✈️ The Zero To Travel Podcast has been downloaded 12+ million times and named a "Best Travel Podcast" by The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, a...
Is studying abroad in Europe the ultimate travel hack? How can you get your entire college degree abroad for a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition?
Through her website, Beyond The States, Jen Viemont helps students and lifelong learners navigate the world of European university programs.
In this episode, Jen explains how to study in Europe for free or at a much lower cost. She also shares her own story of moving abroad with her family and building a location-independent business.
You’ll learn practical advice on how to find, apply, and finance your studies in Europe, plus some surprising benefits of taking the leap into international education. Even if college isn’t in your plans, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about travel, cultural identity, and the power of global citizenship.
Have you ever considered studying or living abroad for the long term? 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.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Jen’s personal journey led her to move abroad and start Beyond The States
The cultural challenges and surprises of adapting to life in Portugal
How Jen’s children have adjusted to international schools and what it’s taught them
How she turned a personal challenge into a global resource and business
Why European universities offer English-taught degrees and how they benefit from international students
How much it actually costs to get an education in Europe, and what degrees you can pursue
The surprising truth about how U.S. high school diplomas compare to European admission standards
Where to find tuition-free or low-cost universities across Europe
How studying abroad can boost career prospects and provide an edge in the job market
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Beyond The States
Follow on Instagram and Facebook
Want More?
How To Exchange Your Home For Free Accommodations Around The World w/ Emmanual Arnaud
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright
Circling Home: Lessons From 15 Years Living Abroad With Terry Repak
Thanks To Our Sponsors
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1:01:04
Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser
How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?
Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion.
Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone.
She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places.
Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Maria’s van journey started as a pandemic project inspired by her mother’s dream
The shift in her family relationships and the harrowing experience of her mom getting attacked by dogs in Turkey
Why she originally planned to travel with a companion but ultimately decided to go solo
How traveling with a dog has changed her experience on the road
How her expectations of solo female travel compared to the reality of it
Her favorite places for vanlife in Southwest Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia (and where to avoid)
The biggest lessons she’s learned about resilience, independence, and making peace with uncertainty
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Maria’s website
Follow Maria on Instagram
“Stufen” by Hermann Hesse
Want More?
Vanlife In Europe (A Beginner’s Guide), Moving To Spain, and 5 Tips For Running A Successful Remote Work Retreat With Chase Warrington From About Abroad
New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen
Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland
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1:11:18
Exploring Tibet with Robert Kelly
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.
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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:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Trekking Nepal audio series
Lonely Planet Tibet
Trip Advisor Tibet
Want More?
Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings
How A Pilgrimage Can Transform Your Life w/ Paul Barach
From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com.
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1:01:02
How to Win at Travel with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly
Are you leaving free travel on the table?
Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, is one of the world’s leading experts on travel and loyalty programs. What started as a blog in 2010 has become a massive platform helping millions of travelers maximize rewards and travel smarter.
In his new book How to Win at Travel, Brian shares everything he’s learned about the game of travel, from leveraging airline and credit card points to planning your dream itinerary so you can experience the world in ways you never thought possible.
Brian joins me to talk about why playing the points game is about more than just free flights—it’s a strategy for life. He also shares how he turned a side hustle into a travel empire and opens up about his experience growing up in a small town and coming out after college.
Whether you're a travel hacking pro or just getting started, this episode will reframe how you think about points and miles as a financial tool. Brian breaks it all down in a way that makes sense, showing you how to turn travel into a strategic investment while revealing lesser-known perks and insider tips that will allow you to travel smarter and truly win at travel.
PLUS, you’re going to hear the 5th and final installment of our Five Best Road Trips in the USA mini-series. I saved the best for last!
What’s your biggest travel hack or points win? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why being authentic will always reign supreme in life and business
Why Brian is passionate about Peace Jam and giving back through travel
Why points are not only an extremely powerful tool but an important safety net
The biggest mistakes people make with points and miles and how to avoid wasting your rewards
How to reframe stressful travel with a “karma points” mindset and have better experiences
The four main loyalty program structures and how understanding them can help you redeem points for maximum value
The one travel insurance mistake that could cost you big time
Hidden gem destinations you should add to your bucket list
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit The Points Guy
Grab the book How to Win at Travel
Want More?
How To Take More Vacations by Booking Better, Cheaper Flights With Scott Keyes
When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight (In 2024) With Christie Hudson
Work Exchange: How to Travel with Purpose with Ricardo Lima from Worldpackers
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Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com
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1:25:24
Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon
Why should you explore Eastern Europe?
Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.
Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander learning,” explains why he believes slow travel is the future, and even gives us a sneak peek into his epic five-year overland journey across Africa.
This episode will encourage you to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly experience a place. Francis shares insights into how to travel deeply, meet locals, and gain a richer understanding of different cultures. He also opens up about how he financially sustains his travels, his approach to living with less, and why investing unconventionally has helped him maintain a life of adventure.
Plus, if you’re curious about long-distance hiking, you won’t want to miss his take on hiking all three of America’s major trails and the crazy adventure he took on the Continental Divide Trail.
What’s a place you’ve visited that completely changed your perspective? 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:
His philosophy of "wander learning" and how travel is the best education
How Francis hiked the three longest trails in the U.S. and what he learned from each
Why taking a contrarian approach to money and investing can fuel a life of travel
Why Francis defines Eastern Europe differently than most people (and why that matters)
The biggest misconceptions about Eastern Europe
The best ways to meet locals and truly experience a destination
How slow travel can lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences
How he managed to travel through all 54 African countries over five years
How Francis approaches writing about his travels and his latest project, Unseen Africa
What destinations you should visit now
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit FrancisTapon.com
Follow Francis on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Visit Africa54.com
Listen to Wander Learn Podcast
Grab a copy of Francis' books
CouchSurfing
RescueTime
Want More?
How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman
World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel
Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com.
Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.
Saily - Go to saily.com/zerototravel and download the SAILY app - use the code ‘zerototravel’ at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase.
Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com
✈️ The Zero To Travel Podcast has been downloaded 12+ million times and named a "Best Travel Podcast" by The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, and Forbes.
Packed with life-changing perspectives, inspiration, and practical advice for everyone from travel newbies to nomads, this podcast will give you everything you need to travel the world on your terms, regardless of your situation or experience. Welcome to our amazing global listening community!
Since 2013, "Travel Ambassador" Jason Moore from zerototravel.com has been picking the brains of adventurous people living an unconventional life on the road so you can discover new ways to travel endlessly.
Along the way, you'll get actionable advice and key resources that will improve your life AND help you travel more as we get down and dirty on topics like; starting and running an online business from anywhere, the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit, travel and work opportunities, gutsy budget travel strategies, surprising ways to earn free travel, the digital nomad life, unconventional travel based lifestyles, fun travel jobs, how to plan epic adventures, backpacking, remote work, how to take a gap year or a career break, 4-hour work week inspired topics, ex-pat life, slow travel, travel hacking, sustainable travel, human-powered adventures, trips worth planning, and everything in between.
Host Bio: Jason wandered the planet as a nomad for over a decade and spent 15+ years on the road as a tour manager in events/music, a seasonal adventure travel tour guide, and a digital nomad. Originally from the USA, he is now a dual citizen (Norway/USA) based in Oslo. He is obsessed with helping YOU explore our planet on your terms.
Follow the show (it's FREE!) and welcome to the global community. 🙏
PS - To sign up for our free newsletter to get travel tips, tricks, destination advice, and more visit zerototravel.com/newsletter
PPS - If you'd like to access our paid premium feed with ad-free shows, bonus episodes, and more for just $3/month go to zerototravel.com/premium.