EPoP 022: The Secrets to Packing in Just a Carry-on with Fred Perrotta

Fred-Perrotta-Tortuga-Backpacks

How many times have you thought

“Man, I could make something better than this?”

Or

“I can’t believe that this doesn’t exist?”

Probably a lot, huh?

Well, back in 2009, while on a backpacking trip through Eastern Europe, Fred Perrotta had the same thoughts.

But instead of shoving them out of his mind, thankfully for us, he did something about them.

Because now the age-old travel problem that plagues many of us when we travel, the daunted “what should I pack in?” question has an obvious answer.

Introducing the Tortuga Backpack, one of the world’s best carry-on luggage options.

As someone who only ever travels with a carry-on, I am a huge fan of Fred’s and the things he is doing at Tortuga.

Today, we sat down to reveal all our best tips for traveling in just a carry-on, even for trips that stretch weeks or months.

And ladies, if you think this doesn’t apply to you, think again!

My wife, a fashion blogger, and expert has been traveling in just a carry-on for the last year!

Fred also pulls back the curtain on his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the mistakes he made, the successes he’s had, and giving invaluable advice for anyone wishing to create a physical product.

After listening to this podcast, you’ll never travel the same way again.

And you may just be inspired to finally turn that idea of yours into a reality.

Right-click to download this episode directly

In This Episode:

  • The 3 major advantages of not checking a bag.
  • The one thing everyone overpacks…and how to deal with it.
  • The 3 things to look for when buying a backpack.
  • How to start a company on a limited budget.
  • Where to find “free money” for businesses and startups.
  • The biggest key to getting media and press mentions even if your business is super small.
  • The 5 sentences or less rule.
  • Why you should be embarrassed by your first product.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

EPoP 021: Chris Guillebeau on Going Big, Guinea-Bissau, and the $10 Rule

Chris post pic

Since starting this podcast, I’ve dreamed of having on Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the few people who has traveled to every country in the world.

And today, it’s a reality!

If you’re interested in creating a lifestyle that is full of passion and purpose, Chris is the man to talk to.

10 years ago, he admittedly wasn’t sure what direction his life should take.  Since then, he’s…

Built an incredible online community…

Traveled to every country in the world…

Written a New York Times Bestseller…

…and hosted a conference for 3,000 of the world’s most motivated and inspired world changers (which I’ve attended and written about here).

The Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” has nothing on Chris!

He’ll touch on how he’s been able to do all that as well as geek out on travel planning in this amazing, informative, and inspiring interview.

Right-click to download this episode directly

In This Episode:

  • The importance of “going big”, and how to do it.
  • Guinea Bissau, and why it holds a special place in Chris’s heart.
  • How the hardest part of completing a big goal might be moving on afterward.
  • Turning a “no, you can’t do a book tour” into a 50 state, 10 province bonanza.
  • Growing an audience without a magical blog fairy.
  • What it feels like to walk around with $100,000 in cash.
  • Why a Brief Guide to World Domination was more important than a masters’ thesis.
  • The $10 Rule and how it makes your travel infinitely better.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

I Need Your Help

Ever since I started a podcast, I’ve wanted to have Chris on the show, so PLEASE show him some love by clicking “tweet this” below:

Just listened to your EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts, and you rock @ChrisGuillebeau! The $10 Rule is a CLASSIC! #thanksforinspiring

Tweet This!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

Cheers!

Trav

 

EPoP 020: The World’s Most Incredible Roadtrip with the Democratic Travelers

The-Democratic-Travelers

Ever wondered what it would feel like to just pick up and go?

To be able to drive your home wherever you please?

To find all the nooks, crannies, and hidden gems this great country has to offer?

The Democratic Travelers wondered the same things…and then they went out and did it!

In February 2013 John Ellis and Laura Preston embarked on a road trip around the US in a 1996 Ford F350 and a 1986 Airstream that may or may not be safe enough to drive the 4,000+ miles.

Think that’s a little crazy?

That’s just the beginning!

Instead of choosing where they are going next, they are letting you, total strangers, decide!

On their site, anyone can submit a place that John and Laura should stop.

From the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming to the Kool-Aid Festival in Hastings, Nebraska to the Ringing Rocks Boulder Field in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, nothing is off-limits.

Does your town have the world’s best bbq?

Or a crazy old museum that no one knows about?

Pin it on the map and write why they should visit.

Then others vote on where they want the Democratic Travelers to head.

Once a place gets enough votes, The Democratic Travelers go there…and write about their experiences, allowing people from all over the world to live vicariously through their travels.

For their ingenuity and adventurous spirit, John and Laura were named one of 2013’s National Geographic Travelers of the Year (Benny Lewis from episode #9 was also honored).

In this week’s awesome interview, they explain how this crazy idea came about, tell their most memorable stories from 9 months on the road, and discuss why anyone can, and should, travel.

I had an amazing time interviewing them, and I know you’ll have just as much fun listening!

Right-click to download this episode directly

In This Episode:

  • How lots of talk turns in to lots of action.
  • The most honest answer to why people don’t travel.
  • What to do when you’re down to your last $7.50
  • Why a junk store and a taxidermy shop are what makes America America.
  • Why the goodness of strangers is one of the best parts of traveling.
  • Why flexibility is more important than stability.
  • The difference between travel friends and regular friends.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

I Need Your Help

The Democratic Travelers are motivating people to travel all over the world so show them some love by clicking “tweet this” below:

“@DemocraticTRVLR You rock! Thanks for sharing your story on the EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts. Can’t wait to see where you go next!”

Tweet This!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

Cheers!

Trav

EPoP 019: The Youngest American Ever to Visit Every Country in the World with Lee Abbamonte

Lee-Abbamonte-World-Traveler

There are world travelers…

And then there is Lee Abbamonte.

Lee has the unique distinction of being the youngest American EVER to visit all 193 countries in the world.  

Let that sink in for a second!

If that’s not enough, he’s about to become the youngest person in the world to finish the Traveler’s Century Club, a list of 321 unique destinations in the world (only 15 more to go)!

So, just how did Lee end up visiting every country?

At what age did he visit his first foreign country? (hint: it’s much, much later than you think)

What countries were the most difficult?

Where’s the most boring place on Earth?

And what’s his next crazy plan?

Find out the answers to those questions, and a lot more, in this week’s podcast, which is truly one of the best yet!

Right-click to download this episode directly

Win $100!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

In This Episode:

  • How someone who never left the country as a kid got bitten by the travel bug.
  • The two great equalizers of travel.
  • The hardest country in the world to travel to.
  • The most boring place on Earth.
  • Why young Americans don’t travel, and why it’s not their fault.
  • How it’s possible to be too frugal when traveling.
  • Why the most important part of frequent flyer miles is using them.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

I Need Your Help

Lee’s achievement is extraordinary and inspiring so show them some love by clicking “tweet this” below:

“@LeeAbbamonte your story is amazing and inspiring! Thanks for sharing it on the EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts.

Tweet This!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

Cheers!

Trav

 

EPoP 017: How to Find Cheap, Safe, and Delicious Food Anywhere in the World with Jodi Ettenberg

Jodi-Ettenberg-Travel-Podcast

Finding, and eating, new foods is one of the best parts of traveling.

And no one does it better than Jodi Ettenberg, author of The Food Traveler’s Handbook and expert on finding delicious food all over the world.

But delicious food is no fun if it makes you sick, so Jodi also discusses the best ways to avoid to fight against it while still enjoying food the world over.

And since food always tastes better when it’s cheap, Jodi gives us plenty of tips on how to pay the bottom dollar and still get great food.

If you’re like me and find yourself drooling over a map while deciding where to go travel to next or constantly find yourself reminiscing about amazing meals you’ve had in various parts of the world, you’ll be blown away by the tips and tricks Jodi shares in this podcast.

Just be ready, because you may need to pause halfway to go get yourself a snack!

Right-click to download this episode directly

NOW FIXED!  Don’t forget, I’m giving away $100 if you rate the podcast.

Yep, I want a chance at $100.  Take me there! (now fixed so it works)

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • How culture and history can be seen through the delicious prism of food.
  • When to time your meals to help prevent you from getting sick.
  • Why street carts can be safer than nice restaurants.
  • The right way to ask a taxi driver where to eat.
  • How to rent an apartment in a country you’ve never been to before.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

I Need Your Help

Jodi’s tips will have us eating well for years, so show them some love by clicking “tweet this” below:

“@LegalNomads Thanks for sharing your tips on the EPoP podcast w/ @PackofPeanuts. I’ll be feasting on delicious and safe food wherever I go!”

Tweet This!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit a 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minutes, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

Cheers!

Trav

EPoP 016: From Mascot to Mayor: 52 Jobs in 52 Weeks with Sean Aiken

Sean Post pic

Sometimes, an idea is just crazy enough that it works.

And sometimes, it’s crazy enough to start a revolution.

Sean Aiken had such an idea when he graduated college and found himself asking “Now what?”.

Instead of finding a job the traditional way, he decided to hire himself out to anyone anywhere in Northern America.

No matter what the job!

He’d work for 1 week, donate the money he made to charity, and then move on to the next job.

52 weeks, 52 jobs.

From Nova Scotia to Hawaii.

From the mayor to a mascot.

In this interview, Sean tells all about which jobs he liked most, which he liked least, and how the heck he was able to pull it off logistically.

We’ll also dive deeper into the issue of why he decided to travel while doing it (which made it infinitely harder), and how his idea has sparked a movement in people young and old around the globe.

Sean’s served as an inspiration to me over the last few years without ever knowing it, and I’m super honored to have him as a guest on the podcast.

His passion and enthusiasm for life and learning is an inspiration to everyone, in any situation.  Give a listen to this awesome quest.

Right-click to download this episode directly

NOW FIXED!  Don’t forget, I’m giving away $100 if you rate the podcast.

Yep, I want a chance at $100.  Take me there! (now fixed so it works)

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • The key to finding the job that you want is…
  • Sean’s favorite, and most challenge, jobs.
  • How to actually follow your passion, instead of just saying it.
  • Why you can “revisit life” at any point, not just after high school or college.
  • How traveling allows anonymity, and why that’s a good thing.
  • How to immerse yourself in other cultures when you’re not traveling.
  • Sean’s secret pasta recipe.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

I Need Your Help

Sean is an amazing inspiration and an awesome dude, so show them some love by clicking “tweet this” below:

“@SeanAiken thanks for sharing your story on the EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts. You’re an inspiration!

Tweet This!

I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!

Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).

Cheers!

Trav

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