Zero To Travel Podcast

Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences?  Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle.   In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting.  We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort.  Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why Timor-Leste gets so few tourists and why that’s part of its magic  How it feels to be one of the only foreigners in a place (and how locals respond)  What slow travel really means, and how it compares to traditional tourism  Advice for traveling in places with limited infrastructure (and why it’s worth it)  Jonty’s take on authenticity, cultural connection, and purpose-driven travel  The best things to do in Timor-Leste, from coral reefs to mountain hikes  What it’s like volunteering abroad and “working” while exploring  Why slow travel doesn’t have to mean doing nothing  A peek at Timor-Leste’s rich history and resilient spirit  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Jonty’s website and Instagram  Exploring Timor-Leste website  Jonty’s books on Timor-Leste  Exploring Timor-Leste Podcast  TikTok  YouTube  Want More?  Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly  Top 10 Hidden Gems: East Africa (Beyond the Safari) and Transitioning to Travel With Sasha and Megnote Lezhnev  Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.

8 Jul 1h 20min

What if you could flip your thinking, let go of old scripts, and start showing up as the hero in your own life, right now?  Derek Loudermilk is a coach, adventurer, podcaster, and bestselling author who helps coaches, healers, and creators become global thought leaders. After leaving behind a PhD program, surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and traveling the world for years, Derek rebuilt his life on his own terms.   In this episode, Derek and I explore five “thought reversals” to help you in your hero journey, especially during times of big transitions or when you’re feeling stuck.  I loved this conversation because it’s packed with practical ways to reframe the stories you tell yourself, and it’s a great reminder that a lot of what holds us back happens in our heads. You’ll hear Derek’s wild backstory, how he rebuilt his identity after losing everything, and what it looks like to live more freely by dropping the old scripts. If you’ve ever felt caught between wanting more adventure and wanting stability, or if you’re curious how to “be lazy” in a way that actually helps you succeed, there’s something here for you.  What old script are you ready to rewrite? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share them 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 focusing on money might be keeping you broke  How Derek survived a 20% chance of living and used it to start over  The mindset shift to stop thinking your way out of every problem  How to work from who you want to be (instead of where you’re stuck)  Why dropping your past identity can free you to travel (and live) better  How “lazy” CEOs actually get more done  Why your attention and your questions shape your reality  Practical ways to tap into luck, synchronicity, and abundance  How to balance family, travel, and the pull to put down roots again  Derek’s simple advice for crossing time zones with less stress  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Derek’s website  The Derek Loudermilk Show  Instagram  Want More?  16 Mindset Hacks To Help You Travel Long Term  Exploring Your Limiting Beliefs & Finding Your Purpose w/ Kathleen Sinclair  How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry  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.

3 Jul 1h 7min

Why does it take a brush with death for some of us to finally do the things we’ve dreamed of?  Stephan Kesting is an accomplished martial artist, firefighter, wilderness explorer, and the author of Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic. You might know him from his popular jiu-jitsu videos and teachings at Grapplearts, but Stephan’s story goes far beyond the mat. After surviving a life-threatening kidney disease and receiving a transplant from his brother, Stephan set out on a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition through Canada’s remote Subarctic - a journey that became both an epic adventure and a profound exploration of mortality, identity, and what it means to truly live.  In this episode, Stephan and I dig into what it takes physically, mentally, and emotionally to embark on a solo wilderness journey in the face of mortality and grief.  Stephan’s story will inspire you to rethink your own limits. You’ll hear how he navigated a rare kidney disease that threatened his identity as a martial artist and outdoorsman, and how facing death up close became the push he needed to tackle a dream he’d been putting off for years. From his raw reflections on loss and resilience to his honest look at fear, self-doubt, and satisfaction versus happiness, Stephan’s insights will stick with you long after you’ve listened.   Whether your version of adventure is paddling 1,000 miles alone or just stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation might just give you that nudge to get started.  When was the last time you answered your own call to adventure? What did it teach you about yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why Stephan walked away from a career in physics and ended up studying botany in the Arctic  How growing up with a foot in the city and a foot in the wilderness shaped his love of the outdoors  The surprising overlap between martial arts and wilderness survival  How polycystic kidney disease forced Stephan to confront his mortality and identity  How he planned and trained for a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition after a transplant  What it’s like to be alone in the Subarctic for weeks, battling harsh weather and self-doubt  Why he believes satisfaction matters more than happiness when it comes to big goals  How the wilderness has helped him process grief and loss  Practical advice for anyone who wants to dip their toes into solo outdoor adventures safely  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Stephan’s website  Essential Wilderness YouTube  Instagram  Perserverence book  Want More?  The Power of Death in Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware  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  Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore  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.

1 Jul 1h 19min

What does it really take to build a life abroad, and what happens when travel pushes you far outside your comfort zone?  Jackie Nourse, aka Traveling Jackie, is an adventure travel pro, host of JUMP podcast, tour leader, and storyteller who’s built a life around helping people explore the world boldly and authentically. With over 20 years of travel under her belt, Jackie’s led countless group trips, launched two podcasts, and built a passionate community of travelers who seek adventure and growth.   In this crossover episode, Jackie and I reflect on our first in-person meetup in Norway and dive into what it means to design a lifestyle you love, raise a family in a new culture, and face fear head-on. From raising kids in the forest outside Oslo to climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff with a serious fear of heights, this episode explores the intersection of travel, courage, and personal transformation.  This episode offers a personal look into what it means to build a new life in a different country, from navigating culture shock to raising bilingual kids and finding your own rhythms far from home. Jackie also shares a powerful story about doing something she truly didn’t think she could do: climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff on a via ferrata, despite having a serious fear of heights. Her reflections on fear, courage, and support are deeply relatable, whether you're standing on a cliff face or facing something uncertain in your own life. What’s one moment in your life when curiosity helped you say yes to something scary? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why Jackie decided to design an off-the-beaten-path adventure through Norway  How I ended up living in Oslo (and what I love about it)  Advice to anyone considering a move abroad, especially with a family  How “friluftsliv” shapes Norwegian life and values  What it’s like to raise kids in a forest-filled neighborhood outside Oslo  Why self-designed lifestyle checklists help you reverse-engineer the life you want  How public transport and local access shape rural Norwegian life  What via ferrata is (and why climbing one on a cliff face isn’t as relaxing as it sounds)  How Jackie faced a phobia head-on and climbed the highest sea cliff in Europe  Why small choices (like buying gloves) can snowball into big courage  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Jackie’s website  JUMP Podcast  Want More?  Top 5 Hidden Highlights Around the World with Jackie Nourse from JUMP Adventures  The Best Of Argentina w/ Jackie Nourse  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

25 Jun 1h 19min

What if the best way to explore Copenhagen isn’t in the guidebooks, but in a cemetery, on a bike hunt for trolls, or over a plate of smørrebrød with locals?  Rikke Bisgaard-Svensen is the co-founder of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and a self-described travel addict whose life has revolved around two things: taking off to faraway lands and sharing her love for her hometown. What started as a side hustle born out of winter-season job loss turned into a 13-year journey building one of the most beloved free walking tour companies in Denmark.  In this episode, we’re exploring the evolving spirit of Copenhagen and sharing 10 Copenhagen hidden gems for travelers who want to see the city like a local, plus the surprising backstory behind Rikke’s tour company and how she fell into entrepreneurship.  If you want to experience Copenhagen beyond the usual sights, Rikke brings the kind of insight only a longtime local can offer. You'll hear about troll hunts in the suburbs, the deeper meaning behind a now-vanished statue, and what it’s really like to build a business in a country where modesty is a cultural expectation. Along the way, we talk about the unique Danish relationship with happiness (hygge), and hanging out in cemeteries (yes, really).  What’s your favorite hidden gem in your hometown that you wish more people knew about? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  How Couchsurfing led to launching a tour company  Why she never imagined becoming an entrepreneur (and what changed)  How “janteloven” impacts ambition and leadership  How Copenhagen has transformed over the past decade  Where to find Copenhagen’s hidden troll sculptures (and why they matter)  The oldest amusement park in the world, and it's very unusual location  How locals use cemeteries as parks (and what that says about death)  An alternative to the famous Little Mermaid statue  Where to get the best smørrebrød, cinnamon snails, and pastries in town  Advice to anyone wanting to run a travel business  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Copenhagen Free Walking Tours  Forgotten Giants  Donkey Republic bike-renting app  I Am Queen Mary  Københavner Cafeen  Hart Bageri  Want More?  New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen  Top 5 Hidden Gem Film Locations For Travelers w/ Rebecca Almost Ginger  Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

24 Jun 1h 15min

Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussions about depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255).  Is debt stopping you from traveling? What if the life you’ve been told to want is actually the thing that’s breaking you?   That was the reality for Annette and Daniel Fortner of Chase for Adventure, a couple who sold everything, paid off $70,000 in debt, and hit the road full-time - not because they had it all figured out, but because they knew they couldn’t keep living the way they were. Their journey into long-term travel started with depression and burnout, and turned into something entirely different.  Annette and Daniel share the full story behind their decision to leave behind high-paying jobs and a “successful” lifestyle in favor of travel, healing, and freedom.   This conversation goes way beyond the typical “how we quit our jobs to travel” story. You’ll hear what it’s like to hit emotional rock bottom and use travel as a lifeline, not just a lifestyle. Annette and Daniel open up about their mental health, the practical steps they took to make long-term travel financially doable, and what it’s really like to work, live, and grow alongside your partner 24/7. Their story is raw, funny, thoughtful, and full of honest reflections that anyone thinking about big life changes will relate to.  What’s one belief about success you’ve outgrown? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why depression and burnout led Annette to rethink everything  How Daniel's emotional struggles surfaced after they hit the road  How they paid off $70,000 in debt and saved $16.5K to start traveling  Advice to couples traveling and working together (without losing their minds)  Why setting “hammock time” saved their relationship  The financial realities of long-term travel and how they tracked every dollar  How to decide how much savings you need to leave and when it’s enough  Remote work tips to fund a travel lifestyle  Why Southeast Asia was key to stretching their budget  Places that blew them away, and a surprise detour with 10 rescue dogs in Thailand  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Find Annette & Daniel at ChaseForAdventure.com  Follow on Instagram  Facebook  YouTube  ActionForDogs.com  Want More?  An Unconventional Approach to Challenges, Maximizing Travel With a Full-Time Job, Advice on Publishing, Creating Solo Travel Magic With Jen Ruiz  From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson  Lessons from Quitting a Job and Selling Everything to Motorcycle Around the World with Mike Barr  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

19 Jun 1h

What does it really mean to feel seen, safe, and celebrated as an LGBTQ+ traveler? How can understanding other people’s travel experiences help us feel more connected, wherever we go?  Alicia Valenski is an American writer, editor, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking new LGBTQ+ travel guide with Lonely Planet that explores 50 of the most queer-friendly destinations around the globe. Now living as an expat in the Netherlands, Alicia brings a unique and deeply personal lens to her work as an autistic, bisexual woman and passionate advocate for inclusive travel.  In this episode, Alicia shares her top seven LGBTQ+ destinations. We talk about what it means to feel truly comfortable in a place and why inclusive travel benefits everyone.   Alicia talks about growing up in a small town, navigating cultural expectations, and finding the courage to live differently. Her journey shows how traveling with intention can change not just your perspective but your life. The insights she shares about creating safe spaces for the most marginalized groups offer a powerful reminder: when a place works for those often overlooked, it works better for everyone, including solo travelers, women, and anyone who's ever felt out of place.  Have you ever visited somewhere you immediately felt like you belonged? Where was it, and what made it feel that way? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why Alicia and her partner chose the Netherlands as their home base, and what makes Dutch culture feel “just right”  How growing up in a conservative area shaped Alicia’s perspective on travel, identity, and chosen family  Why moving abroad was both a logistical challenge and an act of self-acceptance  Why travel is different for LGBTQ+ folks, and how “feeling welcome” can’t always be assumed  Advice for queer travelers who are new to travel and how to stay safe while still being yourself  The story behind her LGBTQ+ travel book, and why it centers diverse voices within the community  Her top 7 queer-friendly cities   Tips for navigating sensory overload while traveling as a neurodivergent person  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Visit Alicia’s website  Grab the Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Guide  Alicia’s article in Attitude Magazine  Everywhere is Queer app  transequality.org  ILGA world maps  Equaldex  Moonlight experiences   Quouch  Want More?  LGBTQ+ Travel and Making A Difference with Ravi Roth  Travel on the Spectrum: Embracing Autism + Neurodivergence with Dan Bird  Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

17 Jun 59min

Have you ever thought about what your travels would look like without alcohol?  After eliminating alcohol, Margaret rediscovered her joy for travel, so much so that she started Alcohol-Free Adventure Retreats (AFAR), where she helps women rediscover and challenge themselves by embracing travel without alcohol.  In this episode, Margaret shares her 10 expert tips on alcohol-free travel, and we talk about why this may be something you’d want to consider trying yourself.   Whether you’re sober-curious or just interested in a different travel experience, Margaret’s tips are valuable in many situations. In addition to Margaret’s advice, we have a deeper conversation about living in an alcohol-centric society. You’ll learn about some of the benefits of the sober-curious movement and sober travel, why committing is sometimes easier than moderating, how to avoid decision fatigue while traveling, and plenty more.  Are you considering going alcohol-free on your next trip? If you already travel without alcohol, what do you enjoy the most? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them 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 Margaret decided to change her lifestyle and how the sober-curious movement allows you to experiment with alcohol-free living   How traveling with the intention of eliminating alcohol can add another layer of transformation and self-exploration to travel  The problem with alcohol culture in Western society  How to best prepare before your trip and why having the right mindset is so important   The advantages of sober travel and five easy things you can do to help your trip run smoothly   Why building identity-based habits can help you embrace a new lifestyle or culture  My experience with alcohol-free living and why committing 99% is so much harder than 100%  And so much more  Resources:  Subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Learn more about Margaret and AFAR  Connect with Margaret on Instagram and Facebook  Join Margaret’s Facebook group, Teetotaling Travelers  Check out the books, Quit Drinking Without Willpower, This Naked Mind, Quit Like a Woman  Want More?  From $12 In Savings To Living Your Travel Dreams w/ Matt Fetbrandt  The Call Of Adventure with Brendan Leonard  Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling w/ Kirsten Pontius  Thanks to Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

12 Jun 1h 12min