Zero To Travel Podcast

Jason Moore

  • 1 hour 40 minutes
    How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel with Paige McClanahan

    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.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • The evolution of tourism and travel and why it’s so complicated
    • How guidebooks and social media have shaped the industry
    • The complexities of influencers and why we are all influencers in some way
    • How destinations can minimize the negative impact of tourism and promote responsible travel
    • The fantasy of tourist traps and how tourism affects the quality of life for residents
    • How she approaches serendipitous moments and genuine connections as an author
    • The impact of AI on the future of tourism
    • Insights on navigating digital nomadism and its effects on residents
    • And so much more

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    6 November 2025, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 34 minutes
    7 Chile Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten Path in Patagonia, Mapuche Culture, and More with Steph Dyson

    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

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    • Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL”

    • Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify

    • Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.

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    4 November 2025, 11:00 am
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Remote Roundup: True Costs of Long-Term Travel, Taxes & Borderless Living, an Underrated Productivity Habit, + More (October 2025)

    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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    30 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    7 Epic Travel Fitness Adventures (For All Levels) and Solo Travel for Transformation with Heidi Nicklaus (+ Jason’s Ultimate Travel Blunder)

    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.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • 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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    28 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 33 minutes
    Top 15 USA National Park Hikes: From Iconic Must-Dos to Hidden Wilderness Gems with Jason Frye

    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

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    21 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 28 minutes
    How to Harness the Power of Your Intuition (Using the Icelandic Concept of Innsæi) with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir

    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

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    14 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Peru’s Hidden Gems, Why NOT to Hike the Inca Trail + Amazing (Less Crowded) Alternatives with Heather Jasper

    Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail ethically?

    Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru.

    In this episode, we dig into why Heather believes it’s nearly impossible to hike the Inca Trail ethically, and she offers lesser-known, more respectful alternatives and hidden gems across Peru.

    This episode may help you become a better traveler and make more informed decisions. Heather explains why the system behind the Inca Trail, from permit quotas to porter treatment, is deeply flawed. You’ll hear exactly what red flags to look for when choosing a trekking company in Peru and what questions to ask before booking. We also explore alternative routes that offer just as much beauty with less harm, plus other parts of Peru that travelers often skip entirely.

    What’s one assumption you hold about a destination you’re planning, and how might you challenge it? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • How Heather built a career in travel writing while living in Peru (and her thoughts on AI!)

    • Why she says the Inca Trail is almost impossible to hike ethically

    • What happened during the pandemic that sharpened her view on porter welfare

    • How to spot an “unethical” trekking company just by their marketing or photos

    • The surprising reason why smaller trekking agencies tend to be more ethical

    • Specific treks in Peru that bypass the worst of mass tourism

    • Hidden destinations in Peru beyond Machu Picchu - art, desert, rainforest, and religious tourism

    • And so much more

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    7 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 18 minutes
    Surviving On a Desert Island + Transformative Travel with Tom Williams from Desert Island Survival

    Do you have the skills to survive on a deserted island? 

    Tom Williams is the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that maroons people on desert islands, and the winner of the TV survival show Alone UK 2023.

    In this episode, Tom traces his path from wealth management to remote survival guiding, explains how he designs his desert island expeditions, and shares the deep transformations that he's witnessed in his participants.

    Tom shares how he went from being at the bottom of his class and experiencing childhood bullying in England to walking to the North Pole, becoming a dive master, and launching a wilderness survival business. He breaks down how Desert Island Survival trips work, why they’re structured the way they are, and what makes the format accessible even to beginners. You’ll hear real stories of guests who made dramatic life changes afterward - quitting jobs, leaving relationships, transforming their health - not because they were promised transformation, but because of what happens when you slow down and reconnect with your primal self. Tom also shares business lessons from starting small, building around passion, and growing with intention.

    *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What travel experiences have changed your life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • Why a trip to Honduras at 20 shifted Tom’s identity and changed the course of his life
    • How walking to the North Pole helped him build the resilience to start a business
    • What inspired him to leave a finance job and build Desert Island Survival from scratch
    • What actually happens on the island and why it’s designed to feel like raw adventure, not hardship
    • The “non-negotiables” that make each trip feel special, accessible, and transformative
    • What it means to go back to “layer zero” of technology and why that’s so powerful
    • How Tom finds untouched islands in a mapped world, and what makes the perfect location
    • What he’s learned from growing slowly, staying picky, and building around passion
    • Why following your dream isn’t always about success
    • And so much more

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    2 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Top 7 French Riviera Hidden Gems (A Local’s Guide) + A Lifestyle Redesign Built Around Travel with Cédric Pages

    What if the French Riviera you’ve seen in photos is only half the story?

    Cédric Pages is the founder of WhatToDoRiviera.com, a local tour entrepreneur driving discovery across the Côte d’Azur by partnering with small operators and curating authentic experiences.

    In this episode, we dive into seven hidden gems of the French Riviera that most visitors miss, plus Cédric’s journey from IT to tour guide and how he’s building a travel business that’s rooted in human connection.

    Cédric shares seven of his favorite French Riviera hidden gems, including secret coastal walks, ancient monasteries, and even a solar-powered sailing experience. You’ll hear what makes the region so unique, how to explore it without breaking the bank, and why most visitors miss its most memorable spots. 

    Which of these hidden gems are you most excited to explore, or which region have you discovered that surprised 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 Cedric turned a single walking tour into a platform supporting local guides and curated experiences across the Riviera
    • A coastal walk that offers dramatic sea views, rare flora, and villa-lined cliffs
    • An under-visited nearby island that still houses monks and produces local wine and olive oil
    • The story of a tiny, family-run vineyard still using centuries-old winemaking methods
    • Why a scenic train ride turns a Riviera base into an unexpected mountain gateway
    • What it’s like to glide silently along the coast on a solar-powered boat
    • How one inland river canyon makes for an epic full-day adventure
    • Which town Cédric recommends as your base, and when it actually makes sense to move
    • The biggest assumption people make about French hospitality and how to break through
    • Advice for building a travel business that connects you with people, not just tours
    • And so much more

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    30 September 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 59 seconds
    Remote Roundup: Intentional Travel, Nomadding Berlin, Work Setups, Co-Living Trends, Overhyped Destinations (September 2025)

    What if every choice as a digital nomad, from where you live, to how you work, to the people you surround yourself with, was made with more intention?

    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.

    In this episode, we talk about how adding intentionality to your travels can completely reshape your experience as a digital nomad, and how the right tools, communities, and mindsets can turn a place from “just okay” to somewhere you thrive. 

    We reflect on how our experiences of a popular European city have shifted over time, share the realities of finding remote work setups that actually support this lifestyle, and unpack the growing trend of pop-up co-livings. You’ll get our honest take on destinations that look perfect on Instagram but don’t always hold up in real life, and how to think differently about where (and why) you go next.

    What’s one experience, community, or personal goal that could guide your next destination? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • How Berlin won Caitlin over on her second visit, and what makes it a compelling nomad base
    • The gear and simple upgrades that can make remote work more comfortable and sustainable on the road
    • Why pop-up and self-organized co-livings are on the rise and how they’re creating more organic, affordable, and aligned ways to live and work together
    • How choosing a purpose or focus for your travels can lead to deeper connections, routines, and a more memorable time
    • Which popular destinations are overhyped, and how expectations shape our experience
    • A fun round of Would You Rather” that can help you reflect on your own travel values and priorities
    • And so much more

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    25 September 2025, 10:00 am
  • 56 minutes 38 seconds
    Traveling with No Destination and No Goals: Lessons from a 3-Year, 38,000-Mile Solo Bike Ride Around the World with Jacob Lemanski

    What would happen if you left home with no destination, no goal or deadline, and simply just went until you couldn’t go any further?

    Jacob Lemanski is an engineer-turned-world traveler who bicycled 38,000 miles over 999 days, crossing six continents and circling the earth twice. After returning home, he turned his travel journal into a video podcast, How To Move The Stars. He also founded an art and clothing company inspired by the experience and now runs a bike touring business in Colorado.

    Jacob shares what it was like to travel without a finish line and how it reshaped his entire approach to life and adventure.

    He reveals how three years of solo, open-ended travel deepened his understanding of presence, identity, and emotional endurance. You’ll hear what it took to stay on the road for 999 days, the personal cost and reward of extreme solitude, and how returning home led him to reshape his life through creativity, entrepreneurship, and reflection. This episode challenges conventional ideas of success and shows what’s possible when the journey itself becomes the destination.

    What’s one journey you’ve been holding back from because you felt you needed a clear goal or endpoint? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

    Tune In To Learn:

    • What inspired Jacob to leave home without a destination and why he expected to quit much earlier

    • What it’s like to live without a schedule for three years and how that changes your sense of time

    • What the trip taught him about limits, identity, and emotional endurance

    • The emotional impact of returning home after years of open-ended movement

    • How Jacob turned thousands of journal pages into a long-term podcast art project

    • Why he built a giant ant farm, and how psychedelics helped him process the trip

    • His best advice for aspiring long-distance cyclists and building a trip around your personal limits

    • And so much more

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    23 September 2025, 10:00 am
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