897 episodes

Since 2005 Amateur Traveler has been talking about a different destination every week. It covers destinations all of 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".

Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast Chris Christensen

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 917 Ratings

Since 2005 Amateur Traveler has been talking about a different destination every week. It covers destinations all of 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".

    Train from Brisbane to Adelaide

    Train from Brisbane to Adelaide

    Hear about travel by Train from Brisbane to Adelaide as the Amateur Traveler talks to Pamela and Gary Baker about the Great Southern and the other train trips from Journey Beyond.

    https://amateurtraveler.com/train-from-brisbane-to-adelaide/

    The Great Southern is one of three iconic train rides in Australia offered by Journey Beyond. It travels from Brisbane to Adelaide or vice versa, offering a scenic journey along the southeast coast. The train ride provides a luxurious experience with well-attended staff, excellent food, and curated off-train excursions. Each cabin comes with an ensuite bathroom and fold-down beds, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.

    The train stops at various destinations along the route, allowing passengers to explore different parts of the country. Excursions include visits to places like Coffs Harbor, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, and more. Passengers have the option to choose from a variety of activities such as wine tasting, dolphin watching, exploring historical sites, and enjoying local cuisine.

    The Great Southern offers a unique opportunity to see the beauty of Australia's east coast in a relaxed and luxurious setting. With stunning scenery, engaging off-train excursions, and excellent service, it's a memorable way to experience the country's diverse landscapes and culture.

    ...

    • 43 min
    Travel to Kyushu Japan

    Travel to Kyushu Japan

    Hear about a 7-day itinerary for the island of Kyushu, Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Adeline Kuroki, the owner of Saver and Soak travel company about her adopted home in southern Japan.
    https://amateurtraveler.com/kyushu-itinerary-7-days/
    Why should you go to Kyushu?
    Adeline says, "I think there's so many things to do there. Also, it's a great way to get off the beaten path away from a lot of other tourists. Japan. For good reason, it's definitely very popular. It's easy to fly into Tokyo and so many people want to go and visit Kyoto, Osaka, and a lot of those really popular areas that are really starting to suffer from a lot of overtourism. There's so many beautiful places that you can go to in other parts of Japan that are just as beautiful and a lot more off the beaten path. And in a lot of ways, I think it's a lot more welcoming to visitors because there are a lot fewer visitors."
    Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka

    Arrive in Fukuoka, either by bullet train or flight.

    Explore Yusentei Park and enjoy a traditional bowl of matcha tea at the tea house.

    Wander through Nishijin Shotengai, a pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and restaurants.

    Sample local dishes such as Tonkotsu ramen and fresh seafood, including the famous twitching squid.

    Connect with English speakers at the Cheers Bar

    Overnight in Fukuoka.


    ...

    • 45 min
    AT#886 - Travel to Northern Tasmania

    AT#886 - Travel to Northern Tasmania

    Hear about travel to Northern Tasmania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Paula Barnes from trulyexpattravel.com about an unexpected visit to this popular region.
    https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-tasmania/
    Why should you go to Northern Tasmania?
    Paula says, "Firstly, it's because it's now classed as 1 of the 50 cities that is the City of Gastronomy. Australia has 2. We have 1 in Bendigo but we also now have 1 in Launceston and it's a foodie's paradise. It's also an amazing landscape and it's an adventure area. I thought this part of the world had Queenstown in New Zealand, but I'm telling you now, I think Queenstown needs to move over because I think this part of the world has as many amazing adventure things to do. We don't have bungee jumping, but we have everything else."
    Suggested Itinerary:
    Day 1: Launceston Exploration and Culinary Delights

    Morning: Arrive in Launceston by flying from Hobart, driving from Hobart, or driving from Devonport and taking the ferry. Start your day at the Launceston Harvest Market to indulge in local produce and culinary delights. If it's not a Saturday, explore the cafes in Launceston, such as Tattler Lane by Sweet Brew, known for its excellent coffee and breakfast offerings.

    Midday: Visit the Japanese monkeys in the park, a unique attraction gifted by Launceston's sister city, Aikido, in Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and explore its historical significance.

    Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing artifacts and stories of the region's past.

    Evening: Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Bar Urbane, overlooking the scenic Tamar River, followed by a delightful Asian fusion dinner at Mudbar, known for its seafood and eclectic flavors.

    Accommodation: Choose between Big 4 Caravan Park for a budget-friendly option with self-catering facilities or Pepper's Seaport Hotel or Florance Launceston for a more luxurious stay with convenient car parking.
    ...

    • 47 min
    AT#885 - Travel to Poland (Warsaw, Krakow and Poznan)

    AT#885 - Travel to Poland (Warsaw, Krakow and Poznan)

    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.

    • 49 min
    Dublin to Cork Road Trip in Southeastern Ireland

    Dublin to Cork Road Trip in Southeastern Ireland

    Hear about a week-long road trip from Dublin to Cork through southeastern Ireland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Amber Hagerty from AmberEverywhere.com about this out-of-the-way corner of Ireland.
    https://amateurtraveler.com/dublin-to-cork-road-trip-in-southeastern-ireland/
    Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow
    Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city. Visit Bar 1661 for the best Irish coffee and Trinity College to admire the campus.
    Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Murphy's on Wicklow Street in Temple Bar.
    Evening: Rent a car and drive south to Bray. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, have dinner at a local restaurant like Daata, and consider doing the cliff walk to Greystones for breathtaking views.
    Day 2: Exploring Wicklow
    Morning: Visit Enniskerry, a charming town with a picturesque setting used to film "Disenchanted".
    Midday: Explore Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and themed gardens.
    Afternoon: Drive to Glendalough and embark on the Spinc Trail for a scenic hike with panoramic views.
    Evening: Consider staying overnight in Glendalough, perhaps trying out glamping for a unique experience.
    Day 3: Road Trip to Wexford
    Morning: Drive through the Wicklow Gap for breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains.
    Midday: Make a stop in Wicklow Town to visit the historic jail and explore the seaside harbor.
    Afternoon: Enjoy brunch at LoCo Grocer in Arklow and relax on Brittas Bay Beach.
    Evening: Arrive in Wexford City and consider attending a performance at the National Opera House.
    Day 4: Salty Islands and Waterford
    Morning: Take a ferry to the Salty Islands (book far in advance) for a unique birdwatching experience, especially to see puffins.
    Midday: Return to Kilmore Quay and indulge in a sauna experience at Salty Sauna.
    Afternoon: Drive to Waterford City and visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a tour and souvenir shopping.
    Evening: Dine at a local restaurant like the Seagull Bakery for delicious sourdough bread and pastries.
    Day 5: Exploring Tramore
    Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the charming seaside town of Tramore. Enjoy the picturesque hilly streets and take in the coastal atmosphere.
    Mid-morning: Head down to the seafront and take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, perfect for families with kids. Explore the expansive sandy beach, keeping in mind that it may be covered by the tide at certain times.
    Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Gardens dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish travel writer with a fascinating connection to Tramore. Learn about his life and legacy while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens.
    Late Afternoon/Evening: Spend the rest of the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town.
    Day 6: Outdoor Adventures in Waterford
    Morning: Embark on the Waterford Greenway, a scenic route along a converted train line. Choose to walk or cycle along this picturesque path, taking in views of aqueducts, lush greenery, and charming tunnels.
    Afternoon: Explore the stunning hike to Coumshingaun Lough. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs, but exercise caution if the weather is foggy. Opt for the shorter hike to the lake if visibility is poor.
    Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Tramore or continue exploring the Waterford area at your leisure. Consider dining at a local restaurant or relaxing at your accommodation after a day of outdoor adventures.
    Day 7: Discovering the Copper Coast
    Morning: Drive along the scenic Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark known for its geological and cultural significance. Stop at Bunmahon Beach to enjoy the sandy shores and explore the dunes.
    Midday: Continue southward to discover the secluded Tra na mBó Beach, hidden among the cliffs. Spend some peaceful moments soaking in the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
    Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Dungarvan, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious churros. Consider starting your jo

    • 54 min
    Germany Road Trip to 9 UNESCO Cities

    Germany Road Trip to 9 UNESCO Cities

    Hear about a German road trip to 9 UNESCO Cities as the Amateur Traveler talks to Renee Hannes from dreamplanexperience.com about her exploration of the land of her ancestors.
    https://amateurtraveler.com/germany-road-trip-to-9-unesco-cities/
    Renee says, "I just returned from living in Berlin for 3 months. So had an opportunity to make a little bit of a longer trip and was there with my husband and dog and lived in Berlin and I had a good chance to be able to see the city and lots of other places around it. I had this long list of places on my to-do list. I think like most travelers, I become very quickly overwhelmed with how many places I wanted to see. So I thought why not think about what are those places that are worthy of a visit?"
    "That's where I came upon thinking about it from a UNESCO perspective and UNESCO sites are always worthy places to visit special places to visit in terms of the history and the moments in history that they help create and shape the architecture that usually is pretty spectacular to be able to see from, nature and the landscapes that we want to protect and then also it gives us really good insights into the culture. So after I had that long list, I went back and thought, what is close to Berlin? And that's how I was able to stumble on these 9 destinations."
    City 1: Berlin UNESCO Site: Museum Island: Spend the first day exploring Museum Island, home to five world-class museums. Delve into history, art, and archaeology at the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum (when it reopens).

    City 2: Potsdam (Day Trip from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Sans Souci Palace and Park: Explore the stunning Sans Souci Palace, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and other palaces.

    Optional Activities: Visit the Dutch Quarter and the historic center of Potsdam.

    City 3: Wittenberg (Short Train Ride from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Martin Luther's 95 Theses Site: Visit the place where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

    City Exploration: Wander through the charming streets of Wittenberg's Old Town.
    If possible, visit the city in June for the Luther Wedding celebration.

    City 4: Quedlinburg UNESCO Site: Old Town with Half-Timbered Houses: Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Quedlinburg's Old Town, characterized by over 1300 half-timbered houses.

    Activities: Climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the town from the castle.
    Explore the Quedlinburg Cathedral and the Culture Church.
    Visit museums showcasing the town's history and heritage.

    City 5: Goslar (Day Trip from Quedlinburg) UNESCO Sites: Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz): Discover the grandeur of the Imperial Palace overlooking Goslar.

    Optional Activities: Take a guided tour of the Rammelsberg mine, gaining insights into a thousand years of mining history.
    Explore the old town with its half-timbered houses and churches.
    Take a ride on a train through the Harz Mountains on the Harz Railway.

    City 6: Hamburg Highlights: Warehouse District (Speicherstadt): Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, Hamburg's historic warehouse district. Marvel at the red brick buildings lining the canals, reminiscent of the city's trading past.
    Hamburg City Center: Stroll through the city center, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and visit landmarks like St. Michael's Church and the Rathaus (City Hall).

    City 7: Lubeck (Day Trip from Hamburg) UNESCO Site: Holstentor Gate: Visit the iconic Holstentor Gate, the entrance to Lubeck's Old Town, representing the city's historical significance as a trading hub.
    Exploring Beyond Main Streets: Wander off the main streets to discover elegant homes reflecting the wealth of medieval merchants. Explore St. Mary's Church and other architectural gems.
    Marzipan Delights: Visit the Niederegger marzipan shop to indulge in

    • 1 hr

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
917 Ratings

917 Ratings

nationalparklover ,

Kerala

I enjoy the interviews - but as a proud Keralite I have to mention that Feni is NOT a liquor from Kerala - it’s from Goa .

(At 42.00 in the episode on Kerala)

This is a problem you can sometimes run into when you interview a foreigner about a place which really isn’t theirs . Try and get a local .

Bob????. ,

GREAT PODCAST!

I love this podcast, very informative, planed my vacation with this podcast!

cmrrrrrrrd ,

A note on the Polish episode

Chopin was not born in Warsaw. He fled to Paris in the early 19th century and not around WWI.

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