Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Hear about travel to Brunei and Sabah on the island of Borneo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton about his recent trip to these contrasting locations. Why should you go to Brunei and Sabah? Max says, "It's one of the least visited regions in the area. I think in 2023, only 133,000 people visited. It's not many at all. This also offers a different side of Southeast Asia. I know a lot of people go to Vietnam, Thailand, even Bali, Indonesia, but Brunei is the only absolute monarchy in the region. It's also governed by Sharia law. Brunei is very wealthy. It's all because of its oil and gas." "I don't think you should be going to Brunei solely for the purpose of going to Brunei. It's perfect for a seven-day itinerary in Northern Borneo." Max recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Brunei and Sabah (northern Borneo), combining cultural experiences, nature, and adventure. Here's a summary of the recommended itinerary: Fly into Miri (cheaper than Brunei direct flights) Day 1 – Arrival in Miri (Malaysia) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-brunei-and-sabah/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jennifer Doré Dallas from Chasing Poutine about this out of the way road trip. Why should you go to Abitibi-Témiscamingue? Jennifer says, "Most people don't really know about it outside of Quebec. But in our province, it's really well known, especially for nature. It's a true paradise for nature lovers. It's also historical, bringing us back to log driving and fur trading times. I'll take you from gold mines to microbreweries to pristine lakes. Basically, you're off the beaten path, and what I love about this region is that everybody thinks it's remote, but it's so accessible and it's so easy to travel to." Jennifer recommends a one-week road trip itinerary to explore Abitibi-Témiscamingue, starting from Montreal and looping through five key regions (MRCs), each with its own blend of nature, history, Indigenous culture, and food. Here’s a breakdown of her recommended route: Day-by-Day Itinerary for Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Day 1 – Drive from Montreal to Val-d'Or (Gold Valley) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-abitibi-temiscamingue-in-quebec/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Victoria, British Columbia, as Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler talks about his recent visit to the capital of British Columbia. Join Chris Christensen as he returns to one of the first cities he ever visited outside the U.S.—Victoria, British Columbia. In this solo episode, Chris recounts a week-long press trip to Vancouver Island's picturesque capital. From kayaking and whale watching to historic Chinatown, local farms, and world-renowned gardens, discover why Victoria is more than just a pretty harbor town. After arriving via Victoria International Airport, the trip kicks off with a walking tour of North America’s second-oldest Chinatown, led by Discover the Past. Chris explores the cultural legacy of Chinese-Canadians, visits the rare Tam Kung Temple, and strolls Fan Tan Alley, learning about the community’s resilience and spiritual heritage. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about New Zealand Great Walks as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from jontynz.com about these amazing multi-day treks in his home country. Picture snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, brilliant blue alpine lakes, epic coastal scenery, unusual native birds, wilderness as far as the eye can see, golden sand beaches, historic sites, lush moss-filled bush, and huge waterfalls. New Zealand has ten Great Walks, 3-5 day hikes (or tramps in NZ) through some of the finest scenery in this beautiful country. The Great Walks are an accessible introduction to multi-day hikes. They have well-maintained tracks and cosy huts, providing a relatively safe experience.These aren't the luxury hikes available in Europe; you will generally carry almost everything you need, and won't have a shower for a few days, but they're incredibly rewarding experiences. Jonty gives an overview of each walk in alphabetical order, and finishes with general information and recommendations. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/new-zealand-great-walks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, I share the story of my recent walking trip through the Kunisaki Peninsula and Yufuin in Kyushu, Japan, with Walk Japan. This immersive journey took me past massive stone Buddhas, forest trails, rural villages, sacred shrines, and into steamy onsens — all while uncovering centuries of Japanese history and culture. Temples, Shrines, Onsens, and the Trails Between – Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk Tour style: Small group, guided, culturally immersive walking tour with Walk Japan Geology: The Volcanic Kunisaki Peninsula was formed by Mt. Futago; radial valleys and stable terrain Historical sites: Usa Jingu Shrine, Kumano Magaibutsu, Fuki-ji Temple, Choan-ji Daily hikes: 4–7 km per day through ridges, forests, rice terraces, and Buddhist cave carvings Community engagement: Visit to Walk Japan’s rural revitalization project and local mushroom farm ... https://amateurtraveler.com/exploring-the-kunisaki-peninsula-with-walk-japan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Auckland, New Zealand, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about a city that he called home for a decade. Why should you go to Auckland? Jonty says, "Many people go to New Zealand, but spend almost no time in Auckland. It's a bit like a little sister or brother to Sydney in Australia, but with some unique New Zealand characteristics. There are over 50 extinct volcanoes. It's between two natural harbors. There are some very beautiful islands which are easily accessible from the CBD, and it's also got excellent restaurants, museums, art galleries, and beaches." Waiheke Island: Jonty’s Recommendations for Visiting AucklandExplore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf ,,, https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Queensland Outback as the Amateur Traveler talks to Melissa from Queensland about a destination she discovered during the pandemic when she could not leave her home state. Why should you go to the Queensland Outback? Melissa says, “Firstly, I think when most people think of Queensland or plan a visit to Queensland, they’re thinking Great Barrier Reef, maybe Gold Coast, theme parks, beautiful beaches, and I just find people aren’t thinking about the outback. I don’t know why, really, because it’s amazing… I think, particularly perhaps for your North American listeners.” ” I know when I’m traveling around the world and people talk to me, ‘what’s Australia like?’. ‘Are there kangaroos jumping down the street?’ And the answer is no, there’s not. But if you do wanna see kangaroos jumping down the street thing, go to the Outback. It’s absolutely amazing. The landscape’s amazing. The people are amazing. You can walk into a bar and just talk to a local all night.” “The other thing is, even if you went in what’s considered the peak season, there’s not going to be masses of tourists everywhere. There are going to be masses of tourists on the Great Barrier on our beautiful beaches. I just think if you wanna see what you think Australia is, the stereotypical view of Australia, then go to the Outback.” ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-queensland-outback/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about traveling to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as the Amateur Traveler talks to a longtime Disney expert, former attorney, host of WDW Radio, and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee. Why Visit Walt Disney World? Nearly 87% of Americans visit a Disney park at some point—it's a "rite of passage." Offers a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors—first-timers, families, superfans, and solo travelers. The sheer scale and variety of things to do mean you can’t do it all in one trip—and that’s part of the fun. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-walt-disney-world-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta) as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sam Sarkar from Travels with Dr. Sam about this city built by the British East India Company. Why should you go to Kolkata? Sam says, "It's a real hidden secret. This is a city that has grand colonial buildings. It used to be the second city of the British Empire for the longest time. The first US consulate in the world was set up in Kolkata even before Thomas Jefferson was president in the late 17 hundreds. It's a city that has produced six Nobel laureates. There's a lot of art and culture festivals, and outstanding food. So I think there's a lot to see." What Dr. Sam Recommends in Kolkata: 1. Start with European Heritage & Colonial Architecture Walking Tour with Calcutta Walks — Sam's top recommendation for understanding Kolkata's colonial history and European architecture. Highlights include: Victoria Memorial — "British Taj Mahal," the most spectacular building in Kolkata. St. Paul’s Cathedral St. John’s Church, Kolkata (oldest Anglican church) High Court Building Writers’ Building General Post Office, Kolkata Governor’s House The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata (oldest continuously operating hotel in Asia — Mark Twain stayed there) TIP: Go on a Sunday or during off-hours for less crowd. Buildings are beautifully lit at night. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kolkata-india/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Cuba as the Amateur Traveler talks to 3 listeners of the show who joined this year’s trip to explore this beautiful and sometimes challenging country. Here’s a summary of the 2025 Amateur Traveler's Private Hola Cuba itinerary: Trip Overview Trip Name: Amateur Traveler's Private Hola Cuba Duration: 9 days / 8 nights Start & End Location: Havana, Cuba Group Size: 17 travelers Travel Style: Comfortable, immersive, support-for-the-Cuban-people focused Accommodation: Locally-owned guesthouses Meals Included: 8 breakfasts 6 lunches 7 dinners Transport: Private transport throughout Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival in Havana Complimentary airport transfer. Evening welcome meeting and dinner at a local paladar (private restaurant). Day 2 – Havana Exploration Morning Afro-Cuban religion tour. Classic American vintage car tour of outer Havana. Walking tour of Old Havana (UNESCO World Heritage Site). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-cuba/ blog post: https://amateurtraveler.com/intrepid-hola-cuba/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Johnny Jet shares his deeply personal story of overcoming a debilitating fear of flying before becoming a travel expert. A dream trip to Australia in high school was derailed when, at the airport, he had a panic attack and refused to board the plane, devastating his family and himself. He spent the next three years struggling with anxiety and fear—not just of flying, but even of leaving home. Learn what triggered this and how Johnny dealt with it. Johnny created a travel newsletter and website in 1995 that he has been publishing ever since. ✅ Tips for Overcoming Fear of Flying Visualize flying—even simulate it at home. Speak with pilots or flight attendants to understand the safety and mechanics of flight. Start small—book shorter flights on larger planes for a smoother experience. Break up long-haul trips with stopovers (e.g., Hawaii or Fiji en route to Australia). Distract yourself with music, reading, or a hobby during takeoff. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can worsen anxiety and behavior. Consider fear of flying courses, including airline programs with simulators and pilots. Practice gratitude and perspective—remember that flying opens the world. https://amateurtraveler.com/fear-of-flying/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Germany’s Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt) about his visit to the hills and woods of southwest Germany. Why should you go to the Black Forest? Matt says, "You'll find incredible hiking, lots of lakes, waterfalls, and cute little quintessential German towns with beautiful architecture. There are also a lot of hot springs around the Baden Baden area. Plus, there's just great food and I just really loved the welcoming vibe of the people." Matt’s Suggested Black Forest Itinerary: Day 1–2: Heidelberg Why go: It is a historic university town with vibrant nightlife, a beautiful old town, castle ruins, and great food. Highlights: Heidelberg Castle (ruins) Perimeter hiking trails and viewpoints Heidelberg Student Jail (Mark Twain visited!) Contemporary art museum Nightlife: comedy shows and lively bars Tip: Hike up from the city center for great views; look for printed maps with trail info. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-germanys-black-forest/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Basque Country in France and Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig Anderson about his recent trip to the home of the Basque. Why should someone go to the Basque Country? "It's a very unique region so it's got some unique architecture, it's got unique history. The culture is unique and fairly compact, so you can get around and explore the whole thing in a week. There's obviously other things that you can go see if you wanted to spend a little more time." Craig's 7-day Basque Country itinerary (France & Spain) includes a mix of historic towns, stunning coastal landscapes, cultural experiences, and exceptional food and wine. Here’s the breakdown: Day 1: Bayonne (France) Arrive in Bayonne, the cultural and historical heart of the French Basque Country. Explore the Old Town, bridges, plazas, and Bayonne Cathedral. Visit the Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne to learn about Basque culture. Sample Bayonne chocolate and Bayonne ham, along with local cheeses and cherry tarts. Walk along the city's ramparts. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-basque-country-in-france-and-spain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy as the Amateur Traveler talks to Enrica, Ligurian food expert from ASmallKitcheninGenoa.com about her home region in Italy. Why should you travel to Liguria? Enrica says, "Liguria is a wonderful region, not just because this is my region, but there are many reasons for traveling here. First of all, for its spectacular scenery. We have a mix of mountains and sea with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and trails. But we also have other fantastic landscapes like the well-known dry and stone walls, so-called Muretti a Secco, which are awarded as a patrimony of UNESCO for their beauty and importance, and of course the world-famous colorful fisherman village facades. Then we have a wonderful veggie-oriented cuisine." Enrica recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Genoa and Liguria in Italy, focusing on authentic experiences beyond Cinque Terre. Here’s her suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Genoa & First Impressions Arrive in Genoa via the airport or train from Milan. Stay in a central hotel (preferably outside the old town for safety at night). Start at Spianata Castelletto, a panoramic terrace accessible by public elevator, for a breathtaking view of Genoa. Walk through Caruggi (narrow medieval alleys) and explore historical shops (Botteghe Storiche). Consider taking a food tour with Enrica to taste pesto, farinata, focaccia, and candied fruit. Evening in Boccadasse, a small fishing village within Genoa, ideal for aperitivo or dinner. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-liguria/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Duluth, Minnesota as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel photographer Autumn Carolynn about this city on Lake Superior that has captured her heart. Why should you go to Duluth? Autumn says, "There are so many reasons why Duluth to me is a place that someone can go and feel like they are at home, I feel like it is just so unbelievably beautiful, but it's also a place where you feel at peace and you feel calm. So it is one of the top places in my mind. I had this goal to go to 30 countries before I turned 30 and out of all the places that I've been to, Duluth is still my number one, which some people think is weird, but to me it just is." Summer Itinerary (Warm-Weather Activities & Scenic North Shore Drive) This itinerary focuses on outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior. Start in Duluth: Visit the Aerial Lift Bridge (watch ships pass under it, listen for the Captain’s Salute). Walk around Canal Park, shop at Duluth Pack, and eat at Grandma’s Saloon (wild rice burger & chicken wild rice soup). Stop by Canal Park Brewing Company (try "Loon Juice" cider). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-duluth-minnesota/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, friend of the show Gary Arndt turns the tables on host Chris Christensen and asks him questions about Amateur Traveler, giving a behind-the-scenes view of the podcast. Here are some of the questions that this episode will answer about the Amateur Traveler podcast: Origin Story: "How did you come up with the idea of the Amateur Traveler?" "What was the format originally?" ... https://amateurtraveler.com/questions-and-answers/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Stuttgart, Germany as the Amateur Traveler talks again to Kristin Montgomery from growingglobalcitizens.com and mycornerofgermany.com about her corner of Germany in the Baden-Wuerttemberg region. Why should you go to Stuttgart? Kristin says, "Stuttgart is the car capital of Germany. It's home to Porsche and Mercedes Benz. It's a wine region. In fact, there are actually vineyards within the city, which is pretty cool. And around here, there are some amazing castles and also some really cool special events that I'm going to tell you about." Kristin recommends an itinerary that includes a mix of Stuttgart’s city attractions, day trips to nearby medieval towns, wine regions, and castles, as well as attending seasonal festivals. Here’s the itinerary she suggests: Day 1: Exploring Stuttgart Start at Schlossplatz: The heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, gardens, museums, and shopping. Visit the Württemberg State Museum in the Old Castle: Learn about the history of the region from prehistoric times to the monarchy. Stroll along Königstraße: One of the longest shopping streets in Germany, leading toward Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. See Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and Stuttgart 21 Project: Learn about the controversial railway infrastructure project. Relax at a Beer Garden in Schlossgarten: Enjoy local German specialties such as Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), German Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), or lentils with spätzle. Visit the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (City Library): A strikingly modern library, popular for its Instagram-worthy architecture. Tour a Car Museum: Mercedes Benz Museum (Recommended for its historical storytelling) Porsche Museum (If you're more interested in sports cars) Dine at a Besenwirtschaft (Temporary Wine Tavern): Experience local Swabian wine culture, where small, family-run wineries temporarily open their homes as restaurants. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-stuttgart-germany/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kathy Condon from the Palm Springs Insider Guide about this desert tourist area she calls home. Why should you go to Palm Springs? Kathy says, "Imagine living in a place where you have 350 days of sunshine. It's hard to explain that how alive Palm Springs is with the arts." Kathy highlights the region’s year-round sunshine, boutique hotels, midcentury modern architecture, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and vibrant dining scene. Below is a detailed guide based on her recommendations: Where to Stay Palm Springs has 75 boutique hotels (50 rooms or less), many with unique themes reflecting the area’s midcentury modern charm. Kathy suggests: Alcazar Palm Springs – A stylish boutique hotel within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. The Skylark, Palm Springs – Features an Airstream trailer check-in and a retro ambiance. The Cole, Palm Springs – A 1960s-inspired hotel with a modernist vibe. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-palm-springs-california/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices