Since 2005 Amateur Traveler has been talking about a different destination every week. It covers destinations all of the world with an emphasis on culturally ri...
Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probably a fifth-grade student, it was just one of those iconic historical places that I remember from my childhood. Always saying, 'I'm going to go there someday.'"
Michael recommends a carefully planned itinerary for visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas, focusing on acclimatization, cultural immersion, and maximizing the experience. Here's the itinerary he outlines:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima (Miraflores District)
Objective : Relax after the flight and ease into the trip.
Stay : Miraflores, a safe and upscale district with excellent dining options and boutique hotels.
Activities :
Explore the Malecón (a scenic coastal walkway).
Visit nearby Barranco for its artsy vibe and street art.
Have dinner at Isolina , a restaurant known for authentic Peruvian food.
Tip : Avoid visiting downtown Lima unless you have extra time, as the Spanish colonial architecture is similar to what you'll see in Cusco.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/ travel-to-machu-picchu /
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1:14:38
AT#927 - Travel to Paraguay
Hear about travel to Paraguay as the Amateur Traveler talks to Alex from AdventureToEveryCountry.com about this lesser-visited country that he has come to love.
Why should you visit Paraguay?
Alex says, "So Paraguay is more about the culture than anything else. It's not a country that you come to for bucket list tourist attractions. That's something where you might go to neighboring Brazil for Rio or Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina. Paraguay is much more low-key. It's more about authentic culture, getting to know the locals, and getting off the tourist trail."
Alex recommends several attractions and experiences for visitors to Paraguay, focusing on its unique cultural, historical, and natural offerings:
Asunción (Capital City)
Palacio de los López: The President's Palace, an iconic colonial-style building.
Pantheon of Heroes: A mausoleum and site of national pride where past heroes are honored.
Casa de la Independencia: A free museum showcasing Paraguay's peaceful independence history.
Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera: A cultural center highlighting traditional Paraguayan music and arts.
Costanera: A riverside promenade with views of the Paraguay River and the city.
Paulista Grill: A Brazilian-style steakhouse serving exceptional meat and a variety of other dishes.
Negroni Sky Bar: An upmarket bar offering panoramic views of the Paraguay River.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-paraguay/
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1:03:35
AT#926 - Travel to Menorca, Spain
Hear about travel to Menorca, Spain, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kristin Henning from travelpast50.com about her visit to the northernmost of the Balearic Islands.
Why should you visit Menorca?
Kristin says, "In a nutshell, it is so appealing because the entire island of Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is just stunning, nature wall to wall. It's just a small, relaxed island. It's one-fifth the size of Mallorca, with only one-tenth the population. So it's very easy to relax and enjoy the outdoors and all that this very historic small island has to offer."
Kristin recommends several activities and experiences for a visit to Menorca, Spain, emphasizing its natural beauty, historical significance, and relaxed atmosphere. Here’s a summary of her recommendations:
1. Explore the Camí de Cavalls Hiking Trail
A historic circular trail around Menorca, divided into 20 segments.
Ideal for hiking or biking, with options for day trips or multi-day treks.
Hotels can assist with luggage transport and pickups/drop-offs.
Wear sturdy boots and consider trekking poles for the rocky terrain.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-menorca-spain/
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52:05
AT#925 - Travel to Ushuaia, Argentina
Hear about travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Naomi Linford from "Forever Out Of Office" about her winter trip to the southernmost city in the world.
Why should you go to Ushuaia?
Naomi says, "I think it has the kind of status as one of those places that you go to, to say you've been to the most southern city in the world. But there's just so much more to see: glaciers, national parks, and a lot of history. The area has to offer that you can explore by spending a bit more time there. It's where the tail of the Andes meets the open ocean, and you get that final frontier feeling."
Naomi recommends a one-week itinerary for Ushuaia, Argentina, encompassing a variety of activities and dining experiences. Here's a summary of her suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Cruise the Beagle Channel
Activity: Embark on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel to observe sea lions and, during the summer months, penguins.
Recommended Operator: Patagonia Explorer.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-ushuaia-argentina/
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50:57
MT#5 - Hiking in Europe
Hear about Hiking in Europe as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer Cassandra Overby from exploreonfoot.com about how and why to see Europe from its trails and paths.
The podcast episode features Cassandra Overby, a travel writer and author of Home Base Hiking Europe and Explore Europe on Foot, discussing hiking as a unique way to explore Europe. Below is a summary of the episode's key highlights:
Cassandra’s Journey to Hiking-Based Travel
Cassandra transitioned to hiking-based travel after becoming disillusioned with typical tourist experiences, which felt too globalized and disconnected from local cultures.
She discovered that hiking offered a more meaningful and immersive way to travel, leading her to explore Europe on foot.
Key Differences Between Hiking in Europe vs. the U.S.
European hiking is highly accessible and civilized, with amenities like mountain huts and small villages offering beds and meals.
Trails in Europe are well-connected to public transport, unlike U.S. hikes that often require driving to remote areas.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/hiking-in-europe/
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Since 2005 Amateur Traveler has been talking about a different destination every week. It covers destinations all of 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".