Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Hear about travel to Southeastern Turkey as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mark Michael from rambleswithmark.com about this region that is the home to people in the Bible like Paul and Abraham, ancient monasteries, and some of the oldest known megaliths. Connection to Region Read William Dalrymple’s From the Holy Mountain in college, a journey through the region retracing the steps of John Moscos, a seventh-century monk It’s hard to underestimate how ancient this part of the world feels. In Urfa, they have a few prized local delicacies: one is a meatball they say that Abraham invented, another is a dessert they call Noah’s pudding, and there’s a pancake covered in molasses that is supposed to derive from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. I have made a lot of Christian pilgrimages, almost always to sites from the New Testament or the early church; many sites on this trip are associated with Muslim traditions about Old Testament figures, which are usually similar but different from those preserved by Jews and Christians. If you are interested in the history of the Ancient Near East, Turkey is by far the easiest place to travel: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel are all barred or unsafe. Turkey has good roads, helpful people, and relatively low costs (though inflation has climbed steeply in the past 2 years) Area is changing quickly through massive investment in GAP Project (22 hydroelectric dams on the Euphrates, 19 power plants, with initiatives to develop agriculture and tourism in region that has been Turkey’s poorest), allowing for development of tourist infrastructure, but accelerating decline of traditional ways of life, if you go now, it will still seem timeless, and you will be ahead of the tourist rush You feel like a traveler here, not a tourist. I only met one other native English speaker. People are curious and enthusiastic to show you their local treasures. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-southeastern-turkey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen talks with AJ Ajay, a Libyan-born travel professional and founder of Intu Libya, about traveling to one of North Africa’s least-visited and most misunderstood destinations: Libya. From spectacular Roman ruins to Saharan oases, ancient Amazigh towns, and the vibrant streets of Tripoli, AJ explains why Libya rewards travelers who are curious, respectful, and willing to look beyond headlines. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. Why Visit Libya? Libya offers a rare sense of discovery. With tourism largely undeveloped since the mid-20th century, many of its historic sites feel untouched. AJ describes Libya as a country where Roman, Greek, Phoenician, Ottoman, Italian, and Islamic histories overlap, often in the same physical space. Add to that Mediterranean coastline, vast Saharan landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions of hospitality, and Libya becomes a destination for travelers seeking something truly different. Safety, Visas, and Practicalities Chris and AJ address the elephant in the room: safety and travel advisories. AJ explains how Libya currently operates with an electronic visa system that requires a local sponsor and organized itinerary. Tourism is tightly coordinated with authorities, and travel routes are planned in advance. While some regions remain off-limits, AJ emphasizes that millions of Libyans live their daily lives safely and that guided travel within approved areas is the key to visiting responsibly. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-libya/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen welcomes back Jonty Crane of Jonty Travels and The Tramping Life podcast to share practical advice and favorite sights from his many visits to India’s capital, Delhi. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. Delhi is intense, historic, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating. Jonty has visited Delhi six times over the past six years and offers a grounded perspective on how to experience the city without being overwhelmed. He recommends seeing Delhi in manageable doses, mixing headline attractions with quieter parks, tombs, and neighborhoods where daily life unfolds. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-delhi-india/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, Chris shares an in-depth look at an eight-night adventure cruise through the fjords, glaciers, capes, and wildlife of southern Patagonia aboard Ventus Australis. The route combines two four-night segments, sailing from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, and back again, providing double the opportunities to explore remote landscapes reached only by Zodiac. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. What This Episode Covers • Understanding Patagonia Chris opens with an overview of Patagonia’s geography, the island of Tierra del Fuego, and the immense glaciated landscapes that define this southernmost corner of South America. Unlike large-ship cruises, this expedition cruise stays almost entirely below the South American continent, weaving through rugged, isolated islands. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/patagonia-cruise/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amateur Traveler, Chris talks with returning guest and friend of the show Lee Moore, author of "China's Backstory: The History Beijing Doesn't Want You to Read" and co-host of the Chinese Literature Podcast. Lee returns to share his love for Northern Taiwan, a place he first lived in more than a decade ago while studying Chinese literature in Taipei, and a region he revisited in 2023 with his wife and two young children. Together, they explore what to see, how to get around, and why Northern Taiwan makes an unexpectedly great family-friendly adventure. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. Why Visit Northern Taiwan? Lee describes Northern Taiwan as a place rich in history, natural beauty, museums, night markets, rail-line towns, beaches, and hot springs. It blends the best of Japan and China while maintaining its own distinct culture. He jokes that you should visit now “before China invades,” but quickly follows with more grounded reasons: world-class museums, unique cultural quirks, kid-friendly public infrastructure, beautiful hikes, and easy day trips from Taipei without ever changing hotels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amateur Traveler, Chris talks with travel writer and guidebook author Joshua Zukas about planning an immersive trip through Central Vietnam, a region filled with imperial history, dramatic caves, ancient cultures, beaches, wildlife, and some of the country’s most distinctive cuisine. Joshua has lived in Vietnam for nearly 20 years, first in Huế and now in Hanoi, and has authored multiple guidebooks. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠here. Why Visit Central Vietnam? Central Vietnam offers a compact blend of what makes the country special. Within a week, you can explore beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins, caves, and historic neighborhoods. Spring is the ideal time to visit, while October and November bring storms and flooding. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-vietnam/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, Chris takes you along on a Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, an upstream journey through China’s legendary Three Gorges. Along the way, you’ll hear about naked trackers of old, a poet whose death inspired a festival celebrated across China, engineering marvels, hanging coffins, misty karst cliffs, and the modern rhythms of cruise life on the Victoria Sabrina, a ship from Victoria Cruises. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠⁠here. My thanks to Victoria Cruise Lines for treating me like a VIP, including an upgraded cabin, shore excursions, and the upgrade package with access to the Sabrina Lounge. What You’ll Experience ... https://amateurtraveler.com/yangtze-river-cruise/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the south of England as the Amateur Traveler talks to Heather Cowper from HeatherOnHerTravels.com about hiking the Thames Path National Trail. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you walk the Thames Path National Trail? Heather says, "There are some people like me who are avid walkers and love to do a national trail, a long-distance trail, and I've done a few, and this was a very enjoyable one. I think this particular trail takes you through the south of England, and you really do see some quintessentially English landscapes. You've got really beautiful rural landscapes, and then as you come towards London, you've got some of the most iconic landmarks in England." In this episode of Amateur Traveler, Heather Cowper returns to the show to share her experience walking the Thames Path National Trail, a 300-kilometer (185-mile) long-distance route that follows the River Thames from its source in rural Gloucestershire all the way to London’s Docklands. Heather, who hiked the trail in sections with her sister over the course of a year, explains why this is one of the most scenic, accessible, and flexible long-distance walks in England. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/thames-path-trail-in-england/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lexie Brown from @lexienicolebrown on Instagram about her explorations of this remote island country. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠here. Why should you go to the Federated States of Micronesia? Lexie says, "It is a place that's so unique, and, I think, unmatched when it comes to experiencing ancient Micronesian culture. And what's interesting about the FSM is that there are four states, and each of those states is made up of either one island or over a hundred islands, split up in a lagoon. So it's very diverse and even because each state is so far apart, they have their own language and their own culture." Lexie recommends an itinerary that focuses on Kosrae and Pohnpei, two of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Suggested Itinerary Overview Duration: About one weekRoute: Start in Kosrae for nature, hiking, and ancient ruins Continue to Pohnpei for waterfalls, diving, and the famous Nan Madol ruins (Optional extensions: Yap for traditional culture during Yap Week in March, and Chuuk for advanced wreck diving in Truk Lagoon) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-federated-states-of-micronesia/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Bhutan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Dorji Dhratyul, the former head of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bhutan. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you go to Bhutan? Doji says, "I think when you're talking about globally in terms of tourism, we are talking about over-tourism. The tourism destinations are getting crowded, but as of now, Bhutan is still a very pristine, quiet, and silent place. Bhutan is that place where a visitor comes here, not just on a journey, but basically they come here as an inward journey." Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that measures its success not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness. The small Himalayan kingdom regulates visitor numbers intentionally, following its “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. That means fewer crowds, pristine landscapes, and a deeply authentic experience. Dorji recommends beginning with the western region, home to the country’s only international airport and some of its most iconic sites. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-bhutan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Kansas as the Amateur Traveler discusses a recent trip to Wichita, Kansas, for a conference and a post-conference Old West themed press trip. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you go to Kansas? Chris says, "This is a state that surprised me. I wasn't planning on doing an episode on this trip, but Kansas surprised me. The history and the food were all memorable. The press trip I did was about the Old West, so we visited sites about native americans, the Santa Fe Trail, railroads, cowboys, lawmen, and then later on the manufacturing of airplanes." Start in Wichita. Drive two hours northeast to Council Grove, a historic stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Day 1 – Council Grove and Abilene Kaw Mission State Historic Site: Learn about the Kanza (Kaw) tribe for whom Kansas is named, and the short-lived Methodist mission school built after the tribe ceded land to the U.S. Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park: The only remaining Kanza-owned land in Kansas, used for powwows and home to a sacred red rock recently repatriated from Lawrence. The Last Chance Store: Once the final supply stop for wagons heading southwest toward Santa Fe. Lunch: Eat at Hays House, founded in 1857 and considered the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kansas/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a road trip across the North Shore of Lake Superior as the Amateur Traveler talks to David Adler about an area that he fell in love with through a summer camp. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here. Why should you drive this road trip? David says, "I think what makes it really unique is that it's a place that no one really knows about. I think it stands as one of the most beautiful spots in the world that I've ever seen. The nature there is really untouched. You'll be driving, and there'll be signs that say no gas for 150 kilometers. It's very remote." David recommended road trip itinerary along the North Shore of Lake Superior (as described in the podcast transcript) begins in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and ends in Thunder Bay, following Highway 17, part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Here’s the detailed route he outlines: Overview Route: Sault Ste. Marie → Wawa → Marathon → Thunder Bay Highway: Ontario Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) Distance: ~700 km (435 mi) Duration: 5–7 days recommended Best season: Summer (May – September) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/north-shore-of-lake-superior/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Cairo, Egypt, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Neil Laird, TV producer and the author of the Prime Time Travelers Series, about his favorite city. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why should you go to Cairo? Neil says, "I've traveled to some 70 countries and I've been an international documentary TV producer for 30 years. But anytime people ask me what is my happy place, what is the place that set me all off on this journey, it is Egypt. I've been enamored and fascinated by the ancient Egyptians and by the culture there for 30, 35 years, and Cairo is the gateway to that. I spent a lot of time on Luxor shooting films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and BBC. But Cairo is often overlooked because it's the noisy, chaotic city that you fly into and see the pyramids before you go see Luxor and the great ruins. And that's a shame because Cairo is a universe in itself." Here’s the 7-day Cairo itinerary recommended by Neil: Day 1 – Zamalek (Gezira Island) Stay in Zamalek, the leafy island in the Nile – quieter, easier to acclimate. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-cairo-egypt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about traveling to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the Amateur Traveler discusses a biking trip around the lake to explore its historic, cultural, and natural sites. The Lake Constance International Tourism Board sponsored this trip. Day 1 – Arrival in Constance, Germany Flew into Zurich, train to Constance. Quick city tour: Roman history dating back to Caesar Augustus, Council of Constance (resolved the Papal Schism). Began biking to Reichenau Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site): monasteries, vineyards, Romanesque churches, small museum of monastic culture. Dinner on Reichenau, returned by boat to Constance. Overnight: Hotel Constantia. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/lake-constance-bike-trip/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Marseille and Provence in France as the Amateur Traveler talks again to Audra Morris of The Nerd Traveler about her visit to France's second-largest city. Why should someone travel to Marseille and Provence? Audra says, "Marseille in Provence is the oldest town in France. It has got 2,600 years of history. It does have a reputation of being a little bit edgy, a little bit gritty, so it's one of those, under-the-radar kind of places. It's a beautiful place to have a home base for exploring the South of France, the Provence area specifically. It's such a cool and vibrant town. With it being one of the locales for the Olympics, they did spend quite a bit of money in the last 10 or 15 years really upgrading the city. It's quite a bit safer than a lot of people think it's gonna be." Audra recommends the following itinerary: Days 1–2: Explore Marseille Notre-Dame de la Garde – Iconic basilica on a hill with panoramic views (take the little tourist train or metro, not the steep walk). MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) – Modern architecture plus exhibits; linked to Fort Saint-Jean (17th-century fort, cannons once pointed at the city). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-marseille-and-provence/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the top half of New Zealand's South Island as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his adopted country. Why should you visit the top half of New Zealand's South Island? Jonty says that this area has "spectacular scenery, natural hot springs, beautiful beaches, world-class vineyards, and whale watching". Jonty suggests a two-week road trip (with additional optional side trips, particularly for multi-day hikes) starting in Christchurch and looping north through North Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough, and Kaikōura before returning to Christchurch. The trip combines cities, hot springs, alpine passes, national parks, short walks and multi-day hikes, vineyards, wildlife, and heritage. Suggested Itinerary Days 1–2: Christchurch Explore the city centre, largely rebuilt post the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes: Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River punting, and the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial. Visit cultural sites: Canterbury Museum, Christ Church Cathedral ruins, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, aka the cardboard cathedral, Christchurch Art Centre, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Rutherford’s Den, and Christchurch Art Gallery. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/northern-south-island-of-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Solomon Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Shorrock from Travel Obscure about his adventurous trip in these remote Pacific islands. Why should you go to the Solomon Islands? Chris says, "There's lots of reasons. One of the reasons we didn't really focus on World War II history. One of my big reasons for going was it's an adventurous destination and I like an adventurous destination. There's not many people going on holiday to the Solomons, so that was one of the big appeals. But besides that amazing natural beauty: jungle-clad volcanic islands, turquoise oceans, and then below the surface of the ocean lots of sea creatures, coral reefs, very spectacular underwater environment." This is an adventurous loop through the Central Province: starting in Honiara, crossing to Savo Island for volcano hikes and megapode eggs, then finishing with shipwreck snorkeling at Roderick Bay before returning to Honiara. Flights: Most travelers arrive from Brisbane (easiest option). Other routes exist via Port Moresby (less reliable), Nadi, or Auckland (via Vanuatu). Practical tip: Honiara is the last place you’ll find ATMs, pharmacies, or proper shops. Stock up on cash (Solomon dollars), insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and dry bags here. Day 1 – Arrival in Honiara (Guadalcanal) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/solomon-islands/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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