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Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly

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What does it really take to visit Tibet, and how can you have an authentic experience while you're there?

My guest today is Robert Kelly, a seasoned travel writer who has co-authored multiple editions of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guidebook.

With years of firsthand experience in Tibet and its surrounding regions, Robert shares his insights on what makes Tibet an unforgettable travel experience as we explore its culture, landscapes, and historical complexities.

Robert shares what travelers need to know: how to navigate the permit system, the best ways to experience Tibetan culture, and why some areas are easier to visit than others. We also talk about what it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash, the role of monasteries in Tibetan life, and how to respectfully connect with locals.

If you could visit Tibet, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

  • Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

  • Why Tibet is a must-visit destination and why you should go sooner rather than later
  • What it’s like to be a Lonely Planet guidebook writer for Tibet
  • How Tibet’s history with China has shaped travel in the region
  • The deep spiritual traditions of Tibet, from pilgrimage routes to sacred monasteries
  • What it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash and how to prepare for the journey
  • Tips for independent travelers who want an authentic experience
  • Hidden gems outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region where you can experience Tibetan culture more freely
  • How local Tibetans perceive travelers and how to make meaningful connections
  • What to pack for high-altitude trekking and why being prepared is crucial
  • And so much more

Resources:

Want More?

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779 episodes

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Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly

Zero To Travel Podcast

1,220 subscribers

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Manage episode 471183299 series 71086
Content provided by Jason Moore. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jason Moore or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

What does it really take to visit Tibet, and how can you have an authentic experience while you're there?

My guest today is Robert Kelly, a seasoned travel writer who has co-authored multiple editions of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guidebook.

With years of firsthand experience in Tibet and its surrounding regions, Robert shares his insights on what makes Tibet an unforgettable travel experience as we explore its culture, landscapes, and historical complexities.

Robert shares what travelers need to know: how to navigate the permit system, the best ways to experience Tibetan culture, and why some areas are easier to visit than others. We also talk about what it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash, the role of monasteries in Tibetan life, and how to respectfully connect with locals.

If you could visit Tibet, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

  • Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

  • Why Tibet is a must-visit destination and why you should go sooner rather than later
  • What it’s like to be a Lonely Planet guidebook writer for Tibet
  • How Tibet’s history with China has shaped travel in the region
  • The deep spiritual traditions of Tibet, from pilgrimage routes to sacred monasteries
  • What it’s like to trek around Mount Kailash and how to prepare for the journey
  • Tips for independent travelers who want an authentic experience
  • Hidden gems outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region where you can experience Tibetan culture more freely
  • How local Tibetans perceive travelers and how to make meaningful connections
  • What to pack for high-altitude trekking and why being prepared is crucial
  • And so much more

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

779 episodes

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What can we actually learn about climate change when we stop reading headlines and start listening to the people living it? Gunnar Garfors is the first person to travel to every country in the world not once, but twice. He’s a Norwegian adventurer, journalist, and author whose latest project took him across the equator, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic region to explore the lived experiences of climate change. His new book, Mellom Linjene (Between the Lines), captures these human stories behind the headlines, showing us how the changing climate is affecting the lives of fishermen, farmers, city dwellers, and Indigenous peoples from the Amazon rainforest to the ice desert of Greenland. Gunnar shares his experience researching and writing his book and recounts the very real ways climate change is reshaping the planet’s most climate-vulnerable zones. We talk through five of his favorite countries along the Arctic Circle and the equator, weaving together adventure, personal stories, and eye-opening conversations with locals on the ground. Gunnar’s first-person encounters with reindeer herders, farmers, fishermen, and locals living at the edges of the world help paint a fuller, more human picture of what’s happening. You’ll hear how polar bears are wandering into villages in search of food, why Amazonian ferry rides matter, and what it’s like to get called out on the Congo River for representing the global north. How is climate change affecting the places you care about or the way you think about travel? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Gunnar retraced his steps across 21 countries and Antarctica despite already visiting every country twice What ticks, shifting seasons, and reindeer behavior are revealing climate changes in Finland What a screaming fox in Canada had to say about a massive landslide and how melting snow and rising rivers are reshaping northern communities How the Amazon River’s disappearing waterways are affecting transportation, food access, and entire communities Why fishermen in São Tomé and Príncipe are traveling farther for fewer fish, and what a disappearing rainy season means for daily life What it’s like to spend five days on a cargo barge in the Congo (with very little food and a lot of humidity) How climate change is forcing rural farmers in the DRC to question the cause and confront visitors with unexpected responsibility Why telling personal stories might be the most powerful way to talk about climate change Advice to travelers who want to get out of the Western bubble and witness these changes firsthand And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Gunnar’s website Follow on Instagram Want More? Top 7 Up-And-Coming Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) With Gunnar Garfors Visiting Every County In The World…TWICE! With Gunnar Garfors World Tour for Climate Change: Hitchhiking, Biking, and Low-Carbon Travel With Megan Routbort Thanks To Our Sponsors Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Why do some conversations leave you feeling seen and understood, while others fall flat? Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and his latest, Supercommunicators . He's spent years exploring the science of communication to find out what separates those rare, magical conversations from ones that leave us disconnected or misunderstood. In this episode, we explore how communication really works - what’s happening in our brains during conversations, the skills that make someone a “supercommunicator,” and how to have more meaningful, connected interactions no matter where you are in the world. If you’ve ever left a conversation wondering why it didn’t land the way you wanted or if you’re trying to get better at connecting with people across cultures, relationships, or work, this one’s for you. Charles shares practical frameworks and surprising science-backed insights that help you show up better in any conversation. Whether you're navigating conflict with your partner or chatting with a stranger abroad, this episode is full of takeaways that’ll make you rethink how you communicate. PLUS, stick around on the backend for a special segment on the best things to do, see, and eat in Baltimore, Maryland. What’s one small shift you could make to be more present and connected in your conversations this week? I'd love to hear what you took away from our talk, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Charles and his wife spent six months surfing in El Salvador and living in Costa Rica How living abroad shaped his worldview as a journalist What led Charles to write Supercommunicators after the success of The Power of Habit How to identify the 3 types of conversations (and why mismatching them causes conflict) How to ask deep questions that invite real connection Why “looping for understanding” is a powerful listening tool How vulnerability really works in our brains, and why energy matching is a powerful way to build trust and connection Why we’re all supercommunicators already And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Charles’ website Subscribe to his Substack Follow on Instagram Want More? Strategies for Living an Unconventional Life with Ingrid Alm Rick Steves On the Hippie Trail (The Making of a Travel Writer) with Special Guest Host Eric Weiner How to Navigate Transitions and Design Your Life (Without the BS) with Lauren Handel Zander Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Is co-living the secret sauce to building community and staying inspired on the road? Fabio and Juls are the co-founders of Casa Basilico, a pop-up foodie co-living experience designed for digital nomads who crave meaningful connection, delicious food, and a vibrant sense of community. As full-time travelers and friends-turned-business-partners, they’ve hosted over 200 nomads around the world, using shared meals and creative adventures to turn strangers into family. We dive deep into the world of co-living: what it means, why it’s catching on, and how food, friendship, and shared experiences can lead to some of the most powerful travel experiences. If you've ever wondered what it's like to stay in a co-living space or dreamed about building your own travel-inspired community, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look. Juls and Fabio share honest, hilarious, and heartwarming stories from the road, including why cooking together is their not-so-secret weapon for connection, what happens when your car breaks down on the way to a surprise helicopter ride, and how they create spaces that feel like home, even when you’re far from it. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how co-living can deepen your travel experience, along with practical tips if you're considering trying it yourself. What do you think makes a place feel like home when you're traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why co-living is more than just shared housing for digital nomads How Juls and Fabio stumbled into the co-living scene and ended up launching Casa Basilico What sets co-living apart from hostels and Airbnbs How long-term stays create deeper connections (and why short-term may not cut it) Advice to find a co-living space that fits your vibe, goals, and lifestyle Why Fabio’s pasta dinners became the foundation for building community What it’s like to run a surprise weekend adventure (including a busted car and a helicopter) Why choosing lesser-known destinations creates richer experiences (+ destination recs) The future of co-living and why pop-ups and hybrid models might be the next big thing And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Check out Casa Basilico Follow on Instagram Want More? What Does “Home” Mean For Nomads w/ Diego Bejarano Gerke Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote How to Be a Digital Nomad With Kayla Ihrig Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
What happens when you take a grand piano into the wild and let nature lead the performance? Hunter Noack is a classically trained pianist and the founder of IN A LANDSCAPE , a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert series that brings a 9-foot Steinway grand piano into the great outdoors. Instead of setting up traditional speakers at every show, audience members are given wireless headphones, allowing them to wander freely through the landscape while listening. Since its launch, the project has reached over 75,000 people through more than 300 concerts in some of the country’s most awe-inspiring settings. By combining music, nature, and community, Hunter is redefining what a classical concert can be - and who it’s for. Hunter shares the origin story of IN A LANDSCAPE, how it’s evolved over a decade, and how art can shape the way we connect with nature, place, and each other. If you’ve ever dreamed of merging your creative passions with travel or building something that feels meaningful, this episode will hit home. You’ll learn about the challenges (and magic) of taking a concert piano off the grid and how he balances artistic integrity with logistics, grants, and the realities of funding a big idea. You'll also hear how nature shapes his music, his relationships with local communities, and his broader view of what it means to be human today. There’s insight here for anyone creating something unconventional, trying to reconnect with nature, or simply curious about how a piano ends up in the middle of the desert. If you were to reimagine something in your life, whether that’s travel, work, or relationships, what would it be? What would that look like? I'd love to hear more about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why he left the traditional concert hall behind to perform in deserts, forests, and county parks How a single grant launched an idea and insight on using grants to fund creative, unconventional work How nature influences the way he plays, from wind gusts to bug cameos What it takes to haul a 1,200-pound Steinway up a mountain (and why it’s worth it) The story behind one surreal concert on tribal land that left everyone speechless What performing across the American West has revealed about the country’s beauty, complexity, and common ground Why artistic projects need real critique (not just applause) to evolve Hunter’s favorite overlooked spots in the American West you should visit And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more about IN A LANDSCAPE Watch Hunter’s TEDx Follow Hunter on Instagram Want More? Following Inspiration Towards A Life Of Travel with Mark and Steffi (The World’s Only Chapman Stick Duo) Passion Mashin´: Combining Travel With Your Other Interests, Embracing Limitations, Lessons From 13 Years of Travel With Adrian “Ady” Parzentny How to Travel Using Artist Residencies (Even if You’re Not an “Artist”) + a Creative Approach to Life With Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Would you skateboard nearly 1,000 miles across the U.S. with no real plan, just to see what would happen? Mike Kosciesza did just that with three friends and a dream to make a documentary out of it. Back in 2008, these four 20-year-olds set off from Chicago with their skateboards pointed toward New York City. A decade later, that wild ride became Shred America, a raw, DIY travel film packed with lessons they never saw coming. We’re digging into Mike’s adventure, the long road to making Shred America, and what it takes to turn a crazy idea into something real, especially when you don’t feel fully prepared. Mike’s story is a reminder that you don’t always need a perfect plan to start something meaningful. You’ll hear about what it takes to follow through on a wild vision, the lessons that come with looking back on your younger self, and why doing something imperfectly can lead to your most unforgettable adventures. We also get into the unexpected challenges of documenting a trip like this, what it’s like to finish a film a decade after shooting it, and why a little rebellion can take you a long way. Would you ever go on a trip without much planning, just to see where it leads? Or have you done something similar before? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why Mike and his friends decided to skate from Chicago to NYC in the first place How picking a departure date changed everything What went wrong with their original film plan, and how they adapted How the team pushed through injuries, burnout, and zero navigation skills Why a random guy in a bathroom helped save their trip What it’s like editing a film of your 20-year-old self, ten years later Advice to anyone dreaming up a bold idea but unsure how to start How filming organically added authenticity (and chaos) to the journey Why they turned down film festivals and opted for DIY distribution How rebellion and risk-taking shaped their travel and creative paths And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Watch Shred America Want More? 900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!) Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore Walking the World with Alexander Campbell and Tom Turcich Thanks To Our Sponsors Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
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What adventures have you been dreaming up but haven't done yet? Lynne Nieman is the founder of Wander Your Way , a podcast and website dedicated to helping you explore off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout Europe. As a professional travel planner, Lynne combines her passion for Europe and off-the-beaten-path exploration with her expertise in creating personalized travel experiences. In this episode, Lynne shares her experience hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland - what the trail is like, how to prepare for it, and why this iconic hike is well worth adding to your travel list. She walks us through the mental and physical challenges of solo hiking, the beauty of trail life, and how she handled the unexpected. We talk about the deeper lessons that emerged from letting go of perfection to embracing a slower, more personal pace. You'll also hear about Lynne's plans for making a living with travel, how a trip to Europe changed both of our lives, and more. What is in your travel box? What does the experience look like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why giving yourself permission is half the battle to pursuing your passions and creating your future What made Lynne fall in love with Europe and what makes walking one of the best travel experiences Logistics for hiking the West Highland Way, including when to go, how to prepare, and costs Why it's important to tailor the hike to your needs How this experience reshaped her relationship with travel and self-trust Her favorite stories from the trail How creating a "box" for your trip can be a fun and rewarding way to design your travels And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Find Lynne on her website Listen to Wander Your Way Follow Lynne on Facebook, Instagram Walker Ways West Highland Way website Want More? You're Coming Hitchhiking Around Scotland With Me Hitchhiking Stories From Scotland Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe Thanks To Our Sponsors: Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Almost two decades after The 4-Hour Workweek was published, what does lifestyle design look like now, and where is it headed next? Travis Sherry is a longtime traveler and entrepreneur who’s spent over a decade building a life centered around freedom, travel, and location independence while helping thousands of others do the same. He’s the founder of the Extra Pack of Peanuts blog and podcast, co-founder of the Location Indie community, and co-creator of Camp Indie, an adult summer camp for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and adventure-seekers. In this episode, Travis and I explore the concept of lifestyle design and how it’s evolved since the early days of digital nomadism. You’ll hear what lifestyle design really looks like in today’s world of remote work, shifting values, and growing responsibilities, and how our own definitions of freedom have changed over the years as dads, business owners, and travelers. We reflect on what still holds true, what no longer fits, and what it takes to stay aligned with what matters most as you design your own version of your “best” life. How has your definition of freedom or success evolved over the years and what does your ideal lifestyle look like now? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why “lifestyle design” in 2025 is more about values than travel hacks or passive income The surprising things we both no longer prioritize when it comes to freedom and success What we’ve learned about redefining productivity, especially after becoming parents What to consider if you’re feeling burnt out, uninspired, or out of sync with your goals Why slow travel still wins out and how technology is sabotaging our freedom How we both think lifestyle design will evolve in the next 5–10 years and where we see the movement going The trade-offs to consider when designing a non-traditional lifestyle Advice for anyone feeling stuck or questioning their current path And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Travis’ website, Extra Pack of Peanuts Check out Location Indie Come to Camp Indie Tim Ferriss’ Ideal Lifestyle Costing Want More? Jason’s Travel Wish List (Come Along and Dream with Me) with Special Guest Host Travis Sherry from Extra Pack of Peanuts How to Leverage Real Estate to Fuel Your Ideal Travel Lifestyle (5 Expert Strategies) With Travis Sherry From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. No Fixed Address - Listen to No Fixed Address, a travel podcast that’s your backstage pass to the world's hidden gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
What can thinking about death teach us about living life? Bronnie Ware is an author, songwriter, speaker, and free spirit devoted to helping others find the courage to embrace life on their own terms and live without regrets. Her international bestselling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying , has been translated into 32 languages and has a movie in the pipeline. Bronnie spent much of her life traveling nomadically and now has a home base in rural Australia. In this episode, we talk about what those final life lessons can teach us about living more freely, creatively, and intentionally, especially when it comes to crafting a life filled with meaningful travel. This conversation is a reflection on what it really means to live life on your own terms. Bronnie shares how she embraced her creative self later in life, the lessons she’s learned from the dying, and the surprising relationship between death and joy. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “wrong box,” or wondered how to start living more authentically, Bronnie offers wisdom that might just change the way you think. We also talk travel, belonging, and why courage is always rewarded, even when the outcome looks different than you expected. What’s one truth you’ve learned through travel that continues to shape how you live today? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How Bronnie went from banking to bestselling author and the process she followed to commit to writing a book What a “gentle rebel” really is, and why it fits Bronnie so well Why growing up on a farm led to her propensity for travel How she launched on a creative journey and embraced her new identity later in life How self-doubt shows up and what to do when it tries to stop you How she reframes challenges through a soul-level lens Why travel will help you get to know yourself in a different way and uncover what really makes you feel at home How courage, even when it’s quiet or imperfect, always pays off And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Bronnie’s website Get your copy of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying Listen to Bronnie’s albums Songs For The Soul and Sun Showers Want More? What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
What road trip songs get you pumped for your travels? Rob Harvilla has been a professional rock critic for 20+ years whose writing has appeared in Pitchfork, Spin, and Rolling Stone. He is also the host of the hugely popular podcast 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s and author of a book by the same name. In this episode, Rob shares his ultimate 90s road trip playlist along with a fun conversation about the inevitable intersection of music and travel. Rob shares his thoughts on how music embeds itself into our lives, the lost art of mixtapes, and how road trip playlists define our travels. Plus, we swap stories about the bands that made us fall in love with music in the first place. What song would you add to this list? Is there an album that instantly transports you back to a specific time and place? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now Tune In To Learn: Why road trips and music are so deeply connected The power of nostalgia and how music imprints on our memories How the shift from physical albums to streaming changed the way we experience music The role of critics in shaping music culture What it was like to live through Brooklyn’s indie rock explosion in the 2000s How Rob picked the songs for 60 Songs That Explain the '90s (and why that number quickly expanded) If he could time travel to one concert in history, which show Rob would pick and why And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Rob’s website Best Travel Songs of the 90’s Spotify playlist Want More? Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter Life-Changing Trips, Interviewing Music Legends, Backpacking the World, and Fostering Transformative Connections with Tony Fletcher Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
I’m bringing you a roundup of the most popular and community-loved highlights from the Zero To Travel newsletter this month, offering practical travel tips, lifestyle insights, and some good old-fashioned wanderlust inspiration. You’ll hear science-backed strategies for boosting happiness, why now might be the time to take action on a second passport, a few under-the-radar travel destinations you’ll want to add to your list, why college towns can make great travel destinations, and more. What’s your takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How a pine tree sparked two powerful questions for making big decisions Why happiness by subtraction might be more effective than adding more to your plate How dual citizenship pathways are tightening and why you might want to move quickly Advice to find new travel inspiration through "otherworldly" destinations Why this city might just be the ultimate food destination The unexpected perks of visiting college towns (beyond cheap eats and sports games) What countries topped the list for best places to raise a family and why I think they missed a few key ones How to quickly check if you’re owed money when your U.S. flight is delayed or canceled And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter 11 Ways to Be Happier Italian Citizenship Article Best Cities for Food Otherworldly Destinations Best College Towns Countries for Raising a Family Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard Best Travel Cards Want More? Listener Questions: Reverse Engineering a Move Abroad, How to Choose a Location-Independent Business, and Smart Ways to Travel a Continent Hell on Earth: Top 7 Otherworldly Destinations with Erika Engelhaupt Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Have you traveled just to go to a music festival? What one realization can lead to a life of travel? Jason Law and his wife Kelly are the duo behind Festy GoNuts and GoNuts Marketing, the ultimate resource for enhancing your music festival experience. They’ve been to countless festivals, created a tight-knit community of festival lovers, and know exactly what it takes to go from a good time to a legendary one. In this episode, they're sharing their top 11 music festival tips to rock the experience - from campsite best practices to festival fashion to embracing your "fest self." You’ll get practical advice for planning, packing, and participating in a way that turns a few days of live music into an unforgettable adventure. Jason and Kelly’s tips aren’t just about gear and logistics but connection, community, and letting your guard down in the best way possible. What music festival are you looking forward to? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why doing your homework before the festival can save your whole experience How to set up a campsite that feels like home (and why it matters) Advice to make new friends through games, shared meals, and theme nights What it means to build a “team” and create your own mini tribe How to add some flair and bring out your wild side How to let go and fully enjoy the moment Stories from staying up all night until sunrise (and why it's worth it) How to carry your "fest self" energy into your everyday life And much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit their website Northwest String Summit Fruition String Band How To Recover From A Music Festival Telluride Bluegrass Festival Want More? Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts Music Festivals 101: Travel, Culture and Music With Festy Go Nuts Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
What is it like to hike over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail… with your teenage kid? Jessica and Largo are part of the adventurous WorldTowning family, who’ve been living a full-time travel lifestyle for over a decade. From sailing across the Atlantic to road-tripping Europe in an RV, they’ve redefined “home” and “school” many times over. Jessica and her son Largo share their experience tackling one of the USA’s most iconic long-distance hikes: the Appalachian Trail. We talk about what led them there, what they expected, and how it all unfolded over nearly 2,200 miles of trail from Georgia to Maine. This conversation isn’t just about hiking but navigating challenges, family dynamics, and transitions. You’ll hear how Jessica and Largo balanced remote work and school on the trail, how it deepened their relationship, and why this adventure changed how they view their home country after a decade abroad. From logistical headaches and emotional breakthroughs to unexpected trail magic, this episode shows that you don’t need ideal conditions to pull off a bold adventure. If you had six months to disconnect from your normal life and reconnect with nature, how would you spend it? Who would you take? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why they decided to hike the Appalachian Trail with limited experience Largo’s experience growing up nomadic and how it’s shaped his mindset going into a challenge like this What it took to balance school, work, and 2,000+ miles on foot How thru-hiking impacted Jessica’s health, mindset, and work habits How Largo ended up hiking solo and what that was like for him What surprised them most about returning to the U.S. after 10 years abroad How the trail community and “trail magic” kept them going What changed in their relationship after six months in a tent together Advice to parents on adventuring with teens and letting them lead And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit their website Following WorldTowning on Instagram Watch on YouTube Listen to their podcast, The WHY Matters Want More? 10 Years on the Road, Self-Care for Long-Term Travelers, Excitement and Challenges of Different Travel Modes, and Creating Your Own “Dream Day” with Will and Jessica Sueiro World Towning: 5 Years Of Full-Time Travel Worldschooling 101, Leveraging FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), and Family Travel Advice with Maxwell Lee Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
Nate Menninger has chased experiences around the world, from running with the bulls in Spain to diving the Blue Hole in Belize. Most recently, he became one of the first foreigners to work as a Himalayan porter in Nepal, an experience he documented in his first-ever film, The Porter . In this episode, Nate shares the wild story of becoming a porter in Nepal, working side-by-side with local Nepalese porters on a 23-day trek. We talk about how he pulled it off, what it taught him, and the unexpected impact it had on his mental health, perspective, and purpose. Nate's experience challenges a lot of what we assume about ethical travel, cultural immersion, and even our own motivations as travelers. We unpack what it means to be fully present in a different culture, the power of learning a local language, and how intention and humility can open doors to deeper connection. Whether you're planning a trek in Nepal or just thinking about how to be a more thoughtful traveler, this episode will give you a lot to chew on. How have your travels challenged your assumptions about other cultures? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share 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. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why he chose to live the experience instead of just documenting it How he taught himself Nepali in a matter of weeks The surprising benefits of taking a two-week vow of silence How the idea for the film came together and what it took to actually make it happen What really goes on behind the scenes in Nepal’s trekking industry The economics of porter life and why many actually lose money on treks Advice to travelers on tipping, hiring porters, and doing ethical research How immersive projects can create access to authentic cultural experiences Why communication is the key to better travel And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Nate's website Watch The Porter Follow The Porter Film on Instagram, YouTube Want More? Trekking Nepal Series From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
 
What hidden stories lie beneath the surface of the places you travel? Clare Hammond is an award-winning investigative journalist currently working with Global Witness to expose the issues relating to natural resources, conflict, and corruption. In 2016 while working in Myanmar, she discovered an obscure map showing a web of railways that weren’t shown on any publicly available maps. This compelled her to spend three months traveling these mysterious railways to uncover their purpose and the stories surrounding them. Her investigation took five years to complete and form the basis for her book "On the Shadow Tracks: A Journey Through Occupied Myanmar." In this episode, Clare shares her journey from financial journalism in Hong Kong to uncovering the hidden infrastructure of Myanmar’s illicit economy. She takes us behind the scenes of her investigative work, the ethical dilemmas of reporting from conflict zones, and what she learned from traveling the forgotten railways of Myanmar. This episode will challenge the way you think about travel, journalism, and the unseen forces that shape the world. Clare’s firsthand accounts of reporting on corruption, conflict, and human resilience reveal the power of storytelling to bring hidden truths to light. Have you ever traveled somewhere that changed the way you saw the world? What stories did you uncover? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why she chose investigative journalism and how she transitioned from financial reporting to uncovering corruption The story behind Myanmar’s secret railway lines and how she discovered them The role of forced labor in Myanmar’s infrastructure projects and its lasting impact How investigative journalists assess personal risk when reporting on dangerous topics Why Myanmar remains a complex and challenging place for travelers today The importance of trusted news sources in an era of misinformation The resilience of communities living under systemic oppression and what we can learn from them The future of investigative journalism What keeps Clare motivated in her long-term projects And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Clare’s website Follow Clare on Instagram Learn more about Global Witness Dustin Main’s This Myanmar Life Want More? Up and Coming Destinations: Myanmar with Dustin Main Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan Walking the World: A Deeper Exploration of Culture and Community with Chris Arnade Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com . 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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