AT#944 - Exploring the Kunisaki Peninsula with Walk Japan
In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, I share the story of my recent walking trip through the Kunisaki Peninsula and Yufuin in Kyushu, Japan, with Walk Japan. This immersive journey took me past massive stone Buddhas, forest trails, rural villages, sacred shrines, and into steamy onsens — all while uncovering centuries of Japanese history and culture.
Temples, Shrines, Onsens, and the Trails Between – Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk
Tour style: Small group, guided, culturally immersive walking tour with Walk Japan
Geology: The Volcanic Kunisaki Peninsula was formed by Mt. Futago; radial valleys and stable terrain
Historical sites: Usa Jingu Shrine, Kumano Magaibutsu, Fuki-ji Temple, Choan-ji
Daily hikes: 4–7 km per day through ridges, forests, rice terraces, and Buddhist cave carvings
Community engagement: Visit to Walk Japan’s rural revitalization project and local mushroom farm
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https://amateurtraveler.com/exploring-the-kunisaki-peninsula-with-walk-japan/
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1:09:54
AT#943 - Travel to Auckland, New Zealand
Hear about travel to Auckland, New Zealand, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about a city that he called home for a decade.
Why should you go to Auckland?
Jonty says, "Many people go to New Zealand, but spend almost no time in Auckland. It's a bit like a little sister or brother to Sydney in Australia, but with some unique New Zealand characteristics. There are over 50 extinct volcanoes. It's between two natural harbors. There are some very beautiful islands which are easily accessible from the CBD, and it's also got excellent restaurants, museums, art galleries, and beaches."
Waiheke Island:
Jonty’s Recommendations for Visiting AucklandExplore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/
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1:02:00
AT#839 - Travel to the Queensland Outback (Repeat)
Hear about travel to the Queensland Outback as the Amateur Traveler talks to Melissa from Queensland about a destination she discovered during the pandemic when she could not leave her home state.
Why should you go to the Queensland Outback?
Melissa says, “Firstly, I think when most people think of Queensland or plan a visit to Queensland, they’re thinking Great Barrier Reef, maybe Gold Coast, theme parks, beautiful beaches, and I just find people aren’t thinking about the outback. I don’t know why, really, because it’s amazing… I think, particularly perhaps for your North American listeners.”
” I know when I’m traveling around the world and people talk to me, ‘what’s Australia like?’. ‘Are there kangaroos jumping down the street?’ And the answer is no, there’s not. But if you do wanna see kangaroos jumping down the street thing, go to the Outback. It’s absolutely amazing. The landscape’s amazing. The people are amazing. You can walk into a bar and just talk to a local all night.”
“The other thing is, even if you went in what’s considered the peak season, there’s not going to be masses of tourists everywhere. There are going to be masses of tourists on the Great Barrier on our beautiful beaches. I just think if you wanna see what you think Australia is, the stereotypical view of Australia, then go to the Outback.”
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-queensland-outback/
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1:07:43
AT#942 - Travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Hear about traveling to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as the Amateur Traveler talks to a longtime Disney expert, former attorney, host of WDW Radio, and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee.
Why Visit Walt Disney World?
Nearly 87% of Americans visit a Disney park at some point—it's a "rite of passage."
Offers a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors—first-timers, families, superfans, and solo travelers.
The sheer scale and variety of things to do mean you can’t do it all in one trip—and that’s part of the fun.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-walt-disney-world-2/
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59:10
AT#941 - Travel to Kolkata, India
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.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kolkata-india/
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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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