Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon

Why should you explore Eastern Europe?

Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.

Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander learning,” explains why he believes slow travel is the future, and even gives us a sneak peek into his epic five-year overland journey across Africa.

This episode will encourage you to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly experience a place. Francis shares insights into how to travel deeply, meet locals, and gain a richer understanding of different cultures. He also opens up about how he financially sustains his travels, his approach to living with less, and why investing unconventionally has helped him maintain a life of adventure. 

Plus, if you’re curious about long-distance hiking, you won’t want to miss his take on hiking all three of America’s major trails and the crazy adventure he took on the Continental Divide Trail.

What’s a place you’ve visited that completely changed your perspective? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.

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Tune In To Learn:

• His philosophy of "wander learning" and how travel is the best education
• How Francis hiked the three longest trails in the U.S. and what he learned from each
• Why taking a contrarian approach to money and investing can fuel a life of travel
• Why Francis defines Eastern Europe differently than most people (and why that matters)
• The biggest misconceptions about Eastern Europe
• The best ways to meet locals and truly experience a destination
• How slow travel can lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences
• How he managed to travel through all 54 African countries over five years
• How Francis approaches writing about his travels and his latest project, Unseen Africa
• What destinations you should visit now
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Sign up for our FREE newsletter
• Visit FrancisTapon.com
• Follow Francis on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Visit Africa54.com
• Listen to Wander Learn Podcast
• Grab a copy of Francis' books
• CouchSurfing
• RescueTime

Want More?

• How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman
• World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel
• Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn

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