Zero To Travel Podcast

If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it?  When this week's guest, professional photographer and loyal listener Leslie McKellar, was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in January 2022. This week's interview is extra special because not only was it recorded in person but I also met Leslie 8 months into her travels so she has some fantastic insights to share from her experience. You will not want to miss what she has to say about how she budgeted for the trip, advice on how to pick the right destinations, valuable lessons from curveballs along the way, why traveling can help you reset, a 60-second challenge to help you find new adventures, and so much more. What are your takeaways from the 60-second challenge? I'd love to hear about them and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, earn up to 6% cash back at selected stores. Visit https://usbank.com/shopper to get $250 Cashback after spending $2000 in the first 120 days of opening your account. We are also proudly supported by the About the Journey podcast. Host Oneka Raymond takes you around North America to answer the question what does it mean to travel better? Search for About the Journey today wherever you get your podcasts! Zero to Travel is brought to you by Better Help, visit their website today to get 10% off your first month of services. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 toxic mold was the unexpected launching point for Leslie’s travel dreams What made Leslie decide to seize the opportunity to travel long term Reasons why saying traveling is like hitting a reset button How it felt to finally leave on a trip that was 2 years in the making The strategy Leslie used to budget and plan accommodations How Leslie has navigated visas renewals during her year abroad What type of unexpected challenges have arisen during Leslie’s time abroad Why Leslie took climate and weather into account when seeking destinations Leslie’s experience being a solo female traveler  A few of Leslie’s favorite moments abroad  The biggest differences between slow travel and a quick trip How this journey impacted Leslie’s perspective on her career Why Leslie decided to leave her photography equipment at home The biggest takeaways from nearly a year of traveling Why it is a bigger risk to not seize the opportunity A 60-second challenge to everyone And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face, US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Vista Signature Card, About the Journey, & Better Help Check out Leslie’s Photography Follow Leslie McKellar on Instagram  Want More? Only $50 And A Dream: Biking Across The USA Solo With Zero Experience with Jasmine Reese Transition To Travel: Melinda’s Story Shamans, Solo Travel, and a Healing Path

22 Nov 20221h 10min

Are you working on your 2023 travel bucket list?  Well then, today’s very special episode is just for you. I chat with Matt Berna, President of North America for Intrepid travel, to get insight into some of the best and most unique places to visit as a solo traveler. Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travelers to discover the world's most amazing places for more than 30 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel. Intrepid offers over 1,150 trips designed to truly experience local culture across every continent.  Regardless of next year's travel plans, you will need information from this episode in your arsenal. Not only does Matt share the top 5 countries for solo travelers (based on real statistics), but he also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a tour guide and shares how to break into the travel industry, why you should consider group travel, what realistic sustainable travel looks like and so much more.  What has been one of the greatest travel days you’ve ever had? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. What’s on your 2023 travel bucket? list? Make it happen on a small group tour with Intrepid Travel and get up to 25% off* at intrepidtravel.com between November 21st to December 2nd. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 going to college in Boulder, CO grew Matt’s love for the outdoors How Matt became a tour guide and why he keeps doing it The best parts about Matt’s time living abroad in London Advice for someone who wants to make a living based on travel What Intrepid Travel is all about Insight into how to be a more sustainable traveler Why solo travelers should consider a group tour experience The best (unexpected) countries to visit as a solo traveler Why creating unique travel itineraries is a tool for building sustainable travel What it takes to make a great leader The greatest travel day Matt can remember Why you should put something fun on your calendar And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Don’t Miss the  Intrepid Cyber Sale from November 21st to December 2nd Check out Intrepid Travel stories at the Intrepid Journal Want More? Top 7 Hidden Wonders Of The World w/ Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura) Joys of Solo Travel w/ Manjinder Kang Top 10 Places We’re Dying To Visit That We’ve Never Been

17 Nov 20221h 21min

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without regrets?  Today I am joined by author, speaker, and nomad, Geri Suster, to deep dive into her newest book Graceful Exits: Making the Case for Getting Good at Goodbye, and learn how to build skills in navigating exits and preventing regretful goodbyes.  In 2017 Geri sold her seaside home and all her belongings to travel the United States in a 33’ Class A RV with her 2 dogs. Life on the road gave Geri the confidence and space to realize her calling to write a book geared toward helping others find grace in making difficult exits. She has since traded in her RV for a self-converted sprinter van and found a home base in Bend, Oregon but is gearing up to hit the road again to spread the word about Graceful Exits. Want Geri Suster to come to your town? Reach out! If you have ever regretted how something ended, you will not want to miss this episode. Geri gives practical advice for preventing difficult goodbyes, shares the top questions to ask yourself before any exit, explains why travel gave her the courage to follow her dreams, and so much more.  Is there an exit you wish you could have done differently? I'd love to hear about it and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. Zero to Travel is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy, visit their website today to get 10% off your first month of services. Today’s episode is also brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. We are also supported by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, get 4 X points on eating out and 2 X points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1000 in your first 90 days.  Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 Geri knew Bend, Oregon would be her new home base after many years on the road What caused Geri to leave her corporate career and seaside home behind Why travel can show you what you sometimes cannot see otherwise The bad lay-off experience that led Geri to the idea for her new book What it feels like to sell everything and hit the road for the first time The biggest challenges of living full-time in an RV (and downsizing to a van) Why a mission to say “yes” guided Geri’s first year of travels and reasons for slowing down her second year How traveling gave Geri the courage she needed to write her first book How to define exits and avoid common mistakes in making them Advice about how to gracefully leave your job What to do when you have a relationship that needs to end/change Essential questions to ask yourself before making an exit The untold beauty of being present for the final exit Unexpected lessons Geri learned from writing Graceful Exits Why you should follow your calling despite uncertainty And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport BetterHelp, The North Face, US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsors Get your copy of Graceful Exits today Take the Exit Intelligence Quiz to learn more about how you can improve your exit skills Learn more about Geri's upcoming projects Follow Geri Suster on Instagram & Facebook Want Geri to come to your town? Reach out! Want More? Campervan Therapy Making Travel Dreams Happen On The Fly Lifestyle Design and Beating Your Own Path with Marc Freccero

15 Nov 20221h 20min

Have you ever wished you could improve your storytelling skills surrounding travel?  This week I am joined by travel journalist and friend to the show, Oneika Raymond, to talk about the art of storytelling, what it’s like to be a travel journalist, and how her nomadic life has changed over the years.  Oneika has visited 120 Countries over six continents and is on a mission to educate, empower and encourage exploration. She started her career as a secondary school teacher, eventually becoming an award-winning journalist, speaker, podcast host, and Emmy-winning television host. If you love the spirit of wanderlust, then you don’t want to miss this episode. We talk about why you should take an adult gap year, advice on what it takes to tell a great story, the top 3 cities you must visit, why completion is more important than perfection, factors to consider if you’re considering settling down, and so much more. What are your favorite stories from traveling? I'd love to hear a few and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Today’s episode is also sponsored by US Bank Visa Platinum Card, perfect for large purchases, unexpected expenses, and balance transfers. To see if you qualify for the lowest APR out there, visit usbank.com/platinum today. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. We also proudly support the About the Journey podcast. Host Oneka Raymond takes you around North America to answer the question what does it mean to travel better? Search for About the Journey today wherever you get your podcasts! Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 Oneika has slowed down her pace of travel and which countries she keeps revisiting What motivated Oneika and her husband to settle in Miami after an adult gap year The difference between being nomadic and being an ex-pat The key factors to consider when looking for a place to settle down Why the U.S. inspires Oneika as an entrepreneur The elements required to tell a good story How to understand and connect with your audience as a storyteller Why its necessary to be adaptable when telling a story The importance of having humility when storytelling Similarities between entrepreneurship and traveling Advice about being a successful entrepreneur Why completion is more important than perfection How to fake it till you make it and overcome imposter syndrome The hack that will help you use people as inspiration rather than intimidation Travel advice from a long-time nomad The best and worst parts about being a TV personality Which 3 cities Oneika says everyone should visit 3 Books everyone needs to read Oneika’s most treasured travel memories And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face, US Bank Visa Platinum Card,& About the Journey - Today's Sponsors Learn more about Oneika’s projects Check out Oneika’s travels Follow Oneika on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter The 2022 Travel Vanguard Want More? The Slow Travel Philosophy + Traveling As A Black Woman with Oneika Raymond A Soulful Southern Road Trip: About The Journey With Oneika Raymond Travel Role Models and The Minority Nomad w/ Erick Prince

8 Nov 20221h 20min

Have you ever wondered how to invest in your future while embracing a travel-centered present? Today I am joined by Kristin Meador, a financial expert who specializes in supporting location-independent businesses, in learning about best practices for managing your finances no matter where you are and what you're doing. After years of working 80+ hour weeks for a large accounting firm, Kristin's burnout caused her to make a radical change - sell everything and travel. About a year into her journey, she realized that she could use her skills as a corporate CPA to create her own cloud-based accounting business and create a location-independent lifestyle. She founded Gradient Accounting when she realized she could meet the unique needs of digital nomads, providing simple answers to sometimes scary and complex questions. If want to be sure you are making the best approach toward money management and travel, then you won't want to miss today's episode. Kristin shares the story of how travel inspired her to start her own business, how to define your core values to assist in big financial decisions, the pros and cons of the FIRE movement, finding the balance between investing and traveling, and so much more.  What is your money mindset? I'd love to hear about it and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X 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 $1000 in your first 90 days. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 Kristen is my financial mentor What caused Kristin to develop a love for travel from an early age Why do Kristin and her husband make it a point to travel together and separately The importance of discussing travel goals and values in your relationship Advice for balancing work and travel when living abroad Why travel helps inspire creativity in business How to embrace living in the now by being intentional with your time All about burnout - how to spot it and what to do about it The moment Kristin decided to travel full-time and the places she visited her first year Pros and cons surrounding the FIRE movement Why there is no drug more addictive than the biweekly paycheck How to find a balance between saving and investing Why understanding your core values will help you make difficult financial decisions How Kristin budgets for adventures and travel And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face & US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Today's Sponsors Learn about Travel As A Tax Write Off Subscribe to Kristin's YouTube Channel Get help from Gradient Accounting  Follow Kristin Meador on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Want More? Making Sense of Cents: Personal Finance and Travel + Is This The Best time EVER to Travel? How To Retire Early and Travel the World How to Travel with Less Money, Start Working on the Road, and Never Settle Down w/ Nora Dunn

1 Nov 20221h 21min

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel like a great historical adventurer?  Today I am joined by Elise Wortley, a journalist on a mission to quite literally walk in the shoes of some of history’s most fierce female explorers. After reading Alexandra David-Néel’s book My Journey to Lhasa at age 16 (and again at 28), Elise was left with many questions about the trials and tribulations Alexandra must have faced being a female traveler in the early 1900s. In search of answers, she set off to India to follow in the author’s footsteps, using only items that would have been available during the original journey - a Yak wool coat and wooden backpack. This trip has snowballed into multiple adventures sprinkled throughout the globe, tracing footprints from the past. If you love adventure, you will not want to miss this episode. Elise shares epic stories from her travels and describes exactly what it was like to travel without modern luxuries, important lessons she’s learned from the journeys, actions she took to start her first journey, and so much more.  Which modern technology do you think would be the hardest to give up when traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card, earn up to 6% cash back at selected stores. Visit https://usbank.com/shopper to get $250 Cashback after spending $2000 in the first 120 days of opening your account. We also proudly support the About the Journey podcast. Host Oneka Raymond takes you around North America to answer the question what does it mean to travel better? Search for About the Journey today wherever you get your podcasts! Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 do female adventures lack the same recognition as their male counterparts How Elise conducts research on history's forgotten female explorers The book that led Elise down the path of reliving adventures from the past How Elise came up with the inspiration for her first adventure The importance of bringing stories from the past back to life How to walk the walk and not just talk about it What it felt like to wear historical clothing during big treks & how others reacted Hacks for finding and creating old-school adventure gear Lessons from traveling without technology and how it will change your relationship with your phone Why adventure is for anyone and everyone Highlights from traveling through the Valley of The Assasins in Iran (Elise’s most recent trip) Advice for anyone who is looking to do something different with their lives How Elise’s projects help fund charities and what’s next And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face, US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Card, & About the Journey - Today's Sponsors Check out Woman with Altitude Learn more about Elise Get your copy of My Journey to Lhasa (the book that changed Elise’s life) Follow Elise on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Want More? Inspiring Female Adventurers Series: Around America And Beyond with Renata Chlumska  3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis The Only Woman To Walk Around The World: Inspiring Female Adventurers Series with Polly Letofsky

25 Okt 20221h 13min

Do you feel up to speed on the latest travel trends? Today I am joined by travel journalist, author, podcast host, and dear friend to the show, Paige McClanahan, to discuss 3 travel trends you should know before planning your next trip.  Paige has lived in 6 countries since leaving the United States in 2008. She is currently living with her family in the French Alps and is a regular contributor to the New York Times and other popular publications.  If you plan on traveling internationally in the coming year, you will not want to miss this episode. We dive deep into 3 travel trends Paige has highlighted in some of her recent articles for the NY Times. These insights will help you enhance your next travel experience by showing you when & where to book, what type of transportation to utilize, how to create synergy in a tourist destination and so much more.  What destination are you planning on visiting next? I'd love to hear all about it and hope you will share by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by the US Bank Visa Platinum card, with a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles and no annual fees, this card is a tool for getting ahead. Visit usbank.com/platinum to signup today. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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 you should check out the Better Travel podcast What living in the French Alps has taught Paige about travel and tourism Takeaways from investigating the benefits and drawbacks of traveling via Train vs. Plane How the pandemic has impacted travel trends throughout Europe About the 9 Euro train ticket experiment and other revolutionary transportation options in Europe What the future of travel transportation looks like How climate change has impacted when and where you should travel next Practical tips for booking trips abroad during the hotter months Tips for navigating traveling during the “on-season” travel when you have kids Why some popular destinations are re-thinking the way they approach tourism Stigmas that surround tourists and how to find synergy in tourism What’s next for Paige Great news for digital nomads, ex-pats, and long-term travelers And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face & US Bank Visa Platinum Today's Sponsors Learn more about Paige McClanahan Listen to the Better Travel podcast In Europe, It’s Planes vs. Trains. For Many Travelers, Rail Is the Way to Go Stockholm Instead of Rome? October Instead of July? How Heat Waves Are Changing Tourism in Europe In Hawaii, the Search for Sustainable Tourism About Portugal's digital nomad visa Want More? Tips For Travel To Europe This Summer Optimizing For Freedom with Nat Eliason Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling w/ Kirsten Pontius

18 Okt 20221h 15min

What is it that motivates you to travel? Today I am joined by esteemed travel writer and teacher Rolf Potts to talk about his new book The Vagabond’s Way and dive into how anybody can enrich their lives through maintaining a traveler’s mindset, even at home.  Rolf Potts has reported from over 60 countries for publications like National Geographic, NPR, and Travel Channel. He has lectured all over the world and hosts a yearly writer's workshop. His travels have brought him through 6 continents, including boating 900 miles down the Mekong in Laos, hitchhiking in Eastern Europe, bicycling in Burma, and traveling for 6 weeks across the world with no luggage or bags, and much more. His first book Vagabonding was published in 2003 and was of paramount importance in my own travel journey. If you love to travel as much as me, then this episode will be extra special. We dive into exactly how travel changes our inner and outer perspective, allows us to embrace unseen parts of self, and try on new identities. We also discuss how to have micro adventures at home, what it means to feel comfortable in a culture and so much more. What are your biggest spiritual or philosophical takeaways from your recent travels? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Today’s episode is brought to you by The North Face - providing athlete-tested Jackets that are proven to be highly insulated, warm, breathable & durable so you can focus on what matters. It’s more than a jacket, it’s a calling to get out and explore. Get yours today in stores or at www.thenorthface.com. This episode is also brought to you by US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X 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 $1000 in your first 90 days. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (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: Thoughts and takeaways from visiting Norway What is forest bathing and why it’s a great travel virtue Artists and thinkers who have made an impact on Rolf’s travel mindset What the pandemic has taught Rolf about travel Why what’s on your bucket list matters less than what you do when you get there What it means to take the travel attitude home with you and how to do it Practical ways you can explore new locations based on your interest What it was like to live in a van long before the van life movement How to overcome imposter syndrome and give yourself permission to live your travel dreams Why it's important to travel for your own growth rather than other’s How to pay attention to life, practice gratitude, and make the most of the moments we have What motivated Rolf to write his most recent book and a secret look inside Why having a mission while traveling can drastically change the experience How to occupy time instead of managing it Why it's important to travel first and become a digital nomad later Insights on navigating the complicated relationship between travel and technology What it means to feel a part of a culture Tips for travelers who want to write about their experience And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport The North Face & US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Today’s sponsors Learn more about Rolf Potts Get your copy of The Vagabond’s Way Listen to the Deviate podcast Sign up for the Paris Writing Workshop Follow Rolf on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Want More? How Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health w/ Gilad Gamliel Enjoy The Process Of Everything With Dylan Magaster How To Take A Leap of Faith and Change Your Life w/ Jana Schuberth

11 Okt 20221h 50min