Hear about travel to Solomon Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Shorrock from Travel Obscure about his adventurous trip in these remote Pacific islands.
Why should you go to the Solomon Islands?
Chris says, "There's lots of reasons. One of the reasons we didn't really focus on World War II history. One of my big reasons for going was it's an adventurous destination and I like an adventurous destination. There's not many people going on holiday to the Solomons, so that was one of the big appeals. But besides that amazing natural beauty: jungle-clad volcanic islands, turquoise oceans, and then below the surface of the ocean lots of sea creatures, coral reefs, very spectacular underwater environment."
This is an adventurous loop through the Central Province: starting in Honiara, crossing to Savo Island for volcano hikes and megapode eggs, then finishing with shipwreck snorkeling at Roderick Bay before returning to Honiara.
Flights: Most travelers arrive from Brisbane (easiest option). Other routes exist via Port Moresby (less reliable), Nadi, or Auckland (via Vanuatu).
Practical tip: Honiara is the last place you’ll find ATMs, pharmacies, or proper shops. Stock up on cash (Solomon dollars), insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and dry bags here.
Day 1 – Arrival in Honiara (Guadalcanal)
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https://amateurtraveler.com/solomon-islands/
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AT#960 - Budget Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Hear about travel to the Galapagos Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about doing this bucket list trip as a budget traveler.
Why should you go to the Galapagos?
Michael says, "It is a world location that should not be missed. And you do not have to be an animal enthusiast or safari adventure type person. That certainly helps to have an open mind about ecology and conservation. The animals, the marine life, and their ecosystem. If you have the opportunity to witness it firsthand, it truly is something that should not be missed. It is a marvel."
This version is land-based (with Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island as the base) rather than a cruise, making it more budget-friendly while still offering access to iconic wildlife and landscapes.
Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport, then transfer by ferry and taxi to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Check into your hotel (e.g., Hotel Fiesta, Puerto Ayora).
Stroll along Avenida Charles Darwin: shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Visit the Puerto Ayora fish market to watch fishermen unload their catch while sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds compete for scraps.
Evening walk along the Malecón (boardwalk) where reef sharks can sometimes be spotted under the lights.
7-Day Galápagos Itinerary (Land-Based, Puerto Ayora Base)Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Ayora
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https://amateurtraveler.com/budget-travel-to-the-galapagos-islands/
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MT#9 - Night Trains in Europe
In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen talks with Bart from Trip Tailor, a travel agent and former train steward who has been working with European rail for decades. Bart shares his deep knowledge of night trains in Europe, from their practical benefits to the romance of waking up in a new city.
Why Night Trains?
Bart explains that he first started working on night trains as a student job in the 1990s, and the appeal never left him. Compared to planes, night trains offer:
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https://amateurtraveler.com/night-trains-in-europe/
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AT#959 - Road Trip in Oman
Hear about a road trip in Oman as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton from Sloths with Latitude about the country he thinks is the best in the world.
In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, we explore a two-week road trip through Oman, a country offering dramatic mountains, turquoise wadis, pristine deserts, and a warm culture rooted in Ibadism. Max shares his favorite country in the world, guiding us through a self-drive adventure with a 4x4, rooftop tent, and plenty of memorable encounters.
An authentic Middle Eastern experience, very different from Dubai
2,000 km of coastline, mountains, wadis, and deserts
One of the safest countries in the world, often called the “Switzerland of the Middle East”
Rich history: oldest independent state in the Arab world
Wild camping is legal almost everywhere
Why Visit Oman?
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https://amateurtraveler.com/road-trip-in-oman/
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AT#958 - Travel to Turkmenistan
Hear about travel to Turkmenistan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Abdylla Geldiyev, Managing Director of Undiscovered Frontiers, about an itinerary for one week in this seldom-visited country in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan remains one of the least explored destinations in the world. From Ashgabat, a city of Guinness World Records and futuristic white marble architecture, to ancient Silk Road cities and surreal desert landscapes, this itinerary combines history, archaeology, and natural wonders.
Why Visit Turkmenistan?
Abdylla describes Turkmenistan as a country for seasoned travelers seeking the unusual:
Surreal landscapes like Yangykala Canyon and the burning Darvaza gas crater
Silk Road cities such as Merv and Konye-Urgench
A capital city (Ashgabat) filled with world-record-breaking monuments, the largest indoor Ferris wheel, and the world’s largest handmade carpet
Rich traditions of Turkmen carpets and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses
Sunday arrival in Ashgabat to experience the Tolkuchka-Basar, a sprawling Sunday market alive with carpets, animals, and handicrafts.
Suggested One-Week Itinerary in Turkmenistan
Days 1–3: Ashgabat and Surroundings
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-turkmenistan-2/
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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."
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