Do you ever get sucked into those “best places to visit” lists and start daydreaming about your next adventure? 

Same here! That’s why I decided to go through six of the top travel lists for 2025, pulling out 14 of my favorite destinations and highlighting why they’re worth a visit.

I share my thoughts on trending destinations, personal travel stories, and trip ideas that take you off the beaten path. Plus, you’ll hear some tips for planning your next adventure, whether it’s escaping the crowds or finding those hidden gems before they blow up.

What destinations are you most excited about? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What happens when you allow curiosity to drive your work and travels?

Ben Buckland is an adventurer, photographer, and human rights advocate whose life has been shaped by curiosity. As a senior advisor on torture prevention for the Association for the Prevention of Torture, his work has taken him to over 100 countries, including war zones, logging camps, and some of the worst prisons on earth. 

In 2023, on a quest for novelty, Ben trekked across France, Switzerland, and Austria, relying only on hand-drawn maps from people he met along the way.

In the first part of this episode, Ben shares the profound lessons he learned from his no-tech journey, including how technology and convenience have changed the way we travel. Then, we talk about his work in human rights, uncovering how curiosity and compassion can drive incremental change, even in the darkest places.

You'll learn practical ways to infuse your travels with curiosity and meaningful connections (and get out of your comfort zone), hear stories of resilience and human connection from Ben’s photography and human rights work, and learn valuable lessons on embracing uncertainty and the unknown.

How has curiosity driven your travels or work? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Have you ever dreamed of learning how to sail and setting off on a global adventure? What if I told you it’s more achievable than you think?

Brian Trautman is the captain of SV Delos, a 53-foot sailing vessel that’s been his floating home for over a decade. What started as an 18-month sailing trip in 2008 turned into a lifelong adventure as Brian explored six continents and 45 countries by sea (at the time of this recording). Along the way, he started documenting his journey on YouTube, becoming a popular sailing channel with over 900k subscribers. 

In this episode, Brian shares how even beginners can master sailing, plan a round-the-world trip, and embrace the adventure of a lifetime.

From practical tips for learning to sail and the best places to get started to fascinating stories of life at sea, you’ll discover how sailing can transform your life and perspective.

Ready to get your sea legs? If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go first? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them 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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Are you in the midst of a big change or dreaming of one? Do you feel stuck in transition and want to know how to move forward?

Lauren Handel Zander is a renowned life coach, author, and creator of The Handel Method®, a groundbreaking coaching framework taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning worldwide, including MIT, Stanford, and NYU. With over 25 years of experience in life coaching and consulting, Lauren has worked with high-profile clients such as Hugh Jackman, Questlove, and Fortune 500 companies like Live Nation.

In this episode, Lauren shares how to take control of your inner dialogue, design your future, and navigate life transitions—without the BS. 

Whether you’re facing a career change, a move abroad, or a shift in personal priorities, Lauren’s practical advice offers a fresh, straightforward perspective. From breaking old habits to creating actionable plans for your future, you’ll learn how to cut through the nonsense, tune into your inner voice, make promises to yourself that you’ll keep, and take charge of your narrative. 

What’s one promise you can make to move closer to your dream life? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Are you tired of waiting on everyone else to be able to travel? Does solo travel strike fear in your heart, but you want more freedom in your life? Do you spend too much time coming up with excuses for why you can't travel instead of reasons why you can and should?

Manjinder Kang, or "Manny," is a seasoned solo traveler with nearly two decades of experience exploring 37 countries. A full-time professional and self-proclaimed introvert, Manny wants everyone to know that if he can do it, so can you.

In this episode, Manny and I explore the beauty and challenges of solo travel. From navigating cultural differences to fostering meaningful connections and embracing spontaneity on shorter trips, Manny offers actionable advice and inspiring stories for travelers at all stages.

What is your biggest block against solo travel? Share your thoughts 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 does it mean to truly understand a place—and how does walking help uncover the heart of its culture?

Chris Arnade is a writer, photographer, and former Wall Street banker who left the financial world to pursue a deeper connection with humanity. Known for his Substack Chris Arnade Walks the World, Chris documents his immersive walking journeys through cities and towns around the globe, exploring themes of culture, community, and belonging. His work offers thought-provoking insights into the human experience and the intersections of class, culture, and geography.

In this episode, Chris shares how walking became his tool for understanding culture and fostering genuine connections. From leaving Wall Street to documenting the lives of NYC’s homeless and addicted to exploring the myths and realities of the American Dream, Chris offers profound reflections on humanity, travel, and the importance of slowing down.

Discover how Chris transitioned from Wall Street to walking the world, his approach to connecting with people across cultures and classes, and the significance of recognizing your own cultural biases for more meaningful travel. Learn about the contrasts between America and Europe, from cultural values to urban design, and how these differences reflect broader societal priorities. Whether you're curious about walking as a mode of exploration or seeking fresh insights into societal differences, this conversation is both enlightening and inspiring.

What’s a moment during your travels when walking gave you a new perspective or connection you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What can an NFL star teach us about chasing dreams, overcoming challenges, and creating a life you love?

Chris Johnson, also known as CJ2K, is a former NFL running back who made history as a first-round draft pick and one of only eight players to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. This achievement earned him the NFL rushing title and Offensive Player of the Year award in 2009. After a remarkable 10-season football career, Chris transitioned into hospitality and real estate, creating vacation properties that offer unforgettable experiences for travelers.

In this episode, Chris Johnson reflects on his NFL career, the life lessons he's carried into his post-football ventures, and how simplifying his priorities helped him transition into hospitality and real estate.

Chris shares an honest look at his life on and off the field. He talks about the sacrifices and joys of being a professional athlete, the mental strategies that kept him motivated through tough times, and the challenges of pivoting to a completely different industry after retirement. You'll hear about his travels, why he chose real estate as his next chapter, and how he applies lessons from football to life and business.

How do you stay motivated to pursue your dreams, even after setbacks? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you'll share it by sending me an audio message.

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Do you want to take the leap from office life to embracing a digital nomad or travel lifestyle?

In August 2021, Kyle Cohenour made a major life change — he sold most of his belongings, left his apartment in Florida, and embarked on his journey as a location-independent digital nomad. Since then, he's visited 14 countries, spending two years living and slow traveling in Mexico, 4.5 months exploring South America, and three months calling Madrid, Spain, his home.

Kyle shares his journey of transitioning from a traditional corporate job to a travel-focused lifestyle. He reflects on how he reignited his travel dreams, embraced solo adventures, and built a life as a digital nomad.

This episode is a great reminder to take the long-term view when it comes to your dreams. You'll learn actionable tips for overcoming fears, pitching remote work to your boss, creating meaningful connections on the road, and more.

What does your ideal travel lifestyle look like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

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We are wrapping up the 11th year of Zero To Travel! Listen in to get some food for thought, what you can expect on the podcast in 2025, and a simple challenge to get excited for the new year ahead.

What are your plans for 2025? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Today, we’re taking it back to our very first Norwegian Christmas Spectacular! 

My wife, Anne Dorthe, and I recorded this episode in our cabin in Engerdal, located in rural Norway, roughly 4.5 hours north of Oslo.

Anne Dorthe shares what the traditional Norwegian farm Christmas is like and even sings a little tune for us at the end of the show. 

Listen to this episode and get ready to travel to Norway for a holiday with one-horse open sleighs, cakes, cookies, little Santa men, and much more!

What are some holiday traditions where you live? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Thanks for listening to the Zero To Travel Podcast, and Happy Holidays my friend!

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