

Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast
Chris Christensen
Since 2005, Amateur Traveler has been talking about different destinations every week. It covers destinations all over the world with an emphasis on culturally rich travel. Learn more about your world. Amateur Traveler won its creator, Chris Christensen, a Travel+Leisure award as the "best independent travel journalist" and entry into the "Podcast Hall of Fame."
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
AT#896 - Travel to Southern Morocco
Ady from Hit The Road Music Studio shares a week-long itinerary for exploring Southern Morocco, from vibrant Marrakesh to the dramatic Atlas Mountains. The podcast discusses cultural experiences, culinary delights like tejine, unique accommodations, and desert landscapes. Highlights include forming connections with locals, encountering nomads, and navigating Ramadan challenges.

May 11, 2024 • 44min
AT#895 - Travel to Palau
Hear about travel to the country Palau as the Amateur Traveler talks to Randy Rohrer about his recent kayak and scuba safari to this tropical paradise. Why should you go to Palau?Randy says, "I think people should go to Palau if you want to experience incredible diverse underwater marine life colorful corals, clear warm water. It's an unspoiled underwater paradise with beautiful sandy beaches, and it also has World War II history. When we were there, we saw colorful corals, fish of all species and sizes, jellyfish, turtles, sharks, squid, manta rays, dolphins, giant clams, and all kinds of exotic plants."Embarking on a kayak and snorkel safari in Palau in the Western Pacific, Randy Roar from Maryland shares his exhilarating experience, revealing why this remote archipelago is a paradise for adventure and nature lovers.Arrival and Stay in KororTravelers typically fly into Koror, the bustling hub of Palau, via Hawaii and Guam. Randy suggests taking an extra day to acclimate and recover from jet lag upon arrival. In Koror, visitors can explore the Epperson Museum and the Palau Aquarium to gain insights into the local culture and marine biodiversity....https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-palau/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 4, 2024 • 54min
AT#894 - Travel to Oklahoma
Travel blogger Caitlin from TwinFamilyTravels.com shares Oklahoma's unique history and natural beauty. Explore Tulsa's downtown, iconic music centers, and cultural sites. Learn about the Greenwood District's history, kid-friendly activities, and diverse cuisine. Discover Oklahoma's geographical landscape, including Route 66 attractions and Cherokee Nation history. Uncover hidden gems with Caitlin's travel tips for exploring day trips from Tulsa.

Apr 27, 2024 • 1h
AT#893 - Travel to Newfoundland and Labrador
Hear about travel to Newfoundland and Labrador as the Amateur Traveler talks to Bri Mitchell from travelingmitch.com based on the summer they spent in this less visited Canadian province.Why should you go to Newfoundland and Labrador?Bri says, "It is a very vast, wide, and open province. It has extremely warm people very enticing outdoor adventures really incredible opportunities to get out onto the water and explore different parts of the Atlantic Ocean. And specifically today, I want to talk a little bit about Western Newfoundland and Labrador, so starting in the western coast and making your way up towards Labrador.""It's larger than many countries. I think I was looking up It's a square kilometer area, and it's larger than Japan, Germany, and Finland. A lot of people think of Eastern Canada as being small and little towns and not a lot to explore. But when you think about its size, Newfoundland and Labrador as a province is very expansive. So it's a great place to go if you enjoy a road trip if you enjoy taking in nature. Many kilometers in a day, which this trip will entail and it's just a really wonderful place to get outside and really embrace nature."Bri recommends a comprehensive seven-day itinerary for exploring Newfoundland and Labrador, focusing primarily on Western Newfoundland and briefly touching upon Labrador. Here's the itinerary she suggests:Day 1: Arrival at Deer Lake
Fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport, rent a car, and drive to Gros Morne National Park.
Stay in Woody Point, a small town in Gros Morne, and dine at local restaurants like the Backroom Cafe or Merchant Warehouse.
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-newfoundland-and-labrador/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 20, 2024 • 56min
AT#713 - Travel to Brittany France (Repeat)
Hear about things to do when you travel to the Brittany region of France as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kristin Montgomery from GrowingGlobalCitizens.com about this less-touristed corner of the country.Kristin says, “Brittany is located in northwestern France. It used to be a Duchy but in the 1500s it was incorporated as part of France, basically taken over against their will so there is still a very strong regional identity. There are some people who still identify as being Breton before they’re French. Brittany is a place that is not usually on a lot of traveler’s lists. If you are going to head to France you think of Paris. You think of southern France, Province, or Nice, but there are a lot of really great things to see in Brittany.”“There are beautiful beaches first of all and they’re sand beaches unlike the rocky beaches you find down south. If you are traveling with family it is a great place to visit because it is a little less touristy, less crowded. There are more things to do that are in small towns out in the country. It has this Celtic identity that really is not found in any other place in France. You are going to be hearing things like bagpipes. You are going to be seeing traditional dancing, even some of the Breton language. I found that people here were very very friendly which is something that in other parts of France, and I think of Paris, they don’t have a reputation for being very friendly. If you are someone who is into history or likes myths and legends, Brittany has a lot of that too.”...https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-brittany-france/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 13, 2024 • 38min
AT#892 - Travel to Central Portugal
Travel expert Stephanie Lambert shares her insights on Central Portugal - its underrated charm, stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious pastries like pastéis de nata. She suggests exploring Coimbra's University, hidden aqueduct in Tomar, schist villages, and historic towns. Discover picturesque viewpoints, food delights, and the magical charm of Central Portugal.

Apr 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
AT#891 - Travel to Mexico City, Mexico
Hear about travel to Mexico City as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ashlea Russell from SheRoamsAbout.com about the unique and vibrant capital of Mexico.Why should you go to Mexico City?Ashlea says, "I think Mexico City is It's a very unique city people always say there's so much to do, there's so much architecture, and history, but what I think is interesting about it is, and what people don't expect, is that it's a fusion between the European opulence that you would get in cities like Paris and London, with all of the culture and flavor that comes with Latin America. There is so much to do and see, and there really is something for everyone."Ashlea recommends a unique itinerary for visiting Mexico City, focusing on experiences off the beaten path. She highlights a combination of lesser-known attractions and cultural experiences that showcase the city's rich history, vibrant food scene, and architectural marvels. Key recommendations include:Market Tour, Food Tasting, and Cooking Class: Ashlea suggests starting with a tour that offers an immersive experience of Mexico City's local markets. This isn't just any market tour; it includes food tastings and a cooking class, providing a deep dive into the local cuisine and shopping culture. The tour begins near the Zocalo, leading to the Mercado Abelardo L. Rodriguez, a market known for its murals and unique history. ---https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-mexico-city-mexico/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 2024 • 1h 16min
AT#890 - Travel to Mindanao, Philippines
Hear about tourist spots in Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lonely Planet guidebook author Michael Grosberg and co-founder of LikeLocal.io about his many trips to Mindanao.Why should you go to Mindanao?Michael says, "Most people that go to Mindanao these days go directly to the island of Siargao, which is one of the hottest, most happening places in all the Philippines for people to travel to. We'll get to that and it's deservedly popular. However, there's so much more to see in Mindanao. Mindanao has one of the largest cities in the Philippines the city of Davao. Davao is in the far south of Mindanao. It's got a cosmopolitan culture, amazing, wonderful food. The mountains and the islands around Davao are incredible. You can spend a month there. The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo, which you can climb, and people do is only a couple hours or so from Davao.""There are endless coastlines to explore. There is indigenous culture. There are surfing spots. The city of Zamboanga, also has its own unique culture, a combination of Muslim influence, Malaysian, and Spanish cuisine. The whole coastline, the north, the east, really all over, are dotted with incredible beaches, and a lot of them are not really traveled to by foreigners, but Filipinos love to travel, and so Filipinos that go to Mindanao go to all these places."For a one-week itinerary, Michael recommends a visit to Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, and Siargao....https://amateurtraveler.com/tourist-spots-in-mindanao/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 2024 • 51min
AT#889 - Travel to Reunion Island
Discover the adventure destination of Reunion Island with activities like hiking, biking, and paragliding. Experience the mix of French, East African, and South Asian cultures on this volcanic island. Explore diverse terrains, sea turtle sanctuaries, and mountaineering-style hikes for a thrilling journey.

Mar 16, 2024 • 43min
AT#888 - Train from Brisbane to Adelaide
Discover the luxurious journey from Brisbane to Adelaide on the Great Southern train, with ensuite cabins, delicious dining, and off-train excursions to scenic spots like Coffs Harbor and Hunter Valley. Explore the beauty of Australia's east coast in style, from dolphin watching to wine tasting, all while enjoying top-notch service and stunning landscapes.