Shakeemah Smith, aka The Passport Abuser, is a solo traveler who has visited 92 countries and helped more than 12,000 people ace their first solo trip. A former social worker from East Orange, New Jersey, she built her platform, Travel Like a Bawse, to teach practical strategies for traveling more affordably and flipping everyday bills into airline miles. She later relocated to Antigua and Barbuda, where she now lives as an expat. 

In this episode, we talk about the personal shift that makes solo travel possible, how to travel for free without credit cards, and what it’s really like to move abroad and build a life in the Caribbean. 

Shakeemah opens up about calling off her wedding three months before the big day, boarding her first solo flight to Paris in the middle of heartbreak, and realizing she didn’t know how to be alone. What follows is a conversation about self-trust, identity, and deciding to meet the “2.0 version” of yourself instead of waiting for permission. 

We also get tactical. Shakeemah shares the exact systems she used to earn airline miles through everyday expenses like gas, groceries, utilities, and dining. And we talk honestly about leaving the U.S., adjusting to island life, and what it means to create safety and belonging on your own terms. 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time, the right money, or the right person to travel with, this one might challenge that story. 

Who would you become if you stopped waiting and just went? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How growing up near New York City shaped her worldview and early curiosity about the world 

Why ending her engagement forced her to confront her fear of being alone 

The insights and exercises that helped Shakeemah move from emotional dependence to independence and from fear to self-trust 

Why she believes solo travel is a fast track to trusting your instincts and enjoying your own company 

The moment she decided to build a framework to help others take their first solo trip 

How she turned 34 countries’ worth of lessons into a structured framework for new travelers 

The overlooked airline shopping portals that generate miles without opening new credit cards 

How to earn flights from gas, electricity, and everyday bills you’re already paying 

The mindset behind “bills to boarding passes” and why it works long term 

Why she moved to Antigua and Barbuda during 2020 and what that decision taught her about safety and lifestyle design 

The cultural adjustments of living on island time and navigating life as an American expat 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Travel Like a Bawse 

Bills to Boarding Passes FREE masterclass 

Instagram 

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How to Win at Travel with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly 

Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel, Saving Money as a Solo Traveler, Lessons from a Career Break, and How to Figure Out What You Want (In 60 Seconds) with Leslie McKellar 

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright 

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How do you experience the Louvre Museum in a way that actually feels enjoyable, not stressful? And what makes this museum so much more than the Mona Lisa? 

Elaine Sciolino is a veteran journalist and author, former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, and the writer of several books about France, including The Seine, The Only Street in Paris, and Adventures in the Louvre. She has lived in Paris for over two decades and brings history, culture, and personal insight into every story. 

Elaine joins co-host Paige McClanahan to explore Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum, diving into the history, hidden artworks, and practical strategies for making the most of your visit. 

You’ll hear why the Louvre is more than just a building with the Mona Lisa and how its role in French history makes it extraordinary. Elaine demystifies visiting the museum, from understanding crowds and lines to discovering lesser-known works like Titian’s Man With a Glove and what she calls the “undiscovered Mona Lisa.” She shares crowd-beating strategies, best days and times to visit, and surprising places within and around the Louvre where peace and beauty await. You’ll get insider stories on heists, hidden collections, and how even children can be captivated by Egyptology and Islamic art sections that most tourists miss out on. 

When you visit a major museum like the Louvre, do you tend to focus on the most famous works, or do you prefer to explore what’s less obvious? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Co-host Paige McClanahan is a writer, editor, and former journalist based in Paris, France. As the author of “The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel”, Paige is passionate about making sure our travels have a positive impact on the world. Learn more about her work here. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How the Mona Lisa came to dominate the Louvre’s identity, and why that fame is both a blessing and a burden 

How the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa helped turn her into a worldwide obsession 

The surprising historical roots of the Louvre as a royal palace and revolutionary museum 

Lesser-known treasures, “undiscovered” masterpieces, and quieter sections of the Louvre worth seeking out 

The unexpected history of France’s crown jewels, including how many were sold off and ended up in the United States 

The story behind the recent crown jewels heist and what it reveals about museum security 

How the right membership, 1:1 consultation rooms, and alternative museums can transform your experience of Parisian culture 

Future plans for the Louvre’s expansion and what that could mean 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Elaine’s website and books 

Louvre Museum 

Want More? 

5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan 

How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson 

9 Best United States Museums and Advice for Fostering Your Creativity with Bob Eckstein 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

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What are the best hidden gems and local experiences in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that some travelers completely miss? 

Sharon Kaufman is a licensed local guide in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and founder of MyLjubljanaTour.com. Originally from Israel, she moved to Slovenia with her family on what was meant to be a one-week vacation and ended up building a new life there. Today, she leads free and paid tours focused on helping travelers experience Ljubljana through local stories, food, and everyday culture. 

In this episode, Sharon shares about her spontaneous family move to Ljubljana, how she built a life and business there, and her top hidden gems and local tips for experiencing the city like a resident, not a tourist. 

If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia or curious about what makes Ljubljana special, this episode is packed with practical recommendations. Sharon walks us through lesser-known places to explore, affordable ways to get around, unique food experiences, art districts, scenic viewpoints, and easy nature escapes right from the city. You’ll also hear how her perspective as a local guide shapes the way she helps travelers connect more deeply with the city. 

Which of these Ljubljana, Slovenia, experiences would you want to explore first? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How a one-week family vacation unexpectedly turned into a move to Slovenia 

What Sharon quickly learned about daily life, culture, and work-life balance in Ljubljana 

How intuition and local conversations shaped her decision to stay 

How she transitioned from online coaching to becoming a licensed local guide 

One of the most affordable and fun ways to explore the city 

Where to get sweeping views of Ljubljana without crowds or ticket lines 

A hidden market area with local food and unique vending machines that most visitors walk right past 

A hidden alley filled with public art, symbolism, and a secret pub 

An alternative art district shaped by activism, creativity, and nightlife 

A cafe locals love for great coffee, healthy food, and a relaxed vibe 

An easy forest hike just minutes from the city center, plus what to eat at the top 

The best times of year to visit Ljubljana and where to go beyond the city 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

MyLjubljanaTour.com 

Want More? 

Top 10 Iceland Hidden Gems (Highlands, Hot Springs, and Hidden Canyons) + Building a New Life Abroad with Jewells Chambers from All Things Iceland 

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright 

Top 10 Reasons to Love Living Abroad with Botik Quest 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

Listen to the Planet Visionaries podcast on Apple and Spotify 

Experience an audio guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places on the Atlas Obscura Podcast 

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Kim Frank is an award‑winning writer, multimedia storyteller, and explorer whose work has appeared in The Explorers Journal, Sidetracked, and Earth Island Journal. She is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society. Kim’s latest book, Elephants in the Hourglass: A Journey of Reckoning and Hope Along the Himalaya, reflects her deep engagement with the human elephant conflict in northeastern India.  

In this episode, Kim joins me to talk about her personal and professional evolution from mom and fiction writer to author and storyteller, tackling one of the world’s lesser‑known environmental crises: the human‑elephant conflict. 

This conversation moves beyond travel storytelling to explore deep themes of identity, fear, and the bravery required to act. Kim shares how she navigated self‑doubt, embraced vulnerability, and found strength through community. Listeners will gain insight into the realities of conservation work, especially the nuanced human‑elephant relationship in the Eastern Himalaya. You’ll also learn how storytelling and openness can bridge cultural gaps and inspire action for coexistence. Specific personal stories, like balancing motherhood with fieldwork, and philosophical reflections on the space between are woven throughout. 

What’s one fear you’re holding that might be the gateway to your next big chapter, and how might acknowledging two truths about it help you move forward? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How Kim’s childhood and family travels shaped her perspective on exploration and meaning 

Why Elephants in the Hourglass became both a conservation story and personal memoir 

What Kim learned about fear, confidence, and taking action in big life transitions 

The role of mentorship and community in pursuing meaningful work 

How cultural assumptions about motherhood impacted Kim’s work and identity 

What the space between means and why it matters in our relationship to nature 

The complexity of human‑elephant conflict and why simple narratives fall short 

How language and framing influence conservation and public perception 

Why holding opposing truths is essential to peaceful coexistence 

Practical takeaways on curiosity, empathy, and openness in travel and life 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Kim’s website 

Instagram 

Elephants in the Hourglass 

Wildlife Trust of India 

Want More? 

Living in Ecuador, Indigenous Communities, Rainforest Conservation, and Cultural Experiences With Photographer Mark Fox 

100 Documentaries Project: Traveling the Globe to Find Extraordinary Humans + Changing the World One Story at a Time with Robin Danehav 

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

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

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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: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

John’s website 

Instagram 

National Geographic Traveler’s Atlas of the World 

Extraordinary Travel Festival 

Want More? 

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: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Dianni on Instagram 

Chase on Instagram 

Everywhere Is Queer 

Quouch 

Want More? 

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.

Tune In To Learn:

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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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