Here Not There: Alternative Destinations With Less Crowds (And Meaningful Experiences) with National Geographic Author Andrew Nelson

Zero To Travel Podcast

Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots?

In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience.

As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is known for discovering unique spots. His book encourages travelers to avoid crowded places and explore smarter with fresh alternatives to typical bucket list locations.

Over-tourism is one of the biggest issues in global travel today, and this episode offers actionable tips to steer clear of crowded tourist spots while still having amazing experiences. Andrew’s knowledge is timely and will give you plenty of new ideas, whether you're looking at destinations in the US or beyond.

If you could swap a popular tourist destination for a lesser-known gem, where would it be? I’d love to hear your ideas and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

• Why popular destinations are becoming "loved to death" and how to avoid contributing to the problem
• Alternatives to famous spots like Cape Cod, Miami, and Norway
• How to find the essence of a place, even if it’s off the beaten path
• Historical experiences in Andrew’s home city of Charleston
• The most underrated cities in the U.S. and why they’re worth visiting
• Hidden gems in the Southern hemisphere
• How to shift your mindset to prioritize experiences over destinations
• Tips for choosing travel destinations that fit your style without the crowds
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Sign up for our FREE newsletter
• Andrew’s book Here Not There
• Andrew’s website
• Connect with Andrew on Instagram

Want More?

• Top 7 Hidden Wonders of the World With Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura)
• Top 5 Alternative European Destinations (to Avoid the Crowds) with Joseph Reaney
• National Geographic’s Best of the World: Where to Travel in 2024 and Beyond (With Senior Editor Allyson Johnson)

Thanks To Our Sponsors

• Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.
• Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’