AT#865 - Great Britain by Train

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.

...

Hear about travel to Poland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sharon Kurtz from sharonkkurtz.com about her recent trip exploring the culture and food of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan.

show notes - https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-poland-warsaw-krakow-and-poznan

Sharon says, "It is a beautiful country. It's a blend of history that goes back to the tenth century. And then it has sad history, World War II, and then they were occupied by the Soviets and got their independence in 1989. And some people seem to have this feeling that they're gray and it's sad and dark, and nothing could be further from the truth.  It's vibrant and it's really an exciting place to go in Central Europe."

Here's a recommended itinerary for visiting Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan in Poland:

Day 1-3: Warsaw

• Start your trip in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland.
• Explore the reconstructed Old Town Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the resilience of the Polish people after World War II.
• Visit the Old Town Square fountain with the mermaid sculpture, symbolizing strength and protection.
• Explore the Chopin Museum and enjoy a classical concert in Łazienki Park.
• Dive into Warsaw's history with visits to the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
• Enjoy the vibrant modern cityscape, including skyscrapers and bustling city life.

Accommodation in Warsaw: Consider staying at Hotel Verte, a Marriott property with a rich history, a palace reconstructed after World War II.

Day 4-6: Krakow

• Take a 2-hour train ride to Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland.
• Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, filled with well-preserved medieval architecture.
• Explore Kazimierz's historic Jewish quarter, known for its synagogues, cemeteries, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Visit Saint Mary's Basilica and experience the haunting trumpet call played from its tower.
• Discover the majestic Wawel Castle and its Gothic cathedral.
• Delve into Krakow's poignant history with a visit to Schindler's Factory and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto.
• Consider a one-day Auschwitz and Krakow Salt Mines tour.

Accommodation in Krakow: Consider staying in centrally located accommodations to explore the city's attractions easily.

Day 7-9: Poznan

• Travel to Poznan, the oldest city in Poland, known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
• Explore the colorful Old Town Square and witness the daily spectacle of mechanical billy goats butting heads at noon.
• Visit Cathedral Island to see the oldest church in Poland and the graves of early rulers.
• Experience the interactive Enigma Museum, showcasing Poland's contributions to World War II code-breaking efforts.
• Indulge in Poznan's culinary delights, including the famous Saint Martin's croissant with its unique legend.
• Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Poznan's nightlife and cultural offerings.

Accommodation in Poznan: Choose accommodations near the Old Town Square to immerse yourself in the city's historic charm.

Hear about a week-long road trip from Dublin to Cork through southeastern Ireland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Amber Hagerty from AmberEverywhere.com about this out-of-the-way corner of Ireland.

https://amateurtraveler.com/dublin-to-cork-road-trip-in-southeastern-ireland/

Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow

• Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city. Visit Bar 1661 for the best Irish coffee and Trinity College to admire the campus.
• Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Murphy's on Wicklow Street in Temple Bar.
• Evening: Rent a car and drive south to Bray. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, have dinner at a local restaurant like Daata, and consider doing the cliff walk to Greystones for breathtaking views.

Day 2: Exploring Wicklow

• Morning: Visit Enniskerry, a charming town with a picturesque setting used to film "Disenchanted".
• Midday: Explore Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and themed gardens.
• Afternoon: Drive to Glendalough and embark on the Spinc Trail for a scenic hike with panoramic views.
• Evening: Consider staying overnight in Glendalough, perhaps trying out glamping for a unique experience.

Day 3: Road Trip to Wexford

• Morning: Drive through the Wicklow Gap for breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains.
• Midday: Make a stop in Wicklow Town to visit the historic jail and explore the seaside harbor.
• Afternoon: Enjoy brunch at LoCo Grocer in Arklow and relax on Brittas Bay Beach.
• Evening: Arrive in Wexford City and consider attending a performance at the National Opera House.

Day 4: Salty Islands and Waterford

• Morning: Take a ferry to the Salty Islands (book far in advance) for a unique birdwatching experience, especially to see puffins.
• Midday: Return to Kilmore Quay and indulge in a sauna experience at Salty Sauna.
• Afternoon: Drive to Waterford City and visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a tour and souvenir shopping.
• Evening: Dine at a local restaurant like the Seagull Bakery for delicious sourdough bread and pastries.

Day 5: Exploring Tramore

• Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the charming seaside town of Tramore. Enjoy the picturesque hilly streets and take in the coastal atmosphere.
• Mid-morning: Head down to the seafront and take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, perfect for families with kids. Explore the expansive sandy beach, keeping in mind that it may be covered by the tide at certain times.
• Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Gardens dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish travel writer with a fascinating connection to Tramore. Learn about his life and legacy while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Spend the rest of the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures in Waterford

• Morning: Embark on the Waterford Greenway, a scenic route along a converted train line. Choose to walk or cycle along this picturesque path, taking in views of aqueducts, lush greenery, and charming tunnels.
• Afternoon: Explore the stunning hike to Coumshingaun Lough. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs, but exercise caution if the weather is foggy. Opt for the shorter hike to the lake if visibility is poor.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Tramore or continue exploring the Waterford area at your leisure. Consider dining at a local restaurant or relaxing at your accommodation after a day of outdoor adventures.

Day 7: Discovering the Copper Coast

• Morning: Drive along the scenic Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark known for its geological and cultural significance. Stop at Bunmahon Beach to enjoy the sandy shores and explore the dunes.
• Midday: Continue southward to discover the secluded Tra na mBó Beach, hidden among the cliffs. Spend some peaceful moments soaking in the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
• Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Dungarvan, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious churros. Consider starting your journey back towards Cork, taking in the scenic views along the way.
• Evening: Arrive in Cork and settle into your accommodation. Consider dining at a local restaurant or enjoying a relaxing evening in the city.

Day 8: Exploring Cork City and Surroundings

• Morning: Visit Cobh, a picturesque town just outside of Cork, known for its colorful houses and historic landmarks such as St. Colman's Cathedral and Spike Island.
• Mid-morning: Embark on the Ballycotton Cliff Walk for stunning coastal views and invigorating sea air. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cliffs, taking in the natural beauty of the coastline.
• Afternoon: Explore Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens, and consider kissing the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence. Take your time to explore the castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Cork City and visit Elizabeth Fort for panoramic views of the city and the River Lee. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or a cup of tea at a local pub, such as O'Sho, and savor the relaxed atmosphere.
• Night: Consider ending your trip with a visit to the Shelbourne Bar in the Victorian quarter for a taste of Whiskey. Reflect on your journey through southeastern Ireland and savor the memories made along the way.

Hear about a German road trip to 9 UNESCO Cities as the Amateur Traveler talks to Renee Hannes from dreamplanexperience.com about her exploration of the land of her ancestors.

https://amateurtraveler.com/germany-road-trip-to-9-unesco-cities/

Renee says, "I just returned from living in Berlin for 3 months. So had an opportunity to make a little bit of a longer trip and was there with my husband and dog and lived in Berlin and I had a good chance to be able to see the city and lots of other places around it. I had this long list of places on my to-do list. I think like most travelers, I become very quickly overwhelmed with how many places I wanted to see. So I thought why not think about what are those places that are worthy of a visit?"

"That's where I came upon thinking about it from a UNESCO perspective and UNESCO sites are always worthy places to visit special places to visit in terms of the history and the moments in history that they help create and shape the architecture that usually is pretty spectacular to be able to see from, nature and the landscapes that we want to protect and then also it gives us really good insights into the culture. So after I had that long list, I went back and thought, what is close to Berlin? And that's how I was able to stumble on these 9 destinations."

City 1: Berlin

• UNESCO Site:
  • Museum Island: Spend the first day exploring Museum Island, home to five world-class museums. Delve into history, art, and archaeology at the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum (when it reopens).

City 2: Potsdam (Day Trip from Berlin)

• UNESCO Site:
  • Sans Souci Palace and Park: Explore the stunning Sans Souci Palace, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and other palaces.
• Optional Activities:
  • Visit the Dutch Quarter and the historic center of Potsdam.

City 3: Wittenberg (Short Train Ride from Berlin)

• UNESCO Site:
  • Martin Luther's 95 Theses Site: Visit the place where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
• City Exploration:
  • Wander through the charming streets of Wittenberg's Old Town.
  • If possible, visit the city in June for the Luther Wedding celebration.

City 4: Quedlinburg

• UNESCO Site:
  • Old Town with Half-Timbered Houses: Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Quedlinburg's Old Town, characterized by over 1300 half-timbered houses.
• Activities:
  • Climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the town from the castle.
  • Explore the Quedlinburg Cathedral and the Culture Church.
  • Visit museums showcasing the town's history and heritage.

City 5: Goslar (Day Trip from Quedlinburg)

• UNESCO Sites:
  • Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz): Discover the grandeur of the Imperial Palace overlooking Goslar.
• Optional Activities:
  • Take a guided tour of the Rammelsberg mine, gaining insights into a thousand years of mining history.
  • Explore the old town with its half-timbered houses and churches.
  • Take a ride on a train through the Harz Mountains on the Harz Railway.

City 6: Hamburg

• Highlights:
  • Warehouse District (Speicherstadt): Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, Hamburg's historic warehouse district. Marvel at the red brick buildings lining the canals, reminiscent of the city's trading past.
  • Hamburg City Center: Stroll through the city center, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and visit landmarks like St. Michael's Church and the Rathaus (City Hall).

City 7: Lubeck (Day Trip from Hamburg)

• UNESCO Site:
  • Holstentor Gate: Visit the iconic Holstentor Gate, the entrance to Lubeck's Old Town, representing the city's historical significance as a trading hub.
  • Exploring Beyond Main Streets: Wander off the main streets to discover elegant homes reflecting the wealth of medieval merchants. Explore St. Mary's Church and other architectural gems.
  • Marzipan Delights: Visit the Niederegger marzipan shop to indulge in marzipan treats and learn about the city's marzipan-making history.

Cities 8 and 9: Wismar and Stralsund

• UNESCO Sites:
  • Wismar: Explore the charming town of Wismar on the Baltic Sea, known for its fortified walls, historic market square, and lively harbor atmosphere.
  • Stralsund: Visit Stralsund, another Baltic Sea gem, with a large public square featuring diverse architectural styles. Explore St. Nicholas Church and enjoy seafood at the harbor.

Return to Berlin

A 9-city UNESCO road trip through Germany offers a blend of historical exploration, architectural marvels, and scenic beauty.

Hear about travel to Zaragoza as the Amateur Traveler talks to Cat Driver about this historic but under-visited region of Spain.

https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-zaragoza-spain/

Cat says, "Every time I have said to people that I lived in Spain and they asked me where and I say Zaragoza, I usually just get a blank stare and then I have to explain it. Zaragoza is between Barcelona and Madrid almost exactly. I was teaching English there. I decided on Zaragoza because it  had everything I wanted. It was very local, not much English so I'd be forced to learn Spanish. The transportation connections are great, and it has a really low cost of living. So I thought it was the perfect place to go and teach English and that's what drew me there."

"I think other people should go to Zaragoza because it is wonderful. It is a really underrated part of Spain. It doesn't see many North American visitors. I don't really know why  because it's so close to Barcelona and Madrid and that's where everybody goes. But Saragossa is really an undiscovered gem. It's a really beautiful place to experience a real Spanish local life. It has all of the history that people are looking for when they go to Spain. It's  steeped in Roman, Muslim, and Christian history and also has a really thriving modern art and culture scene. It's also really fabulous for the outdoors. Anybody who likes hiking, and cycling and skiing, it's a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the areas around Zaragoza that would offer that."

Cat starts us in the historic center of Zaragoza in the Plaza del Pilar that holds both of Zaragoza's co-cathedrals. The Virgin of the pillar is the patron saint of Zaragoza and everything revolves around her. In October the plaza and streets fill with night parades and flower offerings during the Fiestas del Pilar. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is the most photographed building in the city with its 4 bell towers that make it look as much like a mosque as a cathedral. The interior has Goya masterpieces in situ.

The Mudéjar architecture of Aragon with its moorish influence has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buildings that are included in that designation in Zaragoza include: the Mudéjar remains of the Palace of Aljafería Zaragoza, the Tower and Parish church of San Pablo Zaragoza, and the Apse, parish and dome of La Seo (the other cathedral).

The origins of the town go back to Roman times, which it was known as Caesaraugusta. There is a Roman history museum of the old forum near the Plaza del Pilar as well as an old Roman Amphitheater. The stature of Caesar Augustus in front of the city market was a gift from Franco.

Cat recommends a number of museums in the city including the Goya Museum, the Museo Pablo Gargallo, the IAACC Pablo Serrano, the CaixaForum Zaragoza, the Zaragoza Museum, and the Alma Mater Museum. For those less inclined to visit museums you might check out a Chocopass from the local tourism board instead.

We talk about a number of side trips from the city including the city of Tarazona and the Monasterio de Piedra. Tarazona is the place to go for more Mudéjar architecture, Jewish history and... perhaps ironically... Spanish ham. The Monasterio de Piedra which is an old monastery where the monks made chocolate and wine. The monastery is built in a park with waterfalls.

For hiking Cat recommends the village of Agüero which is an old village surrounded by rock formations.

If you are looking for a rich, beautiful part of Spain that doesn't get enough love... can we recommend Zaragoza and Aragon?

 

Hear about travel to the island nation of Malta as Chris Christensen, the Amateur Traveler, tells about a recent week-long trip to the island at the center of the Mediterranean Sea.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-island-of-malta/

Why should you visit Malta?

Malta is an amazing island country with a rich history and spectacular scenery.

The one-week itinerary for Malta includes the following highlights:

Sunday:

• Take a harbor cruise around Valletta.
• Pick up a 7-day bus pass, if you are getting around by public transportation
• Explore Valletta a UNESCO city, and visit the Upper Barrakka

Monday:

• Take a guided tour of Valletta Underground, exploring where the residents of Valletta took shelter from WWII bombing
• Visit St John’s Co-cathedral.
• Lunch in Birgu 
• Visit Mdina, the old capital, also known as the "silent city."

Tuesday:

• See the colorful Marsaxlokk harbor and Għar Dalam Cave with its pigmy elephant and hippo skeletons
• Visit Ħal Tarxien, an open-air megalithic temple site.
• Visit Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground necropolis and UNESCO site.
• Explore Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu.

Wednesday:

• Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, UNESCO megalithic temple sites.
• Explore the Blue Grotto (weather-dependent).
• Visit Mdina, including the cathedral
• Stop at a museum dedicated to the Roman Villa in Rabat.
• Explore St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat.

Thursday:

• Travel to Gozo, and stay in Victoria.
• Visit Ggantija Temples, another UNESCO site and megalithic temple.
• Explore Citadella fortress in Victoria.
• Have dinner in St George's Square

Friday:

• Visit San Blas Tower and Ramla Beach in Gozo.
• Return to Malta in the afternoon.

Saturday:

• Move to Fortellessa and explore Valletta.
• Visit Upper Barrakka, Lower Barrakka, and Fort St Elmo.
• Relax in the city and soak in the atmosphere.

Hear about travel to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to Olivia from inspiredbycroatia.com about her adopted country.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-croatias-istrian-peninsula/

Why should you go to the Istrian Peninsula?

Olivia says, "I think that Istria is still a little bit underrated. Personally, I like to Talk about it as this like a fairytale like region. It has quite a strong Italian heritage somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, but with a Croatian flair It's filled with these emerald green hills dotted with medieval villages throughout the food there is absolutely Fantastic."

"If you're a foodie you want to go to Istria, their home to lots of truffles, so you'll find truffles in a lot of the dishes there. And then in addition to the green interior, we have the rugged coastline rocky coastline, but beautiful blue pristine water and beaches, and it really just has the best of both worlds."

Olivia recommends this itinerary:

Day 1: Pula

• Explore Pula, the largest city in Istria.
• Visit the Roman Arena, a well-preserved amphitheater.
• Explore other historic sites like the Temple of Augustus and the ancient Roman Forum.
• Visit the Museum of Olive Oil and the castle.
• Drive to Verudela Peninsula for a swim in the sea and explore the rocky coastline.
• Optional: Attend the Pula Film Festival which is held in July.

Day 2: Fažana and Brioni National Park

• Drive to Fažana, a village 15 minutes north of Pula.
• Take a day trip to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago with untouched nature and Roman ruins.
• Explore the islands, including a tourist train ride and optional activities like renting a golf cart or bike, or driving Tito's car.
• Return to Fažana for a meal at Alla Beccaccia, a family-run restaurant.

Day 3: Rovinj

• Head north to Rovinj, a charming fishing village.
• Explore the town, visit the church, and walk down Grisea Street.
• Visit Mediterraneo Bar for a seaside cafe experience.

Day 4: Visit the Limfjord

• Take a boat ride on the Limfjord
• Head to Bale for a visit to local wineries.

Day 5: Porič and Umag

• Drive to Porič, a seaside town popular among European travelers.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll down the main Roman street.
• Spend the afternoon walking along the Riviera for swimming.
• Head further north to Umag, known for the Croatia Open UMAG tennis tournament.
• Optional: Explore Savudrija and visit the oldest lighthouse.

Day 6: Green Istria - Motovun, Grožnjan, Momjan

• Visit Motovun, a hilltop town known for truffles.
• Explore the town, visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar, and possibly attend the Motovon Summer Film Festival.
• Head to Grožnjan, a charming town known for artists and musicians.
• Explore the cobblestone streets and visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar.
• End the day in Momjan at Kono Bastari Podrum for dinner and Kozlovich Winery for wine tasting.

Day 7: Buzet, Truffle Tasting, and Hum

• Visit Buzet and tour the Aura Distillery for brandies, liqueurs, and gin tasting.
• Head to Karlić Tartufi for truffle tasting, a truffle hunting experience, and a cooking demonstration.
• Optional: Stop at Kotli for waterfalls and small pools.
• Visit the "smallest town in the world", Hum.

Enjoy your trip to Istria!

Hear about travel to Tokyo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matthew Jasek from The Nerd Tourist about one of his favorite, if nerdy, cities. 

https://amateurtraveler.com/otaku-guide-to-tokyo-japan/

Day 1: Arrival and Food Tour

• Afternoon: Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel.
• Evening: Join a food tour or find a local guide to visit a traditional Japanese restaurant. Explore the dining culture with the help of a guide who can navigate through nuances.

Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market and Senso-ji

• Morning: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a variety of food stalls. Try grilled eel and other local delicacies.
• Afternoon: Explore Senso-ji Temple. Take part in the tradition of shaking a metal container to get a fortune. Enjoy more street food around the area.
• Evening: Choose between visiting Odaiba for futuristic buildings and the Unicorn Gundam statue or exploring Shimokitazawa, a hip neighborhood known for vintage shops and live music.

Day 3: Shibuya Scramble, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine

• Morning: Experience the famous Shibuya Scramble and visit the statue of Hachiko. Head to Harajuku Station.
• Afternoon: Explore Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Enjoy crepes, Shiba Inu Cafe, and unique latte art at Cafe Reissue.
• Evening: Choose between visiting Ikebukuro for anime-related attractions or Nakano Broadway for traditional shopping and unique ramen.

Day 4: Nerd Day

• Option 1: Take a guided tour of Akihabara, the hub of nerd culture, exploring anime shops and arcades.
• Option 2: Visit real-life anime locations using online resources or guided tours. Consider Studio Ghibli Museum, Totoro no Mori, or Shirohige Cream Puff Factory.
• Evening: Experience Tokyo’s nightlife with activities like Mari Car go-karting or trying Monjayaki in Monja Street.

Day 5: Kamakura Trip

• Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Explore Zeniarai Benten Shrine and wash your money.
• Visit Hokokuji Temple Bamboo Forest Temple, and wander through the bamboo forest.
• Optionally, pay extra to drink tea at the little tea house in the back.
• Explore Kamakura’s main attractions like the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
• If in April, consider attending the Kamakura Festival (second to the third weekend).
• If in September (14th to 16th), experience Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival with horseback archery.
• Visit the grave site of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun.
• Visit Jufuku-ji Temple, the grave of Hojo no Masako (the Nun Shogun).

Day 6: Enoshima Island Trip

• Travel to Fujiwara Station and take the Enoshima Electric Railway to the Shirahata Shrine.
• Visit Shirahata Shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
• Board the Enoshima Electric Railway and ride to Enoshima Island.
• Explore the long road leading to sea caves, shops, and the Dragon Bell.
• Visit the botanical garden with the sea candle lighthouse.
• Try the local delicacy Shirasu Don at one of the restaurants.
• Visit the Enoshima Shrine complex

Bonus Day:

Consider non-nerdy activities:

• Attend a tea ceremony.
• Rent a kimono and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
• Attend a sumo match or witness a sumo practice.
• Catch a baseball game.
• Take a vintage tram to Gotokuji, the temple that invented the beckoning cat statue.
• Join a tattoo-friendly Tokyo bathhouse tour.

Tips:

• Stay in Akihabara for a central location.
• Use apps like the Visit Japan app for customs information, TableCheck for reservations, and Line for communication.
• Prepare for a lot of walking.

There is always so much to see in and near Tokyo, for nerds and non-nerds alike.

Hear about travel to the Exumas in the Bahamas as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tessie from TravelingTessie.com about these sundrenched islands she has fallen in love with.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-exumas-bahamas/

Why should someone go to the Exumas?

Tessie says, "It's a perfect destination if obviously, you enjoy the beach. But the beaches, they're very unique because they're really unspoiled. And there's not a lot of crowds. So if someone's interested in that, it's a really great destination for that, but it's also great for people with kids, for bachelorette couples, and friend groups that are looking for a place to get away from it all. I feel like, Exumas is truly a hidden gem."

Day 1: Arrival in Georgetown

• Fly into Georgetown, Exumas.
• Check into Paradise Bay Hotel
• Relax on the beach, explore the hotel's surroundings, and get familiar with the area.

Day 2: Full-Day Boat Tour

• Book a full-day boat tour departing from Georgetown.
• Visit Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling (film location of a James Bond movie).
• Optional: Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina.
• Visit Pig Island for a unique experience of swimming with pigs.
• Lunch is included in the tour.
• Explore beautiful sandbars, some of which were featured in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Day 3: Explore Georgetown and Stocking Island

• Explore Georgetown, visit the straw market, and shop for local souvenirs.
• Take a ferry to Stocking Island.
• Spend the day at Chat 'n' Chill beach bar, known for its fresh conch salad and stingrays.

Day 4: Little Exuma Beach Day

• Rent a car and drive to Little Exuma.
• Explore Pretty Molly Beach, Forbes Hill Beach, and Tropic of Cancer Beach.
• Visit Exuma Point Beach at low tide.
• Take an eco-tour at Mariah Harbor K National Park to learn about and witness marine life.

Day 5: ATV Tour and Sea Turtle Encounter

• Morning ATV tour exploring the northwestern part of Great Exuma.
• Stops at Cocoa Plum Beach, Exuma Point, and the historical site of Pompeii.
• Lunch.
• Afternoon visit to Hooper's Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling with wild sea turtles.

Day 6: Boat Rental and Exploration in Elizabeth Harbor

• Rent a boat from Georgetown and explore Elizabeth Harbor.
• Discover an underwater cave, visit Starfish Beach, and snorkel at a coral reef.
• Explore Sand Dollar Beach.
• Return to Georgetown.

Day 7: Return to Exuma Point Beach

• Visit Exuma Point Beach again, especially if you missed it at low tide.
• Relax and unwind before departing.
• Depart for home.

If you are looking for remote beaches and a unique experience with swimming pigs then the Exumas are worth your consideration.

 

Hear about travel to Gujarat, India as the Amateur Traveler talks again to James Schomburgk about festivals, temples, and Asiatic lions.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-gujarat/

James says, "Gujarat is in the far western central of northern India. Pakistan is its western border. And the southern border is the Arabian Sea. It's actually close to some of the big-hitting states in terms of tourism, but it's a very different geographically. It's very different feel to the rest of India. If you're looking for something that's remote. If you're looking for something that is you'll be, you'll be certainly be treated like royalty, because everybody will be looking at you bizarrely because they rarely see any tourists. The beauty of it is I think, for me, the wildlife, the wildlife is was quite mind blowing. And I know I've spoken to so many people in India, a lot of people associate India with tigers, but what they have in Gujarat is lions, leopards, hyena, and wolf, animals that people would be a bit surprised that are in India. It was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi so it's also got a lot of history."

James starts us in the city of Bhavnagar. He stayed in the Nilambag Palace with the current Maharaja. Half the palace has been turned into a hotel.

He takes us then to one of the most holy sites in Jainism at Shatrunjaya. You can climb the 3,300 steps past a number of temples to a set of ornate temples at the top that are 900 years old. The view from the top of the mountain is also spectacular. If you don't have the fitness to climb the steps you can get carried up on a litter. 

From there James directs us to Sasan Gir National Park where you can see the last remaining Asiatic Lions in India.  The Asiatic Lion is a close cousin of the African Lion. In addition to lions, they saw the nilgai which are the largest Asian antelope, and the dangerous mugger crocodile. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year.

The next stop is Junagadh which is known for its old fort (the name literally translates to "Old Fort"). There are also some spectacular mausoleums in Junagadh which were built in the late 1800s in an Indo-Islamic style. They have elaborate carvings and minarets with exterior spiral staircases. But the most memorable part of James' visit to Junagadh was the festival of Bhavnath Mela where throngs of people would climb the nearby holy hill of Girnar wearing their best sari... or in the case of some Naga (holy men) wearing nothing at all.

Somnath temple is a sacred Hindu site that has been built and rebuilt over the centuries after it fell victim to invading Muslim armies from the West.

Gujarat cuisine is vegetarian and you won't find alcohol either for religious regions so James and his traveling companion enjoyed a visit to the tiny state of Diu which used to be a Portuguese possession. Here you could see the blending of the Indian and Portuguese cultures... and get a cheap beer. They enjoyed a visit to a fishing village and a pick-up game of cricket with locals.

The last stop on our itinerary is Blackbuck National Park for more wildlife viewing including the eponymous Blackbuck antelope, striped hyena, and Indian wolf. James highly recommends a stay in the luxurious Blackbuck Safari Lodge.

After you have seen the well-known sites of India, explore some of its hidden gems like Gujarat.