Jen’s website Grab a copy of her book, 12 Trips in 12 Months Follow Jen on Instagram and TikTok Follow 12 Trips in 12 Months on Instagram Want More? How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk RV´ing Across America: A Quest To Visit All 50 States w/ Alyssa Padgett Listener Questions 7: Traveling With Debt, Knowing When To Quit Your Job, And Job Hopping For Travel Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

4 Jun 20241h 29min

What epic episodes are we dropping this month on the podcast? Listen in to this quick announcement and find out. What topics and themes do you want to hear about on the podcast? 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! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

31 Mai 20243min

Do you have a fear of flying or get stressed and anxious while you're traveling? In today’s Greatest Hits episode, you'll learn how to run your brain instead of letting your brain run you with Lawrence Leyton and Mark Wein, experts in overcoming the fear of flying. Through their work with the Fear of Flying TV show in the UK and easyJet's Fearless Flyer course, phobia expert Lawrence and ex-phobic Mark have helped thousands conquer their aviation anxieties.  Lawrence and Mark talk about their experience with the fear of flying and dig into the root cause of phobias. They share practical tips and strategies for conquering the fear of flying and managing anxiety during various travel situations. What piece of advice will you try next time you get travel anxiety? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. *We're sharing previous episodes to highlight Mental Health Month! Zero To Travel episodes are timeless and provide valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Insight into phobias and techniques and therapies for conquering fear Understanding the fear of flying and technical vs. psychological phobias The motivation behind fear and the relationship with panic attacks  The downsides of self-medicating How to combat anxiety by using knowledge and simple psychology  Their best advice for entrepreneurs And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the Fearless-Flyer website Learn about the Fear Of Flying with easyJet Follow Fearless Flyer Course on Facebook Check out Lawrence’s website Want More? Potpourri Prat (Lifestyle Business, Experimenting, And Travel Fears) with Matt Giovanisci Listener Questions 6: Pre-Trip Fears, Selling Your Car, And Keeping Travel Awesome How To Conquer Fear Of Success Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

30 Mai 202453min