Episodes

  • AT#833 - Travel to the Peloponnese, Greece (Repeat)

    AT#833 - Travel to the Peloponnese, Greece (Repeat)
    Jul 12 2025
    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. Sally Jane says, “The thing is that most visitors go to Greece. They go to Athens, and then they tend to go straight to the islands. And Greece has hundreds of islands. The ones that most visitors go to are the resort-style islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Don’t get me wrong, these are incredible places, but they tend to be crowded and they tend to be expensive. Whereas if you go to the Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands, which are just off the coast of the Peloponnese, you get that perfect balance. There are enough travelers visiting the area that they have all the facilities that you might need, but it also feels like you’re exploring the real Greece rather than having a resort holiday. And it’s gorgeous. There are striking landscapes. There are incredibly strong connections to history and to legend. There are five world heritage sites just on the Peloponnese Peninsula itself.” After starting in Athens which we covered in Athens Greece – Episode 832, we head down to the Peloponnese past the amazing Corinth Canal to the rocky island of Monemvasia. Monemvasia was founded in the sixth century and is a fortified city that has been nicknamed “the Gibraltar of the East”. It is a pedestrian-only town. You can hike the many many steps up the rock to the ruins of the old fortress with a great view of the old town. Bring your walking shoes for this and many of our other stops. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-peloponnese-greece/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • AT#952 - Travel to Samoa

    AT#952 - Travel to Samoa
    Jul 5 2025
    Hear about travel to the island nation of Samoa as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his recent trip biking around the country. Why should you go to Samoa? Jonty says, "Samoa is a small island in the Pacific. If you imagine a tropical Pacific paradise, then something like Samoa would probably spring to mind in terms of palm trees along a beautiful sandy beach with snorkeling opportunities and some diving opportunities. The Samoan culture is very interesting. It is very much the heart of Polynesia, and they've done a very good job at maintaining their culture. It's touristy enough that it's got the infrastructure that you need as a tourist to get around and do things. But it's not particularly touristy." Jonty recommends a one-week itinerary for Samoa that allows travelers to experience much of what the country has to offer, but he notes that a 10- to 14-day trip would be ideal to allow for rest, deeper exploration, and a more relaxed pace. Here's how he breaks it down: Begin your trip in Apia, the capital and only real city in Samoa. Jonty suggests spending at least a day, preferably two, exploring both the downtown and the surrounding hills. In central Apia, highlights include: Start with Apia (1–2 days) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-samoa/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • AT#951 - Travel to Northern Iceland

    AT#951 - Travel to Northern Iceland
    Jun 28 2025
    Hear about travel to Northern Iceland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Monika from PlanPackExplorer.com about her recent trip through the center of Iceland to the less-visited northern part of the country. Why should you visit Northern Iceland? Monika says, "I'm a self-proclaimed Iceland lover. I went there for the first time in 2022, by accident, which is a long story, but we ended up in Iceland, and literally after six days, started planning the second trip. Then we went back. I went back the third time with my dad, trying to show him the country, never planning trip number four. I cannot get enough of Iceland. So I was pretty familiar with Iceland by now, and I'm happy to share what I know." Monika’s route begins the moment you land at Keflavík International Airport outside of Reykjavík. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-iceland/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • AT#950 - Rafting the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions

    AT#950 - Rafting the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions
    Jun 21 2025
    Hear about rafting the Grand Canyon for seven days as the Amateur Traveler talks about this bucket list trip sponsored by Western River Expeditions. In this solo (but not really solo) episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen recounts a seven-day rafting adventure down the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions — a journey filled with whitewater rapids, red rock cliffs, side canyon hikes, waterfalls, fossils, ancient ruins, and meaningful encounters with fellow travelers. Motorized J-rig rafts cover 188 miles of the Colorado River in 7 days Overnights at iconic river camps: Ledges, Dinosaur, Carbon, Hotauta, Football Field, and Lower 185 Mile Major rapids including Hermit, Crystal, Granite, Sockdolager, Lava Falls, and more Cultural stops: Nankoweap granaries, ancestral Puebloan ruins, sacred Hopi salt mines Geology & scenery: Marble Canyon, Vishnu schist, Zoroaster granite, lava flows, and Redwall Cavern Side hikes to Havasu Canyon, Elves Chasm, Stone Creek Falls, and Deer Creek Memorable stargazing, Dutch oven desserts, and even a toga night Highlights of the Trip: ... https://amateurtraveler.com/rafting-the-grand-canyon-with-western-river-expeditions/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • AT#949 - Travel to the French Riviera

    AT#949 - Travel to the French Riviera
    Jun 14 2025
    Hear about travel to the French Riviera as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer and children's book author Kimberley Lovato about this region where she has had a pied-à-terre for years. Why should you go to the French Riviera? Kimberley says, "Certainly for people who love great hotels and Michelin star food and gorgeous scenery, you know what's not to love? We have the Cannes Film Festival. But, if you love beaches, hiking, and museums, I hate the cliche 'there's something for everyone', but in this case, it is true. Beaches, food, hotels, small, quaint, charming, and picture-perfect villages. It's all really here, easy to get around." Arrival & Base Fly into Nice, the region’s main airport. Base yourself in Nice, Cannes, or Sainte-Maxime, depending on your interests—city, beach, or quieter village. Day 1–2: Nice and Surroundings Kimberley Lovato’s Recommended French Riviera Itinerary ... https://amateurtraveler.com/the-french-riviera/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • AT#948 - Espírito Santo, Brazil

    AT#948 - Espírito Santo, Brazil
    Jun 7 2025
    Hear about travel to Espírito Santo, Brazil, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Fuse from Fuse Travels about her family's homeland. Why should you travel to Espírito Santo? Fuse says, "It is way more affordable than Rio, just as pretty, as far as beaches. It is underrated. So you're not gonna go sightseeing and have a swarm of tourists. You really get a feel of local culture. There's some amazing cuisine. Espírito Santo is diverse geography." Fuse suggests a rich and varied itinerary for a visit to Espírito Santo, Brazil, highlighting cultural, culinary, and natural experiences across several distinct regions. Here's a summary of her top recommendations: Base yourself in Vila Velha for its better beaches, like Praia da Costa, and walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Visit Convento da Penha, a 16th-century hilltop monastery with panoramic views of the coast. Tour the Garoto chocolate factory (reserve in advance). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/espirito-santo-brazil/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • AT#947 - Travel to Brunei and Sabah on Borneo

    AT#947 - Travel to Brunei and Sabah on Borneo
    May 31 2025
    Hear about travel to Brunei and Sabah on the island of Borneo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton about his recent trip to these contrasting locations. Why should you go to Brunei and Sabah? Max says, "It's one of the least visited regions in the area. I think in 2023, only 133,000 people visited. It's not many at all. This also offers a different side of Southeast Asia. I know a lot of people go to Vietnam, Thailand, even Bali, Indonesia, but Brunei is the only absolute monarchy in the region. It's also governed by Sharia law. Brunei is very wealthy. It's all because of its oil and gas." "I don't think you should be going to Brunei solely for the purpose of going to Brunei. It's perfect for a seven-day itinerary in Northern Borneo." Max recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Brunei and Sabah (northern Borneo), combining cultural experiences, nature, and adventure. Here's a summary of the recommended itinerary: Fly into Miri (cheaper than Brunei direct flights) Day 1 – Arrival in Miri (Malaysia) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-brunei-and-sabah/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • AT#946 - Travel to Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec

    AT#946 - Travel to Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec
    May 24 2025
    Hear about travel to the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jennifer Doré Dallas from Chasing Poutine about this out of the way road trip. Why should you go to Abitibi-Témiscamingue? Jennifer says, "Most people don't really know about it outside of Quebec. But in our province, it's really well known, especially for nature. It's a true paradise for nature lovers. It's also historical, bringing us back to log driving and fur trading times. I'll take you from gold mines to microbreweries to pristine lakes. Basically, you're off the beaten path, and what I love about this region is that everybody thinks it's remote, but it's so accessible and it's so easy to travel to." Jennifer recommends a one-week road trip itinerary to explore Abitibi-Témiscamingue, starting from Montreal and looping through five key regions (MRCs), each with its own blend of nature, history, Indigenous culture, and food. Here’s a breakdown of her recommended route: Day-by-Day Itinerary for Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Day 1 – Drive from Montreal to Val-d'Or (Gold Valley) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-abitibi-temiscamingue-in-quebec/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins