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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."
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.