Hear about travel to the south of England as the Amateur Traveler talks to Heather Cowper from HeatherOnHerTravels.com about hiking the Thames Path National Trail. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you walk the Thames Path National Trail? Heather says, "There are some people like me who are avid walkers and love to do a national trail, a long-distance trail, and I've done a few, and this was a very enjoyable one. I think this particular trail takes you through the south of England, and you really do see some quintessentially English landscapes. You've got really beautiful rural landscapes, and then as you come towards London, you've got some of the most iconic landmarks in England." In this episode of Amateur Traveler, Heather Cowper returns to the show to share her experience walking the Thames Path National Trail, a 300-kilometer (185-mile) long-distance route that follows the River Thames from its source in rural Gloucestershire all the way to London’s Docklands. Heather, who hiked the trail in sections with her sister over the course of a year, explains why this is one of the most scenic, accessible, and flexible long-distance walks in England. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/thames-path-trail-in-england/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lexie Brown from @lexienicolebrown on Instagram about her explorations of this remote island country. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠here. Why should you go to the Federated States of Micronesia? Lexie says, "It is a place that's so unique, and, I think, unmatched when it comes to experiencing ancient Micronesian culture. And what's interesting about the FSM is that there are four states, and each of those states is made up of either one island or over a hundred islands, split up in a lagoon. So it's very diverse and even because each state is so far apart, they have their own language and their own culture." Lexie recommends an itinerary that focuses on Kosrae and Pohnpei, two of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Suggested Itinerary Overview Duration: About one weekRoute: Start in Kosrae for nature, hiking, and ancient ruins Continue to Pohnpei for waterfalls, diving, and the famous Nan Madol ruins (Optional extensions: Yap for traditional culture during Yap Week in March, and Chuuk for advanced wreck diving in Truk Lagoon)  ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-federated-states-of-micronesia/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Bhutan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Dorji Dhratyul, the former head of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bhutan. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you go to Bhutan? Doji says, "I think when you're talking about globally in terms of tourism, we are talking about over-tourism. The tourism destinations are getting crowded, but as of now, Bhutan is still a very pristine, quiet, and silent place. Bhutan is that place where a visitor comes here, not just on a journey, but basically they come here as an inward journey." Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that measures its success not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness. The small Himalayan kingdom regulates visitor numbers intentionally, following its “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. That means fewer crowds, pristine landscapes, and a deeply authentic experience. Dorji recommends beginning with the western region, home to the country’s only international airport and some of its most iconic sites. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-bhutan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Kansas as the Amateur Traveler discusses a recent trip to Wichita, Kansas, for a conference and a post-conference Old West themed press trip. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here. Why should you go to Kansas? Chris says, "This is a state that surprised me. I wasn't planning on doing an episode on this trip, but Kansas surprised me. The history and the food were all memorable. The press trip I did was about the Old West, so we visited sites about native americans, the Santa Fe Trail, railroads, cowboys, lawmen, and then later on the manufacturing of airplanes." Start in Wichita. Drive two hours northeast to Council Grove, a historic stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Day 1 – Council Grove and Abilene Kaw Mission State Historic Site: Learn about the Kanza (Kaw) tribe for whom Kansas is named, and the short-lived Methodist mission school built after the tribe ceded land to the U.S. Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park: The only remaining Kanza-owned land in Kansas, used for powwows and home to a sacred red rock recently repatriated from Lawrence. The Last Chance Store: Once the final supply stop for wagons heading southwest toward Santa Fe. Lunch: Eat at Hays House, founded in 1857 and considered the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kansas/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a road trip across the North Shore of Lake Superior as the Amateur Traveler talks to David Adler about an area that he fell in love with through a summer camp. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here. Why should you drive this road trip? David says, "I think what makes it really unique is that it's a place that no one really knows about. I think it stands as one of the most beautiful spots in the world that I've ever seen. The nature there is really untouched. You'll be driving, and there'll be signs that say no gas for 150 kilometers. It's very remote." David recommended road trip itinerary along the North Shore of Lake Superior (as described in the podcast transcript) begins in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and ends in Thunder Bay, following Highway 17, part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Here’s the detailed route he outlines: Overview Route: Sault Ste. Marie → Wawa → Marathon → Thunder Bay Highway: Ontario Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) Distance: ~700 km (435 mi) Duration: 5–7 days recommended Best season: Summer (May – September) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/north-shore-of-lake-superior/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Cairo, Egypt, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Neil Laird, TV producer and the author of the Prime Time Travelers Series, about his favorite city. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why should you go to Cairo? Neil says, "I've traveled to some 70 countries and I've been an international documentary  TV producer for 30 years. But anytime people ask me what is my happy place, what is the place that set me all off on this journey, it is Egypt. I've been enamored and fascinated by the ancient Egyptians and by the culture there for 30, 35 years, and Cairo is the gateway to that. I spent a lot of time on Luxor shooting films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and BBC. But Cairo is often overlooked because it's the noisy, chaotic city that you fly into and see the pyramids before you go see Luxor and the great ruins. And that's a shame because Cairo is a universe in itself." Here’s the 7-day Cairo itinerary recommended by Neil: Day 1 – Zamalek (Gezira Island) Stay in Zamalek, the leafy island in the Nile – quieter, easier to acclimate. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-cairo-egypt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about traveling to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the Amateur Traveler discusses a biking trip around the lake to explore its historic, cultural, and natural sites. The Lake Constance International Tourism Board sponsored this trip. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here. Day 1 – Arrival in Constance, Germany  Flew into Zurich, train to Constance. Quick city tour: Roman history dating back to Caesar Augustus, Council of Constance (resolved the Papal Schism). Began biking to Reichenau Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site): monasteries, vineyards, Romanesque churches, small museum of monastic culture. Dinner on Reichenau, returned by boat to Constance. Overnight: Hotel Constantia. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/lake-constance-bike-trip/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Marseille and Provence in France as the Amateur Traveler talks again to Audra Morris of The Nerd Traveler about her visit to France's second-largest city. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here. Why should someone travel to Marseille and Provence? Audra says, "Marseille in Provence is the oldest town in France. It has got 2,600 years of history. It does have a reputation of being a little bit edgy, a little bit gritty, so it's one of those, under-the-radar kind of places. It's a beautiful place to have a home base for exploring the South of France, the Provence area specifically. It's such a cool and vibrant town. With it being one of the locales for the Olympics, they did spend quite a bit of money in the last 10 or 15 years really upgrading the city. It's quite a bit safer than a lot of people think it's gonna be." Audra recommends the following itinerary: Days 1–2: Explore Marseille Notre-Dame de la Garde – Iconic basilica on a hill with panoramic views (take the little tourist train or metro, not the steep walk). MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) – Modern architecture plus exhibits; linked to Fort Saint-Jean (17th-century fort, cannons once pointed at the city). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-marseille-and-provence/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the top half of New Zealand's South Island as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his adopted country. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here. Why should you visit the top half of New Zealand's South Island? Jonty says that this area has "spectacular scenery, natural hot springs, beautiful beaches, world-class vineyards, and whale watching". Jonty suggests a two-week road trip (with additional optional side trips, particularly for multi-day hikes) starting in Christchurch and looping north through North Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough, and Kaikōura before returning to Christchurch. The trip combines cities, hot springs, alpine passes, national parks, short walks and multi-day hikes, vineyards, wildlife, and heritage. Suggested Itinerary Days 1–2: Christchurch Explore the city centre, largely rebuilt post the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes: Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River punting, and the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial. Visit cultural sites: Canterbury Museum, Christ Church Cathedral ruins, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, aka the cardboard cathedral, Christchurch Art Centre, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Rutherford’s Den, and Christchurch Art Gallery. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/northern-south-island-of-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Solomon Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Shorrock from Travel Obscure about his adventurous trip in these remote Pacific islands. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why should you go to the Solomon Islands? Chris says, "There's lots of reasons. One of the reasons we didn't really focus on World War II history. One of my big reasons for going was it's an adventurous destination and I like an adventurous destination. There's not many people going on holiday to the Solomons, so that was one of the big appeals. But besides that amazing natural beauty: jungle-clad volcanic islands, turquoise oceans, and then below the surface of the ocean lots of sea creatures, coral reefs, very spectacular underwater environment." This is an adventurous loop through the Central Province: starting in Honiara, crossing to Savo Island for volcano hikes and megapode eggs, then finishing with shipwreck snorkeling at Roderick Bay before returning to Honiara. Flights: Most travelers arrive from Brisbane (easiest option). Other routes exist via Port Moresby (less reliable), Nadi, or Auckland (via Vanuatu). Practical tip: Honiara is the last place you’ll find ATMs, pharmacies, or proper shops. Stock up on cash (Solomon dollars), insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and dry bags here.   Day 1 – Arrival in Honiara (Guadalcanal) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/solomon-islands/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Galapagos Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about doing this bucket list trip as a budget traveler. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why should you go to the Galapagos? Michael says, "It is a world location that should not be missed. And you do not have to be an animal enthusiast or safari adventure type person. That certainly helps to have an open mind about ecology and conservation. The animals, the marine life, and their ecosystem. If you have the opportunity to witness it firsthand, it truly is something that should not be missed. It is a marvel." This version is land-based (with Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island as the base) rather than a cruise, making it more budget-friendly while still offering access to iconic wildlife and landscapes. Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport, then transfer by ferry and taxi to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Check into your hotel (e.g., Hotel Fiesta, Puerto Ayora). Stroll along Avenida Charles Darwin: shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Puerto Ayora fish market to watch fishermen unload their catch while sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds compete for scraps. Evening walk along the Malecón (boardwalk) where reef sharks can sometimes be spotted under the lights. 7-Day Galápagos Itinerary (Land-Based, Puerto Ayora Base)Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Ayora ... https://amateurtraveler.com/budget-travel-to-the-galapagos-islands/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen talks with Bart from Trip Tailor, a travel agent and former train steward who has been working with European rail for decades. Bart shares his deep knowledge of night trains in Europe, from their practical benefits to the romance of waking up in a new city. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why Night Trains? Bart explains that he first started working on night trains as a student job in the 1990s, and the appeal never left him. Compared to planes, night trains offer: ... https://amateurtraveler.com/night-trains-in-europe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about a road trip in Oman as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton from Sloths with Latitude about the country he thinks is the best in the world. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, we explore a two-week road trip through Oman, a country offering dramatic mountains, turquoise wadis, pristine deserts, and a warm culture rooted in Ibadism. Max shares his favorite country in the world, guiding us through a self-drive adventure with a 4x4, rooftop tent, and plenty of memorable encounters. An authentic Middle Eastern experience, very different from Dubai 2,000 km of coastline, mountains, wadis, and deserts One of the safest countries in the world, often called the “Switzerland of the Middle East” Rich history: oldest independent state in the Arab world Wild camping is legal almost everywhere Why Visit Oman? ... https://amateurtraveler.com/road-trip-in-oman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Turkmenistan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Abdylla Geldiyev, Managing Director of Undiscovered Frontiers,  about an itinerary for one week in this seldom-visited country in Central Asia. Turkmenistan remains one of the least explored destinations in the world. From Ashgabat, a city of Guinness World Records and futuristic white marble architecture, to ancient Silk Road cities and surreal desert landscapes, this itinerary combines history, archaeology, and natural wonders. Why Visit Turkmenistan? Abdylla describes Turkmenistan as a country for seasoned travelers seeking the unusual: Surreal landscapes like Yangykala Canyon and the burning Darvaza gas crater Silk Road cities such as Merv and Konye-Urgench A capital city (Ashgabat) filled with world-record-breaking monuments, the largest indoor Ferris wheel, and the world’s largest handmade carpet Rich traditions of Turkmen carpets and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses Sunday arrival in Ashgabat to experience the Tolkuchka-Basar, a sprawling Sunday market alive with carpets, animals, and handicrafts. Suggested One-Week Itinerary in Turkmenistan Days 1–3: Ashgabat and Surroundings ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-turkmenistan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen recounts his immersive experience cruising the Peruvian Amazon on a nine-day "Amazon Riverboat Adventure in Depth" with G Adventures. This small-group journey, involving ~24 travelers, offers a deep dive into the culture, biodiversity, and challenges of life in the Amazon Basin. The trip began in Lima, Peru, and then took the group via domestic flight to Iquitos, one of the world’s most isolated cities, accessible only by air or river. From there, they traveled 97 km by road to Nauta to embark on the riverboat Amatista. For five days, they cruised the Marañón, Ucayali, and Amazon Rivers, exploring tributaries like the Yanayacu ("Black Water") River in skiffs and visiting riverside communities near and within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Highlights included: Spotting Amazon wildlife such as pink and gray river dolphins, spider monkeys, black-collared hawks, pygmy marmosets, capybaras, horned screamers, long-nosed bats, sloths, and dozens of tropical birds, including toucans, macaws, and herons. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/cruising-the-peruvian-amazon/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the tiny country of Andorra as the Amateur Traveler talks to musician Eli Lev about this small country in the Pyrenees Mountains, where he lived for three years. Why should you go to Andorra? Eli says, "I just fell in love with the country. First of all, it's in the middle of these magnificent mountains of the Pyrenees, so that means in winter you've got skiing, snowboarding, Aper ski, lots of festivities. Beautiful. In the summer, you've got these incredible hikes and a really special, like Neverland, nestled in the mountains with a lot of nature and really cool culture as well. So all year round." Day 1 – Barcelona → Montserrat → La Seu d’Urgell Pick up a rental car or budget bus in Barcelona, break the 3–4 hour mountain drive with a 3-hour stop at dramatic Montserrat Abbey for the cliff-side basilica, hiking paths, and Black Madonna shrine. Continue north to La Seu d’Urgell to wander its daily produce market and get a first taste of Catalan culture before the border. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-andorra/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the Silk Road as the Amateur Traveler talks about his recent trip to the Gansu province of China, Buddhist Grottos, stunning landscapes, barren deserts, and the original Great Wall of China. More than 2,000 years ago, Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty sent his prodigy general Huo Qubing to seize the Hexi Corridor from the Xiongnu nomads, founding four fortified outposts—Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang—that anchored the eastern Silk Road. Centuries later, the monk Xuanzang left Lanzhou for India along the same desert corridor, returning with Sanskrit scriptures that reshaped Chinese Buddhism. Following their footsteps today reveals grottoes, Great Wall forts, and rainbow-striped badlands that still echo with the sounds of camel bells and caravan legends. Transfer & check‑in: Fly into Zhongchuan Airport and settle downtown. Yellow River walk: Night flavors: Slurp Lanzhou hand‑pulled beef noodles, then graze at a Night Market for local delights. Historic BackgroundDay‑by‑Day ItineraryDay 1 – Arrival in Lanzhou ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-the-silk-road-in-gansu-china/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Beijing, China, and the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gansu) as the Amateur Traveler discusses the first half of a recent press trip to China, sponsored by the Chinese Tourism Board. Seven days let you pair Beijing’s imperial centers and Great Wall with the yak‑grazed valleys, monasteries, and soaring limestone of Gannan—history and highlands in a single, unforgettable loop. Morning Land at PEK or PKX before noon. A pre‑booked car or the Airport Express gets you downtown in 45‑60 minutes. Stay inside the 2nd Ring Road to limit traffic headaches. Afternoon Forbidden City (Palace Museum) – Reserve tickets with your passport in advance; allow 3‑4 hrs to navigate the 960 × 750 m compound of 980 buildings. Travel China Guide Exit the North Gate and climb Jingshan Park for the classic rooftop panorama. Day 1 | Arrive Beijing ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-beijing-and-gannan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Suriname as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mike Power from SmallOfTheRoad.blogspot.com about his recent trip to this South American country. Why should you go to Suriname? Mike says, "It's an undiscovered little gem. I'm just surprised it's not more popular. The number one draw there would be nature and ecotourism. There's a ton to see. As much as 95% of the country is covered in rainforest. And so ecotourism and the wildlife, especially a lot of birds, monkeys, etc. The second one would be diversity. So, it's actually a very diverse country. And in particular, I found the maroon communities that live inland fascinating. These are descendants of former escaped slaves. And then finally, I'd say Paramaribo, which is the main city in Suriname. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with these old buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries." Here’s the itinerary Mike recommends for Suriname: Get deep into the primary rainforest to experience wildlife and pure Amazonian jungle. Mike went to Nature Resort Kabalebo, which offered guided river trips, forest hikes, waterfalls, night walks, abundant birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tapirs.   1. Interior Rainforest Lodge (3 nights). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-suriname/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about sailing in the Saronic Islands and the Peloponnese as the Amateur Traveler talks about his recent yacht charter with Navigare Yachting. My wife and I had wanted to gather a few friends and do a small boat sailing trip in the Greek Islands for more than a decade. This dream reached fruition when Navigare Yachting offered to provide the use of a boat in exchange for talking about the journey on the podcast. We began our one-week sailing adventure in Athens before setting off to Perdika, a small fishing village in Aegina. Arriving at the Navigare port, we completed the necessary paperwork, familiarized ourselves with the boat, and received a safety talk from Captain Kostas. After stocking up on groceries and supplies, we set sail, navigating through choppy seas due to a strong breeze from the south. We soon learned that sailing on a sailboat doesn’t always mean using the sails, as we mostly relied on the motor for this trip. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/sailing-in-the-saronic-islands/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices