The 5 Best Hacks of “All the Hacks”: Travel, Money & Life Optimization with Chris Hutchins

How can your hotel or accommodations change how you experience a place? Annie Fitzsimmons is a seasoned luxury travel expert and author of the National Geographic book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Retreats. Annie has covered hotels, travel, lifestyle, restaurants, and destinations around the world for the last 20 years, working with major travel media companies such as National Geographic Travel and AFAR, and is currently the editor-in-chief at Embark Beyond. Annie shares the top five hotels that are worth seeking out in your life, covering not just luxury stays but those that tell a story, bring people together, and enhance the entire travel experience.  We talk about the best hotels in the world that are actually worth their price tag and why you should experience these places even if you’re not a guest. You’ll learn how to find places that match your travel style, gain insight into the world of hospitality, and learn how the hotel industry is evolving in the era of Airbnb.  We also discuss how she landed her dream job as National Geographic’s first-ever Urban Insider and how you, too, can forge your own unique career path. PLUS: You'll hear part three of our Top 5 Road Trips in the USA series! What was the most memorable hotel you’ve ever stayed in? 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: What it was like to leave her home country, raise a family abroad, and navigate cultural differences How to match the right hotel to your travel style and expectations Tips for making the most of a hotel, even if you’re not a guest Where to find unique stays beyond typical luxury hotels The top hotels in the world that immerse you in the local experience  Why “affordable luxury” is on the rise and what that means for travelers Where the future of hotels is headed in a world of alternative stays How Annie landed a dream job at National Geographic and created her own career path Her best advice for writing and interviewing  And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Annie’s website Read her book 100 Hotels of a Lifetime Want More? Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson Travel TV Legend Samantha Brown: Pursuing Dreams, Solo Travel, Making Authentic Connections, and Why Success Begins Behind the Scenes 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com

25 Feb 1h 28min

How can access to travel transform someone's life? Brandon Miller is the co-founder and director of brand strategy for Too Fly Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide passports, travel grants, and educational experiences for students in underresourced communities. In this episode, Brandon shares how his travel experiences shaped his outlook and ultimately led to his work creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel. We discuss 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 how his experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show amplified their mission. Brandon's story proves that small actions can lead to big change, and our conversation offers valuable perspectives on the importance of 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. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. 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 Brandon's own privilege inspired the creation of Too Fly Foundation 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 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 His biggest takeaways from running an organization How travelers can create and bring awareness to travel inclusion and equity And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter 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 Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com. Unbound Merino - Use code 'TRAVEL10' to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code 'zerototravel' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you're looking for on booking.com

20 Feb 1h

What would it be like to cycle the entire length of Africa? What are the most important lessons that travel can teach us? Alex Hennock is a 28-year-old Australian who's already traveled to nearly half the countries in the world, mostly overland. At the time of this recording, Alex is on a life-changing journey, cycling the length of Africa while raising money for Pure Water for Africa. His travels have taken him from the deserts of Namibia to the jungles of Tanzania, and his thoughtful approach to travel has given him a unique perspective on risk, resilience, and the power of human connection. In this episode, Alex shares stories from his epic adventure, how his approach to travel has evolved over the years, and nine key lessons that travel has taught him along the way. This conversation is full of practical travel wisdom and adventure stories and is a powerful reminder that travel can push us beyond our limits in the best way possible. Alex's journey highlights how travel challenges our worldview, reshapes our priorities, and helps us appreciate the beauty of stepping into the unknown. PLUS: You'll hear part two of our mini-series featuring the five best road trips in the USA! What's one unexpected lesson you've learned while traveling? How did it change your perspective? 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: Why Alex decided to trade fast travel for a 10,000-kilometer bike ride through Africa The most surprising lessons he's learned from traveling through "dangerous" places How to shift your mindset from focusing on the worst-case scenario to embracing the best-case possibilities Why your pre-travel worries rarely match your actual travel challenges How he handles logistics (like finding water in remote areas) while cycling through Africa Why traveling slower and deeper can be more rewarding than rushing to hit every destination How doing hard things while traveling builds resilience and shifts your perspective The importance of being flexible and leaving room for serendipity in your travels How Alex's journey is helping provide clean water for communities through Pure Water for Africa And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Alex’s website Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Want More? Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code 'zerototravel' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you're looking for on booking.com

18 Feb 1h 33min

Join me for a coffee chat with my wife, Anne Dorthe, as we share the top 10 places we’re dying to visit. We break down our dream locations into five categories: mountains, cities, beaches, historical sites, and spiritual destinations. And since we didn’t share our lists ahead of time, we get to surprise each other along the way! We talk about the places that keep pulling us in, what makes a destination feel like a must-visit, and how personal experiences shape our travel wish lists. As we go through our picks, you’ll find new places to add to your list and inspiration for your next trip.  What are the top places you’re dying to visit? I'd love to hear what they are, 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: The mountain range that keeps calling our names (and why we can’t agree on the best way to experience it) A city that’s been on Anne Dorthe’s radar for years The unexpected historical sites that made our cut and why they feel so compelling A beach destination that proves paradise doesn’t always mean palm trees The country that’s been described as a spiritual awakening in itself and why we both want to go How solo travel fits into our relationship and why we’re both believers in taking trips alone And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? Top 10 Places We’re Dying To Go Back To (And Why) 14 Best of “The Best Places to Travel in 2025” (Jason’s Picks) Top 7 Travel Trends for 2025 with Lyn Hughes 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 Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

13 Feb 32min

What would it be like to travel the world alphabetically or create a YouTube channel that inspires millions? Paul Barbato is the creator of Geography Now, the first YouTube channel dedicated to covering every UN-recognized country in alphabetical order. Since its inception in 2014, the channel has featured episodes exploring each nation's geography, culture, history, politics, and quirks. With a unique blend of humor and educational content, Paul has built a global audience, making complex geographical and geopolitical information accessible and enjoyable for viewers of all ages. Whether you’re a content creator, geography nerd, or someone looking for inspiration to tackle your next big idea, you’ll find plenty of insight as Paul shares the story behind his channel’s success and what it’s like to wrap up such a massive creative undertaking after 10 years.  Paul’s reflections are raw and relatable, touching on themes like identity, imposter syndrome, and navigating creative burnout. He discusses the highs and lows of being a YouTube creator in a rapidly evolving digital world and gives candid advice for aspiring content creators.  Paul also reveals his favorite hidden gem destinations and places that make him wonder, “Why don’t more people go here?” PLUS: In this episode, I kick off a new road trip series featuring my top choices for the best USA road trips. What travel quest would you love to go on? 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: The story behind his life-changing burglary and the existential crisis that followed Why Paul started Geography Now and how he built an international community Why connecting with locals is the secret to understanding a country What it’s like to wrap up a decade-long creative project and prepare for what’s next Paul’s favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations you haven’t heard of Honest insight for content creators navigating today’s high-production digital world How he stays motivated after 10 years on YouTube despite creative burnout and changing algorithms His personal Popcare Index for rating crowded tourist spots and how to avoid them His thoughts on traveling to controversial destinations and how the perceptions of a country’s government often differ from the on-the-ground reality How reconnecting with his Korean heritage helped him reclaim a part of his identity And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Subscribe to Geography Now on YouTube Follow on Instagram and Facebook Extraordinary Travel Festival Globe Trekker Want More? The Geography of Bliss With Eric Weiner The World’s Most Traveled Person on the Ethics of Gamifying Travel, Best Regions in the World, and Why To Keep Traveling With Harry Mitsidis of NomadMania Exploring A Single Map: A Travel Adventure For Everyone With Alastair Humphreys Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

11 Feb 1h 38min

Are you thinking about living abroad?  Join me as my friend Botik and I talk about the top 10 reasons why we love living abroad and what you can expect if you decide to take the leap. Botik Quest is an American who has lived abroad for over a decade in countries like South Korea, Germany, and Norway. He brings a unique perspective as someone who has experienced the ups and downs of building a life in a foreign country.  Botik and I share candid stories, unique insights, and practical tips about what it really takes to build a life in another country. From cultural surprises to opportunities for personal growth, this episode will make you reimagine what’s possible for your life. What makes you most excited about living abroad? 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: The problem with the word “expat” Why the “foreigner card” can be both a blessing and a challenge The impact of living abroad on your perspective and identity Why mobility and public transportation are game-changers in Europe The unique joys of adopting new traditions and blending cultures Why proximity to other countries opens up endless travel opportunities The benefits of foreign social systems relating to healthcare, education, and work-life balance And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? Top 10 Challenges Of Living Abroad w/ BoTik Quest Viking Biking: Opening Up Doors Wherever You Go 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote 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. Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

6 Feb 1h 37min

I wanted to put together one of my dream episodes for you and now it’s finally here! In this special episode, you’ll hear a conversation between two of my all-time favorite travel writers. I’m handing the mic over to guest host Eric Weiner, an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author, to interview Rick Steves—the travel legend whose work has inspired millions to see the world, including me. Rick’s latest book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer, takes us back to 1978 when 23-year-old Rick embarked on the adventure of a lifetime along the iconic overland route stretching from Europe to South Asia. The book is raw, unfiltered, and straight from his journal, offering a rare glimpse into his transformative time on the Hippie Trail. Along the way, you’ll hear travel stories from Rick’s time on the hippie trail, get takeaways on the art of writing, discover the joys of slow travel, and learn how an extended journey can have a lasting impact on your life.  You’ll love being a fly on the wall as Eric and Rick share laughs, insights, and their unique take on travel. What’s been your most transformative journey so far? I'd love to hear about it and how it changed you, 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 Rick’s love for piano almost became his career before travel took over Why Rick hesitated to take the Hippie Trail journey and what finally pushed him to go Why traveling overland made the journey more meaningful and how crossing borders brought unexpected lessons The chaotic realities of bus travel, including cramped rides, unpredictable stops, and unforgettable mishaps like Turkey’s infamous “dolmus” buses How Rick’s beginner’s mindset shaped his understanding of other cultures and why he embraces cultural appreciation over appropriation Why the slow pace of “intensive nothingness” in Kashmir offered a profound sense of freedom Why bad travel days make for the best stories and how serendipity plays a key role in transformational travel What India taught Rick about time, joy, and the richness of human experience How his time on the Hippie Trail left a lasting mark on his worldview and how he’s weaved the magic of that trip into his life today And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Grab your copy of On the Hippie Trail Rick Steves’ website Eric Weiner’s website Want More? Travel Legend Rick Steves How To Live a Long and Useful Life (The Wisdom of Ben Franklin) With Eric Weiner The Geography of Bliss With Eric Weiner 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. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Saily - Go to the link https://saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use our code zerototravel at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

4 Feb 55min

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 Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Saily - Go to the link https://saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use our code zerototravel at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

31 Jan 4min