Amateur Traveler Podcast (2011 archives)
49 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 12 years ago - ★★★★ - 4 ratingsAmateur Traveler is an award winning audio travel show that focuses primarily on the question: "where should you go next and what should you see, do and eat there?".
Amateur Traveler won its creator Chris Christensen a Travel+Leisure SMITTY award as the best independent travel journalist and a Society of American Travel Writers Lowell Thomas Award. It is also used to teach English at Oxford University.
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Episodes
AT#309 - Travel to Bangladesh
December 31, 2011 18:22 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll about their recent trip to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the most densely populated country, but all those people are one of Bangladesh's strengths."
AT#308 - Travel to the Champagne Region of France
December 24, 2011 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBThe 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.
AT#307 - Travel to Kazakhstan
December 17, 2011 18:02 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Mike about his recent trip to Kazakhstan. He explored this large area on a backpacker's budget. Kazakhstan is the 9th biggest country in the world. "In the very West end of the country you have old mosques. In the new capital Astana you have futuristic buildings."
AT#306 - Travel to Dublin, Ireland
December 10, 2011 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Colm Hanratty from HostelWorld.com about Dublin, Ireland. Colm has been living working and studying in Dublin for the last 17 years. “Dublin is the gateway to Ireland. It is a very welcoming city. It is a very compact city. You can see the main sites and the more off the beaten track sites in about 3 days."
AT#305 - Travel to Tampa, Florida
December 03, 2011 19:43 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Shannon Martin from Two Who Travel about her hometown of Tampa Bay (and St Petersburg) Florida. Shannon recommends the Tamp Bay area for a beach vacation, possible combined with a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando.
AT#304 - Travel to The RIng of Kerry in Ireland
November 26, 2011 14:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Jessie Voigts from Wandering Educators about County Kerry and the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. County Kerry is a popular tourist region in Ireland.
AT#303 - Travel to St. Kitts
November 12, 2011 06:36 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Matt Long from LandLopers.com about his recent trip to St. Kitts (officially part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis) which is part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. Matt was on a press trip to the Marriott resort on the island.
AT#302 - Travel to St. Augustine, Florida
November 07, 2011 05:39 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Alan from Jacksonville about St. Augustine Florida which is the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in what is now the United States. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and is 42 years older than Jamestown.
AT#301 - Travel to Chihuahua, Mexico with Photographer Ralph Velasco
October 29, 2011 21:06 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBChihuahua is also known for the beautiful Cooper Canyon which is best seen from the train that transverses it. Copper Canyon is a popular tourist destination with Mexicans. Copper Canyon is larger and portions are deeper than the Grande Canyon.
AT#300 - Travel to Quebec, Canada
October 23, 2011 00:19 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Ira Berstein again, this time about the Canadian Provence of Quebec. Ira suggests seeing both Montreal and Quebec City because of the contrasts in the two major cities in this French-speaking part of Canada. Ira would personally recommend spending more time in Montreal but would understand those who like Quebec city better. Montreal is an international city with more than just French and English influence, all of which add their influence to a lively restaurant...
AT#299 - Travel to European Russia
October 02, 2011 02:19 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Francis Tapon about European Russia west of the Ural Mountains. Most people only know 2 cities in Russia – Moscow and St Petersburg. In St Petersburg he recommends the Hermitage and the Peterhof. Moscow is so central culturally to Russia that the trains all run on Moscow time across the 9 timezones of Russia. Francis extends the suggested itinerary to include Kazan and Kaliningrad. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan which is a mostly Muslim area of Russia. Kazan ...
AT#298 - Travel to Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada
September 24, 2011 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Bethany of the Nevada Tourism Bureau about Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is a high elevation alpine lake on the border of California and Nevada. It is surrounded by 18 ski areas so it is a popular winter destination. In the winter it is also a great place for back country hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In the Summer, Tahoe is a popular area for hiking, fishing and outdoor activities. But, there is another side to Tahoe which is the casinos...
AT#297 - Travel to Kyoto, Japan
September 17, 2011 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Phil Smy about his second home in Kyoto, Japan. "Japan is organized and meticulous and perfect. Kyoto is the number one tourist destination outside of Tokyo in Japan. The former capital of ancient Japan, it is history and I think you get a real sense of Japan's psyche by going to Kyoto." Phil talks about the temples, palace, geisha culture, and food of Kyoto.
AT#296 - Travel to Newfoundland, Canada
September 10, 2011 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to travel blogger Candice Walsh about St Johns and her her home province of Newfoundland (and Labrador). "In my opinion Newfoundland is maybe the most underrated unappreciated province in Canada".
AT#295 - Travel to Oklahoma with Robert Reid from Lonely Planet
September 03, 2011 19:04 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Robert Reid from Lonely Planet about his home state of Oklahoma. Robert recommends when you are driving through Oklahoma on your great American road trip you get off the interstate and explore for a few days. From the hills and woods of Eastern Oklahoma, to the tall grass prairies, to the oldest mountains in the United States (The Wichita Mountains) Oklahoma has more variety than you might have guessed from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. E...
AT#294 - Travel to Spain's Canary Islands
August 27, 2011 22:16 - 27 minutes - 19 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Gary Arndt of Everything-Everywhere.com about his recent trip to the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are tropical volcanic islands that are part of Spain but are located off the coast of Northwestern Africa.They are not named after birds. The first thing that struck me when I got off the plane was how much the weather was like Hawaii and I have heard a lot of people call it Europe's Hawaii. It is a part of Spain. There are two provinces that constitute t...
AT#293 - Travel to Northern Iraq
August 13, 2011 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Anil Polat who blogs under the name foxnomad about a recent trip to Northern Iraq. Anil is out to visit every country in the world which might lead him to visit a country before some others would deem it safe. Anil did not travel to the green zone but traveled in the Northern or Kurdish region of Iraq. Anil’s trip was made all the more interesting as he is ethnically Turkish. Says Anil: Honestly that was one of my concerns before going. I did not know how peopl...
AT#292 - Travel to Losotho
August 07, 2011 04:38 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBThe 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.
AT#291 - Travel to Honduras
July 31, 2011 00:54 - 31 minutes - 22.2 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Matt Wall about traveling to and living in Honduras. Matt recommends the Bay Islands in the Caribbean for a beach resort vacation, scuba diving and snorkeling. The main island of Roatan have everything from all-inclusive resorts to backpacking accommodations in West End. Matt lived in the town of Copán Ruinas near the Guatemala border named after the "pretty incredible" Mayan ruins there. For the very adventurous who are willing to rough it Matt also suggests th...
AT#290 - Travel to the Azores, Portugal
July 23, 2011 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to New York travel writer Jeanine Barone about the Azores. The Azores are a chain of islands belonging to Portugal. Your travel agent will extol the beauty of the beaches but Jeanine says that the best of the Azores can be seen through hiking its craggy islands. If you want to be in a place that feels very unspoiled, but is so close actually to fly there, a place where you feel like you stepped back to another era, then that’s why you should go to the Azores. ...
AT#289 - Travel to Nigeria
July 16, 2011 18:40 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to David from London about his home country of Nigeria. David recommends, against the advice of others, that people who visit Nigeria visit the largest city which is Lagos. Lagos is the second most populous city in Africa after Cairo. David says “it’s chaotic, it’s crazy, it’s exuberant, it’s everything turned up to eleven, it’s the maddest place I’ve been. That is why you should go there. You’re not going to get a relaxing holiday going to Lagos. But if you w...
AT#288 - Travel to Rome with Andy Steves
July 10, 2011 00:33 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Andy Steves about Rome, Italy. Andy talks about practical issues like how to get into and around Rome, how to connect to the Rome of the Roman Empire (the Coloseum, Forum and Circus Maximus, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Pantheon). He also talks about a tour of the Sistine Chapel without all the crowds and not easy to do. Andy also gives us his favorite spots from Renaissance Rome like the Galleria Borghese and how to get under Saint Peter's to the exca...
AT#287 - Travel to Alaska
July 03, 2011 00:37 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Joe Bickley of Alaska Backcountry Consulting about traveling to Alaska, particularly the interior and back country. Alaska is a bug state and Joe lives in the center of it near Fairbanks but at the northern end of the Alaskan road system. Joe gives us some directions on places to go to see Alaska’s vistas and encounter its wildlife. He takes us above the tree line at Denali National Park (aka Mt McKinley) which is not quite half the size of the state of Rhode Is...
AT#286 - Travel to Southern South Korea
June 25, 2011 23:36 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Rease from 2 Nomads, 1 Narrative about South Korea. Rease and his girlfriend Nicki taught English for a year in Southern South Korea and also took time t travel around the country. We start in the city of Busan which also called Pusan and the only part of South Korea not to fall to the North in the Korean Conflict. Rease recommends we see Busan fish market and some of the old temples and then move on from Korea’s second largest city to the ancient capital of Gye...
AT#285 - Travel to St. Louis, Missouri
June 18, 2011 17:10 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Rease Kirchner about her hometown of St. Louis Missouri. St. Louis is known for its iconic Arch and is known as the gateway to the west. Rease claims that St. Louis has the largest urban park in the U.S., and now boasts about a surprising array of ethnic restaurants including a Little Italy area with toasted ravioli and a Little Mexico around Cherokee street. The city has an art museum made of entirely recycled materials, and Rease’s favorite the City Museum. Re...
AT#284 - Travel to Wiltshire in England
June 11, 2011 15:50 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Keith Kellet about the area around his home in Wiltshire England. Wiltshire has been inhabited since the end of the last ice age and has a rich depth of history including the icon site of Stonehenge. Averbury which is an even older stone circle can also be found there as well as the Salisbury Cathedral and the ancient town of Sarum. Keith describes this verdant region with its chalky hills, its rich lowlands, its ancient barrows, and its industrial age canals. W...
AT#283 - Travel to Gibraltar
June 04, 2011 23:38 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to San Francisco Chronicle Travel Editor Spud Hilton about Gibraltar. This little patch of England at the bottom of Spain is more than just a place where you can see a large rock and get good fish and chips with your tapas. Explore the "rock" and meet the "apes" of Gibraltar. Hear about some of the history as well as the unique traffic challenges of this tiny peninsula. Also learn about Winston Churchill's secret World War 2 monkey plan for Gibraltar. Along the way...
AT#282 - Travel to the Guangxi region of China
May 28, 2011 21:47 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Shawn Farris about his recent trip to the Guangxi region in China. Guangxi is a lesser known but spectacular region in south western China known for its rugged karst mountains and green terraced rice paddies. Shawn explored the area hiking, biking and even kayaking through the countryside. Shawn describes it as a region that still has that “wide open, blue sky, rural feel to it.” The region can be accessed through the cities of Guilin or Yongshuo. During his tri...
AT#281 - Travel to Sydney, Australia
May 21, 2011 12:30 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Alix (of Alix and Jace’s Amazing Adventure) about her hometown of Sydney Australia. Alix has many ideas about fun things to do in Sydney so you don’t just end up with the rest of the tourists on Darling Harbor. After you have climbed the Harbor Bridge and visited the Sydney Opera House she recommends a beach walk by word famous Bondi Beach, a chance to sleep with the animals of the Taronga Zoo and the out of the way Manly Beach. She tells us what’s the best day ...
AT#280 - Travel to England's Lake District
May 14, 2011 18:15 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Zoë Dawes from TheQuirkyTraveler.com about England’s Lake District. This beautiful pastoral area was made famous by the poets and artists in the romantic period, most notably William Wordsworth. Not far from industrial Manchester, the lake district is still a refuge for hikers and and other tourists tucked away in northern England. Zoë describes some of her favorite hikes like the coffin trail along the shores of Lake Windermere and favorite villages like Ambles...
AT#279 - Travel to Cyprus
May 08, 2011 02:25 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Roni Weiss about his visit to the divided country of Cyprus. Roni went to Cyprus in part to complete a quest to visit every country in Europe. Roni couchsurfed which gave him a chance to stay with Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as a Turkish resident. T
AT#278 - Travel to the Four Corners Region in the American SouthWest
April 30, 2011 22:58 - 42 minutes - 29 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Erik Smith again about his trip to the Four Corners area in the American southwest. Four Corners is the spot where 4 U.S. states meet: Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. While the Four Corners spot itself is just a photo op (an probably at the wrong place), the area around it contains some amazing scenery and historic sites. Erik gives us a state by state break down of the area. He tells us about National Parks nearby like Arches Canyonlands, Hovenweep, Moa...
AT#277 - Travel to Charlottesville, Virginia
April 24, 2011 07:03 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks again to Jason and Janie about their hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville was has deep historic roots and the homes of Presidents Jefferson and Madison with the home of Monroe close by as well. Charlottesville is also the home of the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson was more proud of founding the institution than of being president. The area is now the home to numerous wineries and numerous restaurants and hosts a thriving food culture....
AT#276 - Travel to Southern Taiwan
April 17, 2011 21:45 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Michael Soncina who returns to the show to talk about his recent travels in Southern Taiwan. Michael took advantage of a Taiwan promotion targeting backpackers that opened up army barracks to provide inexpensive housing in this less visited region of Taiwan. The highlight of Kaohsiung City is the Lotus Pond, an area surrounded by temples old and new. Usually the older style temples seemed to be dedicated to Confucius, but there are giant temples in the image of...
AT#275 - Travel to Normandy in France
April 09, 2011 19:47 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Michael Kenney about traveling to Normandy in France. Michael talks about at least two different invasions associated with this region of France. The oldest was the Norman invasion of England which left from Normandy and is documented in the 224 foot long Bayeux Tapestry which is exhibited in a museum in Bayeux. The more recent was the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War 2. Michael describes visiting the invasion beaches (codenamed Juno, Gold, Omaha, Utah, ...
AT#274 - Adventure Travel in Botswana
April 02, 2011 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Spencer Quong who is a adventure travel guide about his recent trip to Botswana in south central Africa. After reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency his traveling companions were drawn to this country and its incredible wildlife.
AT#273 - Travel to Lebanon
March 26, 2011 20:50 - 42 minutes - 28.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Sherry Ott again about a very recent trip to Lebanon. Sherry traveled to Lebanon as part of a program with a cultural exchange program with Geovisions which involved in a home stay. She stayed much of her visit in Beirut which at least used to be known as the “Paris of the Middle East”. Since that time Lebanon and Beirut in particular has come through a horrific civil war as well as a war with Israel. Now that peace has come again to the country Sherry could sti...
AT#272 - Volunteer Travel to West Africa (Sierra Leone & Liberia)
March 19, 2011 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Guillebeau from the Art of Non-Conformity about his years volunteering in West Africa with the NGO (non-governmental organization) Mercy Ships. Chris and his wife volunteered with this organization in Sierra Leone and Liberia which gave them a very different view of West Africa. For those not familiar with Mercy Ships, they provide medical services in under-served areas of the world from their floating hospital ships. Chris was in Sierra Leone shortly afte...
AT#271 - Travel to Bodrum, Turkey
March 12, 2011 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Uluç from Indianapolis, originally form Istanbul, about his trips to Bodrum, Turkey. Bodrum is a popular Turkish beach resort but has been receiving tourists as long as there have been tourists. It is the home to the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also the site of a 15th century crusader castle which includes a museum of underwater archeology. Uluç encourages us to adapt to the slow pace of Bodrum, stroll...
AT#270 - Travel to Brooklyn in New York City
March 05, 2011 22:34 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Andrew Hickey of TheBrooklynNomad.com about his home town. Andrew gives us reasons to visit this borough of New York City next time we are in town from some of the neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, GreenPoint, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bay Ridge to Prospect Park and Coney Island. The second largest of the New York Boroughs offers good pizza and Italian food for sure, but Andrew will also direct us to a local chocolatier, coffee houses, ice cream ...
AT#269 - Pamplona Spain - The Running of the Bulls and the San Fermin Fiesta
February 26, 2011 15:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Vicente Perez about his home city of Pamplona, Spain. Pamplona is best known for the festival of San Fermin and of course for the running of the bulls. Vicente tells us more about that colorful festival, of which, the running of the bulls is actually a very small part. From the Txupinazo, the ceremonial firing of a rocket on July 6th until July 14th the population of Pamplona swells with celebrants. Processions of giant figures (the Comparsa), music, bull fights...
AT#268 - Travel to Albania
February 19, 2011 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Francis Tapon from WanderLearn.com about Albania which has gone from a totally closed society 20 years ago to a destination that Lonely Planet ranked as the #1 destination for travel this year (that was before some of the recent protests. Francis says the because it was isolated for so long it created an exotic and unique culture. Abandoned bunkers still line the country from back when their fear of invasion had nothing to do with tourists. He recommends we star...
AT#267 - Travel to Corsica, France
February 12, 2011 14:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Jeff Steiner from Americans in France to talk about a lesser known part of France which is the island of Corsica. The island is better known to Americans as the home of Napoleon Bonaparte but the French call the island L’isle Beauté – the Island of Beauty. Corsica boasts a mountainous interior, with a hiking trail from one end to the other, but is surrounded by gorgeous beaches. South of France, in the Mediterranean Sea, the island is sun-drenched in the Summer....
AT#266 - Travel to Los Angeles, California - part 2
February 05, 2011 15:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Eric Schwartzman (author, educator and podcaster) about his hometown of Los Angeles. In this second part of a two part series of episodes Eric will give us the last two days of his sample itineraries for 4 days in the Los Angeles area. In this insider’s look at LA Eric points out the cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and movie locations that he thinks you should know about. Day 3: Hollywood – Sunset Strip, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Roosevelt, L.A.’s bes...
AT#265 - Travel to Los Angeles, California - part 1
January 29, 2011 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Eric Schwartzman (author, educator and podcaster) about his hometown of Los Angeles. Over a two part series of episodes Eric will give us sample itineraries for 4 days in the Los Angeles area. Be forewarned that no theme parks will be involved in Eric's tour but instead an insider's look at LA. So pack up your swim suit, a sport coat and nice shoes and get in your car to explore LA. Along the way Eric points out the cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and m...
AT#264 - Travel to Aspen, Colorado
January 22, 2011 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Kara Williams of TheVacationGals.com about Aspen, Colorado. Like so many locals who live in that area of Colorado, Kara came for the winters but stayed for the summers. She tells us about this historic silver-mining town that is better known as a winter playground for the wealthy now than for its mining past. Whether you are skiing, hiking or fly fishing it has a wealth of outdoor activities. It offers great, if not always inexpensive, food and a wealth of artis...
AT#263 - Travel to Northwest Argentina
January 15, 2011 17:02 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Jeff Jung from Career Break Secrets about a trip to Northwest Argentina that left an impression on this intrepid traveler. Jeff, an expat, who lives in Colombia, traveled to the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, far away from the normal tourist spots of Buenos Aires and Patagonia.
AT#262 - Travel to Bosnia
January 08, 2011 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to intrepid “20 something” traveler Stephanie Yoder about the country that she thinks is the most beautiful in the world – Bosnia. In an area that was well known for first the winter Olympics and then a devastating war Stephanie found Roman ruins, medieval cities and beautiful mountains. She found a country that has recovered (or at least is recovering) from war and is ready to receive visitors again. Bosnia has deep Ottoman roots in its faith, architecture and its...
AT#261 - Travel to Melbourne, Australia
January 01, 2011 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThe Amateur Traveler talks to Andy Dye about his adopted hometown of Melbourne Australia. Andy grew up in England but fell in love with Melbourne. Sure the weather was better but Andy also discovered a city with street art, vibrant cafes, culture and sport. Melbourne is the home of Australian Rules Foolball which was apparently invented by people who thought that rugby was too tame. Andy talks about wandering around the Central Business District (CBD) and discovering out of the way cafes. Me...