Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Hear about travel to the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia as the Amateur Traveler talks to James Schomburgk about his adventures in this out of the way destination.Why should you visit the Eyre Peninsula?James says, "Because of its remoteness, it's probably the lowest number of tourists in Australia. And yet it's listed as one of the biggest hidden gems in the world because of the scenery. The scenery is magical. If you're looking for classic Australian beaches, pure white sand, stunning water, fantastic cliff scenery, and some of the best surf beaches in the world. The wildlife is certainly what attracts intrepid travelers to go there because it has all the wildlife that people are looking for."James recommends a 7-night itinerary for visiting the Eyre Peninsula, which includes a mix of scenic drives, wildlife encounters, beach visits, and unique experiences. Below is the itinerary based on his recommendations:Day 1: Adelaide to Whyalla Clare Valley: Take a scenic detour through this famous wine region, known for its Rieslings and boutique wineries.Suggested stop: Pikes Wines for wine tasting and lunch. Wirrabara: Stonehut Bakery or Julia's Kitchen at the Old Bakery for snacks or pies. View the silo art in Wirrabara. Melrose: A picturesque town at the base of Mount Remarkable, perfect for a quick coffee or walk. Whyalla: Stay the night. Visit the Whyalla Jetty, a unique figure-eight-shaped jetty. Optional: View the giant cuttlefish if visiting in May-August.  ...https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-eyre-peninsula-of-south-australia/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Languedoc Region as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig from Dallas about his road trip through the historic cities of Southern France, including Montpellier, Albi, Sete, Beziers, Carcassonne, and Toulouse.Why should you visit the Languedoc?Craig, says, "We've been trying to spend more time in smaller regions [of France]. I think this is a really, specific and unique region to try to go to because it does have some regional differences that make it interesting, say from other parts of France. You're going to find a lot of the same things here that you would think of going to France in general. Very good food and wine, churches, castles, palaces, art museums."Craig recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting the Languedoc (Occitanie) region in southern France. Here's the itinerary he outlinesDay 1: Montpellier Arrival: Start in Montpellier, a vibrant university city with a historic core. Activities: Take a free walking tour to explore the highlights and hidden gems. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, St. Pierre Cathedral, and Musée Fabre (second-largest art collection in France). Explore street art, vibrant cafes, and local shops. Vibe: Energetic, with a mix of historic charm and modern life. ...https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-languedoc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.Why should you visit Machu Picchu?Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probably a fifth-grade student, it was just one of those iconic historical places that I remember from my childhood. Always saying, 'I'm going to go there someday.'"Michael recommends a carefully planned itinerary for visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas, focusing on acclimatization, cultural immersion, and maximizing the experience. Here's the itinerary he outlines:Day 1: Arrival in Lima (Miraflores District) Objective : Relax after the flight and ease into the trip. Stay : Miraflores, a safe and upscale district with excellent dining options and boutique hotels. Activities : Explore the Malecón (a scenic coastal walkway). Visit nearby Barranco for its artsy vibe and street art. Have dinner at Isolina , a restaurant known for authentic Peruvian food. Tip : Avoid visiting downtown Lima unless you have extra time, as the Spanish colonial architecture is similar to what you'll see in Cusco.  ...https://amateurtraveler.com/ travel-to-machu-picchu / Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the hidden gems of Paraguay, where culture reigns supreme over typical tourist spots. Explore Asunción’s historical sites, from the majestic Palacio de los López to the atmospheric Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera. Experience authentic Paraguayan cuisine at the Paulista Grill and the stunning views from Negroni Sky Bar. Delve into the passionate football culture that unites the nation, along with vibrant shopping contrasts between upscale malls and local markets. Learn about the unique weather, local traditions, and natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Kristin Henning, a travel blogger from travelpast50.com, shares her enchanting experiences from Menorca, Spain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. She highlights the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Enjoy the Camí de Cavalls hiking trail for stunning views and a glimpse of local history. Kristin also reveals Menorca's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant art scene, and unique agritourism opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and serenity.

Naomi Linford, a travel blogger from "Forever Out Of Office," shares her adventures in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. She showcases its stunning landscapes and rich history, recommending a week-long itinerary. Highlights include cruising the Beagle Channel to spot sea lions and penguins, trekking in the national parks, and indulging in local delicacies like king crab. Naomi explores the charming culture, fascinating wildlife, and the enchanting feel of this remote destination, making it a must-visit for avid travelers.

Hear about Hiking in Europe as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Cassandra Overby from exploreonfoot.com about how and why to see Europe from its trails and paths.The podcast episode features Cassandra Overby, a travel writer and author of Home Base Hiking Europe and Explore Europe on Foot, discussing hiking as a unique way to explore Europe. Below is a summary of the episode's key highlights:Cassandra’s Journey to Hiking-Based Travel Cassandra transitioned to hiking-based travel after becoming disillusioned with typical tourist experiences, which felt too globalized and disconnected from local cultures. She discovered that hiking offered a more meaningful and immersive way to travel, leading her to explore Europe on foot. Key Differences Between Hiking in Europe vs. the U.S. European hiking is highly accessible and civilized, with amenities like mountain huts and small villages offering beds and meals. Trails in Europe are well-connected to public transport, unlike U.S. hikes that often require driving to remote areas. ...https://amateurtraveler.com/hiking-in-europe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Cáceres, Spain, as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Troy Nahumko, who literally wrote the book on this unexplored corner of Spain.Why should you go to Cáceres?Troy says, "It might have made the news over there, this anti tourism backlash that you might have been seeing here in the big cities like Barcelona, Malaga. It's just not the story throughout the country. Out here, travelers are cherished and welcomed. It's a really beautiful place. And it's one of these places that, You would use all of those terrible overused adjectives in travel writing. This is undiscovered. This is the place that your friends have never heard about. This is the jewel. This is all of these things that just nobody knows about."Troy's recommended itinerary for visiting Cáceres, Spain, focuses on its rich history, UNESCO landmarks, cuisine, and nearby attractions in Extremadura. Here's a structured itinerary based on his suggestions:Day 1: Arrival in Cáceres Travel to Cáceres: Arrive by car from Madrid, Seville, or Lisbon, as Cáceres does not have its own airport. Accommodation Options: Luxury: Stay at Atrio Hotel, a 5-star hotel with a 3-star Michelin restaurant. Mid-Range: Gran Hotel Don Manuel, Hotel Don Carlos, or NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo. Evening Activity: Stroll the UNESCO Old Town, a medieval gem with preserved architecture dating to the 16th century. Enjoy dinner and tapas at a local restaurant. ...https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-caceres-spain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Fan, born in Zhengzhou, shares his travel insights about Central China, often overlooked yet rich in history. He highlights why visiting Zhengzhou, Xi’an, and Kaifeng is a must, as these cities played pivotal roles in Chinese civilization. Larry suggests a 7-10 day itinerary filled with local delicacies and historical sites, including the ancient Shang Dynasty ruins and the vibrant food scene. He also emphasizes exploring cultural gems like Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes and Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, making a strong case for this fascinating region.

Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.Why should you go to Central Asia?Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know why people aren't talking about it more. I don't know why people aren't coming here more often.' It has something for everyone. It's really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit."Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city: Wander the streets and parks. Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church). Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House. Try Georgian food, available throughout the city. ...https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-stans/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices