Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

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

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

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 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/ 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

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

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

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

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

Hear about travel to Central China as the Amateur Traveler talks to Larry Fan, who was born in the city of Zhengzhou and recently returned to explore his birth country. Why should you go to Central China? Larry says, ” “I think it’s particularly special because it’s considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. Xi’an was the first imperial capital of China. Zhengzhou also happened to be one of the first capitals of the Shang dynasty. Kaifeng and Luoyang, which are two other cities I’ll talk about, had also served as capitals of China during various times. It’s a very influential area for Chinese civilization and often not as much talked about versus places like Beijing, Shanghai. Etc. ” Larry recommends a 7-10 day itinerary for visiting central China, covering historical and cultural highlights in Henan Province and Xi’an. Here’s the detailed breakdown of his suggested itinerary: Days 1-2: Zhengzhou (Capital of Henan Province) Day 1: Zhengzhou City Tour Henan Museum Spend 2-3 hours learning about the region’s history from the Shang to Tang dynasties. Guancheng Muslim District Visit the Beidajie Mosque (North Big Mosque), a Yuan dynasty mosque with Chinese architectural influences. Try local food like Xi’an torn bread with lamb soup (羊肉泡饃). Shang Dynasty Relic Park Explore ruins of the Shang Dynasty’s capital, including city walls over 3,000 years old. People’s Park Relax in the park and experience local activities like dancing and exercise. Erqi Memorial Tower (Feb 7th Square) Learn about the area’s historical ties to railroad workers and admire the twin tower. Zhengdong New Area (CBD) Visit the modern Central Business District featuring the iconic Corncob Building. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-china/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices