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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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-menorca-spain/
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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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-ushuaia-argentina/
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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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/hiking-in-europe/
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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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-caceres-spain/
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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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-china/
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Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know why people aren't talking about it more. I don't know why people aren't coming here more often.' It has something for everyone. It's really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit."
Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city:
Wander the streets and parks.
Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church).
Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House.
Try Georgian food, available throughout the city.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-stans/
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This episode features Tiffany Funk from Point.me, a tool that helps travelers maximize airline points for flights. Host Chris Christensen and Tiffany discuss how to earn, manage, and use airline points effectively. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Overview of Points and Miles
Why Points Matter: Airline loyalty programs incentivize consumers and fill unsold seats. Points programs are massive profit centers for airlines, often tied to credit card partnerships.
Who Can Benefit: Anyone can take advantage of airline points, even non-frequent flyers or children, using strategies like shopping portals or team promotions (e.g., Delta rewards for Seahawks touchdowns).
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https://amateurtraveler.com/airlines-points-and-miles/
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Why should you go to Lyon?
Audra says, "It's a magical town. It is a little bit like Paris in the fact that it has, in fact, two rivers, so maybe a little bit better than Paris, two rivers running through it, a beautiful church on a hill, beautiful French architecture, wonderful museums, wonderful cathedrals, and it's also known as the Culinary Capital of France."
Audra's 7-day itinerary for visiting Lyon, France, is as follows:
Day 1: Fourvière Hill and Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière:
Start at this iconic hilltop basilica, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and panoramic views of Lyon.
Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided or night tour (available in specific months).
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-lyon-france/
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Hear about an itinerary for travel to Bolivia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jayne Dear from The Only Way is Not Essex about her recent trip to this landlocked South American country.
Jayne says, you “should go to Bolivia because it’s a very diverse country. It has the largest salt flats in the world. Uyuni, which I visited, and I did that on a three-day tour. Also, go because it’s a great way of having a budget trip to the Amazon. It’s a very diverse country. I think it’s the 27th largest country in the world. There’s a dry forest as well as the rainforest.”
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https://amateurtraveler.com/bolivia-itinerary/
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Hear about trips from Manila as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin from justin-travel.com about where to go after visiting the Philippine capital.
Justin's recommended itinerary for day trips from Manila includes a variety of locations within a one to three-hour drive, each offering a different experience. Here's the suggested route:
Day 1: Exploring Manila
Intramuros: Begin with a visit to the historic walled city. Explore landmarks like Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila to get a sense of the city's Spanish colonial history.
Rizal Park: Walk through this significant historical park named after José Rizal, the national hero, to learn about the Philippines' struggle for independence.
Binondo (Chinatown): Enjoy a food crawl in the world’s oldest Chinatown. Discover local delicacies from street food stalls and eateries. Consider a Binondo food crawl guided tour to maximize your experience.
Corregidor Island (Optional): If time allows, take a full-day tour to this historic island in Manila Bay, known for its World War II history. Tours usually depart from the SM Mall of Asia area.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/trips-from-manila-philippines/
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Hear about travel to Mallorca, Spain, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kristin Henning from travelpast50.com and Courtney Drake McDonough from realfoodtraveler.com about our recent press trip to the island.
In the podcast, Chris, Kristin, and Courtney share various recommendations for a trip to Mallorca, Spain:
Palma:
The group suggests starting in Palma, the main city, known for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. Recommended activities include:
Visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu), a stunning Gothic cathedral with architectural contributions from Gaudí and modern artist Miguel Barceló.
Exploring the old town with its historic streets, markets, and architecture.
Strolling down Bourne Street, a charming avenue with cafes, flower markets, and beautiful architecture.
Trying traditional pastries at El Fornet de la Soca, a bakery specializing in historic Mallorcan recipes, including the famous ensaimada.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-mallorca/
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from the Zero to Travel Podcast:
How to Start Planning Your First (Or Next) Career Break Today (Using 5 Simple Steps) with Cali O´Connor
Have you thought about hitting pause on your career to travel the world but are unsure how to make it a reality? It’s not as unattainable as you may think!
Cali O’Connor shares her experience of taking multiple career breaks and offers 5 practical steps to start planning your own career break today.
Cali is a former chemical engineer who traded her career in the oilfield for a life-changing adventure of quitting her job to travel around the world. Now, she helps working professionals find clarity in their lives by taking a career break that gives them the freedom to travel, explore, and realign with their life goals.
Whether you dream of quitting your job or taking a temporary pause, this episode will give you the confidence and strategies to take that leap. You’ll hear about her biggest mistakes during her first career break (and how to avoid them), insights on overcoming common fears such as financial insecurity and leaving a stable job, travel advice to save time and money, and lessons on concurring travel burnout.
https://zerototravel.com/career-break-cali-oconnor/
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Hear about travel to Savannah, Georgia, and the vicinity as the Amateur Traveler talks to Yvonne Johnson about her adopted hometown.
Why should you go to Savannah?
Yvonne says, "Savannah is just this perfect mix. There's beautiful weather if you come at the right time, and there's great history, and there's great restaurants, and there's just so much to do, and I've raised my children here, and I have guests all the time, and I just love entertaining here."
Yvonne suggests a diverse one-week itinerary in Savannah, Georgia that covers history, culture, dining, and outdoor activities. Here's a summary of her recommendations:
Day 1:
Old Town Trolley Tour: Take the trolley for a narrated overview of Savannah, exploring the city's historic district and landmarks.
Savannah History Museum: Located in the Central of Georgia Railway Station, this museum showcases local history and movie memorabilia like Forrest Gump's park bench.
Georgia State Railroad Museum: Visit this working roundhouse and explore the engines, miniature train displays, and a children's museum.
Ships of the Sea Museum: Explore maritime history in this mansion-turned-museum with ship models and antique collections.
Dinner at Carey Hilliard’s: Try their famous barbecue and award-winning sweet tea.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-savannah-georgia-2/
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Hear about travel to Door County in Wisconsin as the Amateur Traveler talks with Bailey Freeman from atravelingbee.com about our recent press trip to the "Cape Cod of the Midwest."
Here are the key things to do in Door County, Wisconsin, based on our experiences:
Outdoor and Adventure Activities
Hiking and Nature Exploration
Peninsula State Park: Features a watchtower atop limestone cliffs with panoramic views of the bay and beyond.
Whitefish Dunes State Park: Home to the tallest sand dunes in Wisconsin, covered with trees and foliage.
Ridges Sanctuary: Offers boardwalks, rare plants, and historic range lights; it also features the southernmost boreal forest in the U.S.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-door-county-wisconsin/
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Hear about travel to the West Indies, to the islands of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Anguilla, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, and Sint Eustatius, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jeff Ohlfs about his island-hopping adventure.
Why should you travel to these 5 islands?
Jeff says, "Some of them are not visited at all. Some of them are overly visited. They're all near each other, so it makes for a nice little grouping. I used St. Martin as a base. St. Martin is known as the friendly island and you can do daily flights to each of the other islands."
Jeff recommends an itinerary that includes visiting five of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, known as the British, Dutch, and French West Indies. His suggested itinerary includes the following islands:
St. Martin (French and Dutch)
Use St. Martin as a base for island hopping.
Stay at the Azure Hotel and Art Studio on Simpson Bay Beach.
Explore both the Dutch side (Philipsburg) and the French side (Marigot).
Visit historical forts like Fort Amsterdam and Fort St. Louis.
Experience the famous Princess Juliana International Airport at Maho Beach.
Recommended dining: Beirut Restaurant (Mediterranean), Mary's Boon Restaurant (local fish), and Villa Royale (French side, goat curry with guava berry liqueur).
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-west-indies/
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This Week in Travel was a podcast that was in production from 2009 to 2020. In this reunion episode of This Week in Travel (dubbed "This Decade in Travel"), the original hosts, Gary Arndt, Chris Christensen, and Jen Leo, reconnect after a long hiatus. They share life updates and reminisce about their past travels and podcasting adventures.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/this-week-in-travel-reunion/
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Hear about travel to the Laikipia region of Kenya as the Amateur Traveler talks to Shaun Stanley from Stanley Safaris about one of his favorite African destinations.
Why should you visit the Laikipia region?
Shaun says, "Kenya as a whole is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. That's where the safari basically originated. That comes with its own problems in the form of too many tourists being in certain areas like the Massai Mara, which at the moment is getting quite a bad reputation for being overpopulated with vehicles around different sightings. We try and get our guests out of those sorts of environments and into the real African experience".
"This is where Laikipia really comes into its own. It's up in the North. It's off the beaten track. And it's basically made up of a series of privately owned farms. Back in the day, there were cattle ranches. The owners have now looked at the conservation model and gone, okay, we're going to convert part of our ranch into a conservation area. They've started to reintroduce wildlife back into those areas. We're talking wildlife that is completely different to what you're going to get in the Masai Mara. So it's one of the best places in Africa to see both black and white rhino, which as we all know, are highly endangered across Africa".
In the podcast, Shaun Stanley recommends the following itinerary for a visit to the Laikipia region of Kenya:
Arrival in Nairobi:
Spend one night in Nairobi to recover from your flight and acclimate to the African atmosphere. This also provides time to adjust after arriving in Nairobi's chaotic airport.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-laikipia-region-of-kenya/
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Hear about travel to Normandy, France as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France.
Why should you go to Normandy?
Kay says, "Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You've got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You've got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You've got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It's well worth a visit."
Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. Here's a summary of her suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Paris to Giverny, Les Andelys, and Rouen
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-normandy/
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Hear about driving the Romantic Road in Germany as the Amateur Traveler talks to Leland and Crissy Walker about their trip through medieval villages, walled towns, thermal spas, and breweries.
Why should you drive the Romantic Road?
Crissy says, " I would recommend sending someone on the Romantic Road because it's like stepping back in time. It felt like a fairy tale. I would not have been surprised if I saw the gingerbread man running down the street."
Leland and Crissy's recommended itinerary for Germany's Romantic Road is a one-week journey, traveling from north to south. Here's a detailed breakdown of their itinerary:
Crissy's Itinerary PDF
Day 1: Frankfurt to Würzburg
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https://amateurtraveler.com/driving-germanys-romantic-road/
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In this bonus episode of Amateur Traveler, we discuss issues associated with living abroad.
My Guest
Justin Burns, a part-time resident of the Canary Islands, joins us to share his experience of living abroad. He talks about the practical aspects of relocating to a foreign country, from navigating visa options to adjusting to life in a new place. Whether you're considering a move overseas or just curious about what it's like, Justin offers helpful insights based on his personal journey.
Questions
In this podcast with Justin Burns, several key questions are addressed, including:
How can someone move abroad and what are the steps involved?
Justin explains the different visa options, such as retirement, digital nomad, and investment visas, and the application process.
What challenges do people face when relocating to a foreign country?
He discusses both bureaucratic hurdles, like obtaining necessary documents and dealing with red-tape, and emotional challenges related to language barriers and cultural adjustments.
What are the costs of living abroad compared to the U.S.?
Justin compares the cost of healthcare, housing, groceries, transportation, and more in Spain to the U.S. and provides insights into how moving abroad can result in significant savings.
What are some of the emotional surprises of moving abroad?
He shares his experiences dealing with frustrations like language barriers and cultural differences and how those affect day-to-day life.
What should people consider when choosing a place to live abroad?
Justin provides tips on what to look for when selecting a city or country, including things like local amenities, accessibility, and whether the destination is welcoming to expats.
How does the process of buying property abroad work?
He explains the steps involved in purchasing a home overseas, including the role of notaries and legal differences compared to the U.S.
What are the tax implications of living abroad?
The podcast discusses double taxation agreements and how taxes work for expats living in places like Spain.
These topics provide practical insights for anyone considering a move abroad or curious about the lifestyle.
https://amateurtraveler.com/living-abroad/
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