Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

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

This episode features Tiffany Funk from Point.me, a tool that helps travelers maximize airline points for flights. Host Chris Christensen and Tiffany discuss how to earn, manage, and use airline points effectively. Here’s a summary of the key points:Overview of Points and Miles Why Points Matter: Airline loyalty programs incentivize consumers and fill unsold seats. Points programs are massive profit centers for airlines, often tied to credit card partnerships. Who Can Benefit: Anyone can take advantage of airline points, even non-frequent flyers or children, using strategies like shopping portals or team promotions (e.g., Delta rewards for Seahawks touchdowns).  ...https://amateurtraveler.com/airlines-points-and-miles/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you go to Lyon?Audra says, "It's a magical town. It is a little bit like Paris in the fact that it has, in fact, two rivers, so maybe a little bit better than Paris, two rivers running through it, a beautiful church on a hill, beautiful French architecture, wonderful museums, wonderful cathedrals, and it's also known as the Culinary Capital of France."Audra's 7-day itinerary for visiting Lyon, France, is as follows:Day 1: Fourvière Hill and Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Start at this iconic hilltop basilica, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and panoramic views of Lyon. Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided or night tour (available in specific months). ...https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-lyon-france/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jayne Dear, a travel writer from theonlywayisnotessex.com, shares her thrilling adventures in Bolivia, a land of stunning landscapes and rich culture. She highlights the vast Uyuni Salt Flats and the budget-friendly Amazon experience. Jayne discusses essential travel tips, like the importance of Spanish and acclimatizing to high altitudes. She paints a picture of vibrant cities like Sucre and La Paz, along with the fascinating customs of its indigenous peoples. Her insights capture the diverse charm that makes Bolivia a must-visit for adventurers.