AT#191 - Adventure Travel to Venezuela

Hear about travel to Zaragoza as the Amateur Traveler talks to Cat Driver about this historic but under-visited region of Spain. https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-zaragoza-spain/ Cat says, "Every time I have said to people that I lived in Spain and they asked me where and I say Zaragoza, I usually just get a blank stare and then I have to explain it. Zaragoza is between Barcelona and Madrid almost exactly. I was teaching English there. I decided on Zaragoza because it  had everything I wanted. It was very local, not much English so I'd be forced to learn Spanish. The transportation connections are great, and it has a really low cost of living. So I thought it was the perfect place to go and teach English and that's what drew me there." "I think other people should go to Zaragoza because it is wonderful. It is a really underrated part of Spain. It doesn't see many North American visitors. I don't really know why  because it's so close to Barcelona and Madrid and that's where everybody goes. But Saragossa is really an undiscovered gem. It's a really beautiful place to experience a real Spanish local life. It has all of the history that people are looking for when they go to Spain. It's  steeped in Roman, Muslim, and Christian history and also has a really thriving modern art and culture scene. It's also really fabulous for the outdoors. Anybody who likes hiking, and cycling and skiing, it's a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the areas around Zaragoza that would offer that." Cat starts us in the historic center of Zaragoza in the Plaza del Pilar that holds both of Zaragoza's co-cathedrals. The Virgin of the pillar is the patron saint of Zaragoza and everything revolves around her. In October the plaza and streets fill with night parades and flower offerings during the Fiestas del Pilar. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is the most photographed building in the city with its 4 bell towers that make it look as much like a mosque as a cathedral. The interior has Goya masterpieces in situ. The Mudéjar architecture of Aragon with its moorish influence has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buildings that are included in that designation in Zaragoza include: the Mudéjar remains of the Palace of Aljafería Zaragoza, the Tower and Parish church of San Pablo Zaragoza, and the Apse, parish and dome of La Seo (the other cathedral). The origins of the town go back to Roman times, which it was known as Caesaraugusta. There is a Roman history museum of the old forum near the Plaza del Pilar as well as an old Roman Amphitheater. The stature of Caesar Augustus in front of the city market was a gift from Franco. Cat recommends a number of museums in the city including the Goya Museum, the Museo Pablo Gargallo, the IAACC Pablo Serrano, the CaixaForum Zaragoza, the Zaragoza Museum, and the Alma Mater Museum. For those less inclined to visit museums you might check out a Chocopass from the local tourism board instead. We talk about a number of side trips from the city including the city of Tarazona and the Monasterio de Piedra. Tarazona is the place to go for more Mudéjar architecture, Jewish history and... perhaps ironically... Spanish ham. The Monasterio de Piedra which is an old monastery where the monks made chocolate and wine. The monastery is built in a park with waterfalls. For hiking Cat recommends the village of Agüero which is an old village surrounded by rock formations. If you are looking for a rich, beautiful part of Spain that doesn't get enough love... can we recommend Zaragoza and Aragon?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Feb 202455min

Hear about travel to the island nation of Malta as Chris Christensen, the Amateur Traveler, tells about a recent week-long trip to the island at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-island-of-malta/ Why should you visit Malta? Malta is an amazing island country with a rich history and spectacular scenery. The one-week itinerary for Malta includes the following highlights: Sunday: Take a harbor cruise around Valletta. Pick up a 7-day bus pass, if you are getting around by public transportation Explore Valletta a UNESCO city, and visit the Upper Barrakka Monday: Take a guided tour of Valletta Underground, exploring where the residents of Valletta took shelter from WWII bombing Visit St John’s Co-cathedral. Lunch in Birgu  Visit Mdina, the old capital, also known as the "silent city." Tuesday: See the colorful Marsaxlokk harbor and Għar Dalam Cave with its pigmy elephant and hippo skeletons Visit Ħal Tarxien, an open-air megalithic temple site. Visit Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground necropolis and UNESCO site. Explore Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu. Wednesday: Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, UNESCO megalithic temple sites. Explore the Blue Grotto (weather-dependent). Visit Mdina, including the cathedral Stop at a museum dedicated to the Roman Villa in Rabat. Explore St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat. Thursday: Travel to Gozo, and stay in Victoria. Visit Ggantija Temples, another UNESCO site and megalithic temple. Explore Citadella fortress in Victoria. Have dinner in St George's Square Friday: Visit San Blas Tower and Ramla Beach in Gozo. Return to Malta in the afternoon. Saturday: Move to Fortellessa and explore Valletta. Visit Upper Barrakka, Lower Barrakka, and Fort St Elmo. Relax in the city and soak in the atmosphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Jan 202453min

Hear about travel to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to Olivia from inspiredbycroatia.com about her adopted country. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-croatias-istrian-peninsula/ Why should you go to the Istrian Peninsula? Olivia says, "I think that Istria is still a little bit underrated. Personally, I like to Talk about it as this like a fairytale like region. It has quite a strong Italian heritage somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, but with a Croatian flair It's filled with these emerald green hills dotted with medieval villages throughout the food there is absolutely Fantastic." "If you're a foodie you want to go to Istria, their home to lots of truffles, so you'll find truffles in a lot of the dishes there. And then in addition to the green interior, we have the rugged coastline rocky coastline, but beautiful blue pristine water and beaches, and it really just has the best of both worlds." Olivia recommends this itinerary: Day 1: Pula Explore Pula, the largest city in Istria. Visit the Roman Arena, a well-preserved amphitheater. Explore other historic sites like the Temple of Augustus and the ancient Roman Forum. Visit the Museum of Olive Oil and the castle. Drive to Verudela Peninsula for a swim in the sea and explore the rocky coastline. Optional: Attend the Pula Film Festival which is held in July. Day 2: Fažana and Brioni National Park Drive to Fažana, a village 15 minutes north of Pula. Take a day trip to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago with untouched nature and Roman ruins. Explore the islands, including a tourist train ride and optional activities like renting a golf cart or bike, or driving Tito's car. Return to Fažana for a meal at Alla Beccaccia, a family-run restaurant. Day 3: Rovinj Head north to Rovinj, a charming fishing village. Explore the town, visit the church, and walk down Grisea Street. Visit Mediterraneo Bar for a seaside cafe experience. Day 4: Visit the Limfjord Take a boat ride on the Limfjord Head to Bale for a visit to local wineries. Day 5: Porič and Umag Drive to Porič, a seaside town popular among European travelers. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll down the main Roman street. Spend the afternoon walking along the Riviera for swimming. Head further north to Umag, known for the Croatia Open UMAG tennis tournament. Optional: Explore Savudrija and visit the oldest lighthouse. Day 6: Green Istria - Motovun, Grožnjan, Momjan Visit Motovun, a hilltop town known for truffles. Explore the town, visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar, and possibly attend the Motovon Summer Film Festival. Head to Grožnjan, a charming town known for artists and musicians. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar. End the day in Momjan at Kono Bastari Podrum for dinner and Kozlovich Winery for wine tasting. Day 7: Buzet, Truffle Tasting, and Hum Visit Buzet and tour the Aura Distillery for brandies, liqueurs, and gin tasting. Head to Karlić Tartufi for truffle tasting, a truffle hunting experience, and a cooking demonstration. Optional: Stop at Kotli for waterfalls and small pools. Visit the "smallest town in the world", Hum. Enjoy your trip to Istria! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Jan 202444min

Hear about travel to Tokyo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matthew Jasek from The Nerd Tourist about one of his favorite, if nerdy, cities.  https://amateurtraveler.com/otaku-guide-to-tokyo-japan/ Day 1: Arrival and Food Tour Afternoon: Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. Evening: Join a food tour or find a local guide to visit a traditional Japanese restaurant. Explore the dining culture with the help of a guide who can navigate through nuances. Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market and Senso-ji Morning: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a variety of food stalls. Try grilled eel and other local delicacies. Afternoon: Explore Senso-ji Temple. Take part in the tradition of shaking a metal container to get a fortune. Enjoy more street food around the area. Evening: Choose between visiting Odaiba for futuristic buildings and the Unicorn Gundam statue or exploring Shimokitazawa, a hip neighborhood known for vintage shops and live music. Day 3: Shibuya Scramble, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine Morning: Experience the famous Shibuya Scramble and visit the statue of Hachiko. Head to Harajuku Station. Afternoon: Explore Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Enjoy crepes, Shiba Inu Cafe, and unique latte art at Cafe Reissue. Evening: Choose between visiting Ikebukuro for anime-related attractions or Nakano Broadway for traditional shopping and unique ramen. Day 4: Nerd Day Option 1: Take a guided tour of Akihabara, the hub of nerd culture, exploring anime shops and arcades. Option 2: Visit real-life anime locations using online resources or guided tours. Consider Studio Ghibli Museum, Totoro no Mori, or Shirohige Cream Puff Factory. Evening: Experience Tokyo’s nightlife with activities like Mari Car go-karting or trying Monjayaki in Monja Street. Day 5: Kamakura Trip Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura Explore Zeniarai Benten Shrine and wash your money. Visit Hokokuji Temple Bamboo Forest Temple, and wander through the bamboo forest. Optionally, pay extra to drink tea at the little tea house in the back. Explore Kamakura’s main attractions like the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. If in April, consider attending the Kamakura Festival (second to the third weekend). If in September (14th to 16th), experience Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival with horseback archery. Visit the grave site of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun. Visit Jufuku-ji Temple, the grave of Hojo no Masako (the Nun Shogun). Day 6: Enoshima Island Trip Travel to Fujiwara Station and take the Enoshima Electric Railway to the Shirahata Shrine. Visit Shirahata Shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Board the Enoshima Electric Railway and ride to Enoshima Island. Explore the long road leading to sea caves, shops, and the Dragon Bell. Visit the botanical garden with the sea candle lighthouse. Try the local delicacy Shirasu Don at one of the restaurants. Visit the Enoshima Shrine complex Bonus Day: Consider non-nerdy activities: Attend a tea ceremony. Rent a kimono and experience a traditional tea ceremony. Attend a sumo match or witness a sumo practice. Catch a baseball game. Take a vintage tram to Gotokuji, the temple that invented the beckoning cat statue. Join a tattoo-friendly Tokyo bathhouse tour. Tips: Stay in Akihabara for a central location. Use apps like the Visit Japan app for customs information, TableCheck for reservations, and Line for communication. Prepare for a lot of walking. There is always so much to see in and near Tokyo, for nerds and non-nerds alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Jan 202453min

Hear about travel to the Exumas in the Bahamas as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tessie from TravelingTessie.com about these sundrenched islands she has fallen in love with. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-exumas-bahamas/ Why should someone go to the Exumas? Tessie says, "It's a perfect destination if obviously, you enjoy the beach. But the beaches, they're very unique because they're really unspoiled. And there's not a lot of crowds. So if someone's interested in that, it's a really great destination for that, but it's also great for people with kids, for bachelorette couples, and friend groups that are looking for a place to get away from it all. I feel like, Exumas is truly a hidden gem." Day 1: Arrival in Georgetown Fly into Georgetown, Exumas. Check into Paradise Bay Hotel Relax on the beach, explore the hotel's surroundings, and get familiar with the area. Day 2: Full-Day Boat Tour Book a full-day boat tour departing from Georgetown. Visit Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling (film location of a James Bond movie). Optional: Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina. Visit Pig Island for a unique experience of swimming with pigs. Lunch is included in the tour. Explore beautiful sandbars, some of which were featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. Day 3: Explore Georgetown and Stocking Island Explore Georgetown, visit the straw market, and shop for local souvenirs. Take a ferry to Stocking Island. Spend the day at Chat 'n' Chill beach bar, known for its fresh conch salad and stingrays. Day 4: Little Exuma Beach Day Rent a car and drive to Little Exuma. Explore Pretty Molly Beach, Forbes Hill Beach, and Tropic of Cancer Beach. Visit Exuma Point Beach at low tide. Take an eco-tour at Mariah Harbor K National Park to learn about and witness marine life. Day 5: ATV Tour and Sea Turtle Encounter Morning ATV tour exploring the northwestern part of Great Exuma. Stops at Cocoa Plum Beach, Exuma Point, and the historical site of Pompeii. Lunch. Afternoon visit to Hooper's Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling with wild sea turtles. Day 6: Boat Rental and Exploration in Elizabeth Harbor Rent a boat from Georgetown and explore Elizabeth Harbor. Discover an underwater cave, visit Starfish Beach, and snorkel at a coral reef. Explore Sand Dollar Beach. Return to Georgetown. Day 7: Return to Exuma Point Beach Visit Exuma Point Beach again, especially if you missed it at low tide. Relax and unwind before departing. Depart for home. If you are looking for remote beaches and a unique experience with swimming pigs then the Exumas are worth your consideration.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 Jan 202435min

Hear about travel to Gujarat, India as the Amateur Traveler talks again to James Schomburgk about festivals, temples, and Asiatic lions. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-gujarat/ James says, "Gujarat is in the far western central of northern India. Pakistan is its western border. And the southern border is the Arabian Sea. It's actually close to some of the big-hitting states in terms of tourism, but it's a very different geographically. It's very different feel to the rest of India. If you're looking for something that's remote. If you're looking for something that is you'll be, you'll be certainly be treated like royalty, because everybody will be looking at you bizarrely because they rarely see any tourists. The beauty of it is I think, for me, the wildlife, the wildlife is was quite mind blowing. And I know I've spoken to so many people in India, a lot of people associate India with tigers, but what they have in Gujarat is lions, leopards, hyena, and wolf, animals that people would be a bit surprised that are in India. It was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi so it's also got a lot of history." James starts us in the city of Bhavnagar. He stayed in the Nilambag Palace with the current Maharaja. Half the palace has been turned into a hotel. He takes us then to one of the most holy sites in Jainism at Shatrunjaya. You can climb the 3,300 steps past a number of temples to a set of ornate temples at the top that are 900 years old. The view from the top of the mountain is also spectacular. If you don't have the fitness to climb the steps you can get carried up on a litter.  From there James directs us to Sasan Gir National Park where you can see the last remaining Asiatic Lions in India. The Asiatic Lion is a close cousin of the African Lion. In addition to lions, they saw the nilgai which are the largest Asian antelope, and the dangerous mugger crocodile. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year. The next stop is Junagadh which is known for its old fort (the name literally translates to "Old Fort"). There are also some spectacular mausoleums in Junagadh which were built in the late 1800s in an Indo-Islamic style. They have elaborate carvings and minarets with exterior spiral staircases. But the most memorable part of James' visit to Junagadh was the festival of Bhavnath Mela where throngs of people would climb the nearby holy hill of Girnar wearing their best sari... or in the case of some Naga (holy men) wearing nothing at all. Somnath temple is a sacred Hindu site that has been built and rebuilt over the centuries after it fell victim to invading Muslim armies from the West. Gujarat cuisine is vegetarian and you won't find alcohol either for religious regions so James and his traveling companion enjoyed a visit to the tiny state of Diu which used to be a Portuguese possession. Here you could see the blending of the Indian and Portuguese cultures... and get a cheap beer. They enjoyed a visit to a fishing village and a pick-up game of cricket with locals. The last stop on our itinerary is Blackbuck National Park for more wildlife viewing including the eponymous Blackbuck antelope, striped hyena, and Indian wolf. James highly recommends a stay in the luxurious Blackbuck Safari Lodge. After you have seen the well-known sites of India, explore some of its hidden gems like Gujarat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Des 202346min

Hear about driving the Selkirk Loop in Washington State, Idaho, and British Columbia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Anthony and Jodie St. Clair from learnersandmakers.com about their favorite road trip. https://amateurtraveler.com/driving-the-selkirk-loop/ Why should you drive the Selkirk Loop? Anthony and Jodie say, "It is just the most epic, gorgeous views of nature, I think. And it's very accessible. I (Jodie) am an amputee, and so I'm always looking for ways to easily access nature. It felt like we were out in the middle of these beautiful spaces while I didn't have to do a ten-mile hike to do it. " "We've driven things like the Blue Ridge Parkway in, Virginia, North Carolina, we've driven highway one in California. We've RV'd across the entire USA. The Selkirk loop holds its own with any of those scenic drives." Leg 1: Spokane, Washington to Newport, Washington The easiest place to access the Selkirk Loop is from Spokane, Washington. Stretch your legs in Newport, a small town at the beginning of the Selkirk Loop. Check out the visitor center, museum, and the giant paddle wheel. Don't miss the county museum, showcasing the timber industry and the region's history. Leg 2: Newport to Sandpoint, Idaho Head south to Sandpoint, Idaho, situated on Lake Pend Oreille. Enjoy water activities, and boat tours, and explore the surrounding mountains. The lake is the star here, and various public beach areas exist. Sandpoint offers a mix of outdoor adventures and charming small-town vibes. Leg 3: Sandpoint to Creston, British Columbia Cross the border into Canada and explore Creston. Visit an organic dairy farm, sample cheese, and experience the meshing of organic practices with technology. Check out the Kootenay Columbia Discovery Center for nature exploration and hands-on experiences. Leg 4: Creston to Kootenay Bay (Ferry) to Kaslo Take the free ferry from Kootenay Bay to experience the Kaslo area. Explore artisan workshops in Crawford Bay and soak in the town's history and nature. Kaslo offers a mix of small-town charm, outdoor activities, and a chance to visit the SS Moyie, a restored paddle-wheeler turned museum. Leg 5: Kaslo to Castlegar Head south to Castlegar, known for its outdoor art, sculpture garden, and Zuckerberg Island. Walk across a suspension bridge, explore hiking trails, and enjoy the mix of nature and town life. Learn about the Doukhobors' history and their sustainable farming practices. Leg 6: Castlegar to Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area Cross back into the US and visit the Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area. Kayak to Pee Wee Falls, a stunning 233-foot waterfall. Hike to Sweet Creek Falls for a short, easy trail with a wading pool. Take in the region's beauty while enjoying simpler pleasures like skipping rocks into the creek. Leg 7: Boundary Reservoir to the End Explore Gardner Cave, the longest known cave in Washington state, and take a guided family-friendly tour—hike to Sweet Creek Falls for another waterfall experience. Enjoy the scenic Vista House, overlooking the Boundary Waters dam. Drive through communities like Ione and Metaline Falls, and don't miss Gardner Cave, the longest-known cave in Washington state. Reflect on the incredible memories as you approach the end of this unforgettable road trip.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Des 202348min

Hear about travel to the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Inga from Inga's Adventures about a trip to hike in the Daisetsuzan National Park. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-hokkaido-japan/ Why should someone go to Hokkaido? Inga says, "The natural beauty is the main reason to go to Hokkaido. The rugged landscapes and the feeling that you're far away from civilization is an experience. That you don't find in a lot of other places on the main island of Japan, which is Honshu. Many beautiful places to go down there, but it's a very different landscape in Hokkaido." Inga recommends this 7-day itinerary for travelers interested in exploring Hokkaido, particularly focusing on the Daisetsuzan National Park: Day 1-2: Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo and spend a day or two decompressing and adjusting to the time difference. Stay in a hotel near Tokyo Station for convenience. Day 3: Tokyo to Sapporo Exchange the JR rail pass for the Shinkansen train journey to Hokkaido. While you can fly directly to Hokkaido and save the 8-hour train journey, for Inga the journey was part of the point. You can watch the mountains rise up and the population thin out as you head north. Stay one night in Sapporo, exploring the city and visiting places like the Tokyo train station and the Sapporo Brewery. Inga and her husband also visited the Hokkaido University Botanic Garden and a museum about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Day 4: Sapporo to Asahikawa Take a train to Asahikawa, a smaller town. Explore Asahikawa, staying overnight. Day 5-7: Asahikawa to Daisetsuzan National Park Take a bus to Asahidake within Daisetsuzan National Park. Stay in a traditional onsen hotel in the park, such as Daisetsuzan Shirakaba Soryokan. Explore hiking trails, including the Sugatami Loop, nature trails, and hikes to the Nakadate Onsen. Enjoy the onsen experience in the hotel. Consider exploring other hikes within the national park if time allows. Return to Tokyo: Take a bus back to Asahikawa and a train from there to Hakodate. The journey back to Tokyo can be completed in the remaining two days, either by train or by taking a flight from Hokkaido. Inga also mentions renting a car for more flexibility in exploring the national parks.  If you want a Japan experience with a heavy dose of hiking, ropeways, natural hot springs, and fumaroles consider heading north to Hokkaido. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Des 202341min