Sicily Uncovered: Street Food, Wine Regions, and the Art of Slowing Down
What is it about Sicily that makes travelers fall in love (and some never leave)?
Linda Sarris is a Sicilian travel expert, private chef, and the author of three Moon Travel Guides covering Sicily and Southern Italy. After building her career as a private chef in New York City, she followed her passion for food and culture to Palermo, Italy, where she’s been based for the past eight years. Today, she runs a food and wine-focused travel business, offering immersive experiences that help travelers taste and explore Sicily like a local.
In this episode, we explore what it’s like to visit Sicily through a local lens: where to eat, what to drink, and how to be in a place that runs on a different rhythm.
Linda shares her favorite street food, the wine regions worth a detour, and how Sicilian life has shifted her relationship with time, connection, and even ambition. You’ll get insider secrets to authentic Sicilian cuisine, practical advice for planning your visit, and more.
What makes you most interested in visiting Sicily? 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 Sicily captured Linda’s heart (and kept her there)
How to navigate Sicilian street food culture and what to try first
What makes Sicilian wines special and the best way to experience them
What you can expect to spend on accommodations, transportation, and food
Tips for avoiding tourist traps and finding hidden gems
The subtle differences between mainland Italy and Sicily
Why Sicily’s slower pace can shift your whole mindset
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Linda’s website
Follow Linda on Instagram
Grab her Moon Travel Guides
Want More?
Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe
Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon
How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman
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1:04:27
The Hidden Gems of Andalusia: Discover the Spain Most Travelers Miss with Lucas Peters
What makes Andalusia one of the best hidden gems in all of Spain?
Lucas Peters is a tour operator and award-winning travel writer. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides explores the magic of southern Spain, sharing the must-see highlights, unique experiences, and the best local flavors of Seville, Granada, and Andalusia.
In this episode, Lucas unpacks the culture and history of Andalusia and shares the top experiences that make this region of Spain a must-visit.
Lucas shares fascinating insights into Andalusia’s history, explains why its cultural blend is so unique, and offers practical advice for travelers to experience Spain beyond its usual tourist spots. You’ll get a taste of Analusia’s food scene and local hotspots, and discover how to embrace the Andalusian way of life.
What makes you most excited about visiting Andalusia? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Spanish, Moroccan, and Arabic cultures have blended over the centuries
Why Andalusia is one of the best-value destinations in Europe
The magic of tapas culture in Granada (and how to eat well for cheap)
Lucas’ favorite historic sites that will make your jaw drop
What makes the Caminito del Rey one of the best walks in all of Europe
The best way to explore the region and visit Andalusia’s most beautiful white villages
Where to experience a more authentic flamenco show
Lucas’s favorite secret beach that only locals know about
Festivals and celebrations that are worth planning a trip around
Alternative places to stay as a slowmad or digital nomad (instead of Barcelona)
Important considerations and tips for making the most of your Andalusian adventure
What popular tourist spot Lucas suggests you should skip
And so much more
Resources:
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Travel with Journey Beyond Travel
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Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
Morocco Travel: Beyond Marrakech w/ Lucas Peters
Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn
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1:11:31
10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky
What if you could build a business that funds your dream lifestyle without sacrificing travel and freedom?
Dan Demsky is the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, a premium Merino wool clothing brand that has redefined minimalist, high-performance fashion. Dan has built Unbound Merino into an eight-figure global business while working fully remotely as a digital nomad. Since launching via a highly successful crowdfunding campaign, Unbound Merino has grown to be a $40M global brand beloved by travelers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to simplify their wardrobe with sustainable, multi-functional clothing.
In this episode, Dan shares how he built Unbound Merino, the mindset shifts and tactics that helped him succeed, and the lessons he learned from running a business while traveling the world.
Dan breaks down the realities of entrepreneurship, from validating an idea to choosing a product, hiring, and staying motivated when things get tough. He also shares the challenges of managing a growing brand while staying true to a lifestyle of adventure and exploration.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a digital nomad, or just someone looking for inspiration to take the next step, Dan’s story offers insights and practical takeaways on business, lifestyle design, and the power of taking risks.
What’s one small step you could take today to move closer to your dream lifestyle? 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 Dan and his co-founders built a brand without prior industry experience
Why he believes everyone should start a business with their best friends, despite the challenges
Why getting brutally honest feedback is crucial and how to actually use it
How a simple mindset shift helped Dan take the leap into entrepreneurship
Why one of the biggest lessons in business came from a failed product idea
The biggest factor that helped Unbound Merino stand out in a crowded market
The surprising way travel influences decision-making as an entrepreneur
How to handle risk and uncertainty without letting fear hold you back
The one thing Dan believes every aspiring entrepreneur should prioritize
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Unbound Merino
Follow Unbound Merino on Instagram
Fairing
Scaling Up
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How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns
Traveling on $10 a Day to Building a 7-Figure Business with The Broke Backpacker Will Hatton
Building, Growing, and Enjoying a Successful 7-Figure Lifestyle Business with Dan Andrews from Tropical MBA
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1:33:24
Strategies for Living an Unconventional Life with Ingrid Alm
Is it time to rethink the “rules of life?” What if you could redefine success, family, and adventure on your own terms?
Ingrid Alm is an adventurer, writer, and mom who has made it her mission to challenge the conventional rules of life. Ingrid has walked, paddled, and biked thousands of miles with her family in tow, proving that parenthood doesn’t mean putting dreams on hold. Her latest book, Vi Skulle Hatt Mer Tid (We Should Have More Time), dives into how families and individuals can break free from societal expectations and create a life filled with more play, connection, and meaning.
We talk about everything from rethinking family life and education to how slowing down and embracing uncertainty can lead to more fulfillment. Ingrid shares insights from her own experiences and research, offering a different way to think about what it means to truly live.
Ingrid’s insights will challenge the idea that productivity equals worth and offer practical ways to create a more playful and intentional life. We discuss the power of saying no, the importance of boredom, and why redefining success might just be the key to a happier existence. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or someone looking for more meaning in your days, you’ll find plenty to reflect on in this episode.
What’s one societal "rule" you've questioned or broken in your own life? How did it change your experience? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why traditional ideas of success may not lead to fulfillment
How travel and adventure can be integrated into family life
The role of play and boredom in mental health and creativity
How to set personal values and create a life that aligns with them
Why saying “no” can be a revolutionary act
The benefits of taking a gap year at any stage of life
How to balance structure with spontaneity when raising kids
The neuroscience behind stress, relaxation, and making big life changes
Why disconnecting from technology can help us reconnect with ourselves
Lessons from Ingrid’s latest adventures across the U.S. and Norway
And so much more
Resources:
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Want More?
2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm
How To Add More Play Into Your Life With Jeff Harry
Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek
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1:10:16
Listener Questions: Reverse Engineering a Move Abroad, How to Choose a Location-Independent Business, and Smart Ways to Travel a Continent
How can moving abroad help solve a specific life challenge? How do you choose the right location-independent business to start? What's the best way to navigate traveling across longer distances?
In this episode, I answer listener questions to help you take a more intentional approach to designing your travels and location-independent lifestyle.
You'll hear my thoughts on why you should reverse-engineer your travels and choose a destination based on your unique needs. If you're feeling stuck on what kind of location-independent business to start, I'll share a simple, fun litmus test to help you find the right fit. And if you're wondering how to travel across Asia or any continent without burning out, I'll tell a story from my time in Cambodia that completely changed my perspective on slow travel.
Plus, is watching moose cross a river for 500 hours the most relaxing thing you might do this year?!
What questions do you have on travel or the digital nomad lifestyle? I'd love for you to share them by sending me an audio message.
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Resources:
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Budget airlines in Asia
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright
How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns
Southeast Asia Travel: Getting Off The Banana Pancake Trail
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✈️ 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. 🙏
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