Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

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 sailing in the Saronic Islands and the Peloponnese as the Amateur Traveler talks about his recent yacht charter with Navigare Yachting. My wife and I had wanted to gather a few friends and do a small boat sailing trip in the Greek Islands for more than a decade. This dream reached fruition when Navigare Yachting offered to provide the use of a boat in exchange for talking about the journey on the podcast. We began our one-week sailing adventure in Athens before setting off to Perdika, a small fishing village in Aegina. Arriving at the Navigare port, we completed the necessary paperwork, familiarized ourselves with the boat, and received a safety talk from Captain Kostas. After stocking up on groceries and supplies, we set sail, navigating through choppy seas due to a strong breeze from the south. We soon learned that sailing on a sailboat doesn’t always mean using the sails, as we mostly relied on the motor for this trip. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/sailing-in-the-saronic-islands/ 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

Discover the captivating landscapes of Northern Iceland, where waterfalls and geothermal fields await. Monika shares her infectious love for the region and provides insights on exploring its underrated beauty, contrasting it with the popular southern spots. Tune in for a detailed itinerary that highlights must-visit sites like the Goðafoss waterfall and essential travel tips. Prepare for adventures through stunning mountains, caves, and quirky local attractions, including unique geological wonders and local wildlife!

Join a thrilling seven-day rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon filled with exhilarating whitewater rapids and stunning geological wonders. Experience camaraderie among fellow travelers as they navigate iconic rapids and camp under a starry sky. Encounter ancient ruins, sacred sites, and engage in side hikes to breathtaking waterfalls. Discover fascinating historical insights about early explorers and Ancestral Puebloan culture. Enjoy tasty Dutch oven desserts and unforgettable moments, like toga night, that make this bucket list journey truly memorable.

Join travel writer and children's book author Kimberley Lovato as she shares her insider tips on the breathtaking French Riviera. Discover why this region is a haven for luxury seekers and nature lovers alike, from its stunning beaches and charming villages to world-class gastronomy. Kimberley also reveals hidden gems like the Lerands Islands and must-see cultural sites in places like Mougins and Antibes. Learn about exciting water activities, scenic itineraries, and the enchanting allure that keeps travelers coming back for more.