Zero To Travel Podcast - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Zero To Travel Podcast — Places & Travel
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
PPS – If you’d like to access our paid premium feed with ad-free shows, bonus episodes, and more for just $3/month go to zerototravel.com/premium.

Copyright: © Copyright 2020 Zero To Travel LLC

Latest Episodes:

Bridging the Gap: Travel Inclusion and Equity with Brandon Miller of Too Fly Foundation Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Ways Travel Will Change You + Lessons from Cycling Africa and Visiting 95 Countries with Alex Hennock Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Top 10 Places We’re Dying to Visit that We’ve Never Been Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

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:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Profiling Every UN Nation (In Alphabetical Order), Travel through Geography, Lessons from 10 Years of YouTube Success with Paul Barbato of Geography Now Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

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:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Top 10 Reasons to Love Living Abroad with Botik Quest Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Steves On the Hippie Trail (The Making of a Travel Writer) with Special Guest Host Eric Weiner Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What to Expect This Month on Zero To Travel (February 2025) Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Best of “The Best Places to Travel in 2025” (Jason’s Picks) Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever get sucked into those “best places to visit” lists and start daydreaming about your next adventure?

Same here! That’s why I decided to go through six of the top travel lists for 2025, pulling out 14 of my favorite destinations and highlighting why they’re worth a visit.

I share my thoughts on trending destinations, personal travel stories, and trip ideas that take you off the beaten path. Plus, you’ll hear some tips for planning your next adventure, whether it’s escaping the crowds or finding those hidden gems before they blow up.

What destinations are you most excited about? I'd love to hear about them, 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:

Where to go to avoid the heat and crowds of summer destinations
A travel regret that still sticks with me (and why you should go where I didn’t)
A lovely slice of coastline you might want to visit before it explodes
The ancient pilgrimage network that’s been at the top of my bucket list
A US city I’ve spent a lot of time in with a broken-down double-decker bus
The coolest and perhaps nerdiest attraction I’ve visited that had me completely mesmerized
A sexy Scandanavian 2-for-1 with a hiking trail that will reach into your soul
A Central American colonial city that serves as the gateway to a “choose your own vibe” adventure
A 4-5 day “why not” trip to inspire you to plan your own
The best way to reverse engineer your travels this year
And so much more

Resources:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trekking from France to Austria (Using Hand-Drawn Maps from Locals) + Advocating for Torture Prevention Around the World with Ben Buckland Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you allow curiosity to drive your work and travels?

Ben Buckland is an adventurer, photographer, and human rights advocate whose life has been shaped by curiosity. As a senior advisor on torture prevention for the Association for the Prevention of Torture, his work has taken him to over 100 countries, including war zones, logging camps, and some of the worst prisons on earth.

In 2023, on a quest for novelty, Ben trekked across France, Switzerland, and Austria, relying only on hand-drawn maps from people he met along the way.

In the first part of this episode, Ben shares the profound lessons he learned from his no-tech journey, including how technology and convenience have changed the way we travel. Then, we talk about his work in human rights, uncovering how curiosity and compassion can drive incremental change, even in the darkest places.

You'll learn practical ways to infuse your travels with curiosity and meaningful connections (and get out of your comfort zone), hear stories of resilience and human connection from Ben’s photography and human rights work, and learn valuable lessons on embracing uncertainty and the unknown.

How has curiosity driven your travels or work? 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:

Ben’s deeper intention around traveling without a phone or modern conveniences
How hand-drawn maps tell as much about the creators as they do about the terrain
Why even a broken leg couldn’t stop him and the surprising lessons it taught him
Why money and technology reduce your human connection
How to get over the fears around traveling without a phone
The toll of documenting humanity’s darkest stories and how Ben found himself in war zones, prisons, and other challenging places
Insights on making systemic change in disastrous environments and finding progress in the impossible
What trauma-informed photography can teach us about connecting with strangers (and capturing their stories)
Insight into his work in trauma-informed photography and what that can teach us connection
Ben’s simple yet powerful approach to engaging with strangers
And so much more

Resources:

Want More?

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Go Sailing Around The World with Brian Trautman Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever dreamed of learning how to sail and setting off on a global adventure? What if I told you it’s more achievable than you think?

Brian Trautman is the captain of SV Delos, a 53-foot sailing vessel that’s been his floating home for over a decade. What started as an 18-month sailing trip in 2008 turned into a lifelong adventure as Brian explored six continents and 45 countries by sea (at the time of this recording). Along the way, he started documenting his journey on YouTube, becoming a popular sailing channel with over 900k subscribers.

In this episode, Brian shares how even beginners can master sailing, plan a round-the-world trip, and embrace the adventure of a lifetime.

From practical tips for learning to sail and the best places to get started to fascinating stories of life at sea, you’ll discover how sailing can transform your life and perspective.

Ready to get your sea legs? If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go first? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I 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:

Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

How Brian went from a corporate career to full-time sailing
How he turned his lifestyle into a sustainable source of income
Why learning to sail is easier and more accessible than you think
The best places in the world to learn how to sail
What certifications you need (or don’t need) to sail internationally
Tips for planning your first sailing trip, from short journeys to global routes
What it’s like to live self-sufficiently on the water and navigate challenges like storms, repairs, and seasickness
How to find a crew and insights into the global sailing community
What it actually costs to live on a boat
Safety tips and lessons learned from real-world experiences
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit SVDelos.com
Follow SV Delos on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Chasing Bubbles Documentary
World Cruising Routes Book
Required Reading On Delos
The Complete Sailing Manual

Want More?

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Related Podcasts