Episodes

  • 11 European Dishes You Must Try Before You Die (Plus Movie Pairings) with Kenny Dunn

    11 European Dishes You Must Try Before You Die (Plus Movie Pairings) with Kenny Dunn
    Dec 2 2025
    Which European dish is so good you’d plan a trip around it? Kenny Dunn is the founder of Eating Europe, a food tour company that has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities since 2011. In this episode, Kenny shares 11 European dishes you must try before you die, including cultural context, restaurant tips, and personal stories from his years of travel. Kenny explains how each dish connects to its place and people, how everyday locals enjoy them, and shares his go-to spots for trying them. To add a little flavor, we also pair each dish with a movie or TV show to turn your meal into an experience if you want to make these at home! Which dish would you travel for or try to recreate at home? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: The famous British snack that was originally invented as a travel food How a Spanish street food became a spicy, deep-fried bomb of flavor The story behind a French sandwich that inspired a monster version in Portugal How one Roman specialty turns a humble vegetable into something unforgettable Where to find the prettiest open-faced sandwich in Scandinavia The sandwich Anthony Bourdain called “a monument to excess” How a single dish became the pride of Prague’s holiday tables What to expect when you try Florence’s most local sandwich Why a herring might be best enjoyed standing up in Amsterdam Tips for cooking a few of these at home (and when not to bother) And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Eating Europe Eating Europe on Instagram Want More? Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe Sicily Uncovered: Street Food, Wine Regions, and the Art of Slowing Down Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Remote Roundup: Bangkok & Oaxaca, Remote Career Trends, Missing Out at Home, Practical Holiday Gift Guide (November 2025)

    Remote Roundup: Bangkok & Oaxaca, Remote Career Trends, Missing Out at Home, Practical Holiday Gift Guide (November 2025)
    Nov 27 2025
    How do you choose where to live, what to do, and when to go home when your life is fully remote? Remote Roundup is a 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, they’re reporting in from two wildly different corners of the world with stories, struggles, and insights about what it actually looks like to live and work abroad right now, plus a practical holiday wish list. Caitlin and Janessa open up about the hard choices digital nomads face around holidays, family, and missing big life events. They talk about the growing trend of unexpected remote careers and explore how people are adapting traditional jobs to fit this lifestyle, a conversation about the myth of the laptop-on-the-beach image that won't die, and more. What has been your biggest struggle being away from home when you travel? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why Bangkok’s scale, café culture, and mall scene work so well for remote living How Oaxaca brings together community, creativity, and tradition, especially around Day of the Dead How Caitlin pulled off a cheap(ish) last-minute flight to Asia with an airport transfer hack What it’s really like to grieve major life moments from abroad, and insight into deciding when going home makes sense Thoughts on how to take traditional skills and repurpose them into location-independent careers An honest take on the “laptop on the beach” stereotype (and why it’s still everywhere) A holiday gift guide with digital nomads in mind Two travel fail stories that involve passports, bowel movements, and a nearly missed bus in the Italian countryside And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Caitlin on Instagram Janessa on Instagram Want More? Remote Roundup: True Costs of Long-Term Travel, Taxes & Borderless Living, an Underrated Productivity Habit, + More (October 2025) Building a Travel Lifestyle: Digital Nomadism, Slow Travel, Exploring Latin America with Kyle Cohenour From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Top 10 World’s Most Difficult Countries to Visit (How and Why to Go) with Gunnar Garfors and Jacqui Kunz

    Top 10 World’s Most Difficult Countries to Visit (How and Why to Go) with Gunnar Garfors and Jacqui Kunz
    Nov 25 2025
    What are the most difficult countries to visit, and why do some require months of effort just to get in? Gunnar Garfors is an author, journalist, and the first person to travel to every country in the world twice. Jacqui Kunz was named “World’s Most Intrepid Traveler” in 2023 and is also well on her way to visiting every country in the world. In this Zero To Travel Host Collective episode, Gunnar and Jacqui go through ten of the world’s most difficult countries to visit from a visa and access standpoint. Gunnar and Jacqui share their personal experiences and insights navigating the world’s hardest-to-enter countries, especially from the perspective of American and Norwegian passports. You’ll learn not just where the access is difficult, but why - whether it’s politics, reciprocity, red tape, or safety concerns - and what it says about global mobility. They also explore the ethical side of “ticking countries off the list” and how that mindset can warp the meaning of travel. If you were to visit one country that you know is extremely hard to get into, which country would it be and why? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why your passport dramatically affects your ability to visit certain countries How political tensions between nations influence visa rules and travel bans Advice for Americans trying to enter countries that officially don’t allow them Why some countries like Turkmenistan or Libya require government approval before you can even apply What Gunnar did after being rejected six times for a visa to Turkmenistan How Jackie’s educational work raised red flags with the Iranian authorities How to travel ethically to countries with problematic governments or ongoing conflicts Tips for minimizing risk and maximizing cultural exchange in restricted destinations What it really means to have “been” somewhere (and who gets to decide that) And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Gunnar’s website Gunnar on Instagram Jacqui on Instagram Want More? Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Traveling the Equator and Polar Circle (Top 5 Countries to Visit) + How Climate Change Impacts Locals with Gunnar Garfors Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz

    Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz
    Nov 20 2025
    IMPORTANT: This episode was recorded before the conflict in Sudan, and Jacqui has since left the country. For additional information and ways to support the Sudanese people, you can visit eyesonsudan.net and follow Jacqui on Instagram. Why would someone choose to travel to the world’s most dangerous places? Today I’m joined by Jacquelyn Kunz, the first female to travel independently through Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control. In this episode, Jacqui shares some of the toughest moments from her time in Afghanistan, what led her to move to Sudan, and her life as an expat. We also talk about what it was like to hitchhike in Iraq and how these experiences have shifted her outlook on life. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Do you consider yourself a risk-taker? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Tune in to Learn: What Jacqui considers the ultimate traveler fantasy Her favorite places to visit and what attracts her to more extreme foreign destinations Insight into the experience of being a woman in Sudan How Government censorship and surveillance impact a society Why Jacqui chose to move to Sudan (and her family's reaction) Life in Sudan with political instability, and how she fits into society Why a foreign woman is considered an "honorary man," and how this impacts her relationship with Sudanese women How these experiences changed her perspective on life and relating to others Insight into finding the courage to take a different path Jacqui's best advice for safety and her thoughts on being a risk-taker And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Learn more about the conflict in Sudan Connect with Jacqui on Instagram Listen to Laundry House on Spotify and follow us on Instagram Want More? 7 Pro Tips For Traveling In Dangerous Countries w/ Bjorn Palsson Travel In The Middle East with Genevieve Hathaway What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard Thanks to our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Beginner's Guide to Travel (No Matter Your Age) + How to Travel with Diabetes with Jason Robinson

    Beginner's Guide to Travel (No Matter Your Age) + How to Travel with Diabetes with Jason Robinson
    Nov 18 2025
    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. Tune In To Learn: Why getting your passport is the easiest first move toward travel How to start travelling from exactly where you are (not waiting for “perfect”) Why choosing the right accommodation style (hostel vs co‑living) matters for long‑term travel How to build a financial base that supports a travel lifestyle—not traps you The conversation you need to have with friends or family about your priorities How to recognise and navigate travel burnout or lifestyle shifts Mindset tips for travelling with a medical condition, or any “extra” in your life Where Jason wants to go back (and why slower travel matters) How to frame your worst‑case/best‑case list so fear doesn’t hold you back The one mindset change that turns travel planning into travel living And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Jason on Instagram The Nomad Experiment Type 1 Diabetes Travel Learn to Travel Basics Want More? Going Nomad With Jason Robinson Life As An Experiment w/ Jason Robinson Rock Bottom To A Life of Travel w/ Francis Nayan Thanks To Our Sponsors 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. Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Top 7 Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) with Gunnar Garfors

    Top 7 Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) with Gunnar Garfors
    Nov 13 2025
    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: The ROI of travel and why you should explore out-of-the-box destinations What makes this overlooked part of this Caribbean island worth a visit How to have an authentic South American river adventure An African country ideal for extreme sports and coastal wildlife The vastly underestimated European country that has something for everyone A fun way to plan trips with your friends (You’ll want to steal this!) An affordable, diverse, and mountainous country along the Old Silk Road An underestimated Asian country rich in culture, innovation, and amazing food (It’s his favorite big city in the world!) A small but incredible Pacific island kingdom for an alternative to Fiji His bonus destination for an affordable Maldives experience Gunnar’s new book and his thoughts on climate change And so much more Resources: Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Visit Gunnar’s website Follow him on Instagram and TikTok Listen to his podcast Want More? Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors How To Get Off The Beaten Track with Gunnar Garfors Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying (In a Single Journey) With Thor Pedersen Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • The Revival of Night Train Travel and Launching a European Sleeper Train Startup with Thibault Constant

    The Revival of Night Train Travel and Launching a European Sleeper Train Startup with Thibault Constant
    Nov 11 2025
    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: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Paige McClanahan’s website Paige on Instagram Thibault on Instagram Simply Railway YouTube Trains de Nuit Nox Sleeper Trains Want More? 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 Thanks To Our Sponsors Holafly⁠ - Get 10% off your annual Holafly eSIM with code “ZEROTOTRAVEL” Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Turkish Airlines Series - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel with Paige McClanahan

    How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel with Paige McClanahan
    Nov 6 2025
    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 Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Paige’s website Get a copy of her book, The New Tourist Listen to The Better Travel Podcast Follow her on Instagram Check out the book Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? Take a MasterClass Transcribe with Trint Want More? Is Your Summer Vacation Destroying The Planet? w/ Seth Kugel Avoiding The Instagram Trap w/ Kashlee Conscious Travel Mindset With Robin Greenfield Thanks To Our Sponsors 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 40 mins