Zero To Travel Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

How is tourism impacting communities, and what can we do about it? Paige McClanahan joins me to talk about the dualities of the tourism industry and how we can have deeper travel experiences while benefiting the world. Paige McClanahan is the author of The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She is an American journalist based in France and a regular contributor to The New York Times, where she reports on the impacts of tourism. She is also the host of The Better Travel Podcast, which aims to make sure that our travels have a positive impact on the world.  We talk about the evolution of tourism as context to how it got to where it is today, the consequences of travel on local communities (good and bad) and what we can do about it, and insights into how we can become what Paige calls a “new tourist.” She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she wrote this book and used her professional journalism skills to her advantage. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. How will you become a “new tourist?” I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: The evolution of tourism and travel and why it’s so complicated How guidebooks and social media have shaped the industry The complexities of influencers and why we are all influencers in some way How destinations can minimize the negative impact of tourism and promote responsible travel The fantasy of tourist traps and how tourism affects the quality of life for residents How she approaches serendipitous moments and genuine connections as an author The impact of AI on the future of tourism Insights on navigating digital nomadism and its effects on residents And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Paige’s website Get a copy of her book, The New Tourist Listen to The Better Travel Podcast Follow her on Instagram Check out the book Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? Take a MasterClass Transcribe with Trint Want More? Is Your Summer Vacation Destroying The Planet? w/ Seth Kugel Avoiding The Instagram Trap w/ Kashlee Conscious Travel Mindset With Robin Greenfield Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every choice as a digital nomad, from where you live, to how you work, to the people you surround yourself with, was made with more intention? Remote Roundup is a new monthly series hosted by Zero To Travel’s associate producer, Caitlin Sunderland, and partnerships manager, Janessa Klatt. Explore what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world. In this episode, we talk about how adding intentionality to your travels can completely reshape your experience as a digital nomad, and how the right tools, communities, and mindsets can turn a place from “just okay” to somewhere you thrive.  We reflect on how our experiences of a popular European city have shifted over time, share the realities of finding remote work setups that actually support this lifestyle, and unpack the growing trend of pop-up co-livings. You’ll get our honest take on destinations that look perfect on Instagram but don’t always hold up in real life, and how to think differently about where (and why) you go next. What’s one experience, community, or personal goal that could guide your next destination? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Berlin won Caitlin over on her second visit, and what makes it a compelling nomad base The gear and simple upgrades that can make remote work more comfortable and sustainable on the road Why pop-up and self-organized co-livings are on the rise and how they’re creating more organic, affordable, and aligned ways to live and work together How choosing a purpose or focus for your travels can lead to deeper connections, routines, and a more memorable time Which popular destinations are overhyped, and how expectations shape our experience A fun round of Would You Rather” that can help you reflect on your own travel values and priorities And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Instagram vs Real Life article Want More? Remote Roundup: Future Hotspots, Productivity Experiments, Digital Nomadding 2.0 (August 2025) Digital Detox: Downsizing Your Digital Life to Create Freedom + Reboot Your Lifestyle Business with Corbett Barr Co-living 101: How to Build Community While Traveling + the Future of Remote Work with Fabio and Juls Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat Sperry shares his approach to flourishing through the “Five Pillars of Well-being” and explores how transformative travel experiences, cultural immersion, and ancient practices can help you find fulfillment and well-being on the road and in everyday life. Pat Sperry is a professional well-being coach, Iyengar yoga teacher, and founder of Flourish—a community that creates healing and transformational experiences through elevated retreats and online education, empowering individuals to live with purpose and compassion. Pat shares his unique journey from being an athlete, musician, and even David Beckham’s body double to traveling the globe and becoming a leader in personal growth and well-being. You’ll hear about the lessons he learned from studying with spiritual masters and spending time at the Five Immortals Temple in China. From tips on cultivating mindfulness to building a life of meaning, Pat’s insights offer actionable steps on using travel for deeper purpose and connection. What’s the most life-changing travel experience you’ve had? 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: Pat’s fascinating journey from a career in sports and music to a life dedicated to self-discovery How his travels and immersive cultural experiences through places like Thailand, China, and India reshaped his views on life, purpose, and fulfillment Pat’s philosophy of “traveling light” and how simplifying his life while on the road helped him cultivate gratitude and inner peace The concept of the “hedonic treadmill” and insight on how to balance chasing new experiences with finding peace in the present An in-depth look at the “Five Pillars of Well-being” and how each can be activated through travel and everyday life Why rites of passage matter and how they differ across global cultures How to align your travel experiences with personal growth goals and values And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Pat’s website Follow Flourish on Instagram Flourishing by Maureen Gaffney The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore Be Here Now by Ram Dass  Ram Dass podcast Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell The Gift by Hafiz Want More? Using Intuition to Make Tough Decisions, Learning to Surrender, Discovering Purpose, and Living Your Best Life with Amrit Sandhu from Inspired Evolution How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to travel without breaking the bank? Tim Leffel gives us the inside scoop on the cheapest destinations for 2025, insight on making the most of your adventures without overspending, and tips for traveling Europe on a budget. Tim Leffel is an award-winning travel writer and author of The World's Cheapest Destinations (currently in its fifth edition) and A Better Life for Half the Price, a guide to cutting your expenses in half by living abroad. With years of experience living abroad and now living in Mexico, Tim has been covering destinations around the world and helping people move abroad for over three decades. Tim's expert insights provide a practical guide for choosing affordable destinations, plus valuable tips and hacks for stretching your budget while still experiencing all that a destination has to offer. What country from this episode would you want to visit or live in? I'd love to hear where you’re most excited about, 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 key factors that make some countries more affordable than others What two “golden opportunity” destinations you should take advantage of before it’s too late Which South American countries remain top budget-friendly picks A Central American gem that offers serene lakes, rich history, yoga culture, and unbeatable value (plus an affordable place to get scuba certified) Which Middle Eastern countries offer a rare, crowd-free experience this year—and why now is the time to go How to navigate European travel affordably, with tips on transportation, meal planning, and budget-friendly city options Travel hacks for stretching your budget, including strategies to maximize ATM exchanges and avoid hidden fees The art of discovering free and low-cost activities abroad that add depth to your experience Tim’s perspective on living and traveling in Mexico (compared to mainstream media) Advice on balancing work and travel And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out cheapestdestinationsblog.com Visit cheaplivingabroad.com Subscribe to Nomadico on Substack Sign up for the Cheap Living Abroad report Tim’s list of cheapest destinations 2024 Read about touring Europe on a budget Follow Tim on Instagram Want More? Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland How To Take More Vacations by Booking Better, Cheaper Flights With Scott Keyes Best Remote Work + Digital Nomad Destinations 2023 (And Beyond) w/ Tim Leffel Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would exploring a new city without relying on technology be like? Lisa Abend is a journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, the New York Times travel section, and National Geographic Traveler, among others. In response to the collapse of many traditional media outlets for narrative travel writing and how social media has sucked the serendipity and sense of discovery out of travel, she launched a Substack called The Unplugged Traveler. For the newsletter, she travels to a new European city every month without using the internet—that means no Google research, no online reservations, no GPS maps, no AirBnB or Uber, and no mindless scrolling while in a cafe or on a train. Lisa shares her unique travel philosophy, giving a fresh perspective on what it means to travel authentically. Her stories and strategies challenge the "must-see" checklist mentality, encouraging us to embrace serendipity and let go of travel FOMO. You’ll learn how going offline can deepen your connection to people, places, and unexpected moments to create a more immersive travel experience. What’s one place you’d like to explore without relying on your phone or social media? I'd love to hear where you’d go, 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 unusual way Lisa went from academic to a journalist in Spain  Her experience living as an outsider in Spain and Denmark (and what makes the Danes so happy) Lisa’s philosophy behind "unplugged" travel and letting go of the pressure to see everything How to use curiosity and spontaneity to guide your travels Practical advice on finding accommodations and local recommendations offline How she navigates destinations without a GPS or Uber Lisa’s favorite memories of authentic encounters and unexpected discoveries How small inconveniences can lead to richer, more memorable travel stories Why it’s important to consider what you really want out of your travel experience How the experiment has changed her relationship with technology and choosing destinations And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Subscribe to the Unplugged Traveler Substack Follow Lisa on Instagram Want More? Is Technology Ruining Your Travel Experience? With Seth Kugel Unplugged America Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Considering a move abroad now or in the future? How do you choose the correct digital nomad visa or remote work visa for your lifestyle and goals? Citizen Remote co-founder Tim Marting discusses the latest insights on digital nomad visas and essential tips for relocating abroad.  Tim Marting is a digital nomad and co-founder of Citizen Remote, a platform dedicated to helping remote workers and travelers move abroad. With years of experience living and working globally, Tim has firsthand knowledge of navigating visa complexities, relocating, and thriving in foreign environments. Tim highlights digital nomad visa options by duration and benefits and talks about exciting upcoming and new remote work visas. You'll get mindset advice on how to think about where you want to go and why, tips for settling into a new place, and insight into the visa application process. You'll also hear some of Tim's personal stories from his travels and plans to live in Iceland that will inspire your next move. Where do you want to move abroad? I'd love to hear why, 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: Advice for traveling around Scandinavia for an extended period Key benefits and requirements of digital nomad visas for top destinations Tips on navigating complex visa applications (with requirements that can change anytime!) Short-term visas that offer tax advantages Medium-term visa options that encourage entrepreneurial growth Long-term digital nomad visas that can open pathways to residency and citizenship Advice on staying flexible with travel plans to maximize your relocation options Tim's insights on moving and living abroad, adapting to new cultures, and making the most of remote work opportunities How Citizen Remote can assist with visas, taxes, accommodation, and more for a seamless relocation experience Tim’s strategies for connecting in a new country And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Sign up for Citizen Remote Follow Citizen Remote on Instagram Want More? Top 5 Reasons For “Slomading” + The Benefits Of Boredom With Tim Marting From Citizen Remote 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright Hitting Refresh on Your Life with Travel + How to Move to Europe Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does hell on earth look like?  Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world. Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations. Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder. What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? 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: A city filled with death, a centuries-old “skull cult,” and the inspiration behind Dante’s Inferno  A small cave in Ireland linked to ancient folklore and the origins of Halloween The fiery pit that’s been burning for decades and the surprising theory behind it (plus, you can camp here!) Where you can witness surreal blue flames rolling down a deadly sulfuric volcano  An island with some of the most gorgeous yet hellscape-y features, geothermal pools, and more The most electric place on earth and the fascinating science behind it Where to find razor-sharp “stone forests” and navigate the devil’s obstacle course Which charming but hellish US town you can be mayor for the day Will our pets eat us if we die? The five-second rule (fact or fiction?) And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Erika’s website Grab Erika’s book, Go to Hell Would your dog eat you if you died? Want More? What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore Top 10 World’s Weirdest Restaurants With La Carmina Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France. Why should you go to Normandy? Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.” Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here. Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast. 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 Want More? Destination Bonanza w/ Chris Christensen How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better? Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit. Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.”  He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road. What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? 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: How his around-the-world journey in a $100 car with strangers evolved into a global travel movement What it really means to DIY an adventure and travel on nothing but optimism What it was like to pick up hitchhikers and invite strangers from the internet to join their convoy  How Joel manages the reality and expectations of this kind of trip and how he vets participants Tips on managing conflict, group dynamics, and building trust on the road Insights into the overlanding community, his most memorable encounters, and favorite locations The unusual way they choose their route on the Pan-American Highway (a fun way for you to plan your next trip!) Perspectives on balancing spontaneity with preparation in global travel Why being open is the best way to make travel sustainable and insights on creating your own unique lifestyle Why you should consider Bansko, Bulgaria as your base And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the Global Convoy website Global Convoy on YouTube Follow on Instagram, TikTok Joel’s favorite stop in Caral, Peru Workaway Nomad Cruise Eight Boots Abroad Want More? Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland Tales From A Converted School Bus: Working Full Time & Traveling With An Adventure Dog New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’ Moon Travel Guides - Grab your copy of Baseball Road Trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices