Episodes

  • Visiting Every National Park in One Year with Conor Knighton

    Visiting Every National Park in One Year with Conor Knighton
    Jul 31 2025
    What changes when you give your travels a singular mission? Conor Knighton is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the bestselling author of Leave Only Footprints. After a personal breakup and some professional uncertainty, Conor pitched an idea that turned into a once-in-a-lifetime journey to all 59 national parks - a mission that transformed his life. In this episode, Conor shares how the trip came to be, the people and parks that changed him, and why structure and singularity can create deeper travel experiences. He also offers practical advice for making the most of your national park visits, especially when you want to avoid the crowds. If you’ve ever wanted to build a long-term travel journey around a specific goal, Conor’s story shows how powerful that can be. He opens up about the personal challenges that led to the trip, how he pitched it to CBS, and what it was really like to live on the road for a year. Along the way, he shares travel-tested tips for navigating national parks, connecting with strangers, and building a meaningful solo travel experience. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What’s the most powerful travel experience you’ve had in nature? 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 Conor transitioned from acting to TV journalism What sparked his idea to visit every U.S. national park in one year Why structure and a mission can elevate your travels How he funded and planned the yearlong journey Advice for navigating national parks without the crowds What to do on “lazy” travel days and why they’re important The best gear and apps for park-based road trips How to balance travel and content creation Stories of the inspiring people he met along the way Reflections on uncertainty, risk, and reinvention And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter ConorKnighton.com Instagram Want More? RV´ing Across America: A Quest To Visit All 50 States w/ Alyssa Padgett Reading a Book from Every Country in the World: A Year-Long Quest of Understanding with Ann Morgan How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk Thanks To Our Sponsors: Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • 5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan

    5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan
    Jul 29 2025
    What does it really mean to get beyond the clichés in Paris? Paige McClanahan is a journalist and author of The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She’s spent years reporting for The New York Times and has lived in France for seven years. Her work explores tourism’s power to shape communities and how we can all travel more consciously. In this episode, Paige shares five unexpected and meaningful things to do in Paris that you’re not likely to find in a guidebook. We also talk about three offbeat places in France that are worth exploring if you want to go beyond the usual stops. You’ll learn how small things like saying “bonjour” can shift your whole experience, and how curiosity can lead you into everything from revolutionary history to North African hammams to street art scavenger hunts. Paige brings that perfect mix of local insight and traveler perspective that makes these suggestions feel not just interesting, but personal and lived-in. What are the most unexpected places you’ve discovered while traveling, and what made them stand out to you? I’d love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Paige’s favorite Paris park feels like a secret escape in the city How a hammam visit near the Grand Mosque can open your eyes to Arab culture in France Why “bonjour” and “au revoir” might be the most important words you say in Paris How to explore the French Revolution using a free app on your phone Advice to uncover Black history in Paris through immersive tours Tips for engaging with France’s diversity and colonial history through travel How to join a real-life street art scavenger hunt across Paris Where to go in the French Alps besides Chamonix What makes La Rochelle an underrated coastal gem Why Lille is a culture-rich city most tourists skip And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Paige McClanahan on Instagram Paige’s website and The New Tourist book Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Rosa Bonheur Bar Grande Mosquée de Paris Parcours Révolution App Black Paris Tours (Ricky Stevenson) Le Paris Noir Tour (Kevi Donat) Flash Invaders street art app Want More? How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan 3 Travel Trends You Should Know w/ Paige McClanahan How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card – Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides – Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Digital Detox: Downsizing Your Digital Life to Create Freedom + Reboot Your Lifestyle Business with Corbett Barr

    Digital Detox: Downsizing Your Digital Life to Create Freedom + Reboot Your Lifestyle Business with Corbett Barr
    Jul 24 2025
    Have you ever considered doing a digital detox, but were unsure where to start or how it would impact your life or business? Corbett Barr is an OG in the lifestyle business world, being a seasoned entrepreneur, creator, and technologist. After stepping away from the startup grind in search of a more balanced life, Corbett did a complete digital reset. He wiped away all the digital noise, keeping just one social media platform, which helped him refocus and recommit to ONLY the things that genuinely brought him joy. In this episode, we explore the concept of a “digital reboot,” how our online lives impact our real-world experience, and what it looks like to live more intentionally in the digital age, especially if you're building a business. Corbett opens up about the stress of entrepreneurship, the emotional weight of maintaining an online presence, and how minimizing his digital footprint helped him reconnect with what matters. You’ll hear real talk about creative burnout, finding balance between work and life, and how to rethink your relationship with social media and technology without burning it all down. We also talk travel, sabbaticals, pickleball, and how to design a business that fits your life, not the other way around. Did this episode inspire you to do your own version of a digital reboot? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share 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. Tune In To Learn: Why putting "lifestyle first" should always be the foundation of your decisions What Corbett learned from the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley startups (and why he walked away) How to communicate effectively with your partner when making major life or career changes Why managing your “runway” (aka your savings) is essential How to rethink your digital habits and start your digital reboot from a lifestyle perspective What happened when Corbett deleted all his social media, and what he learned about identity, presence, and pressure The unexpected power of visualizing a better future and recommitting to work you thought you might leave behind A simple framework you can use to make any decision with more clarity Where Corbett lands on the “pursue your passion vs. chase the opportunity” debate What makes life in Mexico so magical And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want More? The Location Free Lifestyle With Melody From Black Digital Nomad Saying "Yes" to Full Time Travel with Christina McEnvoy 7 Pro Tips For Finding A Perfect Work/Life/Travel Balance w/ Kelly Claus & Jeremy Enns Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey

    How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey
    Jul 22 2025
    What is hiking a camino really like? Can you do it even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, or don’t have a big, life-changing quest in mind? Shawn and Lainey are the husband-and-wife team behind Days We Spend, where they share stories and videos about their experiences walking Caminos and slow traveling across Europe. Both are experienced travelers -Lainey is a swing dance teacher who once built a global dance tour from scratch, and Shawn is a writer and creative whose love for "not hiking" somehow led him to walk over a dozen pilgrimages. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around the kind of travel that slows you down, invites connection, and helps you hit the reset button on life. In this episode, we explore the modern pilgrimage lifestyle and why walking across Spain (or Portugal… or France…) might be the most human thing you ever do. Shawn and Lainey share an honest, down-to-earth look at what it’s actually like to walk a pilgrimage route, from navigating albergues to letting go of itineraries. You’ll hear what draws people to walk hundreds of kilometers (sometimes again and again), how to plan a Camino no matter how much time you have, and why these long walks are more about transformation through stillness than any big dramatic revelation. Whether you're craving community, solitude, or just a break from the algorithmic noise of modern life, this one will leave you thinking about what it means to just… walk. What kind of reset are you craving right now, and do you think a slower, more intentional kind of travel could help you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Lainey’s first Camino de Santiago completely changed how she viewed Spain How Lainey and Shawn went from New York hustle to full-time pilgrims Advice to anyone who thinks they’re “not a hiker” (and why Shawn still doesn’t identify as one) What makes the Camino different from other travel experiences How walking helps you reset physically, mentally, and emotionally Why the Camino doesn’t have to be life-changing to be meaningful How to plan a Camino if you only have 1 or 2 weeks off Why the Camino Primitivo might be your perfect first (or second) pilgrimage Logistics tips: booking, WhatsApp hacks, and when to ditch your plans How to avoid crowds and find less-traveled but equally beautiful routes What it’s like to walk with a partner (and even a donkey!) And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Days We Spend website YouTube Instagram Buen Camino App Wise Pilgrim App Gronze Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de Espana The Chemin du Puy (Via Podiensis, Le Puy Camino, GR65) The Way of Compostela Want More? Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman Walking Europe’s GR5, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Wise Strength With Kathy Elkind Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning on the Silk Road with Will Rickard

    What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning on the Silk Road with Will Rickard
    Jul 17 2025
    What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted? Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conversations, and culture. After leaving a prestigious corporate career in Sydney, he hit reset, taking only a backpack and a big question on the road: What is happiness? In this episode, Will and I unpack the complex relationship between travel and happiness, and what he discovered by going off-grid in some of the world’s least-visited countries. If you’ve ever felt torn between being grateful for what you have and craving something more, this conversation might hit home. Will doesn’t offer a tidy formula for happiness, but instead, he shares five powerful themes that emerged during his journey - from purpose and minimalism to gratitude and detachment. We talk about how travel can shift your perspective, why sometimes you just have to book the flight, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper meaning. Plus, we explore how moving abroad redefined my own ideas about happiness. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while traveling that changed the way you define happiness? I'd love for you to 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. Tune In To Learn: Why Will walked away from a “dream” corporate job to explore the Silk Road How a photo on Instagram sparked a life-changing decision What the “anti-bucket list” is and how it might reshape your goals Advice to anyone stuck in a career rut and wondering what’s next Why pursuing “more” isn’t always a bad thing—and when it is How five schools in Afghanistan changed Will’s view of purpose Why these little-visited countries offer some of the most generous hospitality Insights from ancient philosophy (and a scary night on the Pamir Highway) The difference between enthusiasm and passion when it comes to career How practicing gratitude—especially while traveling—can shift your mental state And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Will's book The Silk Road To Happiness Follow Will on Instagram, LinkedIn Want More? The power Of Death In Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry Sweet Ass Strategies For Achieving Anything Fast w/ Heath Armstrong Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Real Scotland: Ancient Traditions, Secret Valleys, and Why You Shouldn’t Cut Your Haggis with Andy McAlindon

    The Real Scotland: Ancient Traditions, Secret Valleys, and Why You Shouldn’t Cut Your Haggis with Andy McAlindon
    Jul 15 2025
    Are you craving an adventure that’ll connect you deeper to Scotland’s wild places, warm people, and timeless legends? Andy McAlindon, better known as Andy the Highlander, is a Scottish tour guide, author, actor, and storyteller whose passion for Scotland’s history and culture has captivated millions online. From learning to sword fight on the set of Outlander to guiding travelers through hidden villages and ancient rituals, Andy’s journey is all about bringing Scotland’s living traditions to life. In this episode, we explore Andy’s transformation from electrician to beloved Highland guide and content creator, and his best advice for experiencing Scotland beyond the tourist traps. Andy shares the raw story of how he found purpose through grief, what he learned about work and resilience from his dad, and how stepping into the Highlander role helped him fall deeper in love with his homeland. We dig into the lesser-known places to go, local festivals to plan around, cultural traditions you’ll want to bring home, and the magic of slowing down to connect with real people. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to daydream about wild glens and cozy pubs, you’ll come away with practical tips and a new perspective on what travel in Scotland can really mean. What’s one local tradition you’d love to borrow from Scottish culture and weave into your own life? 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: Why Andy swapped a career as an electrician to become Scotland’s most recognizable Highlander How a tragic loss unexpectedly led him to the stage and ultimately to the screen What it was like sword fighting for Outlander and how that shaped his tours The lesser-known places that need to be on your Scotland list How Andy balances sharing Scotland’s hidden gems while protecting them from overtourism Advice on hiking the West Highland Way without the rookie mistakes Why staying in a bothy or croft helps you experience Scotland like a local How handfasting ceremonies and sharing a ‘quake’ cup reveal the heart of Scottish connection What local foods, drinks, and live music spots make your trip unforgettable How to support local communities and keep Scotland’s spirit alive when you visit And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Highlander Tours Lochs and Legends book Andy the Highlander on Instagram TikTok YouTube Want More? Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen Lessons From Running Every Street In Glasgow, Scotland w/ Michael Shanks Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Tbilisi Travel and Hidden Georgia Gems with Local Guide Levan Giorgadze

    Tbilisi Travel and Hidden Georgia Gems with Local Guide Levan Giorgadze
    Jul 10 2025
    Why should you travel to Tbilisi, Georgia? While you might come for the 8,000-year-old wine, you’ll want to stay for the wild hospitality and a city full of surprises. Levan Giorgadze is a theater-trained tour guide and founder of Tbilisi Free Walking Tours, where he shares Georgia’s rich history and culture with travelers from all over the world. A passionate ambassador for his homeland, Levan’s deep knowledge and playful storytelling have made him one of the most sought-after local guides in the region. In this episode, we’re talking all things Georgia (the country!), from ancient wine traditions to offbeat Soviet architecture, cultural quirks, and tips for connecting with locals in Tbilisi and beyond. If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia or curious about why it’s become one of the most talked-about destinations, this episode is a must. Levan shares what makes the city so special, from it’s special amber wines made in underground clay jars to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and other hidden gems in Tbilisi. You’ll learn why you should never cut a khinkali and what it’s like to lead a free walking tour in Tbilisi for nine years. You’ll get insider tips on the best local wine bars, Soviet-era architecture, and how to connect with locals on a deeper level. Whether you're after a cultural travel experience or just want the best Tbilisi travel tips, this episode will help you see the city like a local. What do you think makes a place truly unforgettable - the food, the people, the stories, or something else entirely? I'd love to hear what you think, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Georgian amber wine might be the oldest winemaking tradition in the world How Georgia's diverse microclimates shape its food, nature, and wine Advice to connect with locals (and maybe get invited to dinner) What travelers can learn from locals, and what Levan’s learned from travelers Why you should never cut a khinkali dumpling How Levan started one of the first free walking tours in Tbilisi Hidden gems in Tbilisi, including the SkyBridge and Soviet-era print house Why the “Chronicle of Georgia” monument is worth the trip out of town Where to find the best markets, street food, and people-watching opportunities What to bring home from Georgia besides a bottle of wine And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Tbilisi Free Walking Tours Want More? Top 10 Health and Wellness Destinations (The Best Places To Live In The World) with Nina Butler Exploring Kyoto Japan, Creative Expression Through Street Photography, Connecting With Your Heritage Abroad with Taro Moberly Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Timor-Leste Hidden Gems: Blue Whales, Diving, and Slow Travel in One of the World’s Least Visited Countries with Jonty Crane

    Timor-Leste Hidden Gems: Blue Whales, Diving, and Slow Travel in One of the World’s Least Visited Countries with Jonty Crane
    Jul 8 2025
    Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences? Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle. In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting. We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort. Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special 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: Why Timor-Leste gets so few tourists and why that’s part of its magic How it feels to be one of the only foreigners in a place (and how locals respond) What slow travel really means, and how it compares to traditional tourism Advice for traveling in places with limited infrastructure (and why it’s worth it) Jonty’s take on authenticity, cultural connection, and purpose-driven travel The best things to do in Timor-Leste, from coral reefs to mountain hikes What it’s like volunteering abroad and “working” while exploring Why slow travel doesn’t have to mean doing nothing A peek at Timor-Leste’s rich history and resilient spirit And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Jonty’s website and Instagram Exploring Timor-Leste website Jonty’s books on Timor-Leste Exploring Timor-Leste Podcast TikTok YouTube Want More? Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly Top 10 Hidden Gems: East Africa (Beyond the Safari) and Transitioning to Travel With Sasha and Megnote Lezhnev Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson Thanks To Our Sponsors Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.
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    1 hr and 22 mins