Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

The Amateur Traveler talks to Douglas Duckett about his travels to Israel and his popular travel guide to Israel. Douglas has fallen in love not just with the "holy land" but with the modern nation of Israel. We address the issue of "is it safe to travel to Israel" at this time when Israel is at war with the Palestinians in Gaza. He takes us on a virtual trip from the beaches and night life of Tel Aviv, through the working city of Haifa with the beautiful Baha'i gardens and the informative museum about the modern jewish immigration. We stop at Lake Kinneret (also known as The Sea of Galilee, also Sea of Genneseret, or Lake Tiberias) at the town of Tiberius. We make a detour to the historic site of Gamla the "Masada of the North" before turning our face toward Jerusalem. On the way to Jerusalem we stop at Megiddo (Armageddon in the bible) and the roman ruins at Beit-Shean. In Jerusalem we talk about the overwhelming religious and historic significance of the city and how some people come down with " Jerusalem syndrome". We suggest a walking tour of the city, a tour of the Mount of Olives, the holocaust memorial and the Israel museum. We also talk about the work the Jerusalem YMCA is doing to promote peace with their peace preschool that teaches Jewish and Palestinian children together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Eden (an ambassador for Macallan Whiskey) about his home country of Scotland. Eden lays out a tour for Amateur Traveler listeners that starts in Edinburgh with its castle, royal mile and pubs and continues up to Saint Andrews (the home of golf) and the castles of Perthshire. We make sure to stop on the Whiskey trail of Speyside before continuing to the rugged countryside of the highlands. We also talk about special events, famous scotsmen and hagis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Margot about Acadia National Park in Maine. Margot has been going to Acadia since she was a little girl to hike, bike, kayak, and connect with the beauty of this beautiful area. She talks about the sights, the seafood, the Maine people and why you should not go blueberry picking with her grandfather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Tadzio about his trip to Zanzibar in Tanzania, off the east coast of Africa. Tadzio worked as a ranger on Chumbe then toured Stonetown, the northern beaches, the Jozani forest, and Pemba. Hear about the food, the people, the snorkeling, the swimming, the beaches and the history of this tropical island paradise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Zora O'Neil who is one of the co-authors of the Rough Guide in the Yucatan guide book. Zora talks about this very beautiful, very tropical and very isolated part of Mexico. Learn about the beach communities (Riviera Maya - Cancun, Talum, Playa del Carmen; Costa Maya - Majahual, Xcalak; Isla Holbox), getting around, the food (Xni Pec, Achiote), the colonial cities (Merida) and the Mayan ruins (the Ruta Puc, Uxmal, Calakmul). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shel Holtz, a communications pro and podcaster, shares his enchanting journey through Slovenia, revealing its hidden gems. He highlights the stunning beauty of Lake Bled and its famous Kremsnita cake. Shel describes the impressive Postojna Cave and the medieval Predjama Castle, while praising Slovenia's delicious local wines and vibrant culinary scene. He discusses the warm hospitality of the Slovenians, the charm of Ljubljana, and the unique experience of slow Sunday meals filled with local flavors. Slovenia, he concludes, is truly an undiscovered delight.

The Amateur Traveler talks to Shawn about his trip to Transylvania in Romania. We talk, of course, about Vlad III the Impaler (Dracula) but also about the green rolling hills, walled towns, castles and people of this beautiful country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler compares two very different cruise options, a Royal Caribbean cruise with formal nights and midnight buffets and the Windjammer Barefoot Cruise. Which cruising option is right for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler goes to St Georges on the island of Bermuda. This World Heritage town is the 5th oldest European settlement in the new world and the home of the oldest English speaking church. This visit was part of a cruise to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Amateur Traveler talks to Deanna about cruising to Alaska aboard a small boat from Cruise West In a nights ashore / days at sea program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices