Synopsis
Matt and Nikki Javit had stress free lives in Indianapolis. They loved hanging out with their friends, spending quality time with their family, and making new connections in their vast network. They were both considered very successful in their careers, and they loved their bosses and co-workers. But the desire to travel full time was always on their minds, and they knew the window would be soon closing to turn a dream into reality. So on February 21, 2017, with their single backpack each, they flew to Santiago, Chile with the one-way ticket that would start their journey around the world. Checking off bucket list locations like Machu Picchu, Galapagos Islands, The Sistine Chapel, and The Taj Mahal, they are creating new exciting lists every week on where they want to explore next. Follow along on PassportJoy.com Travel Talk to hear their latest crazy stories, tips to have amazing trips on a budget, hot locations you may not have heard of, and ways to volunteer on the road. Whether you are looking to travel long-term like they are or you want to find a cheaper way to have epic weekend getaways, this is the podcast that delivers value by keeping it REAL while taking you along for a memorable ride. Enjoy as they broadcast from around the world on this entertaining travel podcast!
Episodes
-
39: Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know)
15/11/2018 Duration: 43minIn this podcast episode, we share ideas for your 2019 travel wish list. We are not going to talk about the top 20 travel destinations around the world but focus on the locations that sometimes get overlooked. We look at 10 of our favorite spots for doing all the things we love to do - food, scooters, beaches, culture, history, festivals, music, meeting new friends and socializing. Our list includes Lisbon, Krakow, Greek Islands, Panama City, Da Nang, Sicily, San Pedro de Atacama, Koyasan, Alicante, and the Isle of Man. This may be the first time you are hearing about some of these locations. Tune in to find out why you need to consider each for 2019. Main Topics Covered: Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Links Mentioned in the Episode: An easy way to support us is by checking out our Amazon Store. We list all of the items we love there. Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index recently came out. We h
-
38: Back to Travel Basics (13 Tips to Think About)
08/11/2018 Duration: 37minWe have been asked to talk about the idea of taking a few steps back as ‘expert travelers’ and how would we handle traveling if we started over based on our current knowledge. Essentially share tips to someone that has never left the US or is considering an adventure that is outside of their comfort zone. We love this topic! We sometimes take our years of travel of experience for granted and forget that we first had to walk before we could run. So here are a few of the TOP things we would consider if we were back to start over in our travel career. Main Topics Covered: Back to the Travel Basics Links Mentioned in the Episode: An easy way to support us is by checking out our Amazon Store. We list all of the items we love there. We love reading and have created a list of our favorite books with the description on why we love them so much. Get your PASSPORT early (NOW)! Don’t wait until you NEED to get it and have to rush. Find someone you can relate to on social media and build a friendship. Ask questions,
-
37: When Traveling Sucks (Things We Hate About Our Journey)
01/11/2018 Duration: 36minWe often get asked after telling someone about our journey ‘what is something bad that has happened?’ or ‘what do you miss the most’ or ‘have you been in danger or harms way?’ People LOVE negativity and hearing about bad stuff. It’s the reason that everyone slows down for a car accident or clicks on the horrible headlines that fill the news websites…..Yes, our lives are amazing and we don’t have anything to complain about BUT everyone wants to hear about the bad stuff that happens to others. It may be the reason you decided to listen to this podcast today...so...these are the things we HATE about traveling. We are not going to mention missing our family or friends. That’s a given and so cliche. We are going to discuss the stuff that annoys us during this adventure. Main Topics Covered: When Traveling Sucks Links Mentioned in the Episode: An easy way to support us is by checking out our Amazon Store. We list all of the items we love there. Foundation Training - The most important exercises for your back whi
-
36: Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Travel (2 Kinds of Awesome)
25/10/2018 Duration: 43minKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore are both great travel destinations that have their own flavor. While staying in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur, we had the chance to take in Chinatown, several of the massive malls, and check out the Petronas Twin Towers. There are temples to visit, tons of street vendors with spicy food, and street entertainment every night of the week. Singapore is in a class of its own living as a city in the future. It is clean, safe, and luxurious. Beyond the beauty of the downtown area, you can visit the ethnic neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown, and Arab Street. We give you the advice you need to make the most of your time in both of these beautiful destinations. Main Topics Covered: Kuala Lumpur Singapore Links Mentioned in the Episode: An easy way to support us is by checking out our Amazon Store. We list all of the items we love there. Skyscanner - To find all of the latest flight deals and creative ways to travel, check out - https://PassportJoy.com/Scan Tony R
-
35: Overtourism (What!?!)
18/10/2018 Duration: 37minOvertourism is a term that is being thrown around a bunch recently as the travel industry has hit peaks in specific locations around the world. Based on our experience, conversations during our journey, and research on travel, we express our opinions on the subject. We give examples of how we have been affected and what the future might look like. Main Topics Covered: Overtourism (our thoughts on the subject) Links Mentioned in the Episode: The best way to support us is by checking out our Amazon Store. We list all of the items we love there. Tommy John Underwear - Matt brought seven pairs of underwear on his journey - ALL Tommy John - Seven Corners Insurance - The Travel Insurance that we use as we Travel Full time One of the ‘Overtourism’ articles that we are referring to in the podcast. The definition of overtourism from Collins. We enjoyed Venice on a Budget (9 Tips to Save Money) and think you should as well. Be sure to discover all of the Cusco Peru Day Trips (Top 8 Sites) when you go there. When
-
34: Thailand Adult Trip (Bars, Night Markets, and an Island)
11/10/2018 Duration: 42minWith our sixth trip back to Thailand, we had a chance to explore with our friends that were visiting from the US. It was a fun-filled ten days showing them all that we love about Bangkok, exploring the island of Koh Samet together, and taking in the craziness of Pattaya. In this episode, we discuss Muay Thai fighting, street food, the adult life options, and why Pattaya is built for the male western traveler. Beaches, beer, and scooters. Buckle up. Main Topics Covered: Bangkok Koh Samet Pattaya Why Thailand Rocks Links Mentioned in the Episode: Google Fi - the best phone plan for international travelers Nixplay - unbelievable digital frame to share all of your travel photos Our friends, Chris and Arlene, joined us for ten fun-filled days in Thailand. If you want more details on Bangkok (this was our 6th trip) check out Podcast 8: In LOVE with Bangkok (and a Visit to the Hospital). Sukhumvit is our favorite place to stay when in Bangkok. The Patpong Night Market is wild as hell and a ton of fun. Wat Pho (
-
33: World Barber Shop Adventures (Why, How, & What’s Next?)
04/10/2018 Duration: 36minIn this podcast episode, we discuss the new docuseries World Barber Shop Adventures. We present how the idea came about, why there is so much passion behind the project and our plans for the future of the series. We also discuss fun stories from the barber chair before we started taping and how all of the production comes together. Main Topics Covered: World Barber Shop Adventures Links Mentioned in the Episode: TrustedHouseSitters - Join the pet care revolution - Pet Sit, House Sit, or have your pets watched while you are on vacation World Barber Shop Adventures promotion video My post on why I am so passionate about barber shops, the craft, and experience in the chair The full World Barber Shop Adventures Series Playlist on YouTube To Subscribe to the channel: http://bit.ly/YouTubeSubMJ The inspiration came when telling my story of traveling to different barbers around the world in Bucharest, Romania My production assistance comes from Austin in the US. He is an awesome young talent. The neck shave in Ja
-
32: Japan Travel Part 2 (Sumo Wrestling, Geisha, and the Countryside)
27/09/2018 Duration: 38minOur six weeks in Japan were unforgettable. Getting the chance to see how cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto differ was quite an experience. Mixing in time along the countryside in Kyotango was a treat. The stillness and peacefulness of our lakeside guesthouse were fantastic as we listened to the water while falling asleep at night. Sumo Wrestling was a highlight and a sports bucket list event I have imagined for years. Spotting a Geisha in Kyoto was an incredible moment to capture the beauty on film in a rare opportunity. We discuss all of this and more as we present our final three weeks in the remarkable country and give our insights on why you should add it to your travel list soon. Main Topics Covered: Kyoto Kyotango Tokyo Links Mentioned in the Episode: Books We Love - Discover the books we have read and enjoyed during and before our travels Be sure to check out Podcast 29: Japan Travel Part 1 (Our First 3 Weeks) to listen to us arriving in Tokyo, and spending time in Kobe, Osaka, Koyasan, and Nara.
-
31: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires (Brazil & Argentina)
20/09/2018 Duration: 50minRio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Buenos Aires is one of the most romantic. And, the Iguazu Falls will have you in awe of the beauty, magnificence, and endless natural splendor. It has been unmatched in our travels around the world. 2.5 times the size of the Niagara falls, its the world’s largest waterfalls system, and rightly named to the New 7 Wonders of Nature List and should be on everyone’s bucket list. This two-week trip was memorable for many reasons. We break down what you should consider while making your way to this remarkable part of the world in this week’s Passport Joy Travel Talk with Nikki and Matt Javit. Main Topics Covered: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Iguazu Falls Buenos Aires, Argentina Links Mentioned in the Episode: Airbnb - The best way to travel anywhere in the world. Get your discount today. Mizzen and Main - The best pants available for traveling. Versatile, fashionable, and comfortable. Use your coupon today to get the best pants possible. Rio de Janeir
-
30: Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru (Bucket List Journey)
13/09/2018 Duration: 01h49sVisiting Machu Picchu is a bucket list travel location for many travelers. It was absolutely a location that we had to see on our journey. While making your trip to see the historic Inca ruins, you will likely spend time in Cusco, Peru. We think you should visit for more than just a day or two discovering this historic city. With some much to uncover in the city and countless day trips to be had to see Inca ruins nearby, we stayed longer than a week in Cusco. In this episode, we give you the tips and insight that you need to have a good time, from transportation to safety to what foods to expect. Listen to our conversation on Cusco, Peru and discovering the unbelievable Machu Picchu ruins on this week’s Passport Joy Travel Talk with Nikki and Matt Javit. Main Topics Covered: Cusco, Peru Tips Discovery Cusco and the Things to See Top Day Trips around Cusco Machu Picchu (& Huayna Picchu) Links Mentioned in the Episode: Blink - the best way to monitor your home while you are away and to keep an eye on your
-
29: Japan Travel Part 1 (Our First 3 Weeks)
06/09/2018 Duration: 01h06minOur first three weeks traveling Japan have been unforgettable. Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi), Kobe, Osaka, Koyasan, Nara. There are so many positive things that we will share in this podcast episode. Railway system, umbrellas, 7-Eleven’s, vending machines, baseball games, Temples, and incredibly kind people. We love our time here. Halfway through our time in this gorgeous country and we have so much to share. Tune in to find all that we are enjoying, experiencing, and observing as we explore one of the unique cultures in the world. Main Topics Covered: Japan Travel Part 1 (Our First 3 Weeks) Links Mentioned in the Episode: Foundation Training - The most important exercises for your back while you travel! ExpressVPN - protect your information when you travel and connect to see your content that you are paying for Our route so far in Japan - Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi), Kobe, Osaka, Koyasan, Nara. Japan is a economic powerhouse globally. The railway system in Japan is complex and systematic.
-
28: Chile Travel - Santiago, Valparaiso, San Pedro de Atacama (& Other Beauty)
30/08/2018 Duration: 01h54sChile has many destinations that you will want to add to your travel list. Santiago as a mega city but beautiful location, Vina del Mar, and Valparaiso as coastal paradises, Antofagasta as a growing hotbed on the coast, and San Pedro de Atacama for being one of the most gorgeous locations on the planet. We loved our time in Chile as we started off on this journey around the world. We still have many friends from our time in this beautiful country as well as fond memories of climbing steep mountains, walking along gorgeous coastlines, and dancing the night away in the bars. We will definitely be back again someday to take it all in again. Main Topics Covered: Chile Travel - Santiago, Valparaiso, San Pedro de Atacama Links Mentioned in the Episode: Books We Love - Discover the books we have read and enjoyed during and before our travels You can read the complete Chile Travel Tips (Tipping, transportation and wine 2018) guide on this page. Propinas (tips) can be confusing for travelers. Spanish is the officia
-
27: Galapagos Islands (One of Earth’s Most Unique Locations)
23/08/2018 Duration: 55minOne of the most unique and untouched places on the planet, the Galapagos Islands, was a bucket list location for us as we set out on our journey. We loved taking in the gorgeous beaches, hidden diving opportunities, and exotic animals. Swimming with sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and stingrays made the trip unforgettable. We managed to make the trip on a budget and found creative ways to save money and make the most of our time. In this podcast episode, we share tips to help you have a fantastic trip to the islands off the coast of Ecuador that will leave you wishing for more chances to jump into the Pacific Ocean. Main Topics Covered: Galapagos Islands - Tips to Enjoy and Save Money Links Mentioned in the Episode: TrustedHouseSitters - Join the pet care revolution - Pet Sit, House Sit, or have your pets watched while you are on vacation The original post on traveling the Galapagos Islands on a Budget breaks down a lot of the details of the podcast. The Galápagos Islands is a group of islands in the Pacif
-
26: Estonia to Qatar Night Trip (Reflection of 18 Months)
16/08/2018 Duration: 57minWe cannot believe how fast the last 18 months have gone on the road. In this episode, we reflect back on the journey and detail all of the places we have visited so far. The path has been fantastic. We then talk through the last week of traveling which took us to the beautiful city of Tallinn, Estonia for 5 days to enjoy the thriving technology hub of Europe. We enjoyed walking around the walled town and meeting other travelers. Then we discuss our flights from Tallinn to Copenhagen, Denmark to Doha, Qatar to Tokyo, Japan. We made the most of our visit to Qatar scheduling a night tour of the city which was amazing. Main Topics Covered: Overview - Reflection of the last 18 Months Traveling Tallinn, Estonia to Copenhagen to Doha, Qatar to Japan Links Mentioned in the Episode: Tommy John Underwear - Matt brought seven pairs of underwear on his journey - ALL Tommy John Seven Corners Insurance - The Travel Insurance that we use as we Travel Full time Find all of the updates from the last 18 months at the Our J
-
25: Free Travel with Pet and House Sits (3 Weeks in Zurich)
09/08/2018 Duration: 50minCan you imagine having a free place to stay in amazing places like Paris, Tokyo, or Zurich? It is possible by taking care of pets and watching homes for vacationers in cities around the world. Do you need someone to watch your pets when you vacation but hate paying the fees of a kennel or pet sitter? This is a great way to have a responsible, verified person watch your home and take care of your pets for free. We break down all of the facts of pet sitting in this podcast episode. We also talk about our three weeks in Zurich, Switzerland and what we did to pass the time as we watched two sweet cats. Main Topics Covered: Pet Sitting and House Sitting Around the World Zurich Overview Links Mentioned in the Episode: Google Fi - the best phone plan for international travelers Nixplay - unbelievable digital frame to share all of your travel photos Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, as well as their pet care credentials, a
-
24: Panama City, Casco Viejo, and San Blas (Sailing Adventure in Panama)
02/08/2018 Duration: 35minHave you ever wanted to discover the islands that look like the ones in the Corona commercials where there is a single palm tree with a small hut? Well, you can find about 360 of them just off the coast of Panama in the San Blas Islands. We had a wonderful time on a private yacht exploring the islands after spending time in Panama City and Casco Viejo. Panama is a beautiful place to visit to give yourself an international experience while not venturing too far away from the States. We highly recommend this destination for those that are looking to soak up the sun, enjoy an enjoyable cultural experience, and visit the most unique island colony in the world. Main Topics Covered: Panama City, Casco Viejo, and San Blas Links Mentioned in the Episode: Books We Love - Discover the books we have read and enjoyed during and before our travels Panama is in Central America bordering the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. We stayed in an Airbnb but we enjoyed visiting the Hard Rock Hotel while in Panama City. The Pana
-
23: Croatia Island Travel (Yacht Week & 2 More Weeks Exploring)
26/07/2018 Duration: 46minWhere do we stay as we travel around the world? How do we keep our costs to a minimum with our accommodations? In this episode, we discuss the differences between Airbnb, hostels, hotels, and WorkAways. You will hear about crying babies and squealing guinea pigs. We talk about the Lisbon Hustle and drinking with a star from Narcos. We then answer a couple of follower questions including how we stay in touch with family and what technologies we use to do so. Everyone gets homesick; we talk about how we cope with it on the road. We wrap up with our first ‘Shame on That’ session where we screw up and tell people that they are ugly. Oops! Main Topics Covered: Accommodation Tips to Save Time and Money Q&A - How we Stay in Touch with Friends and Family Q&A - How do we cope with Homesickness SOT - Famous People Look-Alikes; We Didn’t Mean to call you Ugly Links: Feel secure on the road by monitoring your room with Blink - https://PassportJoy.com/Blink Find out more about Priority Pass to save money dur
-
22: Discovering Poland - Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz (And a Bit of Bucharest, Romania)
19/07/2018 Duration: 50minVisiting Poland for the first time was educational, entertaining, and a bit heartbreaking. Krakow, Warsaw, and Auschwitz have a history that has been told around the world. Many movies have attempted to depict Polish life in the times of war and uprising. Walking the streets of these cities gave us a better sense of what had been and the bright future that lies ahead. Now Krakow and Warsaw are growing multicultural business hubs that are gaining the investment of global corporations. The pubs, restaurants, and nightlife are at the level of the other top European cities. In this podcast episode, we discuss why we really enjoyed our three weeks visiting Poland as well as 8 days in Bucharest, Romania, and why we think you should consider visiting these Eastern European locations in the very near future. Main Topics Covered: Discovering Poland’s Pride in Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz Links Mentioned in the Episode: Books We Love - Discover the books we have read and enjoyed during and before our travels A great
-
21: Five Greek Islands We Love (with Tips and Tricks) and 4 Books Reviewed
12/07/2018 Duration: 44minWe have been fortunate to spend time on five beautiful islands of Greece - Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Corfu, and Aegina. The beauty of these Greek Islands does not stop with the fabulous beaches or tasty food. In this podcast episode, we discuss why we enjoyed our time so much and why we highly recommend travelers visiting the islands as well. We share tips and tricks that you need to think about before your visit that can save you time and stress. We also discuss four books that have changed us recently that you might want to read as well. Enjoy! Main Topics Covered: 5 Islands of Greece We Love (with Tips and Tricks) Four Books that Have Changed us Lately Links Mentioned in the Episode: Skyscanner - To find all of the latest flight deals and creative ways to travel Tony Robbins will help you get to your true potential - find all of his products at https://PassportJoy.com/Tony There are thousands of Greek Islands and many to discover that are inhabited and inviting to tourists On one trip a few years ago w
-
20: Volunteering During Travel (Voluntourism) & Using WorkAway for Free Stays
05/07/2018 Duration: 49minHave you been a part of volunteering efforts that helped you see different parts of the world? Have you thought about combining your passion for travel with your desire to help others in foreign lands? Is it even a good idea to go into foreign nations to help people that might not be asking for it? There are many difficult questions when it comes to voluntourism, the concept of volunteering during travel. We give our thoughts on the topic and the ways that we have given back on the road. We also discuss WorkAway (another form of volunteering) in more detail. We have completed four WorkAway’s on three different continents now. We give the good and bad on this fantastic way to see the world. Main Topics Covered: Volunteering During Travel Using WorkAway for Free Stays Links Mentioned in the Episode: Airbnb - The best way to travel anywhere in the world. Get your discount today. Mizzen and Main - The best pants available for traveling. Versatile, fashionable, and comfortable. Use your coupon today to get the