Zero To Travel Podcast

How do you experience the Louvre Museum in a way that actually feels enjoyable, not stressful? And what makes this museum so much more than the Mona Lisa? 

Elaine Sciolino is a veteran journalist and author, former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, and the writer of several books about France, including The Seine, The Only Street in Paris, and Adventures in the Louvre. She has lived in Paris for over two decades and brings history, culture, and personal insight into every story. 

Elaine joins co-host Paige McClanahan to explore Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum, diving into the history, hidden artworks, and practical strategies for making the most of your visit. 

You’ll hear why the Louvre is more than just a building with the Mona Lisa and how its role in French history makes it extraordinary. Elaine demystifies visiting the museum, from understanding crowds and lines to discovering lesser-known works like Titian’s Man With a Glove and what she calls the “undiscovered Mona Lisa.” She shares crowd-beating strategies, best days and times to visit, and surprising places within and around the Louvre where peace and beauty await. You’ll get insider stories on heists, hidden collections, and how even children can be captivated by Egyptology and Islamic art sections that most tourists miss out on. 

When you visit a major museum like the Louvre, do you tend to focus on the most famous works, or do you prefer to explore what’s less obvious? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Co-host Paige McClanahan is a writer, editor, and former journalist based in Paris, France. As the author of “The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel”, Paige is passionate about making sure our travels have a positive impact on the world. Learn more about her work here. 

Tune In To Learn: 


How the Mona Lisa came to dominate the Louvre’s identity, and why that fame is both a blessing and a burden 


How the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa helped turn her into a worldwide obsession 


The surprising historical roots of the Louvre as a royal palace and revolutionary museum 


Lesser-known treasures, “undiscovered” masterpieces, and quieter sections of the Louvre worth seeking out 


The unexpected history of France’s crown jewels, including how many were sold off and ended up in the United States 


The story behind the recent crown jewels heist and what it reveals about museum security 


How the right membership, 1:1 consultation rooms, and alternative museums can transform your experience of Parisian culture 


Future plans for the Louvre’s expansion and what that could mean 


And so much more 

Resources: 


Sign up for our FREE newsletter 


Elaine’s website and books 


Louvre Museum 

Want More? 


5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan 


How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson 


9 Best United States Museums and Advice for Fostering Your Creativity with Bob Eckstein 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 


Listen to the Planet Visionaries podcast on Apple and Spotify 


Experience an audio guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places on the Atlas Obscura Podcast 


Go to https://surfshark.com/zerototravel or use code ZEROTOTRAVEL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 

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

What are the best hidden gems and local experiences in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that some travelers completely miss? 

Sharon Kaufman is a licensed local guide in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and founder of MyLjubljanaTour.com. Originally from Israel, she moved to Slovenia with her family on what was meant to be a one-week vacation and ended up building a new life there. Today, she leads free and paid tours focused on helping travelers experience Ljubljana through local stories, food, and everyday culture. 

In this episode, Sharon shares about her spontaneous family move to Ljubljana, how she built a life and business there, and her top hidden gems and local tips for experiencing the city like a resident, not a tourist. 

If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia or curious about what makes Ljubljana special, this episode is packed with practical recommendations. Sharon walks us through lesser-known places to explore, affordable ways to get around, unique food experiences, art districts, scenic viewpoints, and easy nature escapes right from the city. You’ll also hear how her perspective as a local guide shapes the way she helps travelers connect more deeply with the city. 

Which of these Ljubljana, Slovenia, experiences would you want to explore first? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 


How a one-week family vacation unexpectedly turned into a move to Slovenia 


What Sharon quickly learned about daily life, culture, and work-life balance in Ljubljana 


How intuition and local conversations shaped her decision to stay 


How she transitioned from online coaching to becoming a licensed local guide 


One of the most affordable and fun ways to explore the city 


Where to get sweeping views of Ljubljana without crowds or ticket lines 


A hidden market area with local food and unique vending machines that most visitors walk right past 


A hidden alley filled with public art, symbolism, and a secret pub 


An alternative art district shaped by activism, creativity, and nightlife 


A cafe locals love for great coffee, healthy food, and a relaxed vibe 


An easy forest hike just minutes from the city center, plus what to eat at the top 


The best times of year to visit Ljubljana and where to go beyond the city 


And so much more 

Resources: 


Sign up for our FREE newsletter 


MyLjubljanaTour.com 

Want More? 


Top 10 Iceland Hidden Gems (Highlands, Hot Springs, and Hidden Canyons) + Building a New Life Abroad with Jewells Chambers from All Things Iceland 


7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright 


Top 10 Reasons to Love Living Abroad with Botik Quest 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 


Listen to the Planet Visionaries podcast on Apple and Spotify 


Experience an audio guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places on the Atlas Obscura Podcast 


Go to https://surfshark.com/zerototravel or use code ZEROTOTRAVEL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 

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

Want to hear bold ideas and big solutions for our planet? We have been listening to Alex Honnold as he hosts Planet Visionaries, in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each week, Alex spotlights innovators who are not just imagining a better future but actively creating it. Go check it out and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Want to hear bold ideas and big solutions for our planet? We have been listening to Alex Honnold as he hosts Planet Visionaries, in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each week, Alex spotlights innovators who are not just imagining a better future but actively creating it. Go check it out and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Want to hear bold ideas and big solutions for our planet? We have been listening to Alex Honnold as he hosts Planet Visionaries, in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each week, Alex spotlights innovators who are not just imagining a better future but actively creating it. Go check it out and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.