Since 2005, Amateur Traveler has been talking about different destinations every week. It covers destinations all over the world with an emphasis on culturally ...
In this episode, Johnny Jet shares his deeply personal story of overcoming a debilitating fear of flying before becoming a travel expert.
A dream trip to Australia in high school was derailed when, at the airport, he had a panic attack and refused to board the plane, devastating his family and himself. He spent the next three years struggling with anxiety and fear—not just of flying, but even of leaving home.
Learn what triggered this and how Johnny dealt with it.
Johnny created a travel newsletter and website in 1995 that he has been publishing ever since.
✅ Tips for Overcoming Fear of Flying
Visualize flying—even simulate it at home.
Speak with pilots or flight attendants to understand the safety and mechanics of flight.
Start small—book shorter flights on larger planes for a smoother experience.
Break up long-haul trips with stopovers (e.g., Hawaii or Fiji en route to Australia).
Distract yourself with music, reading, or a hobby during takeoff.
Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can worsen anxiety and behavior.
Consider fear of flying courses, including airline programs with simulators and pilots.
Practice gratitude and perspective—remember that flying opens the world.
https://amateurtraveler.com/fear-of-flying/
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36:29
AT#939 - Travel to Germany’s Black Forest
Hear about travel to Germany’s Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt) about his visit to the hills and woods of southwest Germany.
Why should you go to the Black Forest?
Matt says, "You'll find incredible hiking, lots of lakes, waterfalls, and cute little quintessential German towns with beautiful architecture. There are also a lot of hot springs around the Baden Baden area. Plus, there's just great food and I just really loved the welcoming vibe of the people."
Matt’s Suggested Black Forest Itinerary:
Day 1–2: Heidelberg
Why go: It is a historic university town with vibrant nightlife, a beautiful old town, castle ruins, and great food.
Highlights:
Heidelberg Castle (ruins)
Perimeter hiking trails and viewpoints
Heidelberg Student Jail (Mark Twain visited!)
Contemporary art museum
Nightlife: comedy shows and lively bars
Tip: Hike up from the city center for great views; look for printed maps with trail info.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-germanys-black-forest/
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45:06
AT#938 - Travel to the Basque Country in France and Spain
Hear about travel to the Basque Country in France and Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig Anderson about his recent trip to the home of the Basque.
Why should someone go to the Basque Country?
"It's a very unique region so it's got some unique architecture, it's got unique history. The culture is unique and fairly compact, so you can get around and explore the whole thing in a week. There's obviously other things that you can go see if you wanted to spend a little more time."
Craig's 7-day Basque Country itinerary (France & Spain) includes a mix of historic towns, stunning coastal landscapes, cultural experiences, and exceptional food and wine. Here’s the breakdown:
Day 1: Bayonne (France)
Arrive in Bayonne, the cultural and historical heart of the French Basque Country.
Explore the Old Town, bridges, plazas, and Bayonne Cathedral.
Visit the Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne to learn about Basque culture.
Sample Bayonne chocolate and Bayonne ham, along with local cheeses and cherry tarts.
Walk along the city's ramparts.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-basque-country-in-france-and-spain/
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56:58
AT#937 - Travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy
Hear about travel to Genoa and Liguria in Italy as the Amateur Traveler talks to Enrica, Ligurian food expert from ASmallKitcheninGenoa.com about her home region in Italy.
Why should you travel to Liguria?
Enrica says, "Liguria is a wonderful region, not just because this is my region, but there are many reasons for traveling here. First of all, for its spectacular scenery. We have a mix of mountains and sea with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and trails. But we also have other fantastic landscapes like the well-known dry and stone walls, so-called Muretti a Secco, which are awarded as a patrimony of UNESCO for their beauty and importance, and of course the world-famous colorful fisherman village facades. Then we have a wonderful veggie-oriented cuisine."
Enrica recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Genoa and Liguria in Italy, focusing on authentic experiences beyond Cinque Terre. Here’s her suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Genoa & First Impressions
Arrive in Genoa via the airport or train from Milan.
Stay in a central hotel (preferably outside the old town for safety at night).
Start at Spianata Castelletto, a panoramic terrace accessible by public elevator, for a breathtaking view of Genoa.
Walk through Caruggi (narrow medieval alleys) and explore historical shops (Botteghe Storiche).
Consider taking a food tour with Enrica to taste pesto, farinata, focaccia, and candied fruit.
Evening in Boccadasse, a small fishing village within Genoa, ideal for aperitivo or dinner.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-liguria/
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1:09:46
AT#936 - Travel to Duluth, Minnesota
Hear about travel to Duluth, Minnesota as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel photographer Autumn Carolynn about this city on Lake Superior that has captured her heart.
Why should you go to Duluth?
Autumn says, "There are so many reasons why Duluth to me is a place that someone can go and feel like they are at home, I feel like it is just so unbelievably beautiful, but it's also a place where you feel at peace and you feel calm. So it is one of the top places in my mind. I had this goal to go to 30 countries before I turned 30 and out of all the places that I've been to, Duluth is still my number one, which some people think is weird, but to me it just is."
Summer Itinerary (Warm-Weather Activities & Scenic North Shore Drive)
This itinerary focuses on outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Start in Duluth:
Visit the Aerial Lift Bridge (watch ships pass under it, listen for the Captain’s Salute).
Walk around Canal Park, shop at Duluth Pack, and eat at Grandma’s Saloon (wild rice burger & chicken wild rice soup).
Stop by Canal Park Brewing Company (try "Loon Juice" cider).
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-duluth-minnesota/
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Since 2005, Amateur Traveler has been talking about different destinations every week. It covers destinations all over the world with an emphasis on culturally rich travel. Learn more about your world. Amateur Traveler won its creator, Chris Christensen, a Travel+Leisure award as the "best independent travel journalist" and entry into the "Podcast Hall of Fame."
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