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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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What if you could travel the world without breaking the bank? What does it mean to be a traveler after nearly two decades on the road?

Travel-blogging legend and best-selling author Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world on a near-continual basis since 2006. In 2008, he launched his site NomadicMatt.com to catalog his travel experiences and share his insights. Over the years, the site evolved into a valuable trip-planning tool for budding and savvy travelers alike. His writing has been featured by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, BBC, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Forbes, The Daily Beast, NPR, Associated Press, FOX, Sydney Morning Herald, The Independent, Daily Mail, Irish Times, and National Geographic.

With the latest edition of his book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, we discuss whether budget travel is still as accessible as it once was and how Matt’s approach to travel, blogging, and business has evolved over time.

You’ll hear some of his favorite money-saving tips for things like accommodation and activities, but also a deeper conversation about how budget travel has changed, how to keep the magic alive after years on the road, and what it really means to build a life around exploration. We also get into the impact of social media on travel, why Matt is embracing shorter trips, and how he balances content creation with being present in the experience.

Do you consider yourself a budget traveler? How has traveling evolved for you over the years? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Is studying abroad in Europe the ultimate travel hack? How can you get your entire college degree abroad for a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition?

Through her website, Beyond The States, Jen Viemont helps students and lifelong learners navigate the world of European university programs.

In this episode, Jen explains how to study in Europe for free or at a much lower cost. She also shares her own story of moving abroad with her family and building a location-independent business.

You’ll learn practical advice on how to find, apply, and finance your studies in Europe, plus some surprising benefits of taking the leap into international education. Even if college isn’t in your plans, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about travel, cultural identity, and the power of global citizenship.

Have you ever considered studying or living abroad for the long term? 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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