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 Central China as the Amateur Traveler talks to Larry Fan, who was born in the city of Zhengzhou and recently returned to explore his birth country.
Why should you go to Central China?
Larry says, ”
“I think it’s particularly special because it’s considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. Xi’an was the first imperial capital of China. Zhengzhou also happened to be one of the first capitals of the Shang dynasty. Kaifeng and Luoyang, which are two other cities I’ll talk about, had also served as capitals of China during various times. It’s a very influential area for Chinese civilization and often not as much talked about versus places like Beijing, Shanghai. Etc. ”
Larry recommends a 7-10 day itinerary for visiting central China, covering historical and cultural highlights in Henan Province and Xi’an. Here’s the detailed breakdown of his suggested itinerary:
Days 1-2: Zhengzhou (Capital of Henan Province)
Day 1: Zhengzhou City Tour
Henan Museum
Spend 2-3 hours learning about the region’s history from the Shang to Tang dynasties.
Guancheng Muslim District
Visit the Beidajie Mosque (North Big Mosque), a Yuan dynasty mosque with Chinese architectural influences.
Try local food like Xi’an torn bread with lamb soup (羊肉泡饃).
Shang Dynasty Relic Park
Explore ruins of the Shang Dynasty’s capital, including city walls over 3,000 years old.
People’s Park
Relax in the park and experience local activities like dancing and exercise.
Erqi Memorial Tower (Feb 7th Square)
Learn about the area’s historical ties to railroad workers and admire the twin tower.
Zhengdong New Area (CBD)
Visit the modern Central Business District featuring the iconic Corncob Building.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-china/
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57:16
AT#922 - Travel to the 'Stans of Central Asia
Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know why people aren't talking about it more. I don't know why people aren't coming here more often.' It has something for everyone. It's really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit."
Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city:
Wander the streets and parks.
Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church).
Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House.
Try Georgian food, available throughout the city.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-stans/
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59:39
MT#4 - Airlines Points and Miles
This episode features Tiffany Funk from Point.me, a tool that helps travelers maximize airline points for flights. Host Chris Christensen and Tiffany discuss how to earn, manage, and use airline points effectively. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Overview of Points and Miles
Why Points Matter: Airline loyalty programs incentivize consumers and fill unsold seats. Points programs are massive profit centers for airlines, often tied to credit card partnerships.
Who Can Benefit: Anyone can take advantage of airline points, even non-frequent flyers or children, using strategies like shopping portals or team promotions (e.g., Delta rewards for Seahawks touchdowns).
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/airlines-points-and-miles/
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56:10
AT#921 - Travel to Lyon, France
Why should you go to Lyon?
Audra says, "It's a magical town. It is a little bit like Paris in the fact that it has, in fact, two rivers, so maybe a little bit better than Paris, two rivers running through it, a beautiful church on a hill, beautiful French architecture, wonderful museums, wonderful cathedrals, and it's also known as the Culinary Capital of France."
Audra's 7-day itinerary for visiting Lyon, France, is as follows:
Day 1: Fourvière Hill and Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière:
Start at this iconic hilltop basilica, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and panoramic views of Lyon.
Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided or night tour (available in specific months).
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-lyon-france/
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1:07:17
AT#821 - Travel to Bolivia (Repeat)
Hear about an itinerary for travel to Bolivia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jayne Dear from The Only Way is Not Essex about her recent trip to this landlocked South American country.
Jayne says, you “should go to Bolivia because it’s a very diverse country. It has the largest salt flats in the world. Uyuni, which I visited, and I did that on a three-day tour. Also, go because it’s a great way of having a budget trip to the Amazon. It’s a very diverse country. I think it’s the 27th largest country in the world. There’s a dry forest as well as the rainforest.”
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/bolivia-itinerary/
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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".
Colombia