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.
Premium Passport: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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What if you could travel the world without leaving your kitchen?
Several years ago, to expand their children's geographic and cultural knowledge, David and Christy Bock decided to pick a country to learn and cook recipes from once a month. This unique practice has since evolved into a “Christmas Around the World” experience, where they've explored holiday customs and cuisines from 18 different countries.
Explore the Bocks’ inspiring family tradition of celebrating Christmas through the food and customs of cultures around the globe. From Japan's fried chicken Christmas feast to Spain's whimsical "pooping log," this episode is a flavorful and fun exploration of global holiday traditions.
You’ll learn how the Bocks turned a simple idea into a meaningful family tradition, discover fascinating and unexpected holiday customs, and get inspired to bring a little international flair to your holiday celebrations.
Whether you're looking for creative family activities or want to explore the world through its festive flavors, this episode offers heartwarming stories, insights, and plenty of laughs.
What’s one international holiday tradition or dish you’d love to try this year? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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If you could snap your fingers and spend a day anywhere in the world, no limits, where would you go and what would you do?
We are turning the tables as my friend and fellow travel podcaster Travis Sherry interviews me for my ultimate travel wish list.
A seasoned traveler and entrepreneur, Travis Sherry hosts the long-running travel podcast Extra Pack of Peanuts. He is also the co-founder of Location Indie, a community of people working together to kick ass in business and travel.
This episode covers everything from planning the perfect three-week adventure to dreaming about one unforgettable day anywhere in the world. It is packed with practical tips, personal reflections, and destination inspiration for solo and group trips, family getaways, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Follow along and answer these thought-provoking questions for yourself!
What’s on your ultimate travel wish list? What are your travel goals? 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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What would it take to create a life of adventure, connection, and meaningful experiences?
Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek are on the world’s longest honeymoon—13 years and counting! They share how they’ve built a lifestyle centered on slow travel, sustainability, and their love for glamping, inspiring others to rethink what’s possible in life and travel.
Mike and Anne Howard are award-winning authors, seasoned travelers, and the visionary duo behind HoneyTrek. Known for their books Comfortably Wild and Ultimate Journeys for Two, they’ve inspired thousands of people to embrace meaningful, unique adventures through slow travel and sustainable living.
Mike and Anne share their experiences of turning an epic honeymoon into a lifestyle, offering practical advice on sustainable travel, avoiding burnout, and embracing spontaneity. You’ll also discover how glamping can provide immersive, eco-friendly adventures and hear their tips for building a life aligned with your passions and priorities.
What’s one way you’d make your travels more meaningful or sustainable? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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How can long-term travel and financial independence reshape your life—and open up new possibilities for your family or personal goals?
Maxwell Lee is a real estate investor, expat, and father who has built a lifestyle of financial independence and global adventure. In this episode, he shares his journey from traditional life in the U.S. to becoming financially independent, raising his children abroad, and embracing world schooling as a family. With his unique perspective, Maxwell explores how combining FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) principles with travel can lead to a fulfilling, unconventional life.
Maxwell breaks down the essentials of worldschooling, explaining how to incorporate travel into education and why it’s about more than just learning—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and fostering adaptability in children.
On the FIRE side, Maxwell shares his real estate strategies and explains how achieving financial independence gave him the freedom to prioritize his passions, family, and exploration. You'll learn how to make small, actionable changes to align your finances and lifestyle with your goals—whether that’s traveling long-term, raising a family abroad, or designing a life filled with purpose and adventure.
Even if you don’t have kids, this episode is packed with lessons about creativity, flexibility, and building a life that reflects what matters most to you.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to balancing travel, family, and personal goals? 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 the quirky and surprising adaptations of the natural world teach us about curiosity, creativity, and our own place on earth?
Cara Giaimo is a freelance writer with a deep love for biodiversity and storytelling. Her latest work with Atlas Obscura, Wild Life: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Living Wonders, is an over-the-top collection of the world's most extraordinary wild species that takes you to all seven continents and beyond. It's more than a field guide—it's an adventure.
Cara shares her journey of researching and writing Wild Life and how writing about the natural world has shaped her own life and creative process. You’ll hear fascinating stories as we unpack surprising animal behaviors and the ways species adapt to urban environments. From multi-headed caterpillars to the rewilding of Chernobyl, our conversation celebrates the natural world, its endless creativity, and what we can learn from the resilience of wildlife.
What’s the most surprising wildlife encounter you’ve experienced on your travels? 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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