AT#88 - Travel Photography tips

Hear about a cruise to Greenland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Merrell from manopause.com about this rugged and rapidly changing country. https://amateurtraveler.com/cruise-to-greenland/ Why should someone do a cruise to Greenland? Rebecca succinctly says, “Someone should do a cruise to Greenland if they’re looking to go somewhere remote without a lot of people and if they have an interest in the Arctic.” The cruise itinerary is: Day 1: Departure from Iceland Travelers fly from Iceland or Denmark to Greenland. Arriving in Greenland, travelers land at Kingirlasuak, a former U.S. base that now serves as a large airport in Greenland. Embarkation on the “Ocean Albatross,” the cruise ship operated by Albatross Expeditions. Day 2: Sisimiut The cruise reaches its first destination, Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland after Nuuk (the capital). Sisimiut, which means “foxhole,” has a rich history dating back thousands of years, including various indigenous cultures and traditions. Travelers have the opportunity to explore the town, its colorful buildings, and visit local museums showcasing Greenlandic history and culture. Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island The cruise continues to Qeqertarsuaq, a former capital of North Greenland located on Disko Island. Travelers have the chance to explore this picturesque town, famous for its abundance of icebergs in Disco Bay.  Day 4: Uummannaq The cruise heads further north, reaching Uummannaq, north of the Arctic Circle. Uummannaq Island is known for its heart-shaped mountain and offers unique cultural experiences. Activities include hiking to the Santa Claus house. Day 5: Eqip Sermia Glacier The ship sails to the Eqip Sermia Glacier (“The Glacier at the end of the fjord”), a breathtaking location known for its massive ice formations. Travelers witness the natural spectacle of ice calving, where chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea. The changing hues of blue in the ice, caused by varying oxygen levels, create stunning visual displays. Day 6: Ilulissat The cruise arrives at Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland. Ilulissat is known as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. The town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Icefjord, where enormous icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier at an astonishing rate (100 feet per day or 20 million tons of icebergs). Travelers have the option to explore the icefjord by small boat and marvel at the towering ice formations. Day 7: Sarfannguit The cruise reaches Sarfannguit (“the place with the little stream:), a very small settlement with approximately 40 residents. Travelers visit the community center, where they can purchase local crafts, such as beadwork, paintings, and other products. The unique monument, a modern glass igloo, is also worth a visit. Day 8: Return to Kangerlussuaq The cruise returns to Kangerlussuaq, the point of embarkation, where travelers disembark. This marks the end of the expedition. Throughout the cruise, travelers have the opportunity to hear lectures on Arctic topics, hike, museum visits, and interact with local communities. The stunning Arctic landscapes, icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, provide a constant backdrop to this unforgettable Greenlandic adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Sep 202346min

https://amateurtraveler.com/uk-two-week-itinerary-by-train/ Hear about a UK two-week itinerary by train as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tracy Collins from UKTravelPlanning.com about a train trip in the country that invented trains. London We start in London. Spend some time visiting some of the iconic sites like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey. Visit the great museums of London like Tracy's favorite, the Victoria and Albert Museum. Then we start our journey to see England, Wales, and Scotland from Paddington Station. Bath Visit the historic Roman Baths from which Bath gets its name. Visit the magnificent Bath Abbey. Stroll through the iconic Royal Crescent with its Georgian Architecture. Immerse yourself in Jane Austen's world at the Jane Austen Centre. As a side trip from Bath, consider one of the following Tour the stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. Explore the awe-inspiring Salisbury Cathedral. Take a scenic train ride to the picturesque Cotswolds. Cardiff Travel to the capital of Wales, Cardiff. Explore the historic Cardiff Castle. Embark on an exciting Cardiff Dr. Who Tour. Visit the impressive Principality Stadium. Option 1: Liverpool Take a train to Liverpool, the home of The Beatles. Join the magical Mystery Tour to learn about the Fab Four. Visit the historic Albert Dock including the International Slavery Museum. Option 2: Lake District Explore Bowness-on-Windermere, a charming lakeside town. Visit Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth. Experience the charm of Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House. Edinburgh Take a train to Scotland's capital of Edinburgh. Walk the Royal mile from Edinburgh Castle to the historic Holyrood Palace. Hike up Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill for stunning views. Dare to venture into the mysterious Edinburgh Vaults. As a side trip from Edinburgh consider: Travel to nearby Glasgow. Admire The Kelpies, Scotland's mythical horse sculptures. Visit St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. York Take the Jacobite Steam Train through Tracy's native Northumberland to the city of York. Explore the Roman history at the Roman Bath in York. Discover the Viking legacy at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Wander through the charming Shambles. Visit the wonderful Railway Museum. Return back to London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Sep 20231h 5min

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (Podcast) - explore the palaces, castles, windmills, parks, and history of the Netherlands https://amateurtraveler.com/best-day-trips-from-amsterdam/ Hear about day trips from Amsterdam as the Amateur Traveler talks to Gopinath from greetingsfromeurope.com about his adopted country. Gopinath argues that too many people only spend a couple of the Netherlands before traveling on to see more of Europe. He lays out a week's worth of day trips that one can make from Amsterdam. He recommends the following places to visit: Located in Gelderland, the Palais Het Loo is often associated with Queen Wilhelmina. Explore its impressive architecture, gardens, and the connection between the Dutch royal family and this palace. Drive from the Palace at Low towards Amsterdam, and you'll come across Muiderslot Castle, dating back to the 13th century, making it the oldest accessible site for visitors in the Netherlands. It's conveniently located less than half an hour from Amsterdam. You can reach the castle by car, public transport, or even take a ferry from Amsterdam in the summertime, adding a unique touch to your visit, as the castle sits at the meeting point of the River Vecht and the South Sea. Nearby, you'll find the old star fortress city of Naarden, just two miles from Muiderslot Castle. While the city's layout may not be as impressive in person as it appears from an aerial view, it still offers a charming Dutch town experience with few tourists. Additionally, the small town of Muiden, just a minute from the castle, is worth a visit, featuring monumental and historic buildings, a beautiful marina, and picturesque views of the River Vecht and the South Sea. Located in Baarn, Castle Groeneveld is a grand estate with beautiful gardens. Giethoorn, a charming small village in the eastern part of the Netherlands, is approximately an hour and a half from Amsterdam and is often referred to as the "Dutch Venice." This picturesque place is famous for its canals and bridges. What sets Giethoorn apart is the wide canals, a result of historical peat extraction. Renting a boat is highly recommended. Drive back to Amsterdam over one of the closure dykes to get a glimpse at how the Dutch have reclaimed so much of their country from the sea. Feiluwa National Park park is known for its greenery and is popular with locals. It lacks the typical mountains and valleys found in U.S. national parks, but that just makes it better to explore by bike from its fleet of bikes. The historical hunting lodge in the park features a viewpoint tower and scenic lakeside views. The Kroller Muller Museum in the park houses a significant collection of art, especially from Van Gogh, making it a great alternative to the crowded Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO heritage site known for its 19 windmills. Take a boat ride and a glimpse into Dutch history and water management. North of Amsterdam are the Dutch Golden Age cities of Horn and Enkhuizen with rich history, including impressive buildings, and the Zuiderzee Museum. Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum near Amsterdam showcasing the Zaandam region's industrial and cultural heritage, including windmills and Dutch traditions. Gopinath also recommends you visit fishing villages like Volendam and Edam, known for their maritime history and cheese production. These day trips offer a mix of historical landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and royal connections, providing a diverse and enriching experience in the Netherlands. See why Gopinath thinks the Netherlands deserves more of your visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Sep 20231h 19min

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-new-york-city/ Hear about travel to New York City as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Shoval from Not Just Tourists NYC about her adopted home in the city that never sleeps. Why should you go to New York City?  Rebecca says, "I think someone should come to New York for so many reasons. I think it's this incredibly vibrant place. It exudes life and I find walking around the city, it really just gives you energy. It's also this vibrant multicultural place where you can really see the way that there's so much commitment to the city and to the culture and to people really living in something resembling harmony next to each other... or at least ignoring each other and not getting in each other's business. There are so many different things to do." Rebecca says that the city has changed since COVID-19. She highlights how the city has recovered and transformed from the pandemic's impacts, offering a unique perspective on what makes New York a vibrant and dynamic place. Rebecca recommends exploring different boroughs and neighborhoods within New York City. The city's diversity is reflected in its various neighborhoods, each with its own cultural influences and attractions. She particularly recommends Queens, known for its ethnic neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, offering immersive food tours and unique experiences. Public transportation is an essential part of the New York experience. Rebecca emphasizes the convenience of using apps like MyMTA, MTA Bus Time, and Train Time to navigate the city's extensive subway, bus, and train systems. The ease of using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay to access public transit now makes travel efficient and hassle-free.  The Staten Island Ferry offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Southern Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. It's a free ferry that provides a unique and picturesque perspective of iconic landmarks. Rebecca suggests taking this ferry to get a feel for the city's beauty from the water. The Tenement Museum provides insights into New York's immigrant history, showcasing how various ethnic communities lived and worked. She would recommend that museum or the New York Historical Society instead of a trip to the World Trade Center Memorial for those interested in history. Walking across iconic bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge provides breathtaking city views. Additionally, taking city ferries offers an alternative way to see New York's skyline from the water.  Rebecca recommends seeing New York from above but suggests skipping touristy skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and opting for bars or restaurants with panoramic views. The Graduate Hotel's rooftop bar on Roosevelt Island is recommended for its exceptional view of Manhattan and surrounding areas. You have to check out the entertainment scene in New York. Broadway is amazing for its incredible talent and performances, while jazz enthusiasts are advised to explore smaller venues like Arthur's Tavern, Cellar Dog, and Somewhere Nowhere for a more interactive experience. Try visiting parks like Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, and Domino's Sugar Factory, which offer unique recreational spaces and city views.  For ionic New York food, you have to consider getting bagels and pizza. Joe's Pizza and Tompkins Square Bagels are Rebecca's favorites. Try street food, especially halal carts which are much more prevalent than hot dog stands in New York these days. Try some cuisine you can't get at home like Caribbean food, regional Chinese, or Burmese cuisine. Eat something at a bodega. Rebecca's favorite restaurants include the experimental restaurant Fulgrances in Brooklyn which is notable for its rotating chefs and wine selection. Another favorite is Little Myanmar in the East Village, which serves Burmese food. She recommends the pasta at Nona Dora's (even the Gluten-free). Reservations are advised due to ongoing restaurant challenges post-pandemic. Use the Rezy app. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a reusable water bottle, and bring a sense of adventure as you explore one of the world's greatest cities, New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Sep 20231h 7min

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-belize-and-guatemala/ Hear about travel to Belize and Guatemala on the G Adventures "Classic Belize and Tikal" week-long small group tour: Mayan pyramids, cave tubing, and snorkeling on the Barrier Reef. An adventurous trip to Belize and Guatemala. The tour started in Belize City, traveled to Flores in Guatemala, and then returned to San Ignacio Belize and the Island of Caye Caulker.  One of the highlights was visiting Mayan ruins, including Yaxha and Tikal in Guatemala and Caracol in Belize. I climbed to the top of 4 pyramids in 3 sites while learning about the Mayan Classical age from 200 to 900 AD. We saw Mayan ballcourts, temples, and noble houses. These sites are all in the jungle with the sounds of howler monkeys in the background and spider monkeys and kudamundi wandering the grounds. We saw tucans, turkeys, and other birds.  We stayed in the colorful island town of Flores Guatemala which is a center for tourism for Tikal. We did cave tubing in Belize "near" San Ignacio, Belize. We floated through caves on inner tubes. We could get out of the tubes in the cave and see artifacts left by the Mayans of the Classical Period. Some of the group went to the well-known ATM cave where there are still the remains of some who were sacrificed to the gods at the end of the Classical Period. Others visited the Raptor Center where they got to interact with birds of prey. The trip concluded on Caye Caulker, an island in the Caribbean Sea, where our group went snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, encountering diverse marine life including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. We toured the island with local high school students as part of Bikes with Purpose. We concluded our trip with a lazy sunset cruise.  This was an adventurous tour. It is meant for people who are open to taking a crowded local bus, jumping into the water in a dark cave, and following a guide through the jungle canopy at a Mayan site. If you are such a person, the G Adventures "Classic Belize and Tikal" might be a great use of a week's vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Aug 202354min

https://amateurtraveler.com/nepal-itinerary/ Hear about a 10-day itinerary for travel to Nepal as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sean Hira about this beautiful country. Why should someone go to Nepal? Sean says, "Nepal's a little bit of an underrated destination. It's a landlocked country in the Himalayas sandwiched between two powerhouses, China. In India. My favorite part about Nepal is really the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism and seeing those cultures coexist so peacefully from a tourist perspective. A lot of people go there for the trekking and the intense base camp trekking and the first thing that probably comes to your mind is Mount Everest, but there is so much more to Nepal than Mount Everest or Annapurna. The Himalayas are ingrained in the culture there, but you can see so much more than just trekking in Everest." Sean lays out this itinerary: Day 1: Kathmandu Orientation walk around Patan Durbar Square. Explore local bazaars and historical sites. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Durbar Square. Day 2: Kathmandu Early morning visit to Boudhanath Stupa for monk rituals. Breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the stupa. Visit Pashupatinath Temple and experience Hindu rituals. Optional: Visit Bhaktapur and Nagarkot (extra day trip). Day 3: Transfer to Bandipur Private transfer from Kathmandu to Bandipur. Orientation walk around Bandipur village. Sunset at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Himalayan foothills. Day 4: Bandipur Sunrise viewpoint over the Annapurna region. Breakfast and leisure time. Easy hike to the "Great Wall of Bandipur" viewpoint. Day 5: Transfer to Pokhara and Uluru Village Transfer to Pokhara, stop for lunch, and rent trekking gear. Continue to Uluru Village, north of Pokhara. Prepare for the upcoming trekking adventure. Day 6-8: Trek to Poon Hill in Annapurna Region Begin a three-day moderate trek to Poon Hill. Experience stunning landscapes, forests, and villages. Stay in village homestays along the route. Reach Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views. Trekking altitudes vary from around 1,000 to 3,200 meters. Day 9: Return to Pokhara Complete the trek and return to Pokhara. Relax and enjoy Pokhara's amenities after trekking. Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Revisit attractions or experiences missed earlier. Last-minute shopping or exploration in Kathmandu. Day 11: Departure Depending on your flight schedule, free time in the morning. Depart from Kathmandu's International Airport. Sean also talks about some extensions you could do including a Panauti Community Homestay.  If you are looking for an adventure, Nepal could be the place to go.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Aug 202344min

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-svalbard-norway/ Hear about travel to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Cherie Gonzales from itscheriegonzales.com about her home north of the Arctic Circle. Why should you go to Svalbard? Cherie says, "Someone should go to Svalbard if you are adventurous and you love being outside and you want to experience the natural beauty and just really connect with nature without any interruptions. Then Svalbard is really the perfect destination for you. It has new landscapes, new experiences, in the summer." "You'll experience midnight sun, and then in the winter, you'll experience polar night. And the nature is literally outside your door. The apartment where I live right now, it's 2 kilometers away from the center of the town. But it's less than a kilometer walk and you're already at the start of the trail that goes to a glacier, goes to an ice cave, and all that." Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, is nestled between mainland Norway and the North Pole. With its coordinates at an astonishing 78 degrees north, it boasts the title of the world's northernmost community, housing around 2,500 inhabitants.  Cherie talks about the town of Longyearbyen, Svalbard's largest settlement, and its modern infrastructure, including hotels, shops, restaurants, and good Wi-Fi. She emphasizes the need to carry rifles for polar bear protection when venturing outside the town. Cherie also provides valuable tips for planning a visit to Svalbard, such as joining guided tours, experiencing local accommodations, and appreciating the natural beauty of the region. Cherie brings her perspective to Svalbard, having been drawn to its charm despite her tropical roots. Her journey from the Philippines to the Arctic was marked by a stint as a cruise ship chef before she set foot on Svalbard. Cherie recommends visiting Svalbard during the spring months for more daylight and various outdoor activities. Summer offers opportunities for hiking, while winter provides a chance to experience the polar night. She mentions key attractions such as Plata Fiala for panoramic views, boat cruises to see wildlife and glaciers, and visits to Russian settlements like Pyramiden and Barentsburg. Svalbard offers a majestic and unique Arctic experience for adventurous travelers seeking a connection with nature and a taste of life at the northernmost reaches of the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Aug 202342min

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-galapagos-islands-ecuador https://amateurtraveler.com/galapagos-cruise-on-quasars-evolution/ Hear about travel to the Galapagos Islands as Chris Christensen, the Amateur Traveler himself, talks about a live-aboard cruise of the Galapagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions M/V Evolution. The Galapagos is a singular destination. People describe other places as the 'Galapagos of Mexico or the Galapagos of some other place' but the Galapagos doesn't try and compare itself to anywhere else. This is a must-see destination for people who want a vacation to see wildlife. People can tell you how the wildlife here is different because it does not fear humans but until you are standing by a giant tortoise, walking through a booby nesting ground, or swimming with sea turtles and sea lions, it is hard to understand what that really means. This is a place where you come to see giant tortoises or iguanas, but it is also a place to see interesting bird species like Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and red-footed boobies. But it is also a place to experience the islands under the water. Have you swum with turtles, penguins, and sharks... on the same day? Have you had sea lions swim circles around you? The best way to experience the Galapagos Islands is on a live-aboard boat. I was fortunate enough to be invited by award-winning Quasar Expeditions to explore the Galapagos on their M/V Evolution as their guest (they paid). This 32-passenger boat is one of the larger boats that explores the Galapagos.  I describe a one-week itinerary to the eastern islands in the Galapagos including stops at: San Cristóbal Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island, Mosquera Island, Sombrero Chino, Santiago Island, Genovesa Island, Isla Seymour Norte, Santa Fe Island, and Floreana Island. If the Galapagos are not on your bucket list... they should be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Aug 202355min