Shred America: 950 Miles from Chicago to NYC by Skateboard with Mike Kosciesza

What would exploring a new city without relying on technology be like? Lisa Abend is a journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, the New York Times travel section, and National Geographic Traveler, among others. In response to the collapse of many traditional media outlets for narrative travel writing and how social media has sucked the serendipity and sense of discovery out of travel, she launched a Substack called The Unplugged Traveler. For the newsletter, she travels to a new European city every month without using the internet—that means no Google research, no online reservations, no GPS maps, no AirBnB or Uber, and no mindless scrolling while in a cafe or on a train. Lisa shares her unique travel philosophy, giving a fresh perspective on what it means to travel authentically. Her stories and strategies challenge the "must-see" checklist mentality, encouraging us to embrace serendipity and let go of travel FOMO. You’ll learn how going offline can deepen your connection to people, places, and unexpected moments to create a more immersive travel experience. What’s one place you’d like to explore without relying on your phone or social media? I'd love to hear where you’d go, 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 unusual way Lisa went from academic to a journalist in Spain  Her experience living as an outsider in Spain and Denmark (and what makes the Danes so happy) Lisa’s philosophy behind "unplugged" travel and letting go of the pressure to see everything How to use curiosity and spontaneity to guide your travels Practical advice on finding accommodations and local recommendations offline How she navigates destinations without a GPS or Uber Lisa’s favorite memories of authentic encounters and unexpected discoveries How small inconveniences can lead to richer, more memorable travel stories Why it’s important to consider what you really want out of your travel experience How the experiment has changed her relationship with technology and choosing destinations And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Subscribe to the Unplugged Traveler Substack Follow Lisa on Instagram Want More? Is Technology Ruining Your Travel Experience? With Seth Kugel Unplugged America Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’

7 Nov 20241h 30min

Considering a move abroad now or in the future? How do you choose the correct digital nomad visa or remote work visa for your lifestyle and goals? Citizen Remote co-founder Tim Marting discusses the latest insights on digital nomad visas and essential tips for relocating abroad.  Tim Marting is a digital nomad and co-founder of Citizen Remote, a platform dedicated to helping remote workers and travelers move abroad. With years of experience living and working globally, Tim has firsthand knowledge of navigating visa complexities, relocating, and thriving in foreign environments. Tim highlights digital nomad visa options by duration and benefits and talks about exciting upcoming and new remote work visas. You'll get mindset advice on how to think about where you want to go and why, tips for settling into a new place, and insight into the visa application process. You'll also hear some of Tim's personal stories from his travels and plans to live in Iceland that will inspire your next move. Where do you want to move abroad? I'd love to hear why, 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: Advice for traveling around Scandinavia for an extended period Key benefits and requirements of digital nomad visas for top destinations Tips on navigating complex visa applications (with requirements that can change anytime!) Short-term visas that offer tax advantages Medium-term visa options that encourage entrepreneurial growth Long-term digital nomad visas that can open pathways to residency and citizenship Advice on staying flexible with travel plans to maximize your relocation options Tim's insights on moving and living abroad, adapting to new cultures, and making the most of remote work opportunities How Citizen Remote can assist with visas, taxes, accommodation, and more for a seamless relocation experience Tim’s strategies for connecting in a new country And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Sign up for Citizen Remote Follow Citizen Remote on Instagram Want More? Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

5 Nov 20241h 7min

Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month!  What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I'd love to get 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! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

1 Nov 20243min

What does hell on earth look like?  Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world. Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations. Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder. What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? I'd love to hear about your experience, 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: A city filled with death, a centuries-old “skull cult,” and the inspiration behind Dante’s Inferno  A small cave in Ireland linked to ancient folklore and the origins of Halloween The fiery pit that’s been burning for decades and the surprising theory behind it (plus, you can camp here!) Where you can witness surreal blue flames rolling down a deadly sulfuric volcano  An island with some of the most gorgeous yet hellscape-y features, geothermal pools, and more The most electric place on earth and the fascinating science behind it Where to find razor-sharp “stone forests” and navigate the devil’s obstacle course Which charming but hellish US town you can be mayor for the day Will our pets eat us if we die? The five-second rule (fact or fiction?) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Erika’s website Grab Erika’s book, Go to Hell Would your dog eat you if you died? Want More? What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore Top 10 World’s Weirdest Restaurants With La Carmina Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

31 Okt 20241h 8min

Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France. Why should you go to Normandy? Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.” Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here. Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast. 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? Destination Bonanza w/ Chris Christensen How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson 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. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

30 Okt 202451min

Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better? Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit. Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.”  He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road. What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? 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 his around-the-world journey in a $100 car with strangers evolved into a global travel movement What it really means to DIY an adventure and travel on nothing but optimism What it was like to pick up hitchhikers and invite strangers from the internet to join their convoy  How Joel manages the reality and expectations of this kind of trip and how he vets participants Tips on managing conflict, group dynamics, and building trust on the road Insights into the overlanding community, his most memorable encounters, and favorite locations The unusual way they choose their route on the Pan-American Highway (a fun way for you to plan your next trip!) Perspectives on balancing spontaneity with preparation in global travel Why being open is the best way to make travel sustainable and insights on creating your own unique lifestyle Why you should consider Bansko, Bulgaria as your base And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the Global Convoy website Global Convoy on YouTube Follow on Instagram, TikTok Joel’s favorite stop in Caral, Peru Workaway Nomad Cruise Eight Boots Abroad Want More? 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 Tales From A Converted School Bus: Working Full Time & Traveling With An Adventure Dog New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

29 Okt 20241h 30min

How can you make a smoother transition into your new life abroad? Relocation expert Chrishan Wright discusses the hidden challenges and unexpected mistakes people make when moving abroad. She shares lessons from her experience living in Portugal and offers valuable advice for both aspiring expats and long-term travelers. Chrishan Wright is the creator of Blaxit Global, a vibrant hub dedicated to providing information, inspiration, and empowerment for the global Black community seeking a fresh start abroad.  Chrishan highlights the top mistakes you may never have considered—from underestimating costs to the legal and healthcare surprises that can catch you off guard. She also shares valuable insights on integrating and adjusting to a new lifestyle and embracing personal growth as you navigate life in a foreign country. If you could move to any country tomorrow, where would you go and why? I'd love to know, 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 emotional and practical challenges of adjusting to expat life How to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle in a new culture The impact of moving abroad on personal growth and self-discovery Why your relocation costs may not be as low as you thought The importance of understanding visa options and requirements What you need to consider when managing finances back home The reality of death and uncommon considerations for healthcare The legal requirements to think about when living abroad How to be more intentional when packing (and save $!) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn about Blaxit Global Move to Portugal Virtual Summit (Nov 2024) Listen to Chrishan’s podcast Want More? Why Black Americans Are Moving Abroad With Chrishan Wright Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak Thanks To Our Sponsors Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

24 Okt 20241h 10min

How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like? Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life's A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years.  As someone who never actually set out to become an influencer, she shares her unexpected story of building a career around full-time travel, the realities of social media influencing and travel blogging, and her experience leading tours in Antarctica. Alyssa talks about the mindset shifts that helped her push past societal expectations and how solo travel has profoundly shaped her life and choices. She reveals the truth behind the lifestyle, addresses misconceptions, and provides insight into the positives and negatives of the industry.  You’ll also hear about what it’s like to travel to Antarctica and gain plenty of practical advice about the costs and logistics of planning your adventure. What’s the most transformative experience you’ve had while exploring solo? 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 to “get under the skin” of the places you visit The hurdles she had to overcome to become a paid full-time traveler (especially as a woman) Her pivot from Hollywood journalist to travel blogger and why she never intended to become an “influencer” Her experience with “haters” and why she struggled with putting herself out there The shady side of social media and how it’s impacted travel destinations Insights on traveling solo as a woman and three places to start your solo adventure Why she decided to freeze her eggs and how that relates to her travel lifestyle Tips and insights on planning a trip to Antarctica Alyssa’s favorite underrated destinations for being awestruck, romance, and local connections And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Alyssa’s website Follow Alyssa on Instagram Join a trip to Antarctica Listen to her podcast Grab her book, Yes, I'm a Woman, and I'm Traveling Alone Want More? An Unconventional Approach to Challenges, Maximizing Travel With a Full-Time Job, Advice on Publishing, Creating Solo Travel Magic With Jen Ruiz Choosing The Travel Life w/ Rachel Hill How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips

22 Okt 20241h 32min