Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast Chris Christensen

Hear about travel to Central Portugal as the Amateur Traveler talks to Stephanie Lambert from eurotravelsbydesign.com about this too often overlooked region.

Why should you go to Central Portugal?

Stephanie says, "It's safe, it's beautiful, it's a culturally rich history. I feel like it's been underrated for some years. It's getting more popular now, but it's been overshadowed by Spain for a while, and I think, it deserves just as much love. It has gorgeous architecture, Fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, warm and inviting people. I think the pastéis de nata are a reason to go, enough on their own. They're so delicious."

Based on Stephanie's detailed and passionate recount of her family's journey through Central Portugal, here's a suggested itinerary to explore this enchanting region, drawing from the highlights and personal experiences she shared:

Day 1-4: Coimbra
Day 1: Explore Coimbra
Start with a visit to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Baroque library and the unique presence of bats that protect the books.
Don't miss the São Miguel Chapel within the university, adorned with blue and white tiles and gold leaf.
Spend some time at the Botanical Gardens for a peaceful retreat.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-portugal/

Hear about travel to Mexico City as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ashlea Russell from SheRoamsAbout.com about the unique and vibrant capital of Mexico.
Why should you go to Mexico City?
Ashlea says, "I think Mexico City is It's a very unique city people always say there's so much to do, there's so much architecture, and history, but what I think is interesting about it is, and what people don't expect, is that it's a fusion between the European opulence that you would get in cities like Paris and London, with all of the culture and flavor that comes with Latin America. There is so much to do and see, and there really is something for everyone."
Ashlea recommends a unique itinerary for visiting Mexico City, focusing on experiences off the beaten path. She highlights a combination of lesser-known attractions and cultural experiences that showcase the city's rich history, vibrant food scene, and architectural marvels. Key recommendations include:
Market Tour, Food Tasting, and Cooking Class: Ashlea suggests starting with a tour that offers an immersive experience of Mexico City's local markets. This isn't just any market tour; it includes food tastings and a cooking class, providing a deep dive into the local cuisine and shopping culture. The tour begins near the Zocalo, leading to the Mercado Abelardo L. Rodriguez, a market known for its murals and unique history.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-mexico-city-mexico/

Hear about tourist spots in Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lonely Planet guidebook author Michael Grosberg and co-founder of LikeLocal.io about his many trips to Mindanao.
Why should you go to Mindanao?
Michael says, "Most people that go to Mindanao these days go directly to the island of Siargao, which is one of the hottest, most happening places in all the Philippines for people to travel to. We'll get to that and it's deservedly popular. However, there's so much more to see in Mindanao. Mindanao has one of the largest cities in the Philippines the city of Davao. Davao is in the far south of Mindanao. It's got a cosmopolitan culture, amazing, wonderful food. The mountains and the islands around Davao are incredible. You can spend a month there. The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo, which you can climb, and people do is only a couple hours or so from Davao."
"There are endless coastlines to explore. There is indigenous culture. There are surfing spots. The city of Zamboanga, also has its own unique culture, a combination of Muslim influence, Malaysian, and Spanish cuisine. The whole coastline, the north, the east, really all over, are dotted with incredible beaches, and a lot of them are not really traveled to by foreigners, but Filipinos love to travel, and so Filipinos that go to Mindanao go to all these places."
For a one-week itinerary, Michael recommends a visit to Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, and Siargao.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/tourist-spots-in-mindanao/

Hear about travel to Reunion Island, an outpost of France in the Indian Ocean as the Amateur Traveler talks to Collin McFadden about his recent trip to this adventure travel paradise.
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-reunion-island/
Why should you travel to Reunion Island?
Colin says:
"Reunion is, I would say, first off, an adventure destination. It is not a place to go for beaches and just hanging out mostly because they don't have beaches per se, there are a few, but it is a volcano, very much like the Hawaiian Islands. It is a place to go for hiking, biking, climbing, canyoning, paragliding you name it, you will find folks doing it on Reunion Island."
"I would say also it is a really interesting cultural mix in that it is France. It's not a colony of France. It is a district of France and was uninhabited prior to the French showing up and then reflects 18th, 19th, and 20th century French history and French trading patterns. It's a real mix of French vibes, East African vibes, and South Asian vibes."
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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.

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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.


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