AT#691 - Travel to Bulgaria (repeat)

Hear about travel to Oklahoma as the Amateur Traveler talks to Caitlin from TwinFamilyTravels.com about her home state and its history, culture, and scenic beauty. Why should you go to Oklahoma? Caitlin says, "People should visit Oklahoma because it has a unique history and it has a lot of natural beauty. I think it's surprising and unexpected to a lot of people. It has a complicated history in many ways. We'll get into that. But it has seen a lot of revitalization and improvement over the years. There's really been an increase of top-notch museums, and outdoor spaces, and there's really just something for everybody to enjoy here." Caitlin's one-week itinerary for exploring Oklahoma, particularly centered around Tulsa, includes a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities. Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary she recommends: Day 1: Downtown Tulsa Start with breakfast at Dilly Diner. Visit the Center of the Universe, an acoustic anomaly. Explore the Woody Guthrie Center, dedicated to the famous musician. Check out the Bob Dylan Center, showcasing Dylan’s life and work. Tour the Church Studio, known for its musical history. Learn about the history of the Greenwood District, including a visit to the Greenwood Rising Museum. Dinner at Fixin's Soul Kitchen. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-oklahoma/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Newfoundland and Labrador as the Amateur Traveler talks to Bri Mitchell from travelingmitch.com based on the summer they spent in this less visited Canadian province. Why should you go to Newfoundland and Labrador? Bri says, "It is a very vast, wide, and open province. It has extremely warm people very enticing outdoor adventures really incredible opportunities to get out onto the water and explore different parts of the Atlantic Ocean. And specifically today, I want to talk a little bit about Western Newfoundland and Labrador, so starting in the western coast and making your way up towards Labrador." "It's larger than many countries. I think I was looking up It's a square kilometer area, and it's larger than Japan, Germany, and Finland. A lot of people think of Eastern Canada as being small and little towns and not a lot to explore. But when you think about its size, Newfoundland and Labrador as a province is very expansive. So it's a great place to go if you enjoy a road trip if you enjoy taking in nature. Many kilometers in a day, which this trip will entail and it's just a really wonderful place to get outside and really embrace nature." Bri recommends a comprehensive seven-day itinerary for exploring Newfoundland and Labrador, focusing primarily on Western Newfoundland and briefly touching upon Labrador. Here's the itinerary she suggests: Day 1: Arrival at Deer Lake Fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport, rent a car, and drive to Gros Morne National Park. Stay in Woody Point, a small town in Gros Morne, and dine at local restaurants like the Backroom Cafe or Merchant Warehouse. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-newfoundland-and-labrador/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about things to do when you travel to the Brittany region of France as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kristin Montgomery from GrowingGlobalCitizens.com about this less-touristed corner of the country. Kristin says, “Brittany is located in northwestern France. It used to be a Duchy but in the 1500s it was incorporated as part of France, basically taken over against their will so there is still a very strong regional identity. There are some people who still identify as being Breton before they’re French. Brittany is a place that is not usually on a lot of traveler’s lists. If you are going to head to France you think of Paris. You think of southern France, Province, or Nice, but there are a lot of really great things to see in Brittany.” “There are beautiful beaches first of all and they’re sand beaches unlike the rocky beaches you find down south. If you are traveling with family it is a great place to visit because it is a little less touristy, less crowded. There are more things to do that are in small towns out in the country. It has this Celtic identity that really is not found in any other place in France. You are going to be hearing things like bagpipes. You are going to be seeing traditional dancing, even some of the Breton language. I found that people here were very very friendly which is something that in other parts of France, and I think of Paris, they don’t have a reputation for being very friendly. If you are someone who is into history or likes myths and legends, Brittany has a lot of that too.” ... https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-brittany-france/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Central Portugal as the Amateur Traveler talks to Stephanie Lambert from eurotravelsbydesign.com about this too often overlooked region. Why should you go to Central Portugal? Stephanie says, "It's safe, it's beautiful, it's a culturally rich history. I feel like it's been underrated for some years. It's getting more popular now, but it's been overshadowed by Spain for a while, and I think, it deserves just as much love. It has gorgeous architecture, Fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, warm and inviting people. I think the pastéis de nata are a reason to go, enough on their own. They're so delicious." Based on Stephanie's detailed and passionate recount of her family's journey through Central Portugal, here's a suggested itinerary to explore this enchanting region, drawing from the highlights and personal experiences she shared: Day 1-4: Coimbra Day 1: Explore Coimbra Start with a visit to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Baroque library and the unique presence of bats that protect the books. Don't miss the São Miguel Chapel within the university, adorned with blue and white tiles and gold leaf. Spend some time at the Botanical Gardens for a peaceful retreat. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-central-portugal/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Mexico City as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ashlea Russell from SheRoamsAbout.com about the unique and vibrant capital of Mexico. Why should you go to Mexico City? Ashlea says, "I think Mexico City is It's a very unique city people always say there's so much to do, there's so much architecture, and history, but what I think is interesting about it is, and what people don't expect, is that it's a fusion between the European opulence that you would get in cities like Paris and London, with all of the culture and flavor that comes with Latin America. There is so much to do and see, and there really is something for everyone." Ashlea recommends a unique itinerary for visiting Mexico City, focusing on experiences off the beaten path. She highlights a combination of lesser-known attractions and cultural experiences that showcase the city's rich history, vibrant food scene, and architectural marvels. Key recommendations include: Market Tour, Food Tasting, and Cooking Class: Ashlea suggests starting with a tour that offers an immersive experience of Mexico City's local markets. This isn't just any market tour; it includes food tastings and a cooking class, providing a deep dive into the local cuisine and shopping culture. The tour begins near the Zocalo, leading to the Mercado Abelardo L. Rodriguez, a market known for its murals and unique history.  --- https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-mexico-city-mexico/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about tourist spots in Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lonely Planet guidebook author Michael Grosberg and co-founder of LikeLocal.io about his many trips to Mindanao. Why should you go to Mindanao? Michael says, "Most people that go to Mindanao these days go directly to the island of Siargao, which is one of the hottest, most happening places in all the Philippines for people to travel to. We'll get to that and it's deservedly popular. However, there's so much more to see in Mindanao. Mindanao has one of the largest cities in the Philippines the city of Davao. Davao is in the far south of Mindanao. It's got a cosmopolitan culture, amazing, wonderful food. The mountains and the islands around Davao are incredible. You can spend a month there. The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo, which you can climb, and people do is only a couple hours or so from Davao." "There are endless coastlines to explore. There is indigenous culture. There are surfing spots. The city of Zamboanga, also has its own unique culture, a combination of Muslim influence, Malaysian, and Spanish cuisine. The whole coastline, the north, the east, really all over, are dotted with incredible beaches, and a lot of them are not really traveled to by foreigners, but Filipinos love to travel, and so Filipinos that go to Mindanao go to all these places." For a one-week itinerary, Michael recommends a visit to Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, and Siargao. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/tourist-spots-in-mindanao/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Reunion Island, an outpost of France in the Indian Ocean as the Amateur Traveler talks to Collin McFadden about his recent trip to this adventure travel paradise. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-reunion-island/ Why should you travel to Reunion Island? Colin says: "Reunion is, I would say, first off, an adventure destination. It is not a place to go for beaches and just hanging out mostly because they don't have beaches per se, there are a few, but it is a volcano, very much like the Hawaiian Islands. It is a place to go for hiking, biking, climbing, canyoning, paragliding you name it, you will find folks doing it on Reunion Island." "I would say also it is a really interesting cultural mix in that it is France. It's not a colony of France. It is a district of France and was uninhabited prior to the French showing up and then reflects 18th, 19th, and 20th century French history and French trading patterns. It's a real mix of French vibes, East African vibes, and South Asian vibes." ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices