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Zero To Travel Podcast

✈️ The Zero To Travel Podcast has been downloaded 12+ million times and named a “Best Travel Podcast” by The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, and Forbes.
Packed with life-changing perspectives, inspiration, and practical advice for everyone from travel newbies to nomads, this podcast will give you everything you need to travel the world on your terms, regardless of your situation or experience. Welcome to our amazing global listening community!
Since 2013, “Travel Ambassador” Jason Moore from zerototravel.com has been picking the brains of adventurous people living an unconventional life on the road so you can discover new ways to travel endlessly.
Along the way, you’ll get actionable advice and key resources that will improve your life AND help you travel more as we get down and dirty on topics like; starting and running an online business from anywhere, the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit, travel and work opportunities, gutsy budget travel strategies, surprising ways to earn free travel, the digital nomad life, unconventional travel based lifestyles, fun travel jobs, how to plan epic adventures, backpacking, remote work, how to take a gap year or a career break, 4-hour work week inspired topics, ex-pat life, slow travel, travel hacking, sustainable travel, human-powered adventures, trips worth planning, and everything in between.
Host Bio: Jason wandered the planet as a nomad for over a decade and spent 15+ years on the road as a tour manager in events/music, a seasonal adventure travel tour guide, and a digital nomad. Originally from the USA, he is now a dual citizen (Norway/USA) based in Oslo. He is obsessed with helping YOU explore our planet on your terms.
Follow the show (it’s FREE!) and welcome to the global community. ?
PS – To sign up for our free newsletter to get travel tips, tricks, destination advice, and more visit zerototravel.com/newsletter
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Copyright: © Copyright 2020 Zero To Travel LLC

Latest Episodes:

Life Lessons from Nature, Best Travel Lists, Happiness Hacks, a CTA on Dual Citizenship, + More Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

I’m bringing you a roundup of the most popular and community-loved highlights from the Zero To Travel newsletter this month, offering practical travel tips, lifestyle insights, and some good old-fashioned wanderlust inspiration.

You’ll hear science-backed strategies for boosting happiness, why now might be the time to take action on a second passport, a few under-the-radar travel destinations you’ll want to add to your list, why college towns can make great travel destinations, and more.

What’s your takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

How a pine tree sparked two powerful questions for making big decisions
Why happiness by subtraction might be more effective than adding more to your plate
How dual citizenship pathways are tightening and why you might want to move quickly
Advice to find new travel inspiration through "otherworldly" destinations
Why this city might just be the ultimate food destination
The unexpected perks of visiting college towns (beyond cheap eats and sports games)
What countries topped the list for best places to raise a family and why I think they missed a few key ones
How to quickly check if you’re owed money when your U.S. flight is delayed or canceled
And so much more

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Top 11 Ways To Rock Your Music Festival Experience with Jason and Kelly Law Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Have you traveled just to go to a music festival? What one realization can lead to a life of travel?

Jason Law and his wife Kelly are the duo behind Festy GoNuts and GoNuts Marketing, the ultimate resource for enhancing your music festival experience. They’ve been to countless festivals, created a tight-knit community of festival lovers, and know exactly what it takes to go from a good time to a legendary one.

In this episode, they're sharing their top 11 music festival tips to rock the experience - from campsite best practices to festival fashion to embracing your "fest self."

You’ll get practical advice for planning, packing, and participating in a way that turns a few days of live music into an unforgettable adventure. Jason and Kelly’s tips aren’t just about gear and logistics but connection, community, and letting your guard down in the best way possible.

What music festival are you looking forward to? 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.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why doing your homework before the festival can save your whole experience
How to set up a campsite that feels like home (and why it matters)
Advice to make new friends through games, shared meals, and theme nights
What it means to build a “team” and create your own mini tribe
How to add some flair and bring out your wild side
How to let go and fully enjoy the moment
Stories from staying up all night until sunrise (and why it's worth it)
How to carry your "fest self" energy into your everyday life
And much more

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A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

What is it like to hike over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail… with your teenage kid?

Jessica and Largo are part of the adventurous WorldTowning family, who’ve been living a full-time travel lifestyle for over a decade. From sailing across the Atlantic to road-tripping Europe in an RV, they’ve redefined “home” and “school” many times over.

Jessica and her son Largo share their experience tackling one of the USA’s most iconic long-distance hikes: the Appalachian Trail. We talk about what led them there, what they expected, and how it all unfolded over nearly 2,200 miles of trail from Georgia to Maine.

This conversation isn’t just about hiking but navigating challenges, family dynamics, and transitions. You’ll hear how Jessica and Largo balanced remote work and school on the trail, how it deepened their relationship, and why this adventure changed how they view their home country after a decade abroad. From logistical headaches and emotional breakthroughs to unexpected trail magic, this episode shows that you don’t need ideal conditions to pull off a bold adventure.

If you had six months to disconnect from your normal life and reconnect with nature, how would you spend it? Who would you take? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why they decided to hike the Appalachian Trail with limited experience
Largo’s experience growing up nomadic and how it’s shaped his mindset going into a challenge like this
What it took to balance school, work, and 2,000+ miles on foot
How thru-hiking impacted Jessica’s health, mindset, and work habits
How Largo ended up hiking solo and what that was like for him
What surprised them most about returning to the U.S. after 10 years abroad
How the trail community and “trail magic” kept them going
What changed in their relationship after six months in a tent together
Advice to parents on adventuring with teens and letting them lead
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit their website
Following WorldTowning on Instagram
Watch on YouTube
Listen to their podcast, The WHY Matters

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Immersion Travel: Becoming a Porter in Nepal with Nate Menninger Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Nate Menninger has chased experiences around the world, from running with the bulls in Spain to diving the Blue Hole in Belize. Most recently, he became one of the first foreigners to work as a Himalayan porter in Nepal, an experience he documented in his first-ever film, The Porter.

In this episode, Nate shares the wild story of becoming a porter in Nepal, working side-by-side with local Nepalese porters on a 23-day trek. We talk about how he pulled it off, what it taught him, and the unexpected impact it had on his mental health, perspective, and purpose.

Nate's experience challenges a lot of what we assume about ethical travel, cultural immersion, and even our own motivations as travelers. We unpack what it means to be fully present in a different culture, the power of learning a local language, and how intention and humility can open doors to deeper connection. Whether you're planning a trek in Nepal or just thinking about how to be a more thoughtful traveler, this episode will give you a lot to chew on.

How have your travels challenged your assumptions about other cultures? 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.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why he chose to live the experience instead of just documenting it
How he taught himself Nepali in a matter of weeks
The surprising benefits of taking a two-week vow of silence
How the idea for the film came together and what it took to actually make it happen
What really goes on behind the scenes in Nepal’s trekking industry
The economics of porter life and why many actually lose money on treks
Advice to travelers on tipping, hiring porters, and doing ethical research
How immersive projects can create access to authentic cultural experiences
Why communication is the key to better travel
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Nate's website
Watch The Porter
Follow The Porter Film on Instagram, YouTube

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Myanmar’s Secret Railways: Uncovering Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Oppression with Clare Hammond Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

What hidden stories lie beneath the surface of the places you travel?

Clare Hammond is an award-winning investigative journalist currently working with Global Witness to expose the issues relating to natural resources, conflict, and corruption. In 2016 while working in Myanmar, she discovered an obscure map showing a web of railways that weren’t shown on any publicly available maps. This compelled her to spend three months traveling these mysterious railways to uncover their purpose and the stories surrounding them. Her investigation took five years to complete and form the basis for her book "On the Shadow Tracks: A Journey Through Occupied Myanmar."

In this episode, Clare shares her journey from financial journalism in Hong Kong to uncovering the hidden infrastructure of Myanmar’s illicit economy. She takes us behind the scenes of her investigative work, the ethical dilemmas of reporting from conflict zones, and what she learned from traveling the forgotten railways of Myanmar.

This episode will challenge the way you think about travel, journalism, and the unseen forces that shape the world. Clare’s firsthand accounts of reporting on corruption, conflict, and human resilience reveal the power of storytelling to bring hidden truths to light.

Have you ever traveled somewhere that changed the way you saw the world? What stories did you uncover? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why she chose investigative journalism and how she transitioned from financial reporting to uncovering corruption
The story behind Myanmar’s secret railway lines and how she discovered them
The role of forced labor in Myanmar’s infrastructure projects and its lasting impact
How investigative journalists assess personal risk when reporting on dangerous topics
Why Myanmar remains a complex and challenging place for travelers today
The importance of trusted news sources in an era of misinformation
The resilience of communities living under systemic oppression and what we can learn from them
The future of investigative journalism
What keeps Clare motivated in her long-term projects
And so much more

Resources:

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Sicily Uncovered: Street Food, Wine Regions, and the Art of Slowing Down Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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:

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The Hidden Gems of Andalusia: Discover the Spain Most Travelers Miss with Lucas Peters Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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:

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10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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:

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Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

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Strategies for Living an Unconventional Life with Ingrid Alm Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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:

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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.

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Listener Questions: Reverse Engineering a Move Abroad, How to Choose a Location-Independent Business, and Smart Ways to Travel a Continent Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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