Zero To Travel Podcast

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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How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?

Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion.

Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone.

She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places.

Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What does it really take to visit Tibet, and how can you have an authentic experience while you're there?

My guest today is Robert Kelly, a seasoned travel writer who has co-authored multiple editions of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guidebook. 

With years of firsthand experience in Tibet and its surrounding regions, Robert shares his insights on what makes Tibet an unforgettable travel experience as we explore its culture, landscapes, and historical complexities.

Robert shares what travelers need to know: how to navigate the permit system, the best ways to experience Tibetan culture, and why some areas are easier to visit than others. We also talk about what it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash, the role of monasteries in Tibetan life, and how to respectfully connect with locals.

If you could visit Tibet, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Are you leaving free travel on the table?

Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, is one of the world’s leading experts on travel and loyalty programs. What started as a blog in 2010 has become a massive platform helping millions of travelers maximize rewards and travel smarter. 

In his new book How to Win at Travel, Brian shares everything he’s learned about the game of travel, from leveraging airline and credit card points to planning your dream itinerary so you can experience the world in ways you never thought possible.

Brian joins me to talk about why playing the points game is about more than just free flights—it’s a strategy for life. He also shares how he turned a side hustle into a travel empire and opens up about his experience growing up in a small town and coming out after college.

Whether you're a travel hacking pro or just getting started, this episode will reframe how you think about points and miles as a financial tool. Brian breaks it all down in a way that makes sense, showing you how to turn travel into a strategic investment while revealing lesser-known perks and insider tips that will allow you to travel smarter and truly win at travel.

PLUS, you’re going to hear the 5th and final installment of our Five Best Road Trips in the USA mini-series. I saved the best for last! 

What’s your biggest travel hack or points win? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Why should you explore Eastern Europe?

Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.

Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander learning,” explains why he believes slow travel is the future, and even gives us a sneak peek into his epic five-year overland journey across Africa.

This episode will encourage you to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly experience a place. Francis shares insights into how to travel deeply, meet locals, and gain a richer understanding of different cultures. He also opens up about how he financially sustains his travels, his approach to living with less, and why investing unconventionally has helped him maintain a life of adventure. 

Plus, if you’re curious about long-distance hiking, you won’t want to miss his take on hiking all three of America’s major trails and the crazy adventure he took on the Continental Divide Trail.

What’s a place you’ve visited that completely changed your perspective? 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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