Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Hear about travel to Queensland's Gold Coast as the Amateur Traveler talks to Leanne and Lyle from BeachTravelWine.com about one of their favorite beach destinations. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-queenslands-gold-coast/ Why should you go to the Gold Coast? Leanne and Lyle say, "We go for lots of different reasons, but I guess the main one would be, the stunning beaches, and I know lots of places have stunning beaches, but this would have to, I think, be Australia's best strip of beaches, and it's the best surfing beach area, in Australia. It has a really interesting nightlife too. It's the nature, it's right there at the mountains as well and it's adventure. It's got a nickname of the Glitter Strip or, our Glamour Strip. It's it's not Las Vegas by any stretch of the imagination, but it's got that feel about it." Leanne and Lyle lay out a week-long itinerary: Day 1: Start your visit in the middle of the Gold Coast, in Surfers Paradise. Explore Cavill Avenue, a pedestrian-only strip with attractions like wax museums and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Stroll along the beachfront walkways and enjoy the beautiful beaches and surfers. Check out the iconic Surfers Paradise beach area and consider visiting the Q1 building for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast. If you're adventurous you can climb the outside of the building. Keep an eye out for the meter maids made famous by the Beatles. Day 2: Head about 40 kilometers inland from the Gold Coast to Mount Tamborine, a mountainous area known for its lush rainforests. Explore the little town of Tamborine and the Gallery Walk, featuring craft shops, pottery, and more. Enjoy the Rainforest Skywalk and explore Lamington National Park, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts. Consider hot air ballooning or visit local wineries and coffee plantations. Day 3: Experience whale-watching cruises starting from South Port Marina. You'll have a chance to see humpback whales from June to November. After the cruise, explore the South Port Marina area and enjoy the beautiful views. Consider dining at local surf clubs and taking a stroll along the Tweed River with its picturesque views. Day 4: Visit Pacific Fair, a large shopping center with various shops, food courts, and outdoor areas. Explore Broadbeach, known for its range of restaurants and cafes. You can visit Kurrawa Surf Club for lunch, take coastal walks, and enjoy the park. Day 5: Explore Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, where you can visit the iconic Snapper Rocks and enjoy the beach and local restaurants. You can also visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll encounter Australian wildlife, see wild lorikeet feedings, and enjoy various animal encounters and activities. Day 6: Take a day trip to Moreton Island, known for the Tangalooma Wrecks, sunken ships that create a unique snorkeling experience. Enjoy the underwater scenery with coral and various fish species. You can also participate in dolphin feeding, where wild dolphins swim close to shore to take fish from your hand. Day 7: Spend a relaxing day, perhaps visiting a spa or wellness center at your accommodation. Enjoy the beach, swim, and unwind, taking in the serene surroundings of the Gold Coast. Some optional activities would include exploring some of Australia's best theme parks including Movie World, Dream World, and Wet'n'Wild. Consider purchasing a multi-day park pass to experience all the rides and attractions these parks offer. You might also check if there are any local sporting events happening during your stay, such as NRL or Aussie Rules games. Fans of racing should think about attending events like the Gold Coast 500 V8 Supercars race or the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. In both events, cars race through the streets of the Gold Coast. For a side-trip consider a day trip to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is only about a 45-minute train ride away. Explore Brisbane's attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens, South Bank, and the River City's waterfront. You can attend unique cabaret shows like "Dracula's" or "Outback Spectacular" to add some excitement to your evenings. Be aware of the two weeks in November when kids Queensland and New South Wales visit the Gold Coast for "schoolies" celebrations. This is Australia's version of spring break for recently graduated high school seniors. It might not be the ideal time for a visit if you're looking for a quieter experience. If you are looking for a mix of glamour, beach, and nature, then consider Queensland's Gold Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a Viking Ocean Bay of Bengal Cruise to 5 countries from Bangkok to Mumbai as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Elsa Dixon about this East Asia sampler cruise.https://amateurtraveler.com/bay-of-bengal-cruise/The Viking Ocean Bay of Bengal Cruise travels to 5 different countries: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India. What Elsa loved about this cruise was experiencing diverse and exotic cultures, including music, food, temples, architecture, and ceremonies in the Bay of Bengal region.The cruise started in Bangkok, Thailand where Elsa and her travel companion did the typical city tour which included the Royal Palace, the Reclining Budha, and the Chao Phraya River. The cruise also offered more demanding walking tours, cooking classes, river cruises, and flower market tours. It also offered a full-day visit to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Viking, there is always at least one free shore excursion as well as some with additional costs.The cruise stopped again in Thailand on the Island of Koh Samui. The sightseeing tour visited Wat Phra Yai, the Smiling Buddha Temple. Or you can hang out on a beautiful tropical beach.In Singapore, Elsa explored different cultural neighborhoods like Little India, the Arab Quarter, and Chinatown. Her traveling companion did a walking tour that explored the Peranakan culture which is a mixture of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian cultures.In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Elsa was able to visit the colorful Batu Caves temple complex, the National Monument, the old British Railway Station, and the twin Petronas Towers.The cruise also stopped in George Town in Malaysia where shore excursions include more temples, trishaw tours, and a visit to the Orangutan Island.In Colombo, Sri Lanka, Elsa toured the old town, the Galle Fort, and attended a cultural evening at the Gallface Hotel where she watched the Sri Lanka dances. One of the other tours offered was a trip up to the high country to explore the tea culture.In India, the cruise stopped in both Goa and Mumbai. She enjoyed the Portuguese influences in Goa but really felt like she was in India while touring the crowded bustling city of Mumbai. In Mumbai, she toured the markets at the Gateway to India, Dhobi Ghat, the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, and the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi.The cruise had a number of days at sea that were filled with talks and cultural presentations about the region.Elsa continued her trip with a land tour of the "Golden Triangle" Mumbai, Jaipur, and Agra. She visited historical sites, observed local customs, and marveled at architectural wonders like the Amber Fort (Jaipur) and the Taj Mahal (Agra).If you are looking for a cruise that allows you to sample some of the countries around the Bay of Bengal, Viking River offers luxurious adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about things to do in Transylvania in Romania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ela Palmer from WhereNextNomad.com about this historic and beautiful place that has much more to offer than Dracula stories.https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-transylvania/Ela starts this itinerary in Bucharest but immediately hops a train to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain town in the Bussegi Mountains. Sinaia is known for its stunning fall colors and is home to two magnificent castles from the Romanticism movement of the 1800s, Peles Castle and Pelesor Castle. You can explore these castles, enjoy the charming town, and visit the 17th-century Sinaia Monastery.After Sinaia, you can take a train to Brasov, a city in Transylvania that Ela fell in love with. Brasov offers a variety of museums, and Ela suggests getting a ticket that allows access to 11 different museums in the area. Some notable museums include the Black Church, the Museum of Ethnography, the Museum of Urban Civilization, and more. The Black Church is known for its display of Turkish rugs donated by Saxon guilds in Brasov. Saxons were brought to the region to aid in the defense against the Ottoman Turks.Brasov serves as a convenient base for hiking in the surrounding mountains, with cable cars available for easy access to stunning viewpoints and rock formations. Poiana Brasov, a ski resort located about 20 minutes from Brasov, is recommended for both skiing and hiking. Ela mentions enjoying hikes between Tampa and Poiana Brasov.The best-known site in the area is Bran Castle. Ela does think this stunning castle is worth seeing. The castle is sometimes called Dracula's Castle but has little historical connection to Vlad Dracula who was an actual Transylvanian ruler. Ela advises against visiting during Halloween due to crowds.Sighișoara is a smaller city compared to Brasov. It is a complete Saxon citadel with medieval streets, towers, and museums. Ela recommends the the Mystical Transylvania Museum where you can learn more about the actual Vlad Dracula and decide for yourself if he is a hero or villain.The Carpathian Mountains and heavily forested Transylvania surrounding Brasov are home to one of the largest bear populations in Europe. Ela shares their experience of bear watching from a hide near Zărnești.Ela suggests continuing the journey to other places like Cluj or visiting the Turda Salt Mines.This region of Romania has become one of Ela's favorite places in Europe. See if you don't respond the same to the mountains, forests, castles, and picturesque cities of Transylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Finland as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Jayne Dear about a one-week itinerary to visit the best of Finland by train. https://amateurtraveler.com/touring-finland-by-train/ Why should you visit Finland? Jayne says, "Many reasons. One of the most notable is that it's the happiest country in the world. For the last six years, it's been declared the happiest country in the world on the World Happiness Report. It's a beautiful country. You probably will have seen more trees than you will have seen in your life." Jayne starts us in the capital of Helsinki. She recommends visiting:  Helsinki Central Station: A stunning Art Nouveau train station with a 48-meter-high clock tower. National Museum of Finland: This museum offers insights into Finland's history, including Viking relics, artifacts, and a Russian czar's throne. Market Square: Located by the harbor in Helsinki, it's a vibrant place to witness the local food scene, buy fresh produce, and try unique dishes like moose burgers and reindeer soup. Helsinki Cathedrals: There are two cathedrals to explore in Helsinki—the plain yet dramatic Lutheran Cathedral and the opulent Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, offering a contrasting religious experience. Suomenlinna Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic fortress on an island near Helsinki was built to deny the Russians access to the Baltic Sea. It's a fascinating place to explore, with military museums, a submarine, and a lighthouse church.  While you are in Helsinki Jayne recommends a side trip to Porvoo which is located an hour from Helsinki by bus, Porvoo is known for its traditional wooden buildings. It has an open-air museum, showcasing historic buildings, churches, schools, and farms, providing a glimpse into Finland's rural past. Take the train then to Tampere which Jayne calls the "Manchester of Finland" due to its industrial history. Visitors can explore old warehouses, textile factories turned into museums and unique architecture like the Art Nouveau Fire Station. The city is situated between two lakes, offering picturesque views. For the best views, hike the nearby esker, a gravel hill left by the last Ice Age. While in Tampere, Jayne and her husband also did a homestay where they were able to learn more about life in Finland. Located in Parola, south of Tampere, is the Parola Tank Museum which showcases a variety of tanks and military vehicles, offering insights into military history. Our next stop is Turku which was Finland's old capital. Turku boasts a medieval cathedral and a historic castle. The city's riverside features historic boats, making it an attractive destination for exploring maritime history. If you have extra time, head north to Rovaniemi which is located on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is famous for being the "home" of Santa Claus. Visitors can partake in activities like dog sledding and witness the Northern Lights during the winter months. Whether you want to explore the coffee culture, the Finnish love of board games, the extensive forests, or the Wife Carrying World Championships, Finland is worth a visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a cruise to Greenland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Merrell from manopause.com about this rugged and rapidly changing country.https://amateurtraveler.com/cruise-to-greenland/Why should someone do a cruise to Greenland?Rebecca succinctly says, “Someone should do a cruise to Greenland if they’re looking to go somewhere remote without a lot of people and if they have an interest in the Arctic.”The cruise itinerary is:Day 1: Departure from IcelandTravelers fly from Iceland or Denmark to Greenland. Arriving in Greenland, travelers land at Kingirlasuak, a former U.S. base that now serves as a large airport in Greenland. Embarkation on the “Ocean Albatross,” the cruise ship operated by Albatross Expeditions.Day 2: SisimiutThe cruise reaches its first destination, Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland after Nuuk (the capital). Sisimiut, which means “foxhole,” has a rich history dating back thousands of years, including various indigenous cultures and traditions.Travelers have the opportunity to explore the town, its colorful buildings, and visit local museums showcasing Greenlandic history and culture.Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko IslandThe cruise continues to Qeqertarsuaq, a former capital of North Greenland located on Disko Island. Travelers have the chance to explore this picturesque town, famous for its abundance of icebergs in Disco Bay. Day 4: UummannaqThe cruise heads further north, reaching Uummannaq, north of the Arctic Circle. Uummannaq Island is known for its heart-shaped mountain and offers unique cultural experiences. Activities include hiking to the Santa Claus house.Day 5: Eqip Sermia GlacierThe ship sails to the Eqip Sermia Glacier (“The Glacier at the end of the fjord”), a breathtaking location known for its massive ice formations. Travelers witness the natural spectacle of ice calving, where chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea. The changing hues of blue in the ice, caused by varying oxygen levels, create stunning visual displays.Day 6: IlulissatThe cruise arrives at Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland. Ilulissat is known as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. The town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Icefjord, where enormous icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier at an astonishing rate (100 feet per day or 20 million tons of icebergs).Travelers have the option to explore the icefjord by small boat and marvel at the towering ice formations.Day 7: SarfannguitThe cruise reaches Sarfannguit (“the place with the little stream:), a very small settlement with approximately 40 residents. Travelers visit the community center, where they can purchase local crafts, such as beadwork, paintings, and other products. The unique monument, a modern glass igloo, is also worth a visit.Day 8: Return to KangerlussuaqThe cruise returns to Kangerlussuaq, the point of embarkation, where travelers disembark. This marks the end of the expedition.Throughout the cruise, travelers have the opportunity to hear lectures on Arctic topics, hike, museum visits, and interact with local communities. The stunning Arctic landscapes, icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, provide a constant backdrop to this unforgettable Greenlandic adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://amateurtraveler.com/uk-two-week-itinerary-by-train/Hear about a UK two-week itinerary by train as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tracy Collins from UKTravelPlanning.com about a train trip in the country that invented trains.LondonWe start in London. Spend some time visiting some of the iconic sites like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey. Visit the great museums of London like Tracy's favorite, the Victoria and Albert Museum. Then we start our journey to see England, Wales, and Scotland from Paddington Station.BathVisit the historic Roman Baths from which Bath gets its name. Visit the magnificent Bath Abbey. Stroll through the iconic Royal Crescent with its Georgian Architecture. Immerse yourself in Jane Austen's world at the Jane Austen Centre.As a side trip from Bath, consider one of the following Tour the stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. Explore the awe-inspiring Salisbury Cathedral. Take a scenic train ride to the picturesque Cotswolds. CardiffTravel to the capital of Wales, Cardiff. Explore the historic Cardiff Castle. Embark on an exciting Cardiff Dr. Who Tour. Visit the impressive Principality Stadium.Option 1: LiverpoolTake a train to Liverpool, the home of The Beatles. Join the magical Mystery Tour to learn about the Fab Four. Visit the historic Albert Dock including the International Slavery Museum.Option 2: Lake DistrictExplore Bowness-on-Windermere, a charming lakeside town. Visit Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth. Experience the charm of Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House.EdinburghTake a train to Scotland's capital of Edinburgh. Walk the Royal mile from Edinburgh Castle to the historic Holyrood Palace. Hike up Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill for stunning views. Dare to venture into the mysterious Edinburgh Vaults.As a side trip from Edinburgh consider: Travel to nearby Glasgow. Admire The Kelpies, Scotland's mythical horse sculptures. Visit St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. YorkTake the Jacobite Steam Train through Tracy's native Northumberland to the city of York. Explore the Roman history at the Roman Bath in York. Discover the Viking legacy at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Wander through the charming Shambles. Visit the wonderful Railway Museum.Return back to London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the rich tapestry of the Netherlands with an array of enchanting day trips from Amsterdam. Explore the stunning Palais Het Loo, filled with royal history and beautiful gardens. Visit the 13th-century Muiderslot Castle, one of the oldest in the country, and stroll through the charming star fortress city of Naarden. Enjoy insights into lesser-known towns, scenic windmills, and captivating cultural landmarks like the Kroller Müller Museum, enticing you to venture beyond the capital and immerse in Dutch heritage.

Rebecca Shoval, from Not Just Tourists NYC, shares her vibrant love for New York City, highlighting its resilience and transformation post-COVID-19. She emphasizes the multicultural tapestry of the city, particularly the diverse culinary experiences in Queens. Public transportation is a key theme, making exploration convenient and engaging. Rebecca encourages visitors to embrace the city's neighborhoods, from the iconic landmarks to local gems, and reflects on the importance of cultural connections and community amidst the urban hustle.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-belize-and-guatemala/Hear about travel to Belize and Guatemala on the G Adventures "Classic Belize and Tikal" week-long small group tour: Mayan pyramids, cave tubing, and snorkeling on the Barrier Reef.An adventurous trip to Belize and Guatemala. The tour started in Belize City, traveled to Flores in Guatemala, and then returned to San Ignacio Belize and the Island of Caye Caulker. One of the highlights was visiting Mayan ruins, including Yaxha and Tikal in Guatemala and Caracol in Belize. I climbed to the top of 4 pyramids in 3 sites while learning about the Mayan Classical age from 200 to 900 AD. We saw Mayan ballcourts, temples, and noble houses. These sites are all in the jungle with the sounds of howler monkeys in the background and spider monkeys and kudamundi wandering the grounds. We saw tucans, turkeys, and other birds. We stayed in the colorful island town of Flores Guatemala which is a center for tourism for Tikal.We did cave tubing in Belize "near" San Ignacio, Belize. We floated through caves on inner tubes. We could get out of the tubes in the cave and see artifacts left by the Mayans of the Classical Period. Some of the group went to the well-known ATM cave where there are still the remains of some who were sacrificed to the gods at the end of the Classical Period. Others visited the Raptor Center where they got to interact with birds of prey.The trip concluded on Caye Caulker, an island in the Caribbean Sea, where our group went snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, encountering diverse marine life including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. We toured the island with local high school students as part of Bikes with Purpose. We concluded our trip with a lazy sunset cruise. This was an adventurous tour. It is meant for people who are open to taking a crowded local bus, jumping into the water in a dark cave, and following a guide through the jungle canopy at a Mayan site. If you are such a person, the G Adventures "Classic Belize and Tikal" might be a great use of a week's vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://amateurtraveler.com/nepal-itinerary/Hear about a 10-day itinerary for travel to Nepal as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sean Hira about this beautiful country.Why should someone go to Nepal?Sean says, "Nepal's a little bit of an underrated destination. It's a landlocked country in the Himalayas sandwiched between two powerhouses, China. In India. My favorite part about Nepal is really the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism and seeing those cultures coexist so peacefully from a tourist perspective. A lot of people go there for the trekking and the intense base camp trekking and the first thing that probably comes to your mind is Mount Everest, but there is so much more to Nepal than Mount Everest or Annapurna. The Himalayas are ingrained in the culture there, but you can see so much more than just trekking in Everest."Sean lays out this itinerary:Day 1: Kathmandu Orientation walk around Patan Durbar Square. Explore local bazaars and historical sites. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Durbar Square. Day 2: Kathmandu Early morning visit to Boudhanath Stupa for monk rituals. Breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the stupa. Visit Pashupatinath Temple and experience Hindu rituals. Optional: Visit Bhaktapur and Nagarkot (extra day trip). Day 3: Transfer to Bandipur Private transfer from Kathmandu to Bandipur. Orientation walk around Bandipur village. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Himalayan foothills. Day 4: Bandipur Sunrise viewpoint over the Annapurna region. Breakfast and leisure time. Easy hike to the "Great Wall of Bandipur" viewpoint. Day 5: Transfer to Pokhara and Uluru Village Transfer to Pokhara, stop for lunch, and rent trekking gear. Continue to Uluru Village, north of Pokhara. Prepare for the upcoming trekking adventure. Day 6-8: Trek to Poon Hill in Annapurna Region Begin a three-day moderate trek to Poon Hill. Experience stunning landscapes, forests, and villages. Stay in village homestays along the route. Reach Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views. Trekking altitudes vary from around 1,000 to 3,200 meters. Day 9: Return to Pokhara Complete the trek and return to Pokhara. Relax and enjoy Pokhara's amenities after trekking. Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Revisit attractions or experiences missed earlier. Last-minute shopping or exploration in Kathmandu. Day 11: Departure Depending on your flight schedule, free time in the morning. Depart from Kathmandu's International Airport. Sean also talks about some extensions you could do including a Panauti Community Homestay. If you are looking for an adventure, Nepal could be the place to go.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices