AT#655 - Canal Cruising in France (Repeat)

In this first bonus episode of Amateur Traveler, we discuss how and why to travel solo, even if you are not single. My Guest: Beth Santos is the founder and CEO of Wanderful, a global community and lifestyle brand that aims to empower and connect women who travel. She is also the author of Wander Woman, in which she shares insights and advice on solo travel, particularly for women. Beth focuses on encouraging women to explore the world independently and safely. She challenges common misconceptions about solo travel, especially the notion that it is only for single people or those without families. She emphasizes that solo travel can be a valuable and empowering experience for anyone, regardless of their personal circumstances. In addition to her work with Wonderful, Beth is known for advocating female empowerment in travel and her efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women travelers. Questions: In the podcast episode, several key questions and topics related to solo travel are addressed: What is solo travel, and who is it for? What are the benefits of solo travel? How can women travel solo safely? What practical advice is there for planning a solo trip? How do you handle loneliness when traveling solo? What are the challenges and rewards of eating alone while traveling? How can solo travelers balance planning and spontaneity? What should you pack for a solo trip? What can someone learn from solo travel? How can someone prepare for their first solo trip? https://amateurtraveler.com/solo-travel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Syys 202456min

Hear about travel to Romania and Northern Hungary as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lisa VanderVeen about her recent Intrepid trip to the area. Why should you go to Romania? Lisa says, "Romania is much more than Dracula and Vlad Tepes, though I will confess that was my initial draw to the country. It's got a great diversity of landscape and a multi layered history going way, way back. And then also as recently as the, communist times. Lots of really interesting museums to visit." "In terms of the topography and the geography, it's just amazing. It's got beautiful towns the Maramures region has a history of weavings and just the colors, red, orange, pink, and blue with the haystacks dotting the rolling hills and the mountains in the backdrop are really stunning." "The Carpathian Mountains are moody and they're filled with lore and at the same time they feel a little bit like Switzerland. There's great beauty, great history, and wonderful food and wine in Romania." Here's the itinerary of the trip to Romania and Northern Hungary as described by Lisa: Budapest, Hungary: Start the trip in Budapest, Lisa's favorite European city, known for its architecture, the Danube River, the Fisherman's Bastion, and thermal baths. Eger, Hungary: Travel by train to Eger, a small town with Baroque architecture, a notable history of resisting the Ottomans, and a rich wine tradition. Explore the Castle of Eger and the Valley of Beautiful Women, known for its wine cellars. Visit the Basilica of St. John the Apostle and the Camera Obscura. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-romania/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Elo 202447min

Hear about travel to Northeast Florida as the Amateur Traveler talks to Angie Orth from Angie Away about her hometown and the area around it. Why should someone go to Northeast Florida? Angie says, "So many reasons. People come to Florida for a lot of different reasons. Mostly theme parks, maybe swamps, alligators, Miami. Those are the things when I meet people around the world that they think Florida is about. Everybody thinks I either live in Miami, in some kind of penthouse, or like at Disney World, in a castle of some sort." "There's so much to do here, but I would say the majority of it is It's outdoors, it's nature, it's history. We have a ton of interesting history that even natives don't necessarily know about. It's hidden away in the neighborhoods and buried and there's ruins and also layers of history, layers and hundreds of years and wars. To make this area what it is and it's really interesting once you start going to the national park areas and the forts and the ruins." Angie recommends several must-see locations and activities in Northeastern Florida: Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island (Nassau County): Visit Fort Clinch State Park for hiking, biking, and exploring historic forts. Enjoy the beaches, which are often quiet and uncrowded. Enjoy one of Amelia Island's charming bed-and-breakfasts. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northeastern-florida/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Elo 20241h 11min

Hear about a road trip at the top of the world in Northern Norway as the Amateur Traveler talks to Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway about this scenic but remote destination. Why should you go to Northern Norway? Torunn says, "There are so many good reasons why one should go to Northern Norway, and I think just as an introduction to Norway, I think it's worth mentioning the trend now of cool cations — skipping the hot and steamy Southern Europe and rather going up North to Norway. to Norway and Northern Norway." "And Northern Norway, of course, if I were to summarize in one word, regardless of season, I'd say, go there for the light. Because in the summer, you have the midnight sun, which means that you have this magical, radiant light all day and all night. If you go there in winter, you have the northern lights, but you also have arctic lights, so you have color nuances of pink, orange, sometimes turquoise, of course, you have the very green-yellow northern lights on clear and starry nights" Torunn recommends this itinerary... https://amateurtraveler.com/road-trip-in-northern-norway/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Elo 202451min

Hear about travel to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean as the Amateur Traveler talks to David Brodie from Travel in 10 about his experience in this tropical paradise. Why should you go to the Maldives? "I think it's a place that a lot of people have probably seen influencer videos or postcards of the luxury resorts that are there. And it does have. probably some of the most luxurious island resorts you're going to find anywhere in the world. Crystal clear waters, incredible snorkeling, incredible diving, and really at that luxury end of the spectrum, there is an enormous amount of properties on their own islands there, throughout the, about 187 islands that are populated in the island chain, about 160 of those 160 plus that have. Resorts on them." "I say, really some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world and a whole new sort of aspect to tourism that's developing there with the opening up of the local islands and the local island tourism that's emerging there now as well." Trip Overview David's adventure in the Maldives was part of a larger trip that explored multiple countries. After his family returned home from Singapore, David continued on his own, making the Maldives a key highlight of his solo journey. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, the Maldives did not disappoint. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-maldives-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Elo 202439min

Hear about travel to the region of Castile and León in Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ethan Witthun about the region where he studied abroad. Day 1: Avila Morning: Walk the Murallas (Walls): Start early to walk along the medieval walls of Avila, known for being one of the most complete medieval walls in Spain. Purchase an Avila card online for easy access and an audio guide. Visit the Cathedral of Avila: Explore this unique cathedral, which is part of the wall, and features distinct red stone in its construction. Afternoon: Visit the Basilica of San Vicente: Known for its unique architecture and the shrine of San Vicente. Lunch at Restaurante Las Murallas: Enjoy a famous steak while sitting outside with views of the walls. Visit Los Cuatro Postes: Head here during siesta time for a panoramic view of Avila and its walls.  ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-castile-and-leon-spain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Elo 20241h 5min

Hear about travel to Afghanistan as the Amateur Traveler talks to bigger and adventure tour guide Sibu Szymanowska about this adventurous destination, even for her. Why should you go to Afghanistan? Sibu says, "Because we are very influenced by what we see in the media nowadays and it is definitely one of those countries that will end up shocking you. But not Shocking you in a negative way, but shocking you in a very positive way, because there is so much more to the world than what we see on mainstream media, on the news, but by what our governments tell you, and Afghanistan obviously is not an easy destination to navigate, but is it possible?"... Yes. Cities Visited Kabul: The capital city with significant historical and cultural sites. Bamiyan: Known for the destroyed Buddhist statues and diverse landscapes. Herat: Famous for the Blue Mosque and historical Citadel. Sites to See Kabul: Bibi Maru Hill, local mosques, bird market Bamiyan: Buddhist statue site, Band-e-Amir National Park Herat: Blue Mosque, Citadel, tile-making workshops ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-afghanistan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Heinä 202446min

Hear about travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jo Clark from Have Glass, Will Travel about her hometown. Why should someone go to Myrtle Beach? Jo says, "Myrtle Beach is on the Grand Strand as we call it. It's on the coast of South Carolina and we are in the midst of 60 miles of gorgeous beach. Nice and wide. No rocks. I mean you can walk for miles and miles. It's just the perfect place. We have great weather. We have everything. we have history, we have music, and of course the beach." Jo sent us this itinerary: A WEEK IN MYRTLE BEACH ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-myrtle-beach-south-carolina/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Heinä 202455min