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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Cheers!

Trav

 

EPoP 018: The 6 Biggest Myths About Frequent Flyer Miles

The Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast

If you’re like 85% of Americans, then you probably believe most of these myths are facts.

And if you’re the other 15%, you’re most likely trying to constantly convince people that these myths aren’t true and that frequent flyer miles really can help you travel around the world for pennies.

Interestingly enough, I’ve been on both sides.

2.5 years ago, I didn’t have a single frequent flyer mile to my name.

It was because I believed these myths.

But then I began to dig deeper, to uncover the real truth about frequent flyer miles.

And within 2 years, I was staring at more than 1 million frequent flyer miles.

I was traveling all over the world and paying next to nothing.

And now, I’m debunking these myths about frequent flyer miles so that you can do the same.

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, You’ll Learn:

  • The 6 ways to earn frequent flyer miles.
  • How I earned 9,000 points for a hot air balloon ride.
  • How to book a $2.50 ticket instead of a $600 one.
  • My personal rankings of the best airlines to earn frequent flyer miles with, from 1 to 8.
  • The 3 best websites to use to find award availability.

And much more!

Links Discussed in This Episode:

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.

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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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