travel
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."
Salt Lake City has been selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, marking the second time the city has held the event after its successful hosting in 2002. This announcement has generated excitement and anticipation within the local community for the return of the international sporting event.
The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has undergone significant renovations since 2020, resulting in a more modern and passenger-friendly experience. The airport has recently introduced new direct flights to Seoul, South Korea, and Lima, Peru, among others, expanding its global and domestic reach.
The Salt Lake Temple, a significant landmark owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is undergoing renovations and is currently closed. However, an open house is scheduled from April 5th to October 1st, 2027, allowing the public to visit the temple grounds before its rededication.
The University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) share a significant historical and athletic rivalry, often described as 'divine church versus state.' This intense competition extends to sports, academics, and other areas, making their matchups highly anticipated.
The Living Room Trail, located above the University of Utah, offers a moderate hike with unique flat rock formations at its summit, resembling a living room. This spot provides panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and is a popular destination for picnics, especially during the summer.
Cassandra Sugarman highlights Detroit's comeback, emphasizing its history tied to the automotive industry and its transformation into a city with a vibrant food scene and revitalized neighborhoods. She notes that while the auto industry remains a backbone, the city has overcome economic challenges.
Cassandra Sugarman discusses Detroit's significant musical history, highlighting its role as the birthplace of Motown. She mentions iconic artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, as well as local figures such as Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock, and Eminem, referencing his movie '8 Mile'.
Cassandra Sugarman details Detroit's deep connection to the automotive industry, from Henry Ford's assembly line to the 'big three' manufacturers and their supply chains. She touches on the economic impact of the great recession, government bailouts for GM and Stellantis, and Detroit's Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing in 2014, noting the subsequent revival.
Cassandra Sugarman proposes a 7-day itinerary for Detroit, emphasizing the need for a car due to the city's layout, though noting the Q-Line tram for specific routes. She suggests starting in downtown, exploring Midtown's museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, visiting Eastern Market, and venturing to Highland Park and Dearborn.
Felicity Hughes, who blogs and podcasts about Madrid at The Making of Madrid dot com and writes Lonely Planet guides, claims Madrid's public transport system is superior to London's. She highlights its efficiency and affordability, noting that it rarely breaks down except for scheduled August repairs, unlike London's "very old and forever breaking down" underground.
Felicity Hughes praises Madrid's tap water as "delicious," attributing its quality to the city's name origin. 'Mady meat,' meaning a network of underground springs, was the original name given to Madrid in the 9th century by Muhammad the First of Cordoba, suggesting a long history of excellent water sources.
Felicity Hughes describes Madrid as an "ever-changing city in which outsiders make up the majority," contributing to its welcoming and accepting atmosphere. She notes that few residents can trace their ancestry back many generations, fostering a sense of inclusivity where strangers in bars might strike up conversations.
Felicity Hughes suggests a week-long itinerary for Madrid, including day trips to Toledo and El Escorial to better understand the city's history. Toledo is highlighted for its preserved medieval architecture, while El Escorial is noted as the mountain palace of Philip the Second, who established Madrid as Spain's capital.
The podcast highlights Madrid's central Sol Square as a starting point for exploring the city, noting the statue of Carlos IV and the city's heraldic symbol, the bear and the strawberry tree (Madroño). Sol is also significant as the point from which all Spanish mileage is measured.
Felicity Hughes notes that the architecture of Madrid's Royal Palace, visible from Calle del Arenal leading to Plaza de Oriente, shares similarities with El Escorial. She mentions the influence of Juan de Herrera and Philip V in bringing a Flemish style with northern European towers to the city's design.
Felicity Hughes explains that Madrid's Plaza Mayor, once a bullring, also served as the site for public executions. The area's architectural style, featuring Flemish influences with northern European towers, was brought by architects commissioned by Philip V.
Felicity Hughes finds the Prado Museum in Madrid to be both "gorgeous" and "overwhelming" due to its vast size, suggesting one could spend a week there and advising visitors to be prepared for crowds. She notes that the museum houses not only paintings but also sculptures, decorative arts, and tapestries, while the Reina Sofia Museum features modern art, including Picasso's Guernica.
Felicity Hughes recommends visiting Madrid's Retiro Park as an idyllic escape, where visitors can rent boats on the lake and see the Crystal Palace. She describes the park as beautiful and the glass building as a unique attraction.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, is highlighted as a major tourist attraction and a "place of pilgrimage for football fans." Felicity Hughes notes its immense size and that it also includes a museum.
Felicity Hughes describes the tapas culture in Madrid as a "way of life" that is "very social." She explains that it involves going from bar to bar, eating small plates of food, drinking wine, and engaging in conversation and laughter with others.
Felicity Hughes highlights Madrid as a great shopping destination, offering everything from high-end fashion to more local crafts. She also mentions the variety of markets available, where one can find anything from food to antiques.
Felicity Hughes emphasizes the importance of football in Spanish culture, calling it a "religion." She suggests that attending a match, especially for Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, is a fantastic way to experience the country's passion.
Valerie Mackey, host of "Weird World Adventures," described Richmond, Virginia, as a city that has undergone a significant transformation into a hip and art-focused destination. She noted that areas once overlooked are now revitalized with loft apartments and thriving art scenes, exemplified by the popularity of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).
Valerie Mackey highlighted Richmond, Virginia's significant connection to Edgar Allan Poe, mentioning that visitors can follow his footsteps through the city. Key sites include the Poe Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Poe artifacts, and St. John's Church, where Poe's mother is buried.
Chris Christensen emphasized Yorktown, Virginia, as a highly significant historical site in the U.S. He noted that it was the location of the final major battle of the Revolutionary War, where American independence was effectively secured.
Valerie Mackey discussed Bell Isle in Richmond, Virginia, a site with a rich and often unknown history, including its use by the Palatinan Indians and its exploration by Captain John Smith. The island later served as a military prison during the Civil War, holding many soldiers.
Valerie Mackey mentioned Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, as a notable site with the graves of two U.S. Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as Jefferson Davis. The cemetery also has a legend of a vampire at the WW Pool crypt and offers scenic views of the James River.
Chris Christensen commented that the downtown area of Richmond, Virginia, near the convention center, is not the most scenic part of the city. He contrasted it with other neighborhoods like Church Hill and areas between Church Hill and the river, which feature bookshops and brick-lined streets, as well as up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Valerie Mackey identified Carytown as another significant neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, describing it as a very hip and cool major shopping hub that is best explored on foot.
Rihanna, a guest from teaspoonofadventure.com, shares insights into visiting Orleans, France, a city located about 75 miles southwest of Paris. She describes Orleans as a charming town with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, notable for its history as a river trade port and its connection to Joan of Arc, who liberated the city from English occupation.
The Orleans Cathedral, also known as the Saint Cathedral, has a history dating back to a Roman temple in the 13th century. The current Gothic-style cathedral was constructed between 1601 and 1829 and is noted as being tied for the fourth tallest cathedral in France. It holds significance for its association with Joan of Arc, who visited frequently during the siege of Orleans.
Orleans once held the title of 'sugar capital of France,' with sugar being refined there before distribution. The city also has a history tied to wine trade, but due to the shallow Loire River, much of the wine spoiled. This led to the clever repurposing of the wine into vinegar, for which Orleans remains well-known today, also using it to produce mustard.
Orleans is also recognized for its distinctive street art, primarily featuring mosaic tile pieces found above most street signs. Artists like Mifa Musa and Tag Lady are credited with these creations, which often relate to the street names, such as a crown above 'Rue Royale.' The art adds a unique and engaging element to exploring the city.
A special deal in Orleans allows visitors to access four museums for a single price of €8, provided they are visited on the same day. This offers an economical way to experience diverse exhibits, including the Biodiversity Museum (MBE) and the Fine Arts Museum (Museum des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans).
The Schooner Heritage, the largest vessel in the Maine Windjammer Association, has been sold by its original captains, Doug and Linda Lee, to two of their former crew members, Ben Wellenback and Sean Grimes. Wellenback will serve as captain and Grimes as cook. The Heritage was purpose-built as a passenger schooner and launched in 1983.
Cruises on the Maine Windjammer fleet, including the Schooner Heritage, do not follow fixed itineraries. Captain Ben Wellenback explains that the route and destination are determined daily by factors like currents, wind, and weather forecasts. This allows for a dynamic and unpredictable sailing experience.
The Schooner Heritage was purpose-built as a passenger schooner and launched in 1983, constructed over three winters by captains Doug and Linda Lee with a small crew. Its hull is 95 feet long, and its main mast reaches approximately 80 feet tall, with the rigging extending to 102 feet above the water. The vessel is built with red oak framing and planking and a white pine deck.
A significant majority of passengers on the Schooner Heritage are repeat customers, with 60% booking return trips. Some passengers have sailed on the Heritage multiple times, with some having completed 25 or even 50 trips. One passenger even booked five different cruises on five different ships within the fleet for a single extended trip.
A week-long cruise on the Maine Windjammer fleet, with double occupancy, costs approximately $1700. The cheapest available cruises are under $1000, typically for shorter durations. This pricing positions the experience as not an expensive or luxury one, with cabins described as smaller and shared bathroom facilities.
Ben Wellenback, the current captain of the Schooner Heritage, trained for his captain's exam using a program called 'Captain in a Box.' He had previously served six seasons as part of the crew, including as first mate, before taking over ownership with Sean Grimes. The podcast host suggests that becoming a crew member is the best way to learn to become a schooner captain.
The sailing area for the Maine Windjammer fleet, specifically the Penobscot Bay region, is characterized by its numerous islands, rocks, and ledges. A common estimate suggests there are approximately 1,700 such features in Penobscot Bay, with Maine's entire coastline having around 2,000 coastal islands.
Historically, Maine's coastal schooners were primarily cargo ships, transporting goods like lumber, granite, and ice. By the 1930s, with the advent of steam power, these schooners became obsolete for cargo. Frank Swift then initiated a passenger fleet using schooners for recreation, a model followed by the current Maine Windjammer Association.
On the Schooner Heritage, most of the crew members were new for the season, with only one having sailed with the group the previous year. They had limited on-sea experience before their first passenger cruise in June, having only practiced docking maneuvers. Despite this, the host noted their impressive coordination and choreography while sailing.
Sam Williams describes Dominica as a Caribbean island offering a different experience with its jungle, mountains, and waterfalls, rather than beaches. He highlights that outside of cruise ship days, the island sees few tourists, making it an 'unspoiled Caribbean' destination.
The current airport in Dominica is located on the opposite side of the island from the capital, Roseau, due to mountainous terrain. A new airport is under construction further north with a longer runway, scheduled to open in 2027, with the aim of allowing wide-body aircraft to land.
Sam Williams outlines a week-long itinerary for Dominica, suggesting starting on the west side near Roseau and exploring north. Key activities include a boat trip up the Indian River to the Bush Bar and whale watching with Waitukubuli Tours, noting the island's year-round sperm whale population.
Visiting attractions in Dominica, such as the Indian River wildlife sanctuary, requires a national pass. Options include a single-site pass for $8, a day pass for $20, or a week pass for $50, with pricing for children potentially varying.
Sam Williams notes that Dominica has few sandy beaches due to its rocky nature. He recommends Morro Beach, a black sand beach popular with locals for swimming and sunset viewing, and Batabou Beach, known for its white sand and scenic beauty, though it requires a half-mile walk.
Sam Williams advises that whale watching in Dominica is best done on non-cruise days to avoid crowds. He recommends smaller tour boats, like those from Waitukubuli Tours, which offer a better viewing experience and photo opportunities compared to larger, more crowded cruise excursions. The island boasts a year-round sperm whale population.
Chris and his wife embarked on a luxury barge cruise on the Briare Canal in France with European Waterways. The trip, which cost nearly $10,000 per person, was a return to a favored travel experience for his wife, who appreciated the intimate setting with only eight passengers and five crew members, including a dedicated French chef.
The luxury hotel barge 'Renaissance' that Chris and his wife cruised on the Briare Canal is 128 feet long and 16.5 feet wide, the maximum size that can fit on the canal. The boat was originally a barge for hauling goods but was converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1997.
The Briare Canal, which connects the Loire and Seine rivers, is France's second oldest canal, with much of it rebuilt in the 1800s from its original 1600s construction. The canal was initially dug by 6,000 to 12,000 laborers over nearly 40 years, starting in 1604, with troops needed to protect workers from nobles whose land was being confiscated.
Montargis, a town outside Burgundy in the Loire province, is a "four-flower town" recognized for its public gardens. It serves as a starting point for Briare Canal cruises and is a tourist attraction, especially when the large barges pass through its locks.
Canal barge trips have evolved, with modern cruises now incorporating daily activities beyond just relaxing on the boat or walking alongside. These activities offer unique experiences in the countryside, often focusing on lesser-known attractions rather than major landmarks like the Palace of Fontainebleau.
On the Briare Canal cruise, locks no longer have keepers at each location; instead, assigned personnel drive from lock to lock, and the pilot, Luke, can operate some locks remotely. Crew members like Craig also coordinate by biking ahead to meet the boat and drive transfer vans for excursions.
On the 'Renaissance' barge, the cabins are situated below the waterline, with portholes that cannot be opened while cruising because they are just above the water level. This design is to ensure the boat fits within the canal's dimensions.
John G. Crane, who spent six months in Fiji, stated that tourism accounts for a significant portion of the nation's economy. He noted that 60% of all tourists in the South Pacific visit Fiji, making it the most established destination in the region.
John G. Crane highlighted the Yasawa Islands as a popular yet historically restricted tourist destination in Fiji. Until 1987, tourism was not permitted in the Yasawas due to the local king's wishes, but it has since become a sought-after area with numerous resorts.
The Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji's Yasawa Islands are a notable attraction, offering a unique swimming and exploration experience. Visitors can access the caves via a swim-through, with low tide recommended for easier passage.
John G. Crane described Fiji's accommodation landscape as primarily mid-market and above, with limited budget options like those found in Samoa. While some resorts offer hostel-style dorm rooms, authentic budget huts are rare, and most accommodations are situated by the water.
A significant majority of Fiji's resorts, approximately two-thirds, are locally owned, with many managed by the Fijian pension fund. This local ownership structure means that tourist spending directly benefits the local population and economy.
Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, is nicknamed the 'Garden Island' due to its lush greenery, sustained by frequent rainfall. It is also renowned for the Rainbow Reef, considered the soft coral capital of the world, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
John G. Crane suggested that while diving the Rainbow Reef is likely a superior experience, snorkeling at Honeymoon Island offers a more accessible and shallower alternative. Snorkeling trips to Rainbow Reef are priced at approximately $25 USD, while diving costs around $100 USD.
John G. Crane advised that hiking in Fiji, similar to other Melanesian countries, is highly controlled. Visitors need permission and must go with a guide or follow established routes, as unguided wandering is not permitted.
Taveuni, Fiji, features a natural rock water slide that provides an exhilarating yet safe experience. The slide's smoothed rock surface, a result of extensive use, offers a happy medium of excitement without being overly dangerous.