Today we're taking you somewhere truly off the map, to a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, where wild nature and ultra-luxury somehow coexist. Think pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Joining us is Damian Jardine, t…Today we're taking you somewhere truly off the map, to a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, where wild nature and ultra-luxury somehow coexist. Think pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Joining us is Damian Jardine, the General Manager of Miavana, one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world.
We talk about what makes Madagascar feel like an entirely different planet, from cutie its lemurs and chameleons to its landscapes. We also chat about the intention behind building Miavana, and what it really means to experience luxury in a place where nature still leads.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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START HERE: AdventureDiaries.com/Go In this adrenaline-packed highlight reel, we revisit the most heart-stopping moments from our conversation with expedition leader Chaz Powell. FULL Interview Here: From trekking the length of the Zambezi River to dodging bandits in Madagascar's lawless zones, Chaz…START HERE: AdventureDiaries.com/Go In this adrenaline-packed highlight reel, we revisit the most heart-stopping moments from our conversation with expedition leader Chaz Powell. FULL Interview Here: From trekking the length of the Zambezi River to dodging bandits in Madagascar's lawless zones, Chaz shares the raw reality of walking the wildest rivers in Africa. Featured Highlights: (00:28) Zambezi Survival: Battling 50°C heat, dehydration, and getting trapped in a gorge alone.(01:58) M...more
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). Fr…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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