Zero To Travel Podcast

What is it about Sicily that makes travelers fall in love (and some never leave)? Linda Sarris is a Sicilian travel expert, private chef, and the author of three Moon Travel Guides covering Sicily and Southern Italy. After building her career as a private chef in New York City, she followed her passion for food and culture to Palermo, Italy, where she’s been based for the past eight years. Today, she runs a food and wine-focused travel business, offering immersive experiences that help travelers taste and explore Sicily like a local. In this episode, we explore what it’s like to visit Sicily through a local lens: where to eat, what to drink, and how to be in a place that runs on a different rhythm. Linda shares her favorite street food, the wine regions worth a detour, and how Sicilian life has shifted her relationship with time, connection, and even ambition. You’ll get insider secrets to authentic Sicilian cuisine, practical advice for planning your visit, and more. What makes you most interested in visiting Sicily? 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: Why Sicily captured Linda’s heart (and kept her there) How to navigate Sicilian street food culture and what to try first What makes Sicilian wines special and the best way to experience them  What you can expect to spend on accommodations, transportation, and food Tips for avoiding tourist traps and finding hidden gems The subtle differences between mainland Italy and Sicily Why Sicily’s slower pace can shift your whole mindset And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Linda’s website Follow Linda on Instagram Grab her Moon Travel Guides Want More? Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

10 Apr 1h 2min

What makes Andalusia one of the best hidden gems in all of Spain? Lucas Peters is a tour operator and award-winning travel writer. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides explores the magic of southern Spain, sharing the must-see highlights, unique experiences, and the best local flavors of Seville, Granada, and Andalusia. In this episode, Lucas unpacks the culture and history of Andalusia and shares the top experiences that make this region of Spain a must-visit. Lucas shares fascinating insights into Andalusia’s history, explains why its cultural blend is so unique, and offers practical advice for travelers to experience Spain beyond its usual tourist spots. You’ll get a taste of Analusia’s food scene and local hotspots, and discover how to embrace the Andalusian way of life. What makes you most excited about visiting Andalusia? I'd love to hear what they are, 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 Spanish, Moroccan, and Arabic cultures have blended over the centuries Why Andalusia is one of the best-value destinations in Europe The magic of tapas culture in Granada (and how to eat well for cheap) Lucas’ favorite historic sites that will make your jaw drop What makes the Caminito del Rey one of the best walks in all of Europe The best way to explore the region and visit Andalusia’s most beautiful white villages Where to experience a more authentic flamenco show Lucas’s favorite secret beach that only locals know about Festivals and celebrations that are worth planning a trip around Alternative places to stay as a slowmad or digital nomad (instead of Barcelona) Important considerations and tips for making the most of your Andalusian adventure What popular tourist spot Lucas suggests you should skip And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Grab the Moon Travel Guide Visit Lucas’ website Travel with Journey Beyond Travel Want More? Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters Morocco Travel: Beyond Marrakech w/ Lucas Peters Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

8 Apr 1h 9min

What if you could build a business that funds your dream lifestyle without sacrificing travel and freedom? Dan Demsky is the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, a premium Merino wool clothing brand that has redefined minimalist, high-performance fashion. Dan has built Unbound Merino into an eight-figure global business while working fully remotely as a digital nomad. Since launching via a highly successful crowdfunding campaign, Unbound Merino has grown to be a $40M global brand beloved by travelers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to simplify their wardrobe with sustainable, multi-functional clothing. In this episode, Dan shares how he built Unbound Merino, the mindset shifts and tactics that helped him succeed, and the lessons he learned from running a business while traveling the world.  Dan breaks down the realities of entrepreneurship, from validating an idea to choosing a product, hiring, and staying motivated when things get tough. He also shares the challenges of managing a growing brand while staying true to a lifestyle of adventure and exploration.  Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a digital nomad, or just someone looking for inspiration to take the next step, Dan’s story offers insights and practical takeaways on business, lifestyle design, and the power of taking risks. What’s one small step you could take today to move closer to your dream lifestyle? 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 Dan and his co-founders built a brand without prior industry experience Why he believes everyone should start a business with their best friends, despite the challenges Why getting brutally honest feedback is crucial and how to actually use it How a simple mindset shift helped Dan take the leap into entrepreneurship Why one of the biggest lessons in business came from a failed product idea The biggest factor that helped Unbound Merino stand out in a crowded market The surprising way travel influences decision-making as an entrepreneur How to handle risk and uncertainty without letting fear hold you back The one thing Dan believes every aspiring entrepreneur should prioritize And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out Unbound Merino Follow Unbound Merino on Instagram Fairing Scaling Up Want More? How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Traveling on $10 a Day to Building a 7-Figure Business with The Broke Backpacker Will Hatton Building, Growing, and Enjoying a Successful 7-Figure Lifestyle Business with Dan Andrews from Tropical MBA Thanks to Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

3 Apr 1h 31min

Is it time to rethink the “rules of life?” What if you could redefine success, family, and adventure on your own terms?  Ingrid Alm is an adventurer, writer, and mom who has made it her mission to challenge the conventional rules of life. Ingrid has walked, paddled, and biked thousands of miles with her family in tow, proving that parenthood doesn’t mean putting dreams on hold. Her latest book, Vi Skulle Hatt Mer Tid (We Should Have More Time), dives into how families and individuals can break free from societal expectations and create a life filled with more play, connection, and meaning. We talk about everything from rethinking family life and education to how slowing down and embracing uncertainty can lead to more fulfillment. Ingrid shares insights from her own experiences and research, offering a different way to think about what it means to truly live. Ingrid’s insights will challenge the idea that productivity equals worth and offer practical ways to create a more playful and intentional life. We discuss the power of saying no, the importance of boredom, and why redefining success might just be the key to a happier existence. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or someone looking for more meaning in your days, you’ll find plenty to reflect on in this episode. What’s one societal "rule" you've questioned or broken in your own life? How did it change your experience? 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: Why traditional ideas of success may not lead to fulfillment How travel and adventure can be integrated into family life The role of play and boredom in mental health and creativity How to set personal values and create a life that aligns with them Why saying “no” can be a revolutionary act The benefits of taking a gap year at any stage of life How to balance structure with spontaneity when raising kids The neuroscience behind stress, relaxation, and making big life changes Why disconnecting from technology can help us reconnect with ourselves Lessons from Ingrid’s latest adventures across the U.S. and Norway And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Ingrid’s website Follow Ingrid on Instagram Want More? 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 How To Add More Play Into Your Life With Jeff Harry Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

1 Apr 1h 8min

How can moving abroad help solve a specific life challenge? How do you choose the right location-independent business to start? What's the best way to navigate traveling across longer distances? In this episode, I answer listener questions to help you take a more intentional approach to designing your travels and location-independent lifestyle. You'll hear my thoughts on why you should reverse-engineer your travels and choose a destination based on your unique needs. If you're feeling stuck on what kind of location-independent business to start, I'll share a simple, fun litmus test to help you find the right fit. And if you're wondering how to travel across Asia or any continent without burning out, I'll tell a story from my time in Cambodia that completely changed my perspective on slow travel. Plus, is watching moose cross a river for 500 hours the most relaxing thing you might do this year?! What questions do you have on travel or the digital nomad lifestyle? I'd love for you to 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 Budget airlines in Asia Want More? 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Southeast Asia Travel: Getting Off The Banana Pancake Trail Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code 'TRAVEL10' to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you're looking for on booking.com

27 Mar 26min

What if you could travel the world without breaking the bank? What does it mean to be a traveler after nearly two decades on the road? Travel-blogging legend and best-selling author Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world on a near-continual basis since 2006. In 2008, he launched his site NomadicMatt.com to catalog his travel experiences and share his insights. Over the years, the site evolved into a valuable trip-planning tool for budding and savvy travelers alike. His writing has been featured by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, BBC, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Forbes, The Daily Beast, NPR, Associated Press, FOX, Sydney Morning Herald, The Independent, Daily Mail, Irish Times, and National Geographic. With the latest edition of his book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, we discuss whether budget travel is still as accessible as it once was and how Matt’s approach to travel, blogging, and business has evolved over time. You’ll hear some of his favorite money-saving tips for things like accommodation and activities, but also a deeper conversation about how budget travel has changed, how to keep the magic alive after years on the road, and what it really means to build a life around exploration. We also get into the impact of social media on travel, why Matt is embracing shorter trips, and how he balances content creation with being present in the experience. Do you consider yourself a budget traveler? How has traveling evolved for you over the years? 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: Matt’s experience in Peru and what made him fall in love with the country  His mindset around keeping travel exciting after years on the road Matt’s decision-making process for business and why he’s no longer chasing an empire Advice for putting yourself out there as a new creator or business owner Why we should put down our phones and unplug when traveling What it’s been like transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to “settling down” Why taking shorter trips can be just as fulfilling as long-term travel as a nomad Why hostels can be a great option for any traveler, no matter their age Three destinations he would revisit in a heartbeat (besides Paris and Japan!) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Nomadic Matt Grab his book How to Travel the World on $75 a Day Want More? Ten Years A Nomad With “Nomadic” Matt Kepnes How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns Evolution of a Travel “Influencer” + How to Travel to Antarctica (From Affordable to Expensive) with Alyssa Ramos Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

25 Mar 55min

Is studying abroad in Europe the ultimate travel hack? How can you get your entire college degree abroad for a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition? Through her website, Beyond The States, Jen Viemont helps students and lifelong learners navigate the world of European university programs. In this episode, Jen explains how to study in Europe for free or at a much lower cost. She also shares her own story of moving abroad with her family and building a location-independent business. You’ll learn practical advice on how to find, apply, and finance your studies in Europe, plus some surprising benefits of taking the leap into international education. Even if college isn’t in your plans, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about travel, cultural identity, and the power of global citizenship. Have you ever considered studying or living abroad for the long term? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How Jen’s personal journey led her to move abroad and start Beyond The States The cultural challenges and surprises of adapting to life in Portugal How Jen’s children have adjusted to international schools and what it’s taught them How she turned a personal challenge into a global resource and business Why European universities offer English-taught degrees and how they benefit from international students How much it actually costs to get an education in Europe, and what degrees you can pursue The surprising truth about how U.S. high school diplomas compare to European admission standards Where to find tuition-free or low-cost universities across Europe How studying abroad can boost career prospects and provide an edge in the job market And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Beyond The States Follow on Instagram and Facebook Want More? How To Exchange Your Home For Free Accommodations Around The World w/ Emmanual Arnaud 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

20 Mar 59min

How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions? Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion. Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone. She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places. Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? 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 Maria’s van journey started as a pandemic project inspired by her mother’s dream The shift in her family relationships and the harrowing experience of her mom getting attacked by dogs in Turkey Why she originally planned to travel with a companion but ultimately decided to go solo How traveling with a dog has changed her experience on the road How her expectations of solo female travel compared to the reality of it Her favorite places for vanlife in Southwest Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia (and where to avoid) The biggest lessons she’s learned about resilience, independence, and making peace with uncertainty And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Maria’s website Follow Maria on Instagram “Stufen” by Hermann Hesse Want More? Vanlife In Europe (A Beginner’s Guide), Moving To Spain, and 5 Tips For Running A Successful Remote Work Retreat With Chase Warrington From About Abroad New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland Thanks To Our Sponsors Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

18 Mar 1h 9min