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

Today, I’m joined by Too Fly Foundation Co-Founder and Director of Brand Strategy Brandon Miller to learn how his transformative travel experiences led to his work in travel inclusion and creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel. The Too Fly Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide passports, travel grants, and educational experiences for students in underresourced communities.  In this episode, Brandon shares why it’s important not only for their students to see the world but for the world to see their students. We talk about the challenges of travel for these communities, how he went from a fun idea with friends in a bar to advocating for systemic change, and their experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on supporting travel equity, fostering inclusion, and always staying curious. How can you bring awareness to travel equity and inclusion on your adventures? 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 mission and vision of Too Fly Foundation and how his own privilege inspired its creation The impact of studying abroad and how he viewed his home country differently after having those experiences The barriers to travel for underserved communities and the “Too Fly Why” that fuels their work The story of how he went from “turning up for a cause” to building a nonprofit  How he blends having a full-time career with running his foundation  Why being on The Kelly Clarkson Show and meeting Tyler Perry was an inflection point of their work How travelers can create and bring awareness to travel inclusion and equity His biggest takeaways from running an organization What he learned from a stranger’s random act of kindness and his advice for anyone traveling abroad And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Land Rover, Holafly Donate to Too Fly Foundation Follow Too Fly Foundation on Instagram Watch Brandon’s interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show Want More? How To Solve Big Problems, Making An Impact, Growing Up Around The World w/ Chesca Colloredo-Mansfeld from Miracle Feet World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Walking 300 Miles In Medieval Armor + Being The Change w/ Lewis Kirkbride 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.  Stay connected wherever you go with Holafly’s eSIM. Get 5% off when you go to esim.holafly.com and use the promo code ZEROTOTRAVEL.

28 Nov 202359min

Mi’jan Celie Tho-Biaz is with me today to share how she’s traveled the world for the last 15 years by utilizing artist residencies. You may be surprised to discover that these opportunities aren’t just for artists in the usual sense but creatives like writers, scientists, and even psychoanalysts! Mi’Jan is a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist, an expert speaker with the U.S. Department of State, and a current Fulbright awardee. She moves between the realms of oral history, art, media, and ritual to produce large-scale cultural projects & live events. In this episode, Mi’Jan gives us the breakdown on artist and creative residencies, fellowships, and how to find these kinds of opportunities within our own niche. We also talk about her experience as a professional speaker and actionable advice on the topic, how to stay grounded at home and on the road, the story behind why traveling with her children was the best decision she’s made as a parent, and so much more. What programs or residencies could be available to you? 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: Mi’Jan’s work with cultural projects and nonprofits and how that led to traveling the world  Why travel can be the best gift for your children and a lesson on having accountability and support What a burlesque dancer taught her about grounding practices (and advice for public speaking) How ritual and daily activities can help you while traveling How artist residencies can help you travel and who they’re right for (it’s broader than you think!) The four questions she asks herself every year for clear vision Pro tips for researching residencies, finding programs that work with your intentions and goals, and preparing for residency requirements  Advice for leveraging your skills and interests to travel The impact that her work in oral history has had on her life And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Holafly Visit Mi’Jan’s website Connect with Mi’Jan on Instagram, LinkedIn Residency resources: Artist Communities, Res Artis, TransArtists Want More? Following Inspiration Towards A Life Of Travel with Mark and Steffi (The World’s Only Chapman Stick Duo) The Vagabond’s Way: Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel w/ Rolf Potts The Spiritual Journey + Travel and Creativity with Karan Bajaj 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.  Stay connected wherever you go with Holafly’s eSIM. Get 5% off when you go to https://esim.holafly.com/ and use the promo code ZEROTOTRAVEL.

26 Nov 20231h 30min

Today, I’m joined by Neal Moore to hear about his epic 7,500-mile canoeing adventure across America, spanning 22 months, 22 states, and 22 rivers. Neal has been dubbed the “modern-day Huckleberry Finn,” and it’s no surprise why! In this episode, you’ll discover how a family tragedy turned his world upside down and eventually led him to a life of travel. You’ll learn about the surprising way he finances his travels, his experience with mission work in Africa and hiking in Ethiopia after battling cancer, why nature-based travel is so powerful, and, of course, plenty of stories and lessons from his incredible adventures. Would you go on this kind of adventure? 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: Why living hand-to-mouth is part of the fun of travel The unusual way he makes money on the road How losing his mother and brother changed his life trajectory What his mission work taught him about the human experience Why returning to Africa was important for writing his memoir and why he chose not to live in the US His adventures in Egypt and hiking in Ethiopia after having cancer His journey across the United States and how a friend’s dream inspired the trip The realities and dangers involved in river travel How spending time in nature connects you to a place in a different way How he portaged his canoe 500 miles in total across the States How the trip changed his relationship with his home country and what it taught him about humanity What his failed first attempt taught him about perseverance (and his near-death experience!)  And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Holafly Visit Neal’s website Grab your copy of his books Want More? Legendary Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer: Kayaking 277 Miles Down The Grand Canyon Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa Hitchhiking Across The USA 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.  Stay connected wherever you go with Holafly’s eSIM. Get 5% off when you go to www.esim.holafly.com and use the promo code ZEROTOTRAVEL.

23 Nov 20231h 41min

Today, I’m joined by Bernie Harberts to learn how spilling a cup of coffee led him to a life of simplicity, slow travel, and being one of the only people in America to spend over 1,000 days and nights traveling by horse and mule. Bernie is an author, filmmaker, adventurer, and speaker. He prides himself on tackling big trips in small bites, which means using no-frills equipment, asking for help along the way, and not waiting until perfection to take off on a journey. In this episode, Bernie shares his experience traveling by mule, sailing around the world, and riding around Tasmania on a $10 bike. You’ll learn about his philosophy around slow travel and why it’s the most natural way to experience the world, and we have a deeper conversation about evolving with travel.  Is travel essential to your personal evolution? 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: Why he chose to live in a 500 sq. ft. cabin in the mountains of North Carolina  His advice for maintaining a strong relationship while traveling independently How he went from corporate sales to sailing around the world Why it’s important to allow yourself to evolve and thrive through uncertainty  The spontaneity of slow travel and how to lean on strangers without imposing How an album cover led to him traveling by mule cart across Newfoundland How he balances a slower pace of life with documenting his work in the modern world How travel can give you a stronger connection to home and why the intention behind your travel matters  Why we need to disconnect and spend more time “watching the hive” What makes Nebraska a fascinating experience And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank Visit Bernie’s website Watch The Lost Sea Expedition Want More? A Horseback Ride Across the USA Riding Across Mongolia On Horseback How To Go Sailing Around The World Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! 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 $1,000 in your first 90 days.

21 Nov 20231h 30min

When is the best time to book a flight? It’s the million-dollar question, and Christie Hudson from Expedia is with us today to answer just that!  In this episode, Christie shares the secrets to getting the best flight deals based on the 2024 Air Hacks Report. You’ll learn what day of the week you should purchase your tickets, how far in advance to book international and domestic flights, and plenty of other tactics to ensure you’re saving as much as possible on your travels in the coming year. We talk about ticket price fluctuations, trending destinations, and other stats related to this report that aren’t published anywhere else, so you do NOT want to miss this episode. Which of these flight hacks are you trying out for your next trip? Send me an audio message, and let me know! 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 accidentally wound up in PR and what made her fall in love with travel Why you can trust Expedia’s Air Travel Hacks Report The fluctuation of ticket prices and demand in 2024 How far in advance you should book domestic and international flights from the US The pros and cons of booking with a travel platform (and does incognito mode make a difference?) The cheapest day to book your flights The key way to save during peak weekends and the best day to travel How to minimize your chances of a flight cancelation The most popular and trending destinations for US and UK travelers What makes packing for a trip so stressful, according to the reports (Can you relate?!) The major differences in booking flights for non-US markets And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Check out the 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report Want More? How To Take More Vacations by Booking Better, Cheaper Flights With Scott Keyes How to Get Incredible Airbnb Deals (and Save More Money) with Zach Busekrus from Sponstayneous Flight Attendants Secrets Revealed: What NOT To Do On A Plane, Staying Healthy, Wild Passenger Stories and Amazing Travel Experiences w/ “Skybabes” Tee and Nena 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.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

19 Nov 20231h 15min

Megan Routbort is one half of a French-American duo on a mission to tell stories of optimism about the people working to find solutions against climate change. At the time of this recording, they’re six months into their three-year voyage, visiting "climate hotspots" and exploring the world through low-carbon travel.  In this episode, Megan shares why she and her partner started their climate storytelling non-profit, The Green Journey, and how she was able to blend her passions with her love of travel. We talk about her experience hitchhiking and biking across multiple countries and what it’s taught her about getting out of her comfort zone, and she shares what she considers the most powerful motivator for going on any travel adventure. You’ll hear plenty of stories from their crazy adventure through 20 European countries (so far), gain insight into the benefits of slow travel beyond fighting climate change, and be inspired to consider new ways of travel for your next adventure. What is your experience with slow travel? How can you combine your passions and travel to create change? 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: Why this cause is so close to her heart, the details of their trip, and hopes for the project How they supplement their income and afford to travel long-term  Why low-carbon and slow travel needs to become mainstream Her unexpected experiences from slow travel and why sharing stories matter How they manage the logistics of their trip while traveling with a low-carbon footprint Her favorite stories of communities creating systemic change  How they participate in activism on the road and advice for taking action at home Which countries she’s found are leading the charge on climate change How she was able to get past the limiting belief that she couldn’t travel long-term And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Learn more about The Green Journey Follow The Green Journey on Instagram and TikTok Want More? Biking The World For Climate Change w/ Devi Lockwood Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote The Slow Travel Philosophy + Traveling As A Black Woman with Oneika Raymond 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.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

16 Nov 20231h

Today, I’m joined by my friend Travis Sherry to learn how to use real estate and short-term rentals to support your travel lifestyle. Whether you’re new to the game or a real estate pro, this episode has value for everyone! Travis and his wife Heather combined their love for travel and real estate to build a thriving short-term rental business. One of their properties has even been featured in Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 14 best beach rentals in the United States! Travis is also the founder of the travel community Extra Pack of Peanuts and the co-founder of Location Indie, a global community for people looking to travel and work from anywhere in the world. In this episode, Travis breaks down his top five strategies, from the lowest monetary investment to the highest. He’ll dispel common myths, share his favorite hacks, and we’ll explore some key mindset shifts that will completely change your perspective on real estate. What was your biggest takeaway? Which strategy will you try first? 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 misconception about real estate Travis’ story with real estate and how he ended up in North Carolina Why you shouldn’t be intimidated by real estate or more experienced investors The biggest advantage that has served Travis more than anything else The easiest way to get started and make money while you travel How to get in the game without purchasing any property How to house hack and get creative with your property or home to generate income How to earn passive income with short-term rentals The benefits of investing and the unique way he’s leveraging investment properties Travis’ top resources to dive into real estate and his best advice for getting started And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Learn about Location Indie and Extra Pack of Peanuts Listen to his short-term rental series on the Extra Pack of Peanuts podcast Travis’ resources - Zillow, Redfin, LoopNet, AirDNA, BiggerPockets  Want More? How to Get Incredible Airbnb Deals (and Save More Money) with Zach Busekrus from Sponstayneous How To Use Airbnb to Fund Your Travels (Even If You Don’t Own Anything Or Live Anywhere) The Paradise Pack Sessions: Jasper Ribbers from The Traveling Dutchman on Renting Your Home Out on Airbnb 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.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

14 Nov 20231h 23min

Today, I'm joined by author Tom Cotter to learn about his experience taking the most epic American road trip from Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska! Tom is no stranger to road trips, having traced Route 66 in a 1939 Ford Woody wagon and following the Lincoln Highway coast to coast behind the wheel of a 1926 Model T. Popularly known as "The Barn Find Hunter," Tom travels around the country in search of hidden classic car collections and has his own series on YouTube with Hagerty Media.  Tom shares why he decided to get off the interstate and travel off-grid and what he learned along the way. You'll hear his advice on what type of vehicle setup is best for a massive road trip like this, how one of the "crusty" cowboy towns he ended up in turned out to be one of his favorite experiences, the least impressive spot he visited (which might surprise you), why he hates using a GPS or doing research before he travels, and a ton more. What's the longest road trip you've taken? I'd love to hear your experience and hope you'll share 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 he balanced being present with documenting the travel experience The lesson he learned at a Chinese restaurant that he'll remember for the rest of his life What inspired the book, why they traveled in the vehicle they did, and what he learned from it How he was able to build a life around his passions and what success means for him Why he prefers not to do any research before a trip The experience that made him fall in love with a dirty, dreary small town in Montana What he was relieved to learn about people in America and something he didn't expect driving through Canada His top 3 hidden gems and advice for making a great road trip And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, US Bank, Uncommon Goods Grab a copy of Tom's book Watch his Barn Find Hunter series on Youtube Want More? A Soulful Southern Road Trip: About The Journey With Oneika Raymond 32 Reasons Why Road Trips Rule: Part One Road Tripping Europe To India: Daily Life On A Land Rover Overland Adventure 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.  Get 15% off your next gift from Uncommon Goods by visiting uncommongoods.com/travel.

12 Nov 20231h 4min