Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast (Chris Christensen)

Amateur Traveler Live Dial-in Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Sarah from Whitehorse in the Yukon about that corner of Canada with long winters but dramatic scenery. She tells of of Winter festivals like the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous as well as Summer festivals like Dawson City Music fest, Atlin Arts and Music Fest and the Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival. We talk about sporting events like the 24 Hours of Light and Kluane to Chilkat (Haines to Haines) bike races because Sarah says you have to like the outdoors to come to the Yukon. Sarah also gives us some itineraries for road warriors like the Top of the World Highway to Dawson (and the Dempster Highway for the bold among you) and the Golden Circle route into Alaska. We walk the Chilkoot Trail but without the requirement to bring 1,000 pounds of supplies like in the Yukon gold rush. It is the beauty of Kluane National Park that you will remember but strangely enough it was something else that Sarah was looking at when she decided to move to the Yukon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amateur Traveler Live Dial-in Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Barolo and the Piedmont region of Italy as the Amateur Traveler talks to Betsy and Greg Ball from eurotravelcoach.com about this wine region that they love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rerun - Cruising - Barefoot or Formal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the western part of Michigan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Veronica Bareman from HipGrandmaLife.com and Holland Michigan about her neck of the woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disneyland (Strategy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Poland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sharon Kurtz from sharonkkurtz.com about her recent trip exploring the culture and food of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan. show notes - https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-poland-warsaw-krakow-and-poznan Sharon says, "It is a beautiful country. It's a blend of history that goes back to the tenth century. And then it has sad history, World War II, and then they were occupied by the Soviets and got their independence in 1989. And some people seem to have this feeling that they're gray and it's sad and dark, and nothing could be further from the truth. It's vibrant and it's really an exciting place to go in Central Europe." Here's a recommended itinerary for visiting Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan in Poland: Day 1-3: Warsaw • Start your trip in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. • Explore the reconstructed Old Town Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the resilience of the Polish people after World War II. • Visit the Old Town Square fountain with the mermaid sculpture, symbolizing strength and protection. • Explore the Chopin Museum and enjoy a classical concert in Łazienki Park. • Dive into Warsaw's history with visits to the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. • Enjoy the vibrant modern cityscape, including skyscrapers and bustling city life. Accommodation in Warsaw: Consider staying at Hotel Verte, a Marriott property with a rich history, a palace reconstructed after World War II. Day 4-6: Krakow • Take a 2-hour train ride to Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland. • Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, filled with well-preserved medieval architecture. • Explore Kazimierz's historic Jewish quarter, known for its synagogues, cemeteries, and vibrant atmosphere. • Visit Saint Mary's Basilica and experience the haunting trumpet call played from its tower. • Discover the majestic Wawel Castle and its Gothic cathedral. • Delve into Krakow's poignant history with a visit to Schindler's Factory and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. • Consider a one-day Auschwitz and Krakow Salt Mines tour. Accommodation in Krakow: Consider staying in centrally located accommodations to explore the city's attractions easily. Day 7-9: Poznan • Travel to Poznan, the oldest city in Poland, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. • Explore the colorful Old Town Square and witness the daily spectacle of mechanical billy goats butting heads at noon. • Visit Cathedral Island to see the oldest church in Poland and the graves of early rulers. • Experience the interactive Enigma Museum, showcasing Poland's contributions to World War II code-breaking efforts. • Indulge in Poznan's culinary delights, including the famous Saint Martin's croissant with its unique legend. • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Poznan's nightlife and cultural offerings. Accommodation in Poznan: Choose accommodations near the Old Town Square to immerse yourself in the city's historic charm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Ashland, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swimming with Whales off Tonga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Kim Mance about traveling to the mountain kingdom of Losotho in Southern Africa. Losotho is a small mountainous region surrounded by South Africa but is an independent constitutional monarchy. The country has a very rural population. Kim got around via rental car but also did a pony trek with guide out into the small mountain villages. Riding a small hearty and nimble Bosotho pony they headed out into a landscape of shepherds and glacier carved mountains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DuVine Adventures - Bike and Wine Tours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Michael Tieso about his recent trip to Bolivia. He was traveling from Argentina to Peru and at first Bolivia was just in the way, but he discovered a country worth seeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Fiji (the islands of Viti Levu and Taveuni) as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes about his recent trip to this island nation including some pretty amazing scuba diving experiences.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Paris, France - The City of Lights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Argentina (part 1) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to photographer Ralph Velasco about a trip to the very new country of Montenegro. When Ralph visited the country it was the newest country on the planet after it split off of Serbia. This mountainous country boasts the southern most fjords in Europe, old walled Venetian towns, fortresses, island churches, hikes, rafting, and some wonderful photography. Ralph stayed on the coast and visited the coastal cities of Kotor, Budva and Perast among others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Argentina (part 2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travel Photography (interview with Chris Marquardt) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to well-known travel writer / editor Don George about his first visit to the Champagne region of France. Despite having lived in France after college, Don had never visited the area made so famous by the blind monk Dom Perignon and his sparkling wine. Don discovered a beautiful agricultural area and learned the secret to a good life is one bottle of Champagne a day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Las Vegas, Nevada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego, California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Hear about a 2-week itinerary for Kerala, India travel as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mariellen Ward from BreatheDreamGo.com and IndiaForBeginners.com about this popular tropical destination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Houston, Texas as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kerwin McKenzie of passrider.com, cruisinaltitude.com, discoveringhouston.net about his adopted home town and the 4th largest city in the USA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Tanzania, Africa as a tourist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Austin, Texas as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mike Hinshaw of nomadictexan.com about his hometown. Mike says of Austin, “it is a fun place. It has wonderful food. It has great music." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tanzania, Africa as a guest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Hawaii, the big island Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

China, Rob from Podcast411 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Florida's Space Coast as the Amateur Traveler talks to Stacey Marmolejo about the area of the coast near Cape Canaveral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver, Birtish Columbia (plus Victoria, Whistler) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York City (part 1) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York City (part 2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trekking in the Himalayas in India Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cape Town, South Africa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Hear about travel to South Tyrol, Italy as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lynne Nieman about this beautiful region in northern Italy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Edmonton and Jasper, Alberta Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, Alberta Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peru and Ecuador in South America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Alaska's Kenai Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to tour guide Mareth Griffith about her adopted home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Rachel about Seoul, South Korea. Rachel is a college student from Hong Kong who studied in Seoul for the Summer. She talks about historic palaces, museums, customs and shopping in this city that she describes as a "kaleidoscope." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Ben Dixon about biking the route of the Camino di Santiago in northern Spain. The Camino di Santiago is a an ancient pilgrim trail that runs across northern Spain from the border with France to Santiago di Compostella. The cathedral in Santiago di Compostella reputedly holds the remains of St. James. Modern day pilgrims are sometimes drawn by faith and sometimes just drawn by the journey itself to trek for a month across the varied landscapes of northern Spain. As an American, Ben did not have a month of vacation but rather than be one of those pilgrims who only traverses the very end of the trail he chose to take on the pilgrim route on a bicycle. Along the way he stayed in the hostels that house the many pilgrims where he met people who had been walking from far beyond the border with France. Through countryside, cities and picturesque towns he rode in both sunshine and driving rain, but the highlight of the trip might not be what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cycling in Tuscany, Italy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Joe d'Eon, Airline Pilot and host of "Fly With Me" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about cruising from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile around Cape Horn in South America as the Amateur Traveler relates stories of a recent Holland America cruise on the Zaandam.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bike tour from Vancouver, B.C. to San Jose, CA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denmark with Howard Shepherd of the Word Nerds podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Authors of "Europe From a Backpack" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Teaching English in Japan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Montana as the Amateur Traveler talks to Donna Hull from MyItchyTravelFeet.com. Donna and her husband visited Montana in 2001 as part of a National Park tour and fell in love with the Big Sky state. Finally in 2010 they moved to the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, the so called “banana belt” of Montana. They had planned to live there only in the Summer but did not want to leave when the end of Summer came.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

The Amateur Traveler talks to Lee Moore again about China. Lee comes back on the show to talk about his time in the Yunnan Provence in the southwest corner of China. Yunnan is on the border with Laos, Myanmar and Tibet.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Year In Europe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

The Amateur Traveler talks to Karl Anders who has traveled to Sri Lanka 8 times after striking up a friendship with the late author Arthur C. Clarke who settled there. Karl takes us on a vital tour of Sri Lanka from the capital of Colombo to the beautiful beaches to some of the archeological ruins at Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Dambulla is notable for some of the cave murals. Sigiriya is particularly notable for the rock fortress, ruins of a palace high on this rock outcropping and again some of the cave murals. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa both also have numerous stupas (a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics). The inland high mountains are home to the tea country, plentiful tea fields and numerous tea factories. Karl recommends the Galle Face Hotel and some of the other inexpensive hotels left over from the British era. He also recommends hiring a car and driver/interpreter and avoiding the traffic and public transportation. We also talk about the recent civil war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

https://amateurtraveler.com/nepal-itinerary/ Hear about a 10-day itinerary for travel to Nepal as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sean Hira about this beautiful country. Why should someone go to Nepal? Sean says, "Nepal's a little bit of an underrated destination. It's a landlocked country in the Himalayas sandwiched between two powerhouses, China. In India. My favorite part about Nepal is really the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism and seeing those cultures coexist so peacefully from a tourist perspective. A lot of people go there for the trekking and the intense base camp trekking and the first thing that probably comes to your mind is Mount Everest, but there is so much more to Nepal than Mount Everest or Annapurna. The Himalayas are ingrained in the culture there, but you can see so much more than just trekking in Everest." Sean lays out this itinerary: Day 1: Kathmandu Orientation walk around Patan Durbar Square. Explore local bazaars and historical sites. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Durbar Square. Day 2: Kathmandu Early morning visit to Boudhanath Stupa for monk rituals. Breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the stupa. Visit Pashupatinath Temple and experience Hindu rituals. Optional: Visit Bhaktapur and Nagarkot (extra day trip). Day 3: Transfer to Bandipur Private transfer from Kathmandu to Bandipur. Orientation walk around Bandipur village. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Himalayan foothills. Day 4: Bandipur Sunrise viewpoint over the Annapurna region. Breakfast and leisure time. Easy hike to the "Great Wall of Bandipur" viewpoint. Day 5: Transfer to Pokhara and Uluru Village Transfer to Pokhara, stop for lunch, and rent trekking gear. Continue to Uluru Village, north of Pokhara. Prepare for the upcoming trekking adventure. Day 6-8: Trek to Poon Hill in Annapurna Region Begin a three-day moderate trek to Poon Hill. Experience stunning landscapes, forests, and villages. Stay in village homestays along the route. Reach Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views. Trekking altitudes vary from around 1,000 to 3,200 meters. Day 9: Return to Pokhara Complete the trek and return to Pokhara. Relax and enjoy Pokhara's amenities after trekking. Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Revisit attractions or experiences missed earlier. Last-minute shopping or exploration in Kathmandu. Day 11: Departure Depending on your flight schedule, free time in the morning. Depart from Kathmandu's International Airport. Sean also talks about some extensions you could do including a Panauti Community Homestay.  If you are looking for an adventure, Nepal could be the place to go.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Rudy Maxa - Savvy Traveler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Sally Jane Smith about a great alternative to visiting the Greek Islands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around the World, Family Style Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a road trip in Nebraska from Omaha to Scott's Bluff along the Oregon Trail as the Amateur Traveler talks to Olivia Wieseler about her home state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life as an Exchange Student in Northern Italy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Andalusia, Southern Spain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

The Seychelles (and Dubai) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Netherlands and Belgium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Moldova as the Amateur Traveler talks to Christina Lutcan from findingelevation.com about her country of origin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Hear about the United States UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the Amateur Traveler talks to Gary Arndt from Everything-Everywhere.com and The Global Travel Conspiracy podcast about these best of the best sites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Death Valley National Park in California as the Amateur Traveler talks to former park ranger Jeff Ohlfs about the largest of the national parks in the continental United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Atlanta, Georgia as the Amateur Traveler talks to return guest Chris Willis about his hometown. Chris has been on the show talking about distant and exotic places but this time we talk about the land of Margret Mitchell and Coca-Cola.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Stockholm, Sweden as the Amateur Traveler talks to Malin from HauteCompass.com about Sweden's beautiful capital city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Dave Kerwin about his recent trip to Northern Queensland. Dave recommends 2 main stops on your trip: the Atherton Tablelands, Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Michael Soncina again about his trip to Tajikistan in Central Asia. Tajikistan is smack dab between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Unlike the other countries Tajikistan is mostly mountainous. A lot of its influences, history and culture is influenced by Persia while its neighbors have more Mongolian or nomadic influences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about an itinerary for travel to Bolivia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jaybe Dear from The Only Way is Not Essex about her recent trip to this landlocked South American country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices