Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Hear about travel to the Galapagos Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about doing this bucket list trip as a budget traveler. Why should you go to the Galapagos? Michael says, "It is a world location that should not be missed. And you do not have to be an animal enthusiast or safari adventure type person. That certainly helps to have an open mind about ecology and conservation. The animals, the marine life, and their ecosystem. If you have the opportunity to witness it firsthand, it truly is something that should not be missed. It is a marvel." This version is land-based (with Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island as the base) rather than a cruise, making it more budget-friendly while still offering access to iconic wildlife and landscapes. Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport, then transfer by ferry and taxi to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Check into your hotel (e.g., Hotel Fiesta, Puerto Ayora). Stroll along Avenida Charles Darwin: shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Puerto Ayora fish market to watch fishermen unload their catch while sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds compete for scraps. Evening walk along the Malecón (boardwalk) where reef sharks can sometimes be spotted under the lights. 7-Day Galápagos Itinerary (Land-Based, Puerto Ayora Base)Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Ayora ... https://amateurtraveler.com/budget-travel-to-the-galapagos-islands/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen talks with Bart from Trip Tailor, a travel agent and former train steward who has been working with European rail for decades. Bart shares his deep knowledge of night trains in Europe, from their practical benefits to the romance of waking up in a new city. Why Night Trains? Bart explains that he first started working on night trains as a student job in the 1990s, and the appeal never left him. Compared to planes, night trains offer: ... https://amateurtraveler.com/night-trains-in-europe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a road trip in Oman as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton from Sloths with Latitude about the country he thinks is the best in the world. In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, we explore a two-week road trip through Oman, a country offering dramatic mountains, turquoise wadis, pristine deserts, and a warm culture rooted in Ibadism. Max shares his favorite country in the world, guiding us through a self-drive adventure with a 4x4, rooftop tent, and plenty of memorable encounters. An authentic Middle Eastern experience, very different from Dubai 2,000 km of coastline, mountains, wadis, and deserts One of the safest countries in the world, often called the “Switzerland of the Middle East” Rich history: oldest independent state in the Arab world Wild camping is legal almost everywhere Why Visit Oman? ... https://amateurtraveler.com/road-trip-in-oman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Turkmenistan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Abdylla Geldiyev, Managing Director of Undiscovered Frontiers, about an itinerary for one week in this seldom-visited country in Central Asia. Turkmenistan remains one of the least explored destinations in the world. From Ashgabat, a city of Guinness World Records and futuristic white marble architecture, to ancient Silk Road cities and surreal desert landscapes, this itinerary combines history, archaeology, and natural wonders. Why Visit Turkmenistan? Abdylla describes Turkmenistan as a country for seasoned travelers seeking the unusual: Surreal landscapes like Yangykala Canyon and the burning Darvaza gas crater Silk Road cities such as Merv and Konye-Urgench A capital city (Ashgabat) filled with world-record-breaking monuments, the largest indoor Ferris wheel, and the world’s largest handmade carpet Rich traditions of Turkmen carpets and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses Sunday arrival in Ashgabat to experience the Tolkuchka-Basar, a sprawling Sunday market alive with carpets, animals, and handicrafts. Suggested One-Week Itinerary in Turkmenistan Days 1–3: Ashgabat and Surroundings ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-turkmenistan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen recounts his immersive experience cruising the Peruvian Amazon on a nine-day "Amazon Riverboat Adventure in Depth" with G Adventures. This small-group journey, involving ~24 travelers, offers a deep dive into the culture, biodiversity, and challenges of life in the Amazon Basin. The trip began in Lima, Peru, and then took the group via domestic flight to Iquitos, one of the world’s most isolated cities, accessible only by air or river. From there, they traveled 97 km by road to Nauta to embark on the riverboat Amatista. For five days, they cruised the Marañón, Ucayali, and Amazon Rivers, exploring tributaries like the Yanayacu ("Black Water") River in skiffs and visiting riverside communities near and within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Highlights included: Spotting Amazon wildlife such as pink and gray river dolphins, spider monkeys, black-collared hawks, pygmy marmosets, capybaras, horned screamers, long-nosed bats, sloths, and dozens of tropical birds, including toucans, macaws, and herons. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/cruising-the-peruvian-amazon/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the tiny country of Andorra as the Amateur Traveler talks to musician Eli Lev about this small country in the Pyrenees Mountains, where he lived for three years. Why should you go to Andorra? Eli says, "I just fell in love with the country. First of all, it's in the middle of these magnificent mountains of the Pyrenees, so that means in winter you've got skiing, snowboarding, Aper ski, lots of festivities. Beautiful. In the summer, you've got these incredible hikes and a really special, like Neverland, nestled in the mountains with a lot of nature and really cool culture as well. So all year round." Day 1 – Barcelona → Montserrat → La Seu d’Urgell Pick up a rental car or budget bus in Barcelona, break the 3–4 hour mountain drive with a 3-hour stop at dramatic Montserrat Abbey for the cliff-side basilica, hiking paths, and Black Madonna shrine. Continue north to La Seu d’Urgell to wander its daily produce market and get a first taste of Catalan culture before the border. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-andorra/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Silk Road as the Amateur Traveler talks about his recent trip to the Gansu province of China, Buddhist Grottos, stunning landscapes, barren deserts, and the original Great Wall of China. More than 2,000 years ago, Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty sent his prodigy general Huo Qubing to seize the Hexi Corridor from the Xiongnu nomads, founding four fortified outposts—Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang—that anchored the eastern Silk Road. Centuries later, the monk Xuanzang left Lanzhou for India along the same desert corridor, returning with Sanskrit scriptures that reshaped Chinese Buddhism. Following their footsteps today reveals grottoes, Great Wall forts, and rainbow-striped badlands that still echo with the sounds of camel bells and caravan legends. Transfer & check‑in: Fly into Zhongchuan Airport and settle downtown. Yellow River walk: Night flavors: Slurp Lanzhou hand‑pulled beef noodles, then graze at a Night Market for local delights. Historic BackgroundDay‑by‑Day ItineraryDay 1 – Arrival in Lanzhou ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-the-silk-road-in-gansu-china/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Beijing, China, and the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gansu) as the Amateur Traveler discusses the first half of a recent press trip to China, sponsored by the Chinese Tourism Board. Seven days let you pair Beijing’s imperial centers and Great Wall with the yak‑grazed valleys, monasteries, and soaring limestone of Gannan—history and highlands in a single, unforgettable loop. Morning Land at PEK or PKX before noon. A pre‑booked car or the Airport Express gets you downtown in 45‑60 minutes. Stay inside the 2nd Ring Road to limit traffic headaches. Afternoon Forbidden City (Palace Museum) – Reserve tickets with your passport in advance; allow 3‑4 hrs to navigate the 960 × 750 m compound of 980 buildings. Travel China Guide Exit the North Gate and climb Jingshan Park for the classic rooftop panorama. Day 1 | Arrive Beijing ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-beijing-and-gannan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Suriname as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mike Power from SmallOfTheRoad.blogspot.com about his recent trip to this South American country. Why should you go to Suriname? Mike says, "It's an undiscovered little gem. I'm just surprised it's not more popular. The number one draw there would be nature and ecotourism. There's a ton to see. As much as 95% of the country is covered in rainforest. And so ecotourism and the wildlife, especially a lot of birds, monkeys, etc. The second one would be diversity. So, it's actually a very diverse country. And in particular, I found the maroon communities that live inland fascinating. These are descendants of former escaped slaves. And then finally, I'd say Paramaribo, which is the main city in Suriname. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with these old buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries." Here’s the itinerary Mike recommends for Suriname: Get deep into the primary rainforest to experience wildlife and pure Amazonian jungle. Mike went to Nature Resort Kabalebo, which offered guided river trips, forest hikes, waterfalls, night walks, abundant birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tapirs. 1. Interior Rainforest Lodge (3 nights). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-suriname/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Sally Jane Smith about a great alternative to visiting the Greek Islands. Sally Jane says, “The thing is that most visitors go to Greece. They go to Athens, and then they tend to go straight to the islands. And Greece has hundreds of islands. The ones that most visitors go to are the resort-style islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Don’t get me wrong, these are incredible places, but they tend to be crowded and they tend to be expensive. Whereas if you go to the Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands, which are just off the coast of the Peloponnese, you get that perfect balance. There are enough travelers visiting the area that they have all the facilities that you might need, but it also feels like you’re exploring the real Greece rather than having a resort holiday. And it’s gorgeous. There are striking landscapes. There are incredibly strong connections to history and to legend. There are five world heritage sites just on the Peloponnese Peninsula itself.” After starting in Athens which we covered in Athens Greece – Episode 832, we head down to the Peloponnese past the amazing Corinth Canal to the rocky island of Monemvasia. Monemvasia was founded in the sixth century and is a fortified city that has been nicknamed “the Gibraltar of the East”. It is a pedestrian-only town. You can hike the many many steps up the rock to the ruins of the old fortress with a great view of the old town. Bring your walking shoes for this and many of our other stops. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-peloponnese-greece/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the island nation of Samoa as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his recent trip biking around the country. Why should you go to Samoa? Jonty says, "Samoa is a small island in the Pacific. If you imagine a tropical Pacific paradise, then something like Samoa would probably spring to mind in terms of palm trees along a beautiful sandy beach with snorkeling opportunities and some diving opportunities. The Samoan culture is very interesting. It is very much the heart of Polynesia, and they've done a very good job at maintaining their culture. It's touristy enough that it's got the infrastructure that you need as a tourist to get around and do things. But it's not particularly touristy." Jonty recommends a one-week itinerary for Samoa that allows travelers to experience much of what the country has to offer, but he notes that a 10- to 14-day trip would be ideal to allow for rest, deeper exploration, and a more relaxed pace. Here's how he breaks it down: Begin your trip in Apia, the capital and only real city in Samoa. Jonty suggests spending at least a day, preferably two, exploring both the downtown and the surrounding hills. In central Apia, highlights include: Start with Apia (1–2 days) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-samoa/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Northern Iceland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Monika from PlanPackExplorer.com about her recent trip through the center of Iceland to the less-visited northern part of the country. Why should you visit Northern Iceland? Monika says, "I'm a self-proclaimed Iceland lover. I went there for the first time in 2022, by accident, which is a long story, but we ended up in Iceland, and literally after six days, started planning the second trip. Then we went back. I went back the third time with my dad, trying to show him the country, never planning trip number four. I cannot get enough of Iceland. So I was pretty familiar with Iceland by now, and I'm happy to share what I know." Monika’s route begins the moment you land at Keflavík International Airport outside of Reykjavík. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-iceland/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about rafting the Grand Canyon for seven days as the Amateur Traveler talks about this bucket list trip sponsored by Western River Expeditions. In this solo (but not really solo) episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen recounts a seven-day rafting adventure down the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions — a journey filled with whitewater rapids, red rock cliffs, side canyon hikes, waterfalls, fossils, ancient ruins, and meaningful encounters with fellow travelers. Motorized J-rig rafts cover 188 miles of the Colorado River in 7 days Overnights at iconic river camps: Ledges, Dinosaur, Carbon, Hotauta, Football Field, and Lower 185 Mile Major rapids including Hermit, Crystal, Granite, Sockdolager, Lava Falls, and more Cultural stops: Nankoweap granaries, ancestral Puebloan ruins, sacred Hopi salt mines Geology & scenery: Marble Canyon, Vishnu schist, Zoroaster granite, lava flows, and Redwall Cavern Side hikes to Havasu Canyon, Elves Chasm, Stone Creek Falls, and Deer Creek Memorable stargazing, Dutch oven desserts, and even a toga night Highlights of the Trip: ... https://amateurtraveler.com/rafting-the-grand-canyon-with-western-river-expeditions/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the French Riviera as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer and children's book author Kimberley Lovato about this region where she has had a pied-à-terre for years. Why should you go to the French Riviera? Kimberley says, "Certainly for people who love great hotels and Michelin star food and gorgeous scenery, you know what's not to love? We have the Cannes Film Festival. But, if you love beaches, hiking, and museums, I hate the cliche 'there's something for everyone', but in this case, it is true. Beaches, food, hotels, small, quaint, charming, and picture-perfect villages. It's all really here, easy to get around." Arrival & Base Fly into Nice, the region’s main airport. Base yourself in Nice, Cannes, or Sainte-Maxime, depending on your interests—city, beach, or quieter village. Day 1–2: Nice and Surroundings Kimberley Lovato’s Recommended French Riviera Itinerary ... https://amateurtraveler.com/the-french-riviera/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Espírito Santo, Brazil, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Fuse from Fuse Travels about her family's homeland. Why should you travel to Espírito Santo? Fuse says, "It is way more affordable than Rio, just as pretty, as far as beaches. It is underrated. So you're not gonna go sightseeing and have a swarm of tourists. You really get a feel of local culture. There's some amazing cuisine. Espírito Santo is diverse geography." Fuse suggests a rich and varied itinerary for a visit to Espírito Santo, Brazil, highlighting cultural, culinary, and natural experiences across several distinct regions. Here's a summary of her top recommendations: Base yourself in Vila Velha for its better beaches, like Praia da Costa, and walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Visit Convento da Penha, a 16th-century hilltop monastery with panoramic views of the coast. Tour the Garoto chocolate factory (reserve in advance). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/espirito-santo-brazil/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Brunei and Sabah on the island of Borneo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton about his recent trip to these contrasting locations. Why should you go to Brunei and Sabah? Max says, "It's one of the least visited regions in the area. I think in 2023, only 133,000 people visited. It's not many at all. This also offers a different side of Southeast Asia. I know a lot of people go to Vietnam, Thailand, even Bali, Indonesia, but Brunei is the only absolute monarchy in the region. It's also governed by Sharia law. Brunei is very wealthy. It's all because of its oil and gas." "I don't think you should be going to Brunei solely for the purpose of going to Brunei. It's perfect for a seven-day itinerary in Northern Borneo." Max recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Brunei and Sabah (northern Borneo), combining cultural experiences, nature, and adventure. Here's a summary of the recommended itinerary: Fly into Miri (cheaper than Brunei direct flights) Day 1 – Arrival in Miri (Malaysia) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-brunei-and-sabah/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jennifer Doré Dallas from Chasing Poutine about this out of the way road trip. Why should you go to Abitibi-Témiscamingue? Jennifer says, "Most people don't really know about it outside of Quebec. But in our province, it's really well known, especially for nature. It's a true paradise for nature lovers. It's also historical, bringing us back to log driving and fur trading times. I'll take you from gold mines to microbreweries to pristine lakes. Basically, you're off the beaten path, and what I love about this region is that everybody thinks it's remote, but it's so accessible and it's so easy to travel to." Jennifer recommends a one-week road trip itinerary to explore Abitibi-Témiscamingue, starting from Montreal and looping through five key regions (MRCs), each with its own blend of nature, history, Indigenous culture, and food. Here’s a breakdown of her recommended route: Day-by-Day Itinerary for Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Day 1 – Drive from Montreal to Val-d'Or (Gold Valley) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-abitibi-temiscamingue-in-quebec/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Victoria, British Columbia, as Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler talks about his recent visit to the capital of British Columbia. Join Chris Christensen as he returns to one of the first cities he ever visited outside the U.S.—Victoria, British Columbia. In this solo episode, Chris recounts a week-long press trip to Vancouver Island's picturesque capital. From kayaking and whale watching to historic Chinatown, local farms, and world-renowned gardens, discover why Victoria is more than just a pretty harbor town. After arriving via Victoria International Airport, the trip kicks off with a walking tour of North America’s second-oldest Chinatown, led by Discover the Past. Chris explores the cultural legacy of Chinese-Canadians, visits the rare Tam Kung Temple, and strolls Fan Tan Alley, learning about the community’s resilience and spiritual heritage. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about New Zealand Great Walks as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from jontynz.com about these amazing multi-day treks in his home country. Picture snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, brilliant blue alpine lakes, epic coastal scenery, unusual native birds, wilderness as far as the eye can see, golden sand beaches, historic sites, lush moss-filled bush, and huge waterfalls. New Zealand has ten Great Walks, 3-5 day hikes (or tramps in NZ) through some of the finest scenery in this beautiful country. The Great Walks are an accessible introduction to multi-day hikes. They have well-maintained tracks and cosy huts, providing a relatively safe experience.These aren't the luxury hikes available in Europe; you will generally carry almost everything you need, and won't have a shower for a few days, but they're incredibly rewarding experiences. Jonty gives an overview of each walk in alphabetical order, and finishes with general information and recommendations. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/new-zealand-great-walks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, I share the story of my recent walking trip through the Kunisaki Peninsula and Yufuin in Kyushu, Japan, with Walk Japan. This immersive journey took me past massive stone Buddhas, forest trails, rural villages, sacred shrines, and into steamy onsens — all while uncovering centuries of Japanese history and culture. Temples, Shrines, Onsens, and the Trails Between – Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk Tour style: Small group, guided, culturally immersive walking tour with Walk Japan Geology: The Volcanic Kunisaki Peninsula was formed by Mt. Futago; radial valleys and stable terrain Historical sites: Usa Jingu Shrine, Kumano Magaibutsu, Fuki-ji Temple, Choan-ji Daily hikes: 4–7 km per day through ridges, forests, rice terraces, and Buddhist cave carvings Community engagement: Visit to Walk Japan’s rural revitalization project and local mushroom farm ... https://amateurtraveler.com/exploring-the-kunisaki-peninsula-with-walk-japan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices