Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Latest Episodes:

AT#933 - Travel to Hidden Colombia Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

Hear about travel to off-the-beaten-track regions of Colombia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes about multi-color rivers, granite monoliths, giant palm trees, and deserts.

Why should you go to these places in Colombia?

Justin says, "These locations are all extremely unique. Caño Cristales is unlike anything we've ever seen. It's full of colors, red, green and gold in the river. The area near Inírida called Mavecure is three giant hills. Just imagine something like if you took a half dome or El Capitan and just drop them in the middle of the rainforest, sticking up 2000 feet above. The forest area I was talking about has just thousands and thousands of the tallest palm trees in the world. They're all fairly close to Bogota."

Justin suggests an off-the-beaten-path itinerary in Colombia, visiting four unique destinations, all within 90 minutes by plane from Bogotá:

Suggested Itinerary:

Caño Cristales (La Macarena, Meta) – 3 days, 2 nights

Fly to La Macarena.
Visit Caño Cristales, the "Liquid Rainbow," famous for its vibrant red, green, and gold colors.
Explore petroglyphs, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife.
Take hikes through the Serranía de la Macarena National Park.

...

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-hidden-colombia/

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AT#932 - Travel to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

Hear about travel to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as the Amateur Traveler talks about an unexpected trip to the region.

Why should you visit the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates is an odd combination of new and old. It is a multi-cultural country where 90% of the people who live there are guest workers from around the world. It is very modern, but if you look closely, you can find historic sites.

Travel on this trip was sponsored by United Airlines. They wanted me to review their Polaris Business class as a solo international traveler.

Here's the itinerary that Chris recommends based on his trip to Dubai and the UAE:

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Old Dubai

Stay near Dubai Creek (Chris stayed at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa).
Explore Dubai Creek:
Walk through the old market near the creek.
Visit the Al Seef district, a modern area designed to look traditional.
See wind towers, a historic cooling system in traditional Emirati architecture.
Visit Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding:
Learn about Emirati culture, clothing, and traditions.
Take an Abra (boat) across Dubai Creek (cost: ~1 dirham).
Explore Deira’s Gold Souk and Spice Souk:
Browse the gold shops and traditional spice markets.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-dubai-and-the-united-arab-emirates/

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AT#931 - Travel to Timor-Leste Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

Hear about travel to Timor-Leste as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane about this small out of the way tropical country where he is doing volunteer work.

Why should you go to Timor-Leste?

Jonty says, "... Because nobody else goes if that's your thing. It was quite a shock when I went to Australia, and there were tourists. Whereas going around Timor, there's almost no tourists. So that's a bonus. And it has world-class snorkeling, world-class diving, world-class hiking."

Jonty recommends an itinerary for Timor-Leste that spans approximately a week, balancing time in Dili, nearby islands, and exploring the mainland. Here's the suggested breakdown:

Day 1-2: Dili

Explore Dili City:
Visit Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum for an overview of the country's history.
Stop by Santa Cruz Cemetery, the site of the 1991 massacre.
Take a walk in Tasitolu, an area with three lakes, significant for bird watching and local culture.
Cristo Rei of Dili:
Hike up to the iconic 27-meter statue of Jesus Christ. Enjoy panoramic views of Dili and surrounding beaches.
Relax at nearby beaches like Cristo Rei Beach or Back Beach for snorkeling.
Dili Traditional Dishes: Try local cuisine at restaurants like Pro Ema or Dilicious Timor.

...

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-timor-leste/

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AT#930 - Travel to the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

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/

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AT#929 - Travel to the Languedoc Region of Southern France Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

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 outlines

Day 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/

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AT#928 - Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

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https://amateurtraveler.com/ travel-to-machu-picchu /

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AT#927 - Travel to Paraguay Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

Hear about travel to Paraguay as the Amateur Traveler talks to Alex from AdventureToEveryCountry.com about this lesser-visited country that he has come to love.

Why should you visit Paraguay?

Alex says, "So Paraguay is more about the culture than anything else. It's not a country that you come to for bucket list tourist attractions. That's something where you might go to neighboring Brazil for Rio or Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina. Paraguay is much more low-key. It's more about authentic culture, getting to know the locals, and getting off the tourist trail."

Alex recommends several attractions and experiences for visitors to Paraguay, focusing on its unique cultural, historical, and natural offerings:

Asunción (Capital City)

Palacio de los López: The President's Palace, an iconic colonial-style building.
Pantheon of Heroes: A mausoleum and site of national pride where past heroes are honored.
Casa de la Independencia: A free museum showcasing Paraguay's peaceful independence history.
Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera: A cultural center highlighting traditional Paraguayan music and arts.
Costanera: A riverside promenade with views of the Paraguay River and the city.
Paulista Grill: A Brazilian-style steakhouse serving exceptional meat and a variety of other dishes.
Negroni Sky Bar: An upmarket bar offering panoramic views of the Paraguay River.

...

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-paraguay/

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AT#926 - Travel to Menorca, Spain Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

Hear about travel to Menorca, Spain, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kristin Henning from travelpast50.com about her visit to the northernmost of the Balearic Islands.

Why should you visit Menorca?

Kristin says, "In a nutshell, it is so appealing because the entire island of Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is just stunning, nature wall to wall. It's just a small, relaxed island. It's one-fifth the size of Mallorca, with only one-tenth the population. So it's very easy to relax and enjoy the outdoors and all that this very historic small island has to offer."

Kristin recommends several activities and experiences for a visit to Menorca, Spain, emphasizing its natural beauty, historical significance, and relaxed atmosphere. Here’s a summary of her recommendations:

1. Explore the Camí de Cavalls Hiking Trail

A historic circular trail around Menorca, divided into 20 segments.
Ideal for hiking or biking, with options for day trips or multi-day treks.
Hotels can assist with luggage transport and pickups/drop-offs.
Wear sturdy boots and consider trekking poles for the rocky terrain.

...

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-menorca-spain/

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AT#925 - Travel to Ushuaia, Argentina Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

Hear about travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Naomi Linford from "Forever Out Of Office" about her winter trip to the southernmost city in the world.

Why should you go to Ushuaia?

Naomi says, "I think it has the kind of status as one of those places that you go to, to say you've been to the most southern city in the world. But there's just so much more to see: glaciers, national parks, and a lot of history. The area has to offer that you can explore by spending a bit more time there. It's where the tail of the Andes meets the open ocean, and you get that final frontier feeling."

Naomi recommends a one-week itinerary for Ushuaia, Argentina, encompassing a variety of activities and dining experiences. Here's a summary of her suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Cruise the Beagle Channel

Activity: Embark on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel to observe sea lions and, during the summer months, penguins.
Recommended Operator: Patagonia Explorer.

...

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-ushuaia-argentina/

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MT#5 - Hiking in Europe Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

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/

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