Hear about travel to Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta) as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sam Sarkar from Travels with Dr. Sam about this city built by the British East India Company.
Why should you go to Kolkata?
Sam says, "It's a real hidden secret. This is a city that has grand colonial buildings. It used to be the second city of the British Empire for the longest time. The first US consulate in the world was set up in Kolkata even before Thomas Jefferson was president in the late 17 hundreds. It's a city that has produced six Nobel laureates. There's a lot of art and culture festivals, and outstanding food. So I think there's a lot to see."
What Dr. Sam Recommends in Kolkata:
1. Start with European Heritage & Colonial Architecture
Walking Tour with Calcutta Walks — Sam's top recommendation for understanding Kolkata's colonial history and European architecture.
Highlights include:
Victoria Memorial — "British Taj Mahal," the most spectacular building in Kolkata.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. John’s Church, Kolkata (oldest Anglican church)
High Court Building
Writers’ Building
General Post Office, Kolkata
Governor’s House
The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata (oldest continuously operating hotel in Asia — Mark Twain stayed there)
TIP: Go on a Sunday or during off-hours for less crowd. Buildings are beautifully lit at night.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kolkata-india/
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1:01:38
AT#940 - Travel to Cuba
Hear about travel to Cuba as the Amateur Traveler talks to 3 listeners of the show who joined this year’s trip to explore this beautiful and sometimes challenging country.
Here’s a summary of the 2025 Amateur Traveler's Private Hola Cuba itinerary:
Trip Overview
Trip Name: Amateur Traveler's Private Hola Cuba
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Start & End Location: Havana, Cuba
Group Size: 17 travelers
Travel Style: Comfortable, immersive, support-for-the-Cuban-people focused
Accommodation: Locally-owned guesthouses
Meals Included:
8 breakfasts
6 lunches
7 dinners
Transport: Private transport throughout
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Havana
Complimentary airport transfer.
Evening welcome meeting and dinner at a local paladar (private restaurant).
Day 2 – Havana Exploration
Morning Afro-Cuban religion tour.
Classic American vintage car tour of outer Havana.
Walking tour of Old Havana (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-cuba/
blog post: https://amateurtraveler.com/intrepid-hola-cuba/
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51:07
MT7 - Fear of Flying with Johnny Jet
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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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."
Colombia