Zero To Travel Podcast

What happens when you let curiosity guide your travel experiences? 

John McKenzie is a long-time traveler and curious explorer who shares stories and insights from off-the-beaten-track destinations around the world. Through his content and curated CuriosiTrips, he aims to expand others’ sense of what’s possible by encouraging a more curious, open approach to travel. He’s also a new contributor to National Geographic, writing the sections on Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia for The Traveler’s Atlas of the World. 

In this episode, John and I sit down in person to explore the concept of curiosity as a travel compass, why some destinations gain reputations that don’t match reality, and how community and mindset shape meaningful journeys. 

Travel is often framed around checklists and highlights, but John reframes it as a curiosity‑driven practice that enriches both travel and everyday life. You’ll hear how to exercise your curiosity muscle, embrace spontaneity, and responsibly explore destinations often overlooked or misunderstood. From challenging trips like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Syria to cultural discoveries and approachable recommendations like Malawi and Cuba, this conversation offers both a practical perspective and philosophical encouragement for travelers of all experience levels. 

What is one place you’ve always been curious about but haven’t yet visited, and what’s holding you back? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 


How boredom and routine kick-started John’s curiosity and exploration 


What approaching travel with openness rather than rigidity can uncover 


Why connecting with others who’ve done what you want to do helps normalize the goal 


How travel to “dangerous” or misunderstood places can be both safe and rewarding 


The mindset shift from chasing destinations to pursuing meaningful experiences 


How John defines “meaningful” in his own travel, and why that matters more than ticking boxes 


Examples of destinations that surprised him and recommendations for your own curious travels 


And so much more 

Resources: 


Sign up for our FREE newsletter 


John’s website 


Instagram 


National Geographic Traveler’s Atlas of the World 


Extraordinary Travel Festival 

Want More? 


7 Pro Tips For Traveling In Dangerous Countries w/ Bjorn Palsson 


Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn Kunz 


The World’s Most Traveled Person on the Ethics of Gamifying Travel, Best Regions in the World, and Why To Keep Traveling With Harry Mitsidis of NomadMania 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 


Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify 


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

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!

What does queer travel in the US look like beyond the big cities? And what can all travelers learn from the LGBTQ+ travel experience? 

Chase Vondran is a full-time travel creator and writer based in Chicago who helps transgender and gender-diverse travelers explore safely while advocating for greater inclusion in the travel industry. After an eight-year nomadic journey spanning 20+ countries, they now focus their work on queer travel, small queer towns, and inclusive travel guides. 

In this episode, co-host Dianni Hall sits down with Chase to talk about queer travel in the U.S., exploring small queer towns and gayberhoods, and understanding the realities and joys of traveling as a trans person. 

This episode offers a rare glimpse into queer communities thriving outside of major cities and highlights unexpected destinations where queer people not only exist but also flourish. Chase shares personal stories from their travels as a trans person, the differences in how the world treats them before and after transition, and what travelers should consider when seeking inclusive spaces. You’ll discover resources, tips for finding queer communities, and the emotional power of feeling seen. Whether you’re a queer traveler, an ally, or curious about inclusive travel, this conversation expands how we think about travel, identity, and belonging. 

How has travel helped you better understand experiences different from your own? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Zero To Travel co-host Dianni Hall is a queer, second-generation Latina, solo budget backpacker, and host of the While She’s Away podcast. Learn more about her work here. 

Tune In To Learn: 

How travel gave Chase space to explore queerness and identity away from home 

What it feels like to find queer community for the first time while traveling 

Why places like Puerto Vallarta have become historic hubs for queer travelers 

How the absence of visible queer community can change a travel experience 

How queer history, artist communities, and other factors have helped shape small inclusive towns across the U.S. 

Why destinations like Saugatuck, Michigan and Eureka Springs, Arkansas defy expectations 

How Chase’s travel experiences shifted after coming out as trans and  

What safety, visibility, and respect look like when traveling as a trans person and how it differs from traveling as a woman 

Why small, community-driven queer spaces matter just as much as big cities 

How to find queer community anywhere using apps, events, and local businesses 

And so much more 

Resources: 


Sign up for our FREE newsletter 


Dianni on Instagram 


Chase on Instagram 


Everywhere Is Queer 


Quouch 

Want More? 


Choosing a One-Way Ticket Over a Master’s Degree + Lessons From 6 Years of Evolving Travel with Dianni Hall 


Top 7 Cities for LGBTQ+ Travelers and Finding Your People Around the World with LGBTQ+ Travel Expert Alicia Valenski 


LGBTQ+ Travel and Making A Difference with Ravi Roth 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 


Planet Visionaries - Listen to the podcast on Apple and Spotify 

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.