Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

Chris Christensen has been running Amateur Traveler since 2005, making it one of the longest-running travel podcasts in existence. With over 1,000 episodes in the archive, there is genuinely no corner of the globe this show hasn't explored. Chris interviews a different travel expert or enthusiast each week, focusing on a single destination per episode. The conversation stays practical and culturally rich, covering everything from Puebla's street food scene to trekking through Pakistan's Skardu region. The format works because Chris knows how to pull specific, useful details out of his guests. You won't get vague "it was amazing" recaps here. Instead, expect restaurant names, neighborhood recommendations, budget breakdowns, and honest opinions about what's worth skipping. Episodes typically run 30 to 45 minutes, long enough to give you a solid foundation for planning without turning into a marathon. Chris has a Travel+Leisure award for best independent travel journalist and a spot in the Podcast Hall of Fame, which tells you something about the consistency. The show carries a 4.4 rating from over 1,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts. His approach leans toward culturally immersive travel rather than resort-style vacations, so expect episodes on Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley and Sardinia alongside more conventional destinations like Bern or Vietnam. If you're the kind of traveler who wants to understand a place before you visit it, this podcast has probably already covered your next trip.