Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast

Tom left his home in New Jersey one day before his 26th birthday.  He walked.  Around the world.  For 7 years.  28,000 miles. 38 countries. 34 pairs of shoes. And one trusty companion (who was not part of the original plan). I've been fascinated by Tom's journey for years now - and it's as epic as it sounds.  It's also, sometimes, as boring and mundane as it sounds.  Tom dives into all that - why he started in the first place, how and why he kept going, what his favorite countries were, and how something like this changed him. But also, how being "the guy who walked around the world" isn't his only identity, and how he's dealing with life after such an epic adventure while being "constrained" to Cincinnati.   An open, honest, and insightful look at an accomplishment that very few people have ever achieved through the eyes of someone who has done it.     00:00 The Journey Begins: Tom's World Walk Introduction 03:49 A Life-Changing Event: The Motivation Behind the Walk 10:55 Keeping the Vision Alive: Overcoming Doubts and Challenges 13:26 Reality vs. Expectation: Insights from the Walk 17:12 Gradual Change: Experiencing Cultures on Foot 21:35 The Beauty of Serendipity: Embracing Unexpected Moments 31:17 Rich Experiences: Countries That Left a Mark 33:05 Planning the Route: Balancing Flexibility and Structure 34:37 Navigating the World During COVID 35:11 Defining a World Walk 36:41 The Decision to Walk with a Dog 42:05 Challenges and Companionship on the Journey 47:31 Overcoming Physical and Mental Hurdles 53:49 Reintegration into Normal Life 56:38 Writing the Book: A Journey of Reflection 01:02:32 Embracing Constraints for Growth 01:04:37 Future Adventures and Projects

Location, Location, Location - the old adage of real estate is true. But that doesn't mean the right location is a one size fits all.  In fact, it's the opposite.  What's right for you might not be right for me - and vice versa. The best real estate investors define their own buy box and today we talk about how we have defined our buy box, why we are so keen on hitting "the path of progress" and tease out Jonas's new project in upstate NY - and how it was a home run deal for his buy box.     01:00 The Importance of Location in Real Estate 02:50 Understanding Market Dynamics and Indicators 06:07 Setting a Buy Box for Investments 08:48 Evaluating Path of Progress in Markets 11:46 Finding Hidden Gems in Real Estate 15:13 Urban vs. Rural Investment Strategies 17:48 Case Study: New York Property Investment 20:50 Developing Micro Resorts: Key Considerations 24:03 Zoning and Regulations in Real Estate 26:49 Recap and Key Takeaways

Ever dreamed of living in Europe?  Sipping cappucinos in the square of some Italian village or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean or Adriatic? It's possible - and, in fact, maybe even a lot more feasible, and affordable, than you think! (especially with lots of new digital nomad visas popping up, which we discuss at length) Jeff Opdyke has been to over 80 countries.  He's lived in multiple countries in Europe.  He's written for the Wall Street Journal for 17 years and is now the Global Investment Expert for International Living. So...safe to say he knows a thing or two about living abroad and helping expats find the best place in Europe to live. And surprise, surprise - he gets asked the question "Where's the best place to live in Europe and how do I do it?" Hint:  If it was one size fits all, this podcast wouldn't be over an hour! But the best thing about Jeff is that he doesn't just give you some basic answer - instead, he gives you a variety of answers based on the situation that YOU are in and the type of life that you want to lead. I've spent decades researching living in Europe, and I know quite a bit.  Well, I thought I did.  And then Jeff came on and dropped a ton of new knowledge on me. Want to know the "Asheville of Europe?"  Or what country is "if Greece and Switzerland had a baby?"   Don't miss this one!

It's like a resort...for ants. (Just kidding. That's a Zoolander reference.  I really hope someone got it and laughed). So, what are micro resorts?  Why do Jonas and I believe they are the best path forward for creating experiential hospitality?  And where are we currently building micro resorts (hint:  one place is international, it starts with a B, and it's not the Bahamas - although I wouldn't be opposed to that down the road).

Ever dreamt of moving to a tropical country, beach breeze blowing through your hair, surrounded by lush vegetation, wildlife, and amazing surf? ("Uhhh, yea Trav, basically every day!") Well great - then you're in luck. Because 4 years ago, my great friend Erika Kennedy packed up her life in Canada, her husband, two kids, and mom and headed off for that dream lifestyle in Costa Rica. And after living there for 4 years, she explains what it is ACTUALLY like to live that beachfront paradise lifestyle - the good, the bad, and the WTF - including some of the most random things you can't get there. (oh, and she also renovated a decrepit mountaintop house, so she's really seen it all). Enjoy this behind the scenes look at what life in Costa Rica is really like...and maybe you'll be packing your bags sooner rather than later.