What happens when you let curiosity guide your travel experiences? 

John McKenzie is a long-time traveler and curious explorer who shares stories and insights from off-the-beaten-track destinations around the world. Through his content and curated CuriosiTrips, he aims to expand others’ sense of what’s possible by encouraging a more curious, open approach to travel. He’s also a new contributor to National Geographic, writing the sections on Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia for The Traveler’s Atlas of the World. 

In this episode, John and I sit down in person to explore the concept of curiosity as a travel compass, why some destinations gain reputations that don’t match reality, and how community and mindset shape meaningful journeys. 

Travel is often framed around checklists and highlights, but John reframes it as a curiosity‑driven practice that enriches both travel and everyday life. You’ll hear how to exercise your curiosity muscle, embrace spontaneity, and responsibly explore destinations often overlooked or misunderstood. From challenging trips like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Syria to cultural discoveries and approachable recommendations like Malawi and Cuba, this conversation offers both a practical perspective and philosophical encouragement for travelers of all experience levels. 

What is one place you’ve always been curious about but haven’t yet visited, and what’s holding you back? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How boredom and routine kick-started John’s curiosity and exploration 

What approaching travel with openness rather than rigidity can uncover 

Why connecting with others who’ve done what you want to do helps normalize the goal 

How travel to “dangerous” or misunderstood places can be both safe and rewarding 

The mindset shift from chasing destinations to pursuing meaningful experiences 

How John defines “meaningful” in his own travel, and why that matters more than ticking boxes 

Examples of destinations that surprised him and recommendations for your own curious travels 

And so much more 

Resources: 

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John’s website 

Instagram 

National Geographic Traveler’s Atlas of the World 

Extraordinary Travel Festival 

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7 Pro Tips For Traveling In Dangerous Countries w/ Bjorn Palsson 

Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz 

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 

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What does queer travel in the US look like beyond the big cities? And what can all travelers learn from the LGBTQ+ travel experience? 

Chase Vondran is a full-time travel creator and writer based in Chicago who helps transgender and gender-diverse travelers explore safely while advocating for greater inclusion in the travel industry. After an eight-year nomadic journey spanning 20+ countries, they now focus their work on queer travel, small queer towns, and inclusive travel guides. 

In this episode, co-host Dianni Hall sits down with Chase to talk about queer travel in the U.S., exploring small queer towns and gayberhoods, and understanding the realities and joys of traveling as a trans person. 

This episode offers a rare glimpse into queer communities thriving outside of major cities and highlights unexpected destinations where queer people not only exist but also flourish. Chase shares personal stories from their travels as a trans person, the differences in how the world treats them before and after transition, and what travelers should consider when seeking inclusive spaces. You’ll discover resources, tips for finding queer communities, and the emotional power of feeling seen. Whether you’re a queer traveler, an ally, or curious about inclusive travel, this conversation expands how we think about travel, identity, and belonging. 

How has travel helped you better understand experiences different from your own? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Zero To Travel co-host Dianni Hall is a queer, second-generation Latina, solo budget backpacker, and host of the While She’s Away podcast. Learn more about her work here. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Resources: 

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Dianni on Instagram 

Chase on Instagram 

Everywhere Is Queer 

Quouch 

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Choosing a One-Way Ticket Over a Master’s Degree + Lessons From 6 Years of Evolving Travel with Dianni Hall 

Top 7 Cities for LGBTQ+ Travelers and Finding Your People Around the World with LGBTQ+ Travel Expert Alicia Valenski 

LGBTQ+ Travel and Making A Difference with Ravi Roth 

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What does it look like when travel becomes more than just a trip, but a lifelong evolution of identity, choices, and community?

Dianni Hall is a queer, second-generation Latina, solo budget backpacker, podcaster, and podcast producer. She’s the host of While She’s Away, a podcast highlighting stories and advice from women travelers around the world. After choosing a one-way flight to India instead of enrolling in graduate school, Dianni spent six years traveling full-time across 30+ countries while building a freelance career and exploring what it means to find home.

In this episode, we explore how Dianni’s travel lifestyle has changed over time, from solo backpacking and volunteering abroad to building a freelance career and eventually settling into a home base in Brooklyn.

Dianni shares specific lessons from various phases of travel, including navigating her first solo trip, volunteering in an ashram, adjusting to slow travel, and balancing travel with long-term stability. She offers honest reflections on managing anxiety while traveling, the importance of community, and what it means to reimagine one's identity when traveling full-time comes to an end.

What’s one travel experience, big or small, that changed the way you see the world, and how did it shape who you are today? 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 are the top travel destinations for 2026 that need to be on your radar?

Lyn Hughes is the founding editor of Wanderlust Magazine and a leading voice in adventure and cultural travel journalism. She’s spent decades curating destination guides, championing responsible travel, and sharing stories that inspire deeper exploration.

I catch up with Lyn to explore her curated list of the best places to travel in 2026 and why you should prioritize these destinations for the new year or near future.

Lyn shares standout destinations including remote wilderness routes, under‑the‑radar cultural hubs, and wildlife-rich regions. She shares personal stories, explains why there is urgency around some of these locations, and gives insight into how we can engage more meaningfully and responsibly when we visit. If you're thinking ahead to your next big trip, this episode offers thoughtful guidance and some surprising ideas.

Which types of destinations spark your imagination right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune in for a quick update on what's to come on the Zero To Travel podcast in 2026! Happy New Year, my friend.

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My wife, Anne-Dorthe, and I are together on the pod to share all about Christmas traditions in Norway and the United States. You'll hear what it's like to taste Julebrus for the first time, see who will win the theoretical battle between Santa Claus and Julenisse, discover the three main traditional dishes in different parts of Norway, get a special Norwegian treat from my wife, and so much more!

Can you appreciate your traditions as if you were a traveler seeing and experiencing them for the first time? Have a wonderful Holiday wherever you are, my friend!

*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.

What are your Holiday traditions? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Looking for more creative and fun ways to reflect on your year and plan for the next one?

Join Caitlin and Janessa in this year-end Remote Roundup to explore personal reflections, unexpected lessons, goal-setting alternatives, and favorite travel moments from 2025. 

Remote Roundup is a 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.

Caitlin and Janessa talk about identity, growth, community, habits, and how their remote lives are evolving as they plan for the new year. You'll walk away with insights and practical ideas for reflecting on your own year and setting more intentional goals, whether you're traveling full-time, working remotely, or simply ready for a reset in 2026.

What’s a moment from your 2025 that made you feel most yourself? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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What happens when you step out of your life for a year to live, work, and connect in a completely different culture?

Don Jenkins is a 27-year high-school teacher from Washington state who spent a full academic year in Norway through the Fulbright Roving Scholar Program. Based in Oslo but constantly on the move, he traveled the country visiting schools and giving workshops on American history and government, reaching thousands of students along the way.

This episode explores Don’s journey as a cultural ambassador, educator, and traveler. We talk about the surprising differences between Norwegian and American school systems, how living abroad shifts your view of home, and what it takes to build connection across cultures - whether you’re in a classroom, a sauna, or a sawed-off tuk tuk.

Whether or not you’re a teacher, Don’s experience is full of lessons on curiosity, communication, and how to embrace the unfamiliar. From practical travel tips to deeper reflections on history, education, and societal values, this episode is a reminder of how much growth comes from stepping outside your bubble.

What’s one lesson you’ve picked up while traveling that changed how you see your home? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Which European dish is so good you’d plan a trip around it?

Kenny Dunn is the founder of Eating Europe, a food tour company that has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities since 2011.

In this episode, Kenny shares 11 European dishes you must try before you die, including cultural context, restaurant tips, and personal stories from his years of travel. 

Kenny explains how each dish connects to its place and people, how everyday locals enjoy them, and shares his go-to spots for trying them. To add a little flavor, we also pair each dish with a movie or TV show to turn your meal into an experience if you want to make these at home!

Which dish would you travel for or try to recreate at home? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

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