Zero To Travel Podcast

What does it really take to build a travel lifestyle from scratch, especially if you’re starting later in life or managing a serious medical condition?

Jason Robinson is the founder of The Nomad Experiment and author of The Beginner Traveler’s Guide. After digging out of debt and selling his home, he now travels full-time while living with type 1 diabetes. 

Jason joins me to explore his updated beginner travel guide, how the nomad lifestyle has become his way of life, and how we can all learn to travel more intentionally, even when the path to getting started looks different for everyone.

This episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice for anyone looking to start or deepen a travel-centered lifestyle. Jason shares the exact mindset shifts and tactical steps that helped him go from zero international travel to spending more than half the year abroad. You’ll learn why co-living can be a better fit than hostels, how to realistically assess your finances before you leap, and what it takes to travel while managing something as serious as type-1 diabetes. 

We also get into the harder stuff - burnout, identity, letting go of expectations -and why treating travel like an experiment may be the most freeing approach of all.

What’s one small step you can take this month toward your travel‑oriented life? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Gunnar Garfors is the first person to travel to every country in the world not once, but TWICE. As the ultimate travel expert, he’s with us to share his list of the best places to visit before they get too popular.

You’ll hear about seven out-of-the-ordinary destinations spanning all seven continents to help you plan for the coming year and beyond. Whether it’s beach life, mountain hikes, big cities, or relaxing getaways, there’s something on the list for everyone. We’ll also talk about his upcoming project, share plenty of stories, and he’ll let us in on a fun travel concept you’ll want to steal and use with your friends.

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

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

Tune In To Learn:

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Is night train travel making a comeback? Trains have long been seen as a romantic or nostalgic way to explore a destination, but what if it could also be the most practical, comfortable, and climate-friendly way?

Thibault Constant is a French train enthusiast turned entrepreneur who built a following of 300k on his YouTube channel, Simply Railways. He’s the author of Trains de Nuit and co-founder of Nox, a new sleeper train company aiming to revolutionize overnight travel across Europe with affordable private rooms.

In this episode, host Paige McClanahan speaks with Thibault about the rising demand for night trains in Europe, the design and mission behind his upcoming sleeper train company, and why privacy, practicality, and sustainability are reshaping how we move through the world.

You’ll hear why a new wave of travelers are choosing overnight rail, how the travel experience shifts when you’re able to rest, reflect, and arrive ready to go, and what it takes to build a better sleeper train from the ground up. Thibault shares the key barriers that have kept night trains from breaking through in recent decades, and how his company, Nox, is working to overcome them with smart design and realistic pricing. Whether you’re curious about slow travel, concerned about flying’s climate impact, or just want to know what it’s like to wake up in Sicily after sleeping on a train ferry, this episode offers both practical insights and pure travel inspiration.

If you could take one of Thibault’s recommended overnight train journeys tomorrow, which would you choose and why? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

How growing up in northern France inspired Thibault’s lifelong love of trains

Why he started his YouTube channel, and how it became a full-time job

What led him to co-found Nox, a new sleeper train company launching in 2027

Why most night trains today fail to deliver on sleep, and how privacy changes everything

The real reason night trains declined in Europe, and what brought them back

How the climate crisis is pushing more travelers to rethink short-haul flights

What makes overnight train travel a win–win for comfort, convenience, and carbon

Thibault’s top 3 night train routes in Europe, and his favorite long-haul ride in North America

And so much more

Resources:

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Paige McClanahan’s website

Paige on Instagram

Thibault on Instagram

Simply Railway YouTube

Trains de Nuit

Nox Sleeper Trains

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Sustainable Travel 101 (How to Be A Better Traveler) With Richard Hammond

Train Travel Around The World w/ Mark Smith

World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort

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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.

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Want to explore volcanoes, wine valleys, remote wilderness, and vibrant indigenous cultures, all in one country? Why not make Chile your next adventure?

Steph Dyson is a travel journalist, guidebook author, and founder of the website Worldly Adventurer. She has spent nearly a decade living and travelling across Latin America, including three years in Chile, and is the author of Moon Chile With Patagonia & Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

In today’s episode, we explore Chile’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity through seven hidden‑gem destinations, with stories and advice for exploring them responsibly.

Steph breaks down her favorite hidden corners of Chile, from wild Patagonia to volcano climbs, ancient mummies, and the vibrant island culture of Chiloé. You’ll hear tips for hitchhiking the Carretera Austral, visiting Indigenous communities with cultural respect, and building a flexible mid-range travel budget in Chile. We also talk about how to approach destinations more consciously as travelers, not just tourists. 

Plus, you're going to hear Part 2 of the Best in Travel Tech series!

What’s the one hidden gem you’ve discovered in your travels (or want to discover) that changed how you think about a place? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

How a burned-out teacher bought a one-way ticket to Bolivia and ended up building a new life across Latin America

What makes the Carretera Austral a must‑visit, and why she recommends you hitchhike

How Chile’s wine valleys offer cultural and culinary depth beyond the typical vineyard experience

How the Mapuche people in the south of Chile maintain ancient traditions, and how travellers can engage respectfully

How to choose when to travel in Patagonia to avoid crowds and still get wild‑land experiences

How to climb a volcano near Pucón and what to expect (terrain, season, logistics)

Why a remote island like Chiloé delivers cultural and natural surprises that few visit

Advice for budget mid‑range travellers in Chile: transport, accommodation, local costs, and how to balance comfort with adventure

And so much more

Resources:

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Stephdyson.com

Worldly Adventurer

Moon Chile: With Patagonia & Rapa Nui

Worldpackers

Workaway

Pangae App

Meetup

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Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters

Peru’s Hidden Gems, Why NOT to Hike the Inca Trail + Amazing (Less Crowded) Alternatives with Heather Jasper

Building a Travel Lifestyle: Digital Nomadism, Slow Travel, Exploring Latin America with Kyle Cohenour

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What tools and routines make the biggest difference for nomads? What really drives down your cost of living abroad, and what are you giving up to get there? 

On this month’s episode, Caitlin and Janessa swap stories on budgeting, daily tradeoffs, and what it takes to feel comfortable in constant motion. You'll hear their thoughts on shifting priorities, overlooked productivity habits, tax residency trends, and why your “normal” might not be so normal elsewhere.

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.

What’s something you’ve either given up (or refused to give up) to make remote work and travel sustainable for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Janessa’s experience traveling and working on Vancouver Island

A simple travel item that can seriously improve your remote work (that we often ignore), and how small comforts can make or break your productivity

What to consider before making borderless tax or residency moves

The hidden tradeoffs behind minimalist living on the road

Why your priorities might shift the longer you live as a nomad

What remote workers are getting wrong about cost-of-living savings abroad

The unexpected mindset shift that happens when you stop “vacationing” and start living

Which everyday habits feel surprisingly hard (or freeing) to give up

Cultural quirks that can challenge what you thought was “normal”

One playful question that reveals way more about someone than you’d expect (steal this!)

And so much more

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Caitlin on Instagram

Janessa on Instagram

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What would your travels look like if you planned them around the most epic, life-shaping active adventures you could dream up?

Heidi Niklaus is the founder of Heidi Runs Abroad LLC, where she helps travelers, expats, and digital nomads maintain their wellness routines on the road. With a background in higher education at Rutgers University, she pivoted into fitness instruction, became a long‑term traveler, and is now planning her move to Sofia, Bulgaria.

In this episode, Heidi shares how a divorce, a career pause, and a couchsurfing connection sparked a global lifestyle. She also shares her active travel and fitness adventure bucket list, ranging from volcano sunrises and glacier kayaking to a marathon under the midnight sun.

You’ll hear how Heidi traded structure for uncertainty and why she now helps travelers maintain their wellness routines on the road. She shares practical insights on how to blend movement with exploration, and why fitness doesn’t have to take a back seat just because you're abroad. Heidi’s bucket list and personal stories will challenge how you think about travel and inspire you to create your own list of active travel adventures.

What’s one adventure you’ve always thought about doing, big or small, that would get you moving and exploring? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

How couchsurfing and solo travel unlocked a new chapter for her

Why fitness wasn’t always part of Heidi’s life, and how she made that shift

Advice on staying active and finding the balance while traveling (even on “vacation”) • The difference between intentional exercise and being physically active while traveling

Why labeling your trip a “runcation” or “active adventure” actually matters

The seven fitness adventures on her bucket list (plus three bonus picks)

How movement during travel doesn’t need to be a “workout”

Nutrition tips to balance indulgence and wellness abroad

How to start your own bucket list to help you prioritize your travels

And so much more

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Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler

Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling With Kirsten Pontius

Greatest Hits: How Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health With Gilad Gamliel

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What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of?

Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, covers 100 hikes across 40 U.S. national parks.

Jason takes us through some of the best hikes in America’s national parks, broken down into three helpful categories: the iconic must‑do trails where the views are legendary but the crowds may be heavy, the lesser‑known trails inside the big parks where you can find solitude without sacrificing scenery, and the true hidden gems tucked away in lesser‑visited parks waiting to be discovered. 

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to get outside and explore nature, Jason shares practical tips on how to avoid crowds, pick a hike that fits your comfort level, and get the most out of your park visit. 

Plus, we have part one of our bonus three-part mini series, Best in Travel Tech!

What’s the best hike you’ve ever done in a national park, and what made it memorable for you? I'd love to hear what about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why hiking down into a surreal red-rock landscape full of spires and silence can feel like a private wilderness escape

Why the right timing in one of the most visited parks in the country can make all the difference 

Why the annual U.S. National Parks pass is still one of the best travel deals in America

How to identify lesser­crowded trails in major parks, and what to do when you arrive and the parking lot is full.

Safety tips for extreme terrain, wild weather, and remote locations that catch many hikers off guard

Why “just try” might be the most important mindset to take into the backcountry

A short trail that leads to an unforgettable view, yet barely anyone talks about

Why national parks aren’t just about nature—they’re also about culture, history and the stories of people and place beneath the landscapes.

Which resources Jason uses to scout, prep, and get the most out of every national park trip

And so much more

Resources:

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Moon US National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails

Jason on Instagram

National Park Service

Recreation.gov 

AllTrails

Google Explore

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Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman

A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro

How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey

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What would life feel like if you could reliably tap into your intuition, even when your logic is pulling in another direction?

Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic author, speaker, and creative leader known for popularizing the concept of InnSæi, the Icelandic approach to intuition. She spent years working in international development (including the UN) before shifting into coaching, writing, and teaching how to access inner wisdom. Her book InnSæi: Heal, Revive, and Reset with the Icelandic Art of Intuition draws on psychology, neuroscience, poetry, and cultural insight.

In our conversation, Hrund talks about what intuition is and isn’t, and how her InnSæi framework can help us reconnect with it. 

We explore how intuition is both real and learnable, and how it can work alongside logic to guide big life choices, including where and how you want to travel. You’ll get practical tools to calm your nervous system, tell the difference between fear and true inner signals, and create space in your day-to-day life to actually hear and trust your intuition.

What decision or longing is tugging at you these days, and how can you use your intuition to help guide you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

How InnSæi maps to “the sea within,” insight, and seeing from the inside out

Hrund’s definition of intuition as the efficient use of unconscious information 

When intuition is most reliable and when emotional states might cloud it

Two powerful journaling practices to sharpen self-awareness and help decode your inner signals

A simple breathing technique to calm your system before a decision

How to show up grounded in meetings, creative tasks, and travel decisions

How intuition and creativity are intertwined, and how to create structure to channel them

Why self‑trust and confidence in your own judgment matter more than any external validation

And so much more

Resources:

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Hrund’s website and book

InnSæi course

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Using Intuition to Make Tough Decisions, Learning to Surrender, Discovering Purpose, and Living Your Best Life with Amrit Sandhu from Inspired Evolution

How to Flourish in 2025: 5 Pillars of Well-Being with Pat Sperry

How to Navigate Transitions and Design Your Life (Without the BS) with Lauren Handel Zander

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