Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast

EPOP Real Estate 005: Trav's Biggest Wins and Lessons Learned

Two sets of bungalows.  Both on the same island.  Both owned by a one family for the last 50 years.  Both historical and charming.  

And that's where the similarities end.

In this episode, Trav walks through the lessons he learned from the first set of bungalows (and there are A LOT), how he made sure he didn't make the same mistake twice...and also why, despite the setbacks, the first set of bungalows might actually end up being a better deal (which is truly a shocker).

Despite all the similarities, no two deals are the same - and this episode proves it.  

Want to be the first to know when we have other projects happening?  Subscribe to our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: EPOP Real Estate Newsletter

Steph and Luke - Betting on Paradise and Renovating a Decrepit Hotel in Costa Rica

You've thought of it.  Probably even dreamed of it. 

Leaving your regular life - the job, the car, the house, and the rat race - to move to a tropical location, renovate, and run a hotel.

No worries, no stress.  All sunshine, surf, fresh coconuts.  Pure bliss.

Well...you've dreamed of doing it, but Steph and Luke have actually done it.

In 2020, they "bet it all" to move to Costa Rica and open up a hotel with two young daughters in tow.

Heck, they even got a tv show out of it - HGTV's "Betting on Paradise."

They were living the dream.

What could possibly go wrong?

Turns out...A LOT.

Here's the full, behind the scenes story of that journey, told by two people who have some of best energy you could possibly have - and still were almost broken by it!

 

EPOP Real Estate 004: A Tale of Two Projects (New York vs. Tennessee)

Jonas has two development projects currently going - one in New York, one in Tennessee.  One's going very well, one's going not so well (or in his words - not at all).

So how do two projects, both with the same owner, take two drastically different paths?

Find out the biggest lessons Jonas has learned from his Tennessee project, the things he would do differently, and how, despite the development taking years longer than expected, he's still making sure that project doesn't destroy him (financially and emotionally)!

Tom Turcich - Walking Around the World for 7 Years

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

EPOP Real Estate 003: Setting a Buy Box and Picking a Location

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

Jeff Opdyke - The Best Places To Live In Europe

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!

EPOP Real Estate 002: Micro Resorts

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).

Erika Kennedy - What is Life in Costa Rica REALLY Like (with a family)

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.  

EPOP Real Estate 001: What Is Experiential Hospitality and Are AirBnB's Dead?

In this new podcast, Trav sits down with his co-host Jonas to discuss the vision for their real estate "empire" -  and why they believe experiential hospitality is the answer.

Learn how they define experiential hospitality, why they are doubling down on it, and why AirBnB's aren't dead (but a lot are on life support).

If you're interested in going on this journey with us, then you're in luck - we'll be releasing new EPOP Real Estate shows every week to give you a behind the scenes look as we go on a mission to create the most unique and boutique micro-resorts around the world.

00:00 Introduction to Experiential Hospitality

00:57 The State of Hotels and Short-Term Rentals

02:59 Defining Experiential Hospitality

05:59 The Importance of Unique Experiences

09:08 Creating Purpose-Driven Properties

11:56 The Future of Hospitality

14:55 Investing in Experiential Hospitality

Jason Robinson: From Non-Traveler to World Traveler in 5 Years + Type 1 Diabetes

J-Rob was 40, had a house, regular job, and had only been to two countries (one of which was the US).  Oh, plus he was scared to travel.

But he did it anyway - and he started with a series of experiments (which he continues to this very day).

Here's how J-Rob went from non-traveler to world traveler in 5 years despite getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Whether you're someone who hasn't traveled much but wants to or someone who's been around the world a bunch, J-Rob's story is not only inspiring but actionable.

And if you want even more guidance, pick up his book, The Beginner Traveler's Guide, which just released the all new 2nd edition.  

You can find it at www.thenomadexperiment.com