Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast

Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast

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".

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;} AT#888 - Train from Brisbane to Adelaide

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;} at#887 - travel to kyushu japan, at#886 - travel to northern tasmania, at#885 - travel to poland (warsaw, krakow and poznan), at#884 - dublin to cork road trip in southeastern ireland, at#883 - germany road trip to 9 unesco cities, at#784 - travel to zaragoza, spain (repeat), at#882 - travel to the island of malta, at#881 - travel to croatia's istrian peninsula, at#880 - travel to tokyo japan, at#879 - travel to the exumas, bahamas, at#781 - travel to gujarat, india (repeat), at#878 - driving the selkirk loop (idaho, british columbia, washington), at#877 - travel to the island of hokkaido in japan, at#876 - travel to long island, new york, at#875 - travel to sonoma county, california, at#874 - travel to uluru and central australia, at#873 - travel to papua new guinea, at#718 - travel to malta (repeat), at#872 - travel to the charente region of france, popular podcasts.

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Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast

Chris Christensen

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USCT 002: From The Amateur Traveler Podcast – Meet Chris Christensen

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He has released nearly 400 episodes of The Ameteur Traveler Podcast since it was first launched back in 2005. It has been featured in National Geographic, Men’s Journal, The Chicago Sun Times, and Best Life Magazine. He has run online communities for companies like Marriott, American Express, eBay, HBO, the NBA, Kraft, Campbells, Kimberly Clark, A&E, and QVC. He is also a co-host of This Week In Travel , along with Jen Leo and Gary Arndt .

More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: 

  • How Chris likes living in Silicon Valley and another place that he would consider living.
  • What it was like for Chris to work as the Director of Engineering at Trip Advisor . Also learn about his new dream job!
  • A celebrity who Chris would like as a travel companion!
  • What it was like for Chris to do business and meet with Bill Gates !
  • His favorite travel book.
  • His favorite city to photograph.
  • Helpful photography tips. Learn why you should think like a movie director! Also learn how not to look like a target when traveling with an expensive camera.
  • Tips for first time Europe visitors.
  • Where Chris would go if he had an unlimited travel budget for one week.
  • And so much more!

Pictured above is an image of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Courtesy of Chris).

  • Eye-Fi   allows you to get WiFi access on your camera without having to buy a new camera. Instatantly send your photos to a different device.
  • Chris manages to keep up with  70  podcasts (at one time it was over 100!!) each week! I later asked him how he finds the time and he says he multi-tasks and listens at three times the regular speed.
  • Bill Bryson’s  In a Sunburned Country .
  • Chris is currently using the  Canon EOS Rebel T1i .
  • Venice,   Istanbul, South Africa, Mumbai, Delhi

The Video Version

Chris was incredibly gracious with sharing his knowledge with us! Thank you, Chris, for your advice! If you have a few seconds, click on the link below to give a shout out to Chris on Twitter!

Click here to thank Chris on Twitter!

Leave Me a Voicemail!

Every once and a while, I’ll be recording podcast episodes that are completely made up of questions asked by you, so if you have any questions you’d like potentially answered on the show, simply record a voicemail here .

Help Out the Show

And lastly, if you haven’t done so already I would love if you took a minute to leave a quick rating and review of the podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below! It would be extremely helpful for the show. Thank you in advance!

  • Leave a review for the podcast!

For those that prefer to read a written version of the podcast (along with some of Chris’s best photographs!), that can be found here .

Other Interviews

I have also done interviews with Melvin Broecher from Travel Dudes ,  Ricky Brigante from InsideTheMagic.net  and Robert Niles from ThemeParkInsider.com, author of Stories From A Theme Park Insider , if you would like to check those out as well. Those interested in entrepreneurship may want to check out my interview with Cameron Johnson, author of  You Call The Shots .

Pictured above is an image of the gondolas in Venice (Courtesy of Chris).

Thank you for listening! I hope you enjoyed this episode of the US City Traveler Podcast. Check us out for more of the best cities to travel in the USA. Please let us know what you think in the comment section below. Cheers!

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897 episodes

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".

Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast Chris Christensen

  • Society & Culture
  • 4.4 • 57 Ratings
  • 16 MAR 2024

Train from Brisbane to Adelaide

Hear about travel by Train from Brisbane to Adelaide as the Amateur Traveler talks to Pamela and Gary Baker about the Great Southern and the other train trips from Journey Beyond. https://amateurtraveler.com/train-from-brisbane-to-adelaide/ The Great Southern is one of three iconic train rides in Australia offered by Journey Beyond. It travels from Brisbane to Adelaide or vice versa, offering a scenic journey along the southeast coast. The train ride provides a luxurious experience with well-attended staff, excellent food, and curated off-train excursions. Each cabin comes with an ensuite bathroom and fold-down beds, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. The train stops at various destinations along the route, allowing passengers to explore different parts of the country. Excursions include visits to places like Coffs Harbor, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, and more. Passengers have the option to choose from a variety of activities such as wine tasting, dolphin watching, exploring historical sites, and enjoying local cuisine. The Great Southern offers a unique opportunity to see the beauty of Australia's east coast in a relaxed and luxurious setting. With stunning scenery, engaging off-train excursions, and excellent service, it's a memorable way to experience the country's diverse landscapes and culture. ...

Travel to Kyushu Japan

Hear about a 7-day itinerary for the island of Kyushu, Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Adeline Kuroki, the owner of Saver and Soak travel company about her adopted home in southern Japan. https://amateurtraveler.com/kyushu-itinerary-7-days/ Why should you go to Kyushu? Adeline says, "I think there's so many things to do there. Also, it's a great way to get off the beaten path away from a lot of other tourists. Japan. For good reason, it's definitely very popular. It's easy to fly into Tokyo and so many people want to go and visit Kyoto, Osaka, and a lot of those really popular areas that are really starting to suffer from a lot of overtourism. There's so many beautiful places that you can go to in other parts of Japan that are just as beautiful and a lot more off the beaten path. And in a lot of ways, I think it's a lot more welcoming to visitors because there are a lot fewer visitors." Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka Arrive in Fukuoka, either by bullet train or flight. Explore Yusentei Park and enjoy a traditional bowl of matcha tea at the tea house. Wander through Nishijin Shotengai, a pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and restaurants. Sample local dishes such as Tonkotsu ramen and fresh seafood, including the famous twitching squid. Connect with English speakers at the Cheers Bar Overnight in Fukuoka. ...

AT#886 - Travel to Northern Tasmania

Hear about travel to Northern Tasmania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Paula Barnes from trulyexpattravel.com about an unexpected visit to this popular region. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-tasmania/ Why should you go to Northern Tasmania? Paula says, "Firstly, it's because it's now classed as 1 of the 50 cities that is the City of Gastronomy. Australia has 2. We have 1 in Bendigo but we also now have 1 in Launceston and it's a foodie's paradise. It's also an amazing landscape and it's an adventure area. I thought this part of the world had Queenstown in New Zealand, but I'm telling you now, I think Queenstown needs to move over because I think this part of the world has as many amazing adventure things to do. We don't have bungee jumping, but we have everything else." Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Launceston Exploration and Culinary Delights Morning: Arrive in Launceston by flying from Hobart, driving from Hobart, or driving from Devonport and taking the ferry. Start your day at the Launceston Harvest Market to indulge in local produce and culinary delights. If it's not a Saturday, explore the cafes in Launceston, such as Tattler Lane by Sweet Brew, known for its excellent coffee and breakfast offerings. Midday: Visit the Japanese monkeys in the park, a unique attraction gifted by Launceston's sister city, Aikido, in Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and explore its historical significance. Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing artifacts and stories of the region's past. Evening: Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Bar Urbane, overlooking the scenic Tamar River, followed by a delightful Asian fusion dinner at Mudbar, known for its seafood and eclectic flavors. Accommodation: Choose between Big 4 Caravan Park for a budget-friendly option with self-catering facilities or Pepper's Seaport Hotel or Florance Launceston for a more luxurious stay with convenient car parking. ...

  • 24 FEB 2024

AT#885 - Travel to Poland (Warsaw, Krakow and Poznan)

Hear about travel to Poland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sharon Kurtz from sharonkkurtz.com about her recent trip exploring the culture and food of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan. show notes - https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-poland-warsaw-krakow-and-poznan Sharon says, "It is a beautiful country. It's a blend of history that goes back to the tenth century. And then it has sad history, World War II, and then they were occupied by the Soviets and got their independence in 1989. And some people seem to have this feeling that they're gray and it's sad and dark, and nothing could be further from the truth.  It's vibrant and it's really an exciting place to go in Central Europe." Here's a recommended itinerary for visiting Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan in Poland: Day 1-3: Warsaw • Start your trip in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. • Explore the reconstructed Old Town Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the resilience of the Polish people after World War II. • Visit the Old Town Square fountain with the mermaid sculpture, symbolizing strength and protection. • Explore the Chopin Museum and enjoy a classical concert in Łazienki Park. • Dive into Warsaw's history with visits to the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. • Enjoy the vibrant modern cityscape, including skyscrapers and bustling city life. Accommodation in Warsaw: Consider staying at Hotel Verte, a Marriott property with a rich history, a palace reconstructed after World War II. Day 4-6: Krakow • Take a 2-hour train ride to Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland. • Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, filled with well-preserved medieval architecture. • Explore Kazimierz's historic Jewish quarter, known for its synagogues, cemeteries, and vibrant atmosphere. • Visit Saint Mary's Basilica and experience the haunting trumpet call played from its tower. • Discover the majestic Wawel Castle and its Gothic cathedral. • Delve into Krakow's poignant history with a visit to Schindler's Factory and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. • Consider a one-day Auschwitz and Krakow Salt Mines tour. Accommodation in Krakow: Consider staying in centrally located accommodations to explore the city's attractions easily. Day 7-9: Poznan • Travel to Poznan, the oldest city in Poland, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. • Explore the colorful Old Town Square and witness the daily spectacle of mechanical billy goats butting heads at noon. • Visit Cathedral Island to see the oldest church in Poland and the graves of early rulers. • Experience the interactive Enigma Museum, showcasing Poland's contributions to World War II code-breaking efforts. • Indulge in Poznan's culinary delights, including the famous Saint Martin's croissant with its unique legend. • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Poznan's nightlife and cultural offerings. Accommodation in Poznan: Choose accommodations near the Old Town Square to immerse yourself in the city's historic charm.

  • 17 FEB 2024

Dublin to Cork Road Trip in Southeastern Ireland

Hear about a week-long road trip from Dublin to Cork through southeastern Ireland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Amber Hagerty from AmberEverywhere.com about this out-of-the-way corner of Ireland. https://amateurtraveler.com/dublin-to-cork-road-trip-in-southeastern-ireland/ Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city. Visit Bar 1661 for the best Irish coffee and Trinity College to admire the campus. Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Murphy's on Wicklow Street in Temple Bar. Evening: Rent a car and drive south to Bray. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, have dinner at a local restaurant like Daata, and consider doing the cliff walk to Greystones for breathtaking views. Day 2: Exploring Wicklow Morning: Visit Enniskerry, a charming town with a picturesque setting used to film "Disenchanted". Midday: Explore Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and themed gardens. Afternoon: Drive to Glendalough and embark on the Spinc Trail for a scenic hike with panoramic views. Evening: Consider staying overnight in Glendalough, perhaps trying out glamping for a unique experience. Day 3: Road Trip to Wexford Morning: Drive through the Wicklow Gap for breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains. Midday: Make a stop in Wicklow Town to visit the historic jail and explore the seaside harbor. Afternoon: Enjoy brunch at LoCo Grocer in Arklow and relax on Brittas Bay Beach. Evening: Arrive in Wexford City and consider attending a performance at the National Opera House. Day 4: Salty Islands and Waterford Morning: Take a ferry to the Salty Islands (book far in advance) for a unique birdwatching experience, especially to see puffins. Midday: Return to Kilmore Quay and indulge in a sauna experience at Salty Sauna. Afternoon: Drive to Waterford City and visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a tour and souvenir shopping. Evening: Dine at a local restaurant like the Seagull Bakery for delicious sourdough bread and pastries. Day 5: Exploring Tramore Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the charming seaside town of Tramore. Enjoy the picturesque hilly streets and take in the coastal atmosphere. Mid-morning: Head down to the seafront and take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, perfect for families with kids. Explore the expansive sandy beach, keeping in mind that it may be covered by the tide at certain times. Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Gardens dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish travel writer with a fascinating connection to Tramore. Learn about his life and legacy while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens. Late Afternoon/Evening: Spend the rest of the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town. Day 6: Outdoor Adventures in Waterford Morning: Embark on the Waterford Greenway, a scenic route along a converted train line. Choose to walk or cycle along this picturesque path, taking in views of aqueducts, lush greenery, and charming tunnels. Afternoon: Explore the stunning hike to Coumshingaun Lough. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs, but exercise caution if the weather is foggy. Opt for the shorter hike to the lake if visibility is poor. Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Tramore or continue exploring the Waterford area at your leisure. Consider dining at a local restaurant or relaxing at your accommodation after a day of outdoor adventures. Day 7: Discovering the Copper Coast Morning: Drive along the scenic Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark known for its geological and cultural significance. Stop at Bunmahon Beach to enjoy the sandy shores and explore the dunes. Midday: Continue southward to discover the secluded Tra na mBó Beach, hidden among the cliffs. Spend some peaceful moments soaking in the natural beauty of this hidden gem. Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Dungarvan, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious churros. Consider starting your jo

  • 10 FEB 2024

Germany Road Trip to 9 UNESCO Cities

Hear about a German road trip to 9 UNESCO Cities as the Amateur Traveler talks to Renee Hannes from dreamplanexperience.com about her exploration of the land of her ancestors. https://amateurtraveler.com/germany-road-trip-to-9-unesco-cities/ Renee says, "I just returned from living in Berlin for 3 months. So had an opportunity to make a little bit of a longer trip and was there with my husband and dog and lived in Berlin and I had a good chance to be able to see the city and lots of other places around it. I had this long list of places on my to-do list. I think like most travelers, I become very quickly overwhelmed with how many places I wanted to see. So I thought why not think about what are those places that are worthy of a visit?" "That's where I came upon thinking about it from a UNESCO perspective and UNESCO sites are always worthy places to visit special places to visit in terms of the history and the moments in history that they help create and shape the architecture that usually is pretty spectacular to be able to see from, nature and the landscapes that we want to protect and then also it gives us really good insights into the culture. So after I had that long list, I went back and thought, what is close to Berlin? And that's how I was able to stumble on these 9 destinations." City 1: Berlin UNESCO Site: Museum Island: Spend the first day exploring Museum Island, home to five world-class museums. Delve into history, art, and archaeology at the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum (when it reopens). City 2: Potsdam (Day Trip from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Sans Souci Palace and Park: Explore the stunning Sans Souci Palace, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and other palaces. Optional Activities: Visit the Dutch Quarter and the historic center of Potsdam. City 3: Wittenberg (Short Train Ride from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Martin Luther's 95 Theses Site: Visit the place where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, sparking the Protestant Reformation. City Exploration: Wander through the charming streets of Wittenberg's Old Town. If possible, visit the city in June for the Luther Wedding celebration. City 4: Quedlinburg UNESCO Site: Old Town with Half-Timbered Houses: Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Quedlinburg's Old Town, characterized by over 1300 half-timbered houses. Activities: Climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the town from the castle. Explore the Quedlinburg Cathedral and the Culture Church. Visit museums showcasing the town's history and heritage. City 5: Goslar (Day Trip from Quedlinburg) UNESCO Sites: Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz): Discover the grandeur of the Imperial Palace overlooking Goslar. Optional Activities: Take a guided tour of the Rammelsberg mine, gaining insights into a thousand years of mining history. Explore the old town with its half-timbered houses and churches. Take a ride on a train through the Harz Mountains on the Harz Railway. City 6: Hamburg Highlights: Warehouse District (Speicherstadt): Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, Hamburg's historic warehouse district. Marvel at the red brick buildings lining the canals, reminiscent of the city's trading past. Hamburg City Center: Stroll through the city center, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and visit landmarks like St. Michael's Church and the Rathaus (City Hall). City 7: Lubeck (Day Trip from Hamburg) UNESCO Site: Holstentor Gate: Visit the iconic Holstentor Gate, the entrance to Lubeck's Old Town, representing the city's historical significance as a trading hub. Exploring Beyond Main Streets: Wander off the main streets to discover elegant homes reflecting the wealth of medieval merchants. Explore St. Mary's Church and other architectural gems. Marzipan Delights: Visit the Niederegger marzipan shop to indulge in

  • © copyright by Chris Christensen 2023

Customer Reviews

Thanks for having me.

Loved bring interviewed by Chris on the show and love listening. So many great episodes 😊

The Best Travel Podcast!

Amateur Traveller is the best travel podcast! I spend most of my time travelling and that involves lots of research on the places I am visiting. I use Amateur Traveller’s excellent location based podcasts as part of my trip planning and I find that they greatly enhance my itinerary. Chris Christensen is an excellent host who is very engaging and thought provoking. He does his research about a location before the interview so that he can ask an eclectic mix of questions about the history, geography, culture, main attractions etc of a location. His guests have a great depth of knowledge about the places they are talking about. I enjoy listening to every guest, particularly when I am on a long bus journey! I highly recommend this podcast!

Great concept but…

I love the idea of the show and the content is interesting as I love learning about new places, but the host makes it hard to listen to as he isn’t a great conversationalist and quite dull. No charisma between him and the guests so it’s a tough listen

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The Amateur Traveler

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About the Podcast

The Amateur Traveler podcast focuses primarily on travel destinations and the best places to travel. It covers everything from knowing what to put on your Chicago dog when you go to the Windy City to swimming with whales in Tonga. Episodes dive into destinations from across the globe, including North America, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The show usually features an interview with a destination expert or with a traveler who has been to the destination recently, and intends to help you decide where to travel next!

About the Host

Chris christensen.

By day, Chris works at a startup in Silicon Valley as a software engineer, manager, and executive. Growing up he did a lot of traveling for vacation, usually pulling a small trailer between various national parks. The success of a vacation for the Christensens was measured with an odometer. Chris enjoys learning new languages before he travels and has studied German, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Turkish, Russian, Swahili and Greek. Chris finds language to be a great window into a culture. For instance, in Swahili the language uses the same word for guest and stranger. In Chinese, the character for good is a woman with a baby. Although he has studied a number of languages, he is only fluent in English and that only when properly caffeinated.

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  • Independent Trave...

Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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Amateur Traveler

Volunteer Travel / Voluntourism – Episode 125

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The Amateur Traveler talks to Linda Stuart who is the Executive Director of the non-profit Global Citizens Network about Volunteer Travel or “Voluntourism”.

Linda talks about volunteers from 7 to 93: where they are going, why they are working on their vacation, what they are doing and who they are befriending in the process.

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Airbus 380 Goes Green

Global Citizens Network (GCN) Where GCN Goes International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA)

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Elizabeth world traveler and Walt Disney World expert, want to hear about WDW? Barbara is also a fan of the A Year in Europe podcast

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12 Responses to “Volunteer Travel / Voluntourism – Episode 125”

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That’s amazing; I’m writing a story on this right now. I couldn’t believe when my google alert came through. Prescient, Chris 🙂

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Chris, This may not be a “chorus”, but I’d also love to hear from Scott and Sheryl at ‘AYIE” – For most of a year, I would eagerly look forward to hearing the next episode. It would be nice to know what they are up to….but I could always just email them too//

cheers, -Skip

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Skip, I have sent an invitation to Scott and Cheryl to come on as guests on the next live show so others could ask them questions directly.

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Debbie Bohanan

Chris, I would love to hear Elizabeth on your show. She sounds like a very interesting person and has had many wonderful adventures. Being a VIP tour guide for Disney, she would have great insight that would be helpful for planning a trip to visit Mickey Mouse. I hope you can reach her and get her on the show.

Keep up the good work.

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Always been a fan of Disney and would love to hear from a 9 year VIP tour guide. 🙂

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Hi Chris, I’m from Indiana and I’m planning a WDW trip with my family this summer. I’d enjoy any information that Elizabeth has to share.

Thanks, Lindsey C.

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Len Sommers

Chris, Considering the size and scope of WDW. Having someone like Elizabeth on your show, who is on the “inside”. Would be most helpful in planning a vacation.

I have already written Elizabeth and let her know I got in trouble with you all for not being bright enough to invite her already. We are just working out the details for when she would be on the show. I will update the member questions area in the discussion board with details as I know them. That is also a place you can tell me your questions for her.

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Thanks for this episode! Just wanted to let you know that we included it in a blog entry on our home page recently:

http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/Blog/Controller/viewEntry?permalink-title=podcast-roundup–travel-with-a-conscience

We have an episode of the Idealist Community Podcast with some similar themes (www.idealist.org/podcasts) and if you have a few minutes to take a listen, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thanks Julia, I will give it a listen

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Hi Chris, I just listened to this podcast and I thought that this is a great idea for people who want to travel and truly experience a culture. Last summer (Summer 09) I went to Ecuador with a group of students and professors from my college through the NGO Engineers Without Borders. We worked in a small indigenous Andean village in the Rio Bamba area helping the villagers build a water system to bring clean water to each home. This was a great experience for everybody and, you probably hear this a lot, it really helps me appreciate the things we have here. I remember our group leader, an engineering professor, saying that “You can’t pay for an experience like this.” speaking about how we worked so closely with the villagers and shared an experience with them and each other. I think that’s something everyone can benefit from. Since then I’ve been been itching to go out and do it again.

You have a great podcast keep up the good work!

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Andréa FREIRE

Dear Sir or Madam,

Editions Hatier, a French textbook publisher, is preparing an English learning guide for teacher entitled “Meeting Point”, wich is accompanying by a CD for Classroom.

In respect of the above project, we will be very grateful to receive your authorization in order to reproduce the following in our guide teacher and to record it in our Classroom CD :

– https://amateurtraveler.com/2008/02/16/episode-125-volunteer-travel-voluntourism/(extract choose enclosed)

Informations regarding our Teacher’s guide Publisher: Editions HATIER Territory needed: France Publication Date: May 2011 Print run/circulation: 1 800 Price: 18 € Number of pages of our book: 368 p. Plus an electronic version for teachers.

Classroom CD Print run/circulation: 480 Price: 129 € Plus an electronic version for teachers.

We are looking forward to receiving your permission to reproduce, together with the following information: – Copyright &/or Credit Line applying – Required Fees, if any,

Kind regards,

Andréa FREIRE EDITIONS HATIER 8 rue d’Assas 75 006 PARIS

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Chris Christensen

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    Travel to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - Episode 755. Hear about travel to the Galapagos Islands as Chris Christensen, the Amateur Traveler himself, talks about a live-aboard cruise of the Galapagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions M/V Evolution. The Galapagos is a singular destination.

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  18. Richard Ayoade & Greg Davies in Moscow

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  20. Space Travel

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  22. Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

    2487 posts. Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names.

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