Traveling the Equator and Polar Circle (Top 5 Countries to Visit) + How Climate Change Impacts Locals with Gunnar Garfors

How can you use travel as an intentional tool for growth? Today, I’m joined by Nina Butler to learn about retreat planning and how you can create transformational travel experiences for yourself as a solo traveler or as a facilitator for a group. Figuring out how to harness the power of travel to transform is what Nina Butler does best. She went from a high school dropout to working and sailing around the globe on private yachts at 16 to eventually getting a Ph.D. in philosophy. She became a yoga instructor and launched her retreat business, InRetreat, which crafts immersive transformative travel experiences designed to open the mind and expand the heart. Nina shares some powerful concepts around intentionality and how to set the framework for a transformational experience. She gives plenty of advice on curating your own retreat-like experience, and we dig into the business side to talk about things like what to avoid doing as a facilitator, how to scout for locations, and the most powerful tools to promote your retreat. Have you ever been on a retreat? Do you want to plan a retreat for yourself or others? I'd love to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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 she went from high school dropout to Ph.D. and yogi The mind-body connection and how to free yourself from your thoughts and foster gratitude for difficult experiences How she was able to get a job on a yacht at 16, the skipper’s lifestyle, and how that led her to her university studies How she defines a retreat and advice on setting intentions (for your retreat and in life) The five ingredients for an epic retreat Why you need to get out of the way when facilitating an experience for others Her favorite African retreat and how she finds her locations Advice for packaging your retreat and how it’s possible to have your trip paid for as a host The most powerful tools for marketing and how to promote before you launch How her studies in philosophy have changed her perceptions of life How to create a container for transformation And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, Land Rover Learn about InRetreat Follow on Instagram Want More? Understanding the Psychedelic Retreat Experience with Neil Markey Using Intuition to Make Tough Decisions, Learning to Surrender, Discovering Purpose, and Living Your Best Life with Amrit Sandhu from Inspired Evolution Holistic Nomadding Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

17 Dec 20231h 35min

Do you aspire to be a digital nomad? Today, I’m talking with Steph and Dalt to hear about their journey to becoming digital nomads as a couple and the realities of living the lifestyle. Steph and Dalt share what led up to their decision to live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the magical (and maddening) experiences they had in this digital nomad hotspot, and the health scare that ultimately cut their travels short. You’ll get tips on traveling with your partner, working from Asia while being time-dependent, and dealing with medical issues in a foreign country with language barriers. This episode is packed with lessons about leaning in, exploring new opportunities in life and business, and personal growth. What have been the highs and lows of your digital nomad life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: Where Steph’s dream of being nomadic began and why they settled on Thailand Why it took more convincing for Dalt to travel full time and advice for having these conversations with your partner Why their expectations of digital nomad life didn’t initially didn’t match up with the reality What struck them the most about living in Chiang Mai and their daily life there Their experience going to Thai hospitals and advice on managing healthcare in a foreign country The perks and drawbacks of a nocturnal schedule when working from different time zones What having a couple’s podcast taught them about each other Why they decided to pivot their business despite it being successful How to travel as a couple without breaking up And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, Land Rover Heymondo travel insurance Want More? How to Be a Digital Nomad With Kayla Ihrig Random Travel Jobs, Digital Nomading and Slow Travel with Hannah Dixon Transition To Travel: Radical Life Change For World Travel w/ Jordan & Tyler Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

14 Dec 20231h 24min

Today, I’m joined by Will Hatton to hear about his adventures traveling the world on $10 a day and how that led to the creation of one of the world’s largest travel blogs, The Broke Backpacker.  Will has been traveling the world for 15 years, launching nine different businesses during that time. As a serial entrepreneur and founder of The Broke Backpacker, he’s passionate about showing that travel is possible no matter your budget, as long as you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone.  In this episode, Will talks about why his solo trip through India was so transformative in creating a life of travel, his experience hitchhiking in Pakistan and Iran (and marrying the girl he met on the road), and why extreme budget travel in far-flung lands is the ultimate tool for personal development. We talk about the realities of what it took for him to build his blog to seven figures while living a travel-based lifestyle, his most recent project opening Bali’s first custom-designed and built coworking and coliving hostel, and, of course, plenty of advice and lessons around budget travel and business. Would you travel the world on $10 a day? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: The story of his unconventional marriage (and divorce), converting to Islam, and what he took away from the experience  How his journey through India kickstarted his life of travel and what it taught him about the ability to reinvent yourself  Why he wrote a manifesto and why it’s important to write down your values (+ two values you may want to adopt yourself) The serendipitous nature of hitchhiking and what it taught him about kindness His advice for traveling on a small budget + the mindset you need to adopt Why he’s frustrated with the term “begpackers” The rollercoaster ride of building The Broke Backpacker and advice for moving the needle in your business How he balances using his craft for creative release vs. growing his business Why opening a hostel allowed him to counterbalance his online work and how they’re partnering with the local community to make a positive impact What matters most in life And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, Land Rover Check out The Broke Backpacker Follow their Instagram Read Will’s manifesto Book your stay at Tribal Bali Read the article on begpackers Learn about work exchange with Worldpackers Want More? Budget Travel Bonanza with Matt Derrick Long Term Travel Lifestyle with Jackie from The Budget Minded Traveler The Reality Of Full Time Travel Blogging with Tommo and Megsy Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

12 Dec 20231h 13min

From glamping to co-living to Airbnb and other short-term rentals – the list of unique places to stay during your travels is endless! Peter Fabor is with me today to discuss the alternative hospitality scene and its revolutionary impact on travelers, investors, and industry enthusiasts. Peter is a trailblazer in the modern age of hospitality and remote work. In 2014, he founded Surf Office, which organizes productive, authentic, and effortless company retreats around the globe. Their mission is to empower companies to bring culture, innovation, happiness, and productivity to their work and lives. Peter and I talk about how these alternative accommodations can enhance your travel experience and the impacts of the industry on destinations and tourism as a whole. We also talk about the current and upcoming hospitality trends (that may give you your next big idea) and plenty of advice for starting your own hospitality business.  What has been your favorite alternative stay? Have you been considering starting your own hospitality business? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: The sharing economy and its impact on a location’s landscape  Why Peter’s passionate about hospitality and bringing people together How he defines alternative hospitality  The biggest up-and-coming opportunities in hospitality (+ the secret to success) How to build your minimum viable product and three ways to test your concept His observations on market trends in Portugal The economic impact of digital nomadism and over-tourism His approach to getting others involved and raising funds for your project Advice on managing work stress within remote teams And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover, Uncommon Goods Learn more about Surf Office Check out Peter’s website Want More? How to Leverage Real Estate to Fuel Your Ideal Travel Lifestyle (5 Expert Strategies) With Travis Sherry How to Get Incredible Airbnb Deals (and Save More Money) with Zach Busekrus from Sponstayneous 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

10 Dec 20231h 29min

Today, I’m joined by Nikki Vargas to explore how her relationship with travel has developed and changed over the years and the impact it’s made on the trajectory of her life.  Nikki is the senior editor at Fodor's Travel, a bestselling author, and a public speaker. Her recent book, Call You When I Land, whisks readers away through the countries that brought her new love, self-discovery, and the inspiration to launch the first feminist travel publication, Unearth Women.  In this episode, Nikki talks about her new memoir, that time she called off her wedding two weeks before the big day (and the consequences), and how she’s built a career as a travel journalist. She shares her experience in reconnecting with her Columbian roots, advice for making tough decisions and living a life of travel, creating your own path to break into an industry, and much more. How has travel influenced making hard decisions in your life? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: The creative process of writing her memoir and how it was a cathartic experience Making the choice to do what’s right for your life and the ripple effect of calling off her wedding Why travel was essential to the evolution of who she wanted to become What makes travel both escapism and realism and the defining moment that set her course as a writer Why she chooses to make her heritage a prominent part of her work Her love/hate relationship with travel blogging and why it made her feel empty Advice for bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to be (and doing it your way) Why you should never underestimate your impact no matter your follower count What she learned from launching (and killing) the first feminist travel publication  The value in revisiting places you’ve already been And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover, Uncommon Goods Visit Nikki’s website Follow her on Instagram Want More? Life-Changing Trips, Interviewing Music Legends, Backpacking the World, and Fostering Transformative Connections with Tony Fletcher “Universe, I Trust You” – An Experiment on Letting Go with Roberta Mussato Silence in the Age of Noise with Legendary Explorer Erling Kagge Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

7 Dec 20231h 28min

Is a trip to Africa on your list? Today, I’m joined by Sasha and Megnote Lezhnev to get their list of the top 10 hidden gems in East Africa.  In this episode, Sasha and Megnote talk about what it took for them to take a career break to travel full-time as a family and share practical advice for anyone wanting to do the same. You’ll learn about their connections with Africa, Sasha’s nonprofit that helps to reintegrate former child soldiers and refugees, and how they’re helping others get off the beaten path and explore hidden gems all over the world. You’ll learn about a standout Ethiopian destination that you won’t see on any other top lists, an incredible (and affordable) place to experience gorilla trekking, lively cities, towns, and local scenes that deserve to be a main attraction of your trip, and so much more! What spots are you adding to your Africa itinerary? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: The perceived challenges of full-time travel and the practical exercises that gave them the momentum to fulfill their dream How Sasha is working to reintegrate former child soldiers and refugees, and the joys and intensities of this work The realizations that Megnote came to about her career after traveling so long  How they’re turning their passion for hidden gems into a business Where you can get up close to an active volcano and experience magical geothermal landscapes A sanctuary where you can walk with white rhinos in their own territory Where you can have a less touristy and picturesque safari experience The colorful city where you can feed wild hyenas and experience local culture The lesser-known spots for tracking mountain gorillas Which islands have the most epic beaches you may ever experience (+ are less touristy) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover, Uncommon Goods Learn more about Grassroots Reconciliation Group Check out more hidden gems at Off the Beaten Travel Follow Sasha on Instagram and LinkedIn Want More? Safari 101: How To Plan A World-Class African Safari (Without Going Broke) Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa National Geographic’s Best of the World: Where to Travel in 2024 and Beyond (With Senior Editor Allyson Johnson) Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

5 Dec 20231h 13min

Are you considering becoming a digital nomad or curious about the lifestyle? Kayla Ihrig is with me today to talk about the digital nomad lifestyle and the realities of working and living on the road.  Kayla's a remote worker and business owner who's been living and traveling abroad since 2017, when she bought a one-way ticket out of the US. She's since traveled to a few dozen countries, earned a second nationality, and written the book How to Be a Digital Nomad. In this episode, Kayla shares her journey to becoming a digital nomad and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the lifestyle. You’ll hear about the question she obsessed over that led to her decision to travel, her advice on building a reliable income, ways to keep travel interesting after doing it long-term, the concept of lifestyle deflation and preparing for going abroad, and much more! Whether you’re already living the life or just getting started, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Where are you in your digital nomad journey? I'd love to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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: Her breaking point for deciding to travel and how she leaned into her inner wisdom to cut the cord from her “normal life” The realities of giving up “normal life” and why she’s grateful for the lifestyle she chose The story of the first digital nomad What it takes to travel and make a reliable income (and advice on giving up) Why the entrepreneurial mindset is essential even if you’re employed Her advice for setting yourself up before you leave vs. figuring it out on the road How her writing business came to fruition and why she’s an advocate for service-based businesses How to deflate your current lifestyle and prepare for your digital nomad life Why it may (or may not) be a good idea to tell others about your plans Why it’s valuable to connect with travelers before you even start Mindset advice for choosing a destination And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover Grab her book, How to Be a Digital Nomad Follow Kayla on Instagram Send her an email Want More? The Location Free Lifestyle With Melody from Black Digital Nomad How to Become a Digital Nomad Lessons From “Failing” To Go Location Independent with Paul Lam Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

3 Dec 20231h 21min

Alastair Humphreys is a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year who decided to trade in his grand adventures for spending an entire year roaming the local map he lived on, measuring just 20km. He’s cycled around the world for four years, raced a yacht across the Atlantic, canoed 500 miles down the Yukon River, and walked the length of the Holy Kaveri River in India (just to name a few!). So why would someone like Alastair want to explore a single map, just one tiny area at a time near their home? You’d be surprised to discover the kind of impact this could have on someone. In this episode, you’ll hear about his unexpected adventures and the lessons from his experience, learn why adventure really is a mindset, and get practical advice for exploring your own local map. How did this conversation change your perspective on travel? Will you explore your local grid? Use #singlemap on social media if you do! I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (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 his attitude toward adventure has changed throughout the years The notion of “flight shame” and his thoughts on traveling with a low footprint  The framework he set in his quest to slow down and what it taught him about paying attention The awakening he had about our natural environment and how it shifted his passions and perspectives (plus a lesson on making lifestyle changes) Why anything can be interesting if you’re interested Why it’s possible to have serendipitous moments locally and his biggest regret from the project  How this allowed him to connect with his home despite not liking where he lives  Why this was an exercise in mindfulness, and what sitting on a log has to do with knowing your priorities  How you can find the same fulfillment with your local map (no matter where you live) Advice on carving your own path and why he’s optimistic for the world’s future And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover Visit Alastair’s website Grab his new book, Local Listen to the 99% Invisible podcast  Download Seek by iNaturalist, Merlin Bird app Use #singlemap for your local adventure Want More? Travel With Intention And Be A Local Everywhere Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote Finding Meaning Through Travel w/ Dr. Christopher Daniels Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.  You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

30 Nov 20231h 16min