AT#833 - Travel to the Peloponnese, Greece (Repeat)

Hear about travel to Papua New Guinea as the Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Shorrock from TravelObscure.com about the Milne Bay Province of this exotic island country. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-papua-new-guinea-2/ Why should someone travel to Papua New Guinea? Chris says, "There's a million reasons why someone should go to Papua New Guinea, it's such a varied country. I would say the main reason to go, is the people are amazing and there's A lot of culture there as well. Also, the amazing natural environment. We're talking jungle-clad islands, beautiful coral reefs, dolphins, birds of paradise, pristine rainforest, and then basically no other tourists. So that was a big draw for me, it's quite off the beaten track and obscure." Chris flew to Alatau and then headed to the east cape, the Dento Castro Islands, and the Louisiade Island chain. As a good transition to the country, he stayed at the Tewali Dive Resort for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. While there he took a side trip to a skull cave and a waterfall. From there they arranged a dinghy to take them from the east cape to Normandy Island and the Sibonai Guest House. Wayaki who owns the guest house introduced them to the local culture including magic, the secret to good yams, and local birdlife. They also took a dugout canoe tour of the nearby bay. They took a boat next to Ferguson Island. One of the reasons they visited Ferguson Island was to see the hot springs. They also met a Kula Trader. Kula trading is a ceremonial exchange system. Chris also recommends a visit to Gonubalabala Island which is a great place to snorkel with manta rays. Samarai Island used to be the capital of the province and still has 24-hour electricity which is a rare thing in the area.  Back on the mainland he also recommends a visit to the Ulumani Treetops Rainforest Lodge. The owner of the lodge is using the proceeds from the project to protect a patch of tropical jungle from logging. Chris went on a hike into the jungle to see tropical birds like the bird of paradise... and not a few mosquitoes. They also went down to the shore to snorkel in the wreck of an old ship. This is an adventurous trip, but if you are willing to dive into the deep end of travel, Papua New Guinea can reward your wanderlust as a tropical paradise should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Nov 202358min

Hear about sightseeing in the island nation of Malta as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michelle and Nikki from cheekypassports.com about their native country. https://amateurtraveler.com/sightseeing-in-malta/ They say, “The island is small and that has its restrictions but it’s also a nice thing to have because you can visit and do a lot of activities in a short span. Nowhere is more than 15 minutes by car. The island is maybe 27 kilometers about 17 miles long and barely 14 kilometers wide. There is a lot of history and culture in Malta. There are small villages you can visit. There are large fortified towns. Visitors usually like the historic aspect of Malta. There are some of the oldest free-standing temples in the world. It is a pleasant island. There are the beaches. There’s a lot to do in Malta despite its size.” Michelle and Nikki lay out a one-week itinerary for us. They start us in the small capital city of Valletta (only 5,000 people). Many of the buildings in Valletta were built by the Knights of the Order of St John (Knights Hospitaller). Not surprisingly, therefore, the largest church in Valletta is Saint John’s Cathedral. St John’s has a rather plain exterior which hides an ornate interior.  Valletta shares the Great Harbor with the Three Cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla), and Bormla (Cospicua) which are also fortified cities. The harbor itself dates back to the Phoenicians. Get a great view of the harbor from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. They recommend a visit to the “quiet city” of Mdina and its sister city of Rabat which is riddled with the underground catacombs of St Paul. St Paul spent some time on the island and brought Christianity to Malta which almost has a church for every day of the year. They recommend checking the local tourism board calendar for when the various churches are having festivals and planning your trip to attend some, if only to see the pageantry and sometimes the fireworks. Stop by one of the small fishing villages like Marsaxlokk for fresh seafood right off the boat. In the cooler winter months, visit the western shore of the island and the Dingli Cliffs. The western shore of the island is less built-up and better for hiking. Make a side trip to the island of Gozo which is “more quaint” than the main island. While you are there you should make a visit to the Ġgantija megalithic temple. In the center of Gozo you will find the Cittadella which is a small fortified “city”. Some of the best diving spots are on Gozo such as the Azure Window. For a relaxing day, off-season, charter a boat or take a ferry to the Blue Lagoon on the mostly uninhabited island of Comino. There is much to do, see, and eat in Malta. Come see why so many nations have wanted to pocess Malta over so many years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Nov 202353min

Hear about travel to the Charente region of southwest France as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kylie Lang from LifeInRuralFrance.com about her adopted home. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-charente-region-of-france/ The Charente region, part of Nouvelle Aquitaine in southwest France, is known for its charming sunflower fields, historical chateaux, and rich history. Visitors to the Charente can explore picturesque vineyards, taste world-renowned cognac, and indulge in fresh oysters. The region hosts daily markets offering fresh produce throughout the year, providing an authentic taste of French life. Its quaint villages appear almost frozen in time, creating a sense of stepping back to the 15th century. Eleanor of Aquitaine, a prominent historical figure, played a significant role in this region. She was the only woman to be queen of two countries, France and England. The Charente, which was under English rule for about 300 years, now has a diverse community of English-speaking expatriates. Angoulême, one of the notable towns in the Poitou Charente region, sits on a hill with ancient roots dating back to Roman times. The city is also known as the European capital of comics, hosting an International Comic Festival annually. It features impressive murals and a well-known automobile race. Kylie suggests exploring the Hotel de Ville, which offers insightful tours about its history, and walking the city's ramparts. Angoulême's strategic location allows easy access to Bordeaux, which is just under 90 minutes away. Bordeaux, often referred to as the capital of wine in France, provides a great day trip opportunity. Visitors can explore the Cité du Vin, a modern wine museum offering immersive experiences and a panoramic view of Bordeaux. She also recommends the unusual Bassins des Lumières which is a digital art museum in an old German submarine base. Cognac, another jewel in the Charente's crown, is renowned for its historical significance and world-famous cognac houses such as Hennessy, Martell, and Remy Martin. Kylie recommends the Hennessy tour, a three-hour experience that delves into the cognac-making process, and a river cruise to witness the scenic beauty of the region. The Chateau Royal de Cognac, built in the 11th century, offers historical insights and a glimpse into the past. Cognac also hosts events like the Blues Festival, attracting big-name musicians and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Moving toward La Rochelle, it was a significant port and stronghold for the Knights Templar and later for the Huguenots. The city is known as the "jewel of the Atlantic coast" and offers historic sites like the towers of Saint Nicolas and La Chaîne. La Rochelle has a vibrant maritime history that influences its present identity as a popular tourist destination. The islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, connected by bridges, are known for their oyster and salt beds. These islands have stunning beaches, making them perfect destinations for beach lovers. Kylie mentions the Battle of Tours, a pivotal event during the Middle Ages which happened outside Poitiers. Poitiers also has connections with Eleanor of Aquitaine and offers historical sites such as the Palace du Duc, which is now the local courts.  Futuroscope, located near Poitiers, is a digital theme park that offers a unique and futuristic experience. It is home to various thrilling rides and attractions. Additionally, the Valley of the Monkeys (Vallée des Singes) near Poitiers is a 44-hectare reserve where monkeys roam freely. The park offers an up-close experience with various monkeys and primate species. Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne is a picturesque village with a fascinating monolithic church known as the Eglise Saint-Jean. The church, carved into a limestone cliff, showcases remarkable ancient craftsmanship. The village is classified as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France," recognizing its scenic beauty and historical significance. Kylie recommends a visit to La Rochefoucauld Chateau, a historic chateau open to the public. The chateau has a rich history, and the La Rochefoucauld family was closely connected to royalty and was involved in World War II resistance. The chateau features a spiral staircase, said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci. When you are eating in a local restaurant, try a "plat de jour" for a value-packed meal. Also, try the local goat's cheese which is a specialty of the Charente and an unexpected bonus from the Battle of Tours. In addition to trying Cognac, she also recommends Pinot de Charente, a fortified wine in the region, which is akin to port or sherry. Kylie encourages visitors to explore the stunning landscapes of sunflower fields and enjoy cognac, pinot, and the unique atmosphere of line dancing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Nov 20231h 3min

Hear about travel to Egypt including Cairo and climbing Mount Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to Greg from ThePresentPerspective.com about their recent trip to see a different part of Egypt. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-egypt-and-mount-sinai/ Why should you go to Egypt? Greg says, "I think there are a million reasons why someone should go to Egypt. Warm and hospitable people. Great culture. Egyptian history obviously is vast, and it's one of the oldest civilizations in the world. There's so much to see in Lower Egypt, in Cairo there's just an endless wealth of treasures to explore but when we visited Egypt, we decided to go a little bit off of the traditional route that a lot of tourists go it's not that we weren't interested in going to Luxor and Aswan and doing a Nile cruise. We enjoy history, but we're not history buffs, and I think, to us, there was enough ancient history in Cairo." "So while Luxor would have been great to visit, we had enough of a time with Egyptian history in Cairo, with the pyramids and Saqqara and all of that. So we decided to go a different route and instead of heading south, head east. So we headed into the Sinai Peninsula." Day 1: Arrival in Cairo Arrive in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Check into your accommodation in Giza. Day 2: Exploring the Pyramids Spend the day exploring the Giza Plateau. Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Explore the Sphinx and the ancient temples in the area. Day 3: Saqqara and Memphis Head to Saqqara, known for the Step Pyramid, which is one of the oldest pyramid structures. Explore the ancient city of Memphis, the former capital of Egypt. Return to your accommodation in Cairo or Giza for the night. Day 4: Coptic Cairo and St. Simon the Tanner Monastery Explore the historic district of Coptic Cairo. Visit St. Simon the Tanner Monastery, located in caves on Mount Makatum. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic site. Spend the night in Cairo. Day 5: Travel to St. Catharine Depart for St. Catharine, a town located at the base of Mount Sinai. Choose either a road trip from Cairo or fly to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and arrange transportation to St. Catharine. Check into your accommodation in St. Catharine. Day 6: Hiking Mount Sinai Wake up early to begin your sunrise hike up Mount Sinai. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit as the sun rises. Visit St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest in the world, located at the foot of the mountain. Spend the night in St. Catharine. Day 7: Dahab and the Red Sea Head to the coastal town of Dahab. Explore the vibrant underwater world by snorkeling or diving in the Blue Hole. Visit the Colored Canyon, which offers stunning natural beauty. Enjoy the Magic Lake for a unique swimming experience. Stay in Dahab for the night. Day 8: Relaxing in Dahab Spend a leisurely day on the beach, enjoying the clear waters of the Red Sea. Visit the Blue Lagoon for a peaceful experience. Take in the local culture and cuisine in Dahab. Relax and unwind in this beautiful coastal town. Day 9: Return to Cairo Travel to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Fly back to Cairo and home Egypt has so much to see. The Pyramids are amazing, but also consider heading into the Sinai to climb the sacred mountain of Sinai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Okt 202341min

Hear about travel to Queensland's Gold Coast as the Amateur Traveler talks to Leanne and Lyle from BeachTravelWine.com about one of their favorite beach destinations. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-queenslands-gold-coast/ Why should you go to the Gold Coast? Leanne and Lyle say, "We go for lots of different reasons, but I guess the main one would be, the stunning beaches, and I know lots of places have stunning beaches, but this would have to, I think, be Australia's best strip of beaches, and it's the best surfing beach area, in Australia. It has a really interesting nightlife too. It's the nature, it's right there at the mountains as well and it's adventure. It's got a nickname of the Glitter Strip or, our Glamour Strip. It's it's not Las Vegas by any stretch of the imagination, but it's got that feel about it." Leanne and Lyle lay out a week-long itinerary: Day 1: Start your visit in the middle of the Gold Coast, in Surfers Paradise. Explore Cavill Avenue, a pedestrian-only strip with attractions like wax museums and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Stroll along the beachfront walkways and enjoy the beautiful beaches and surfers. Check out the iconic Surfers Paradise beach area and consider visiting the Q1 building for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast. If you're adventurous you can climb the outside of the building. Keep an eye out for the meter maids made famous by the Beatles. Day 2: Head about 40 kilometers inland from the Gold Coast to Mount Tamborine, a mountainous area known for its lush rainforests. Explore the little town of Tamborine and the Gallery Walk, featuring craft shops, pottery, and more. Enjoy the Rainforest Skywalk and explore Lamington National Park, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts. Consider hot air ballooning or visit local wineries and coffee plantations. Day 3: Experience whale-watching cruises starting from South Port Marina. You'll have a chance to see humpback whales from June to November. After the cruise, explore the South Port Marina area and enjoy the beautiful views. Consider dining at local surf clubs and taking a stroll along the Tweed River with its picturesque views. Day 4: Visit Pacific Fair, a large shopping center with various shops, food courts, and outdoor areas. Explore Broadbeach, known for its range of restaurants and cafes. You can visit Kurrawa Surf Club for lunch, take coastal walks, and enjoy the park. Day 5: Explore Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, where you can visit the iconic Snapper Rocks and enjoy the beach and local restaurants. You can also visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll encounter Australian wildlife, see wild lorikeet feedings, and enjoy various animal encounters and activities. Day 6: Take a day trip to Moreton Island, known for the Tangalooma Wrecks, sunken ships that create a unique snorkeling experience. Enjoy the underwater scenery with coral and various fish species. You can also participate in dolphin feeding, where wild dolphins swim close to shore to take fish from your hand. Day 7: Spend a relaxing day, perhaps visiting a spa or wellness center at your accommodation. Enjoy the beach, swim, and unwind, taking in the serene surroundings of the Gold Coast. Some optional activities would include exploring some of Australia's best theme parks including Movie World, Dream World, and Wet'n'Wild. Consider purchasing a multi-day park pass to experience all the rides and attractions these parks offer. You might also check if there are any local sporting events happening during your stay, such as NRL or Aussie Rules games. Fans of racing should think about attending events like the Gold Coast 500 V8 Supercars race or the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. In both events, cars race through the streets of the Gold Coast. For a side-trip consider a day trip to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is only about a 45-minute train ride away. Explore Brisbane's attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens, South Bank, and the River City's waterfront. You can attend unique cabaret shows like "Dracula's" or "Outback Spectacular" to add some excitement to your evenings. Be aware of the two weeks in November when kids Queensland and New South Wales visit the Gold Coast for "schoolies" celebrations. This is Australia's version of spring break for recently graduated high school seniors. It might not be the ideal time for a visit if you're looking for a quieter experience. If you are looking for a mix of glamour, beach, and nature, then consider Queensland's Gold Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Okt 202357min

Hear about a Viking Ocean Bay of Bengal Cruise to 5 countries from Bangkok to Mumbai as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Elsa Dixon about this East Asia sampler cruise. https://amateurtraveler.com/bay-of-bengal-cruise/ The Viking Ocean Bay of Bengal Cruise travels to 5 different countries: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India. What Elsa loved about this cruise was experiencing diverse and exotic cultures, including music, food, temples, architecture, and ceremonies in the Bay of Bengal region. The cruise started in Bangkok, Thailand where Elsa and her travel companion did the typical city tour which included the Royal Palace, the Reclining Budha, and the Chao Phraya River. The cruise also offered more demanding walking tours, cooking classes, river cruises, and flower market tours. It also offered a full-day visit to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Viking, there is always at least one free shore excursion as well as some with additional costs. The cruise stopped again in Thailand on the Island of Koh Samui. The sightseeing tour visited Wat Phra Yai, the Smiling Buddha Temple. Or you can hang out on a beautiful tropical beach. In Singapore, Elsa explored different cultural neighborhoods like Little India, the Arab Quarter, and Chinatown. Her traveling companion did a walking tour that explored the Peranakan culture which is a mixture of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian cultures. In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Elsa was able to visit the colorful Batu Caves temple complex, the National Monument, the old British Railway Station, and the twin Petronas Towers. The cruise also stopped in George Town in Malaysia where shore excursions include more temples, trishaw tours, and a visit to the Orangutan Island. In Colombo, Sri Lanka, Elsa toured the old town, the Galle Fort, and attended a cultural evening at the Gallface Hotel where she watched the Sri Lanka dances. One of the other tours offered was a trip up to the high country to explore the tea culture. In India, the cruise stopped in both Goa and Mumbai. She enjoyed the Portuguese influences in Goa but really felt like she was in India while touring the crowded bustling city of Mumbai. In Mumbai, she toured the markets at the Gateway to India, Dhobi Ghat, the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, and the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. The cruise had a number of days at sea that were filled with talks and cultural presentations about the region. Elsa continued her trip with a land tour of the "Golden Triangle" Mumbai, Jaipur, and Agra. She visited historical sites, observed local customs, and marveled at architectural wonders like the Amber Fort (Jaipur) and the Taj Mahal (Agra). If you are looking for a cruise that allows you to sample some of the countries around the Bay of Bengal, Viking River offers luxurious adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Okt 202346min

Hear about things to do in Transylvania in Romania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ela Palmer from WhereNextNomad.com about this historic and beautiful place that has much more to offer than Dracula stories. https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-transylvania/ Ela starts this itinerary in Bucharest but immediately hops a train to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain town in the Bussegi Mountains. Sinaia is known for its stunning fall colors and is home to two magnificent castles from the Romanticism movement of the 1800s, Peles Castle and Pelesor Castle. You can explore these castles, enjoy the charming town, and visit the 17th-century Sinaia Monastery. After Sinaia, you can take a train to Brasov, a city in Transylvania that Ela fell in love with.  Brasov offers a variety of museums, and Ela suggests getting a ticket that allows access to 11 different museums in the area. Some notable museums include the Black Church, the Museum of Ethnography, the Museum of Urban Civilization, and more. The Black Church is known for its display of Turkish rugs donated by Saxon guilds in Brasov. Saxons were brought to the region to aid in the defense against the Ottoman Turks. Brasov serves as a convenient base for hiking in the surrounding mountains, with cable cars available for easy access to stunning viewpoints and rock formations. Poiana Brasov, a ski resort located about 20 minutes from Brasov, is recommended for both skiing and hiking. Ela mentions enjoying hikes between Tampa and Poiana Brasov. The best-known site in the area is Bran Castle. Ela does think this stunning castle is worth seeing. The castle is sometimes called Dracula's Castle but has little historical connection to Vlad Dracula who was an actual Transylvanian ruler. Ela advises against visiting during Halloween due to crowds. Sighișoara is a smaller city compared to Brasov. It is a complete Saxon citadel with medieval streets, towers, and museums. Ela recommends the the Mystical Transylvania Museum where you can learn more about the actual Vlad Dracula and decide for yourself if he is a hero or villain. The Carpathian Mountains and heavily forested Transylvania surrounding Brasov are home to one of the largest bear populations in Europe. Ela shares their experience of bear watching from a hide near Zărnești. Ela suggests continuing the journey to other places like Cluj or visiting the Turda Salt Mines. This region of Romania has become one of Ela's favorite places in Europe. See if you don't respond the same to the mountains, forests, castles, and picturesque cities of Transylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Okt 20231h 9min

Hear about travel to Finland as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Jayne Dear about a one-week itinerary to visit the best of Finland by train. https://amateurtraveler.com/touring-finland-by-train/ Why should you visit Finland? Jayne says, "Many reasons. One of the most notable is that it's the happiest country in the world. For the last six years, it's been declared the happiest country in the world on the World Happiness Report. It's a beautiful country. You probably will have seen more trees than you will have seen in your life." Jayne starts us in the capital of Helsinki. She recommends visiting:  Helsinki Central Station: A stunning Art Nouveau train station with a 48-meter-high clock tower. National Museum of Finland: This museum offers insights into Finland's history, including Viking relics, artifacts, and a Russian czar's throne. Market Square: Located by the harbor in Helsinki, it's a vibrant place to witness the local food scene, buy fresh produce, and try unique dishes like moose burgers and reindeer soup. Helsinki Cathedrals: There are two cathedrals to explore in Helsinki—the plain yet dramatic Lutheran Cathedral and the opulent Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, offering a contrasting religious experience. Suomenlinna Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic fortress on an island near Helsinki was built to deny the Russians access to the Baltic Sea. It's a fascinating place to explore, with military museums, a submarine, and a lighthouse church.  While you are in Helsinki Jayne recommends a side trip to Porvoo which is located an hour from Helsinki by bus, Porvoo is known for its traditional wooden buildings. It has an open-air museum, showcasing historic buildings, churches, schools, and farms, providing a glimpse into Finland's rural past. Take the train then to Tampere which Jayne calls the "Manchester of Finland" due to its industrial history. Visitors can explore old warehouses, textile factories turned into museums and unique architecture like the Art Nouveau Fire Station. The city is situated between two lakes, offering picturesque views. For the best views, hike the nearby esker, a gravel hill left by the last Ice Age. While in Tampere, Jayne and her husband also did a homestay where they were able to learn more about life in Finland. Located in Parola, south of Tampere, is the Parola Tank Museum which showcases a variety of tanks and military vehicles, offering insights into military history. Our next stop is Turku which was Finland's old capital. Turku boasts a medieval cathedral and a historic castle. The city's riverside features historic boats, making it an attractive destination for exploring maritime history. If you have extra time, head north to Rovaniemi which is located on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is famous for being the "home" of Santa Claus. Visitors can partake in activities like dog sledding and witness the Northern Lights during the winter months. Whether you want to explore the coffee culture, the Finnish love of board games, the extensive forests, or the Wife Carrying World Championships, Finland is worth a visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Sep 20231h