What does hell on earth look like? 

Science writer and explorer Erika Engelhaupt takes us on a unique journey to “awesomely awful” destinations to explore the history, culture, and science behind seven of the most otherworldly locations around the world.

Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and expert on all things macabre. Her work in National Geographic, Scientific American, and elsewhere has revealed the spooky science behind many taboo topics, including rotting corpses, bodily fluids, and other things that make her popular at dinner parties. She is the author of Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and her newest book, Go to Hell: A Traveler’s Guide to Earth’s Most Otherworldly Destinations.

Erika shares insights into how cultures worldwide have visualized the afterlife, explores the natural phenomena behind these lesser-known “hellscapes,” and discusses her own experiences visiting places that challenge and redefine our sense of wonder.

What’s the eeriest or most otherworldly place you’ve visited? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Hear about travel to Normandy, France, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kat Butler from World Wide Honeymoon and France Voyager about this historic and wonderful part of France.

Why should you go to Normandy?

Kay says, “Normandy, I think, just offers so much. My road trip, that I did last year, was literally to prove that there was so much more to Normandy than the D-Day beaches. You’ve got Mont Saint Michel, the cider route. You’ve got the countryside. I think that Normandy makes some of the best cheese. You have The beaches. You also have places like. Giverny. You’ve got Etretat, which has the beautiful cliffs. It’s well worth a visit.”

Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You can find that in the full show notes here.

Did this episode make you want to start planning your trip to Normandy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

This episode is a feed drop from the Amateur Traveler podcast.

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Would you take a road trip with strangers—across continents—in a $100 car or a converted school bus? How can ridiculous travel change your life for the better?

Joel is one of the founders of Global Convoy, a travel movement built on trust, optimism, and a willingness to figure things out along the way. What started as a spontaneous idea to drive around the world in a beat-up car became a series of epic journeys involving strangers and a DIY spirit.

Joel shares incredible stories of unpredictable roadblocks and unforgettable connections while navigating the Pan-American Highway in a converted school bus. He explains how Global Convoy grew into an inclusive community for travelers seeking to escape their comfort zones and embrace the “mayhem.” 

He gives a fresh perspective to exploring the world on a budget, showing how to make incredible journeys possible without deep pockets or a perfect plan. You’ll learn practical tips to DIY your own adventure, insights on sustainable travel, leveraging community and collaboration for cost-effective adventures, and cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust while on the road.

What’s your wildest travel dream, and who would you invite to join you on the journey? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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How can you make a smoother transition into your new life abroad?

Relocation expert Chrishan Wright discusses the hidden challenges and unexpected mistakes people make when moving abroad. She shares lessons from her experience living in Portugal and offers valuable advice for both aspiring expats and long-term travelers.

Chrishan Wright is the creator of Blaxit Global, a vibrant hub dedicated to providing information, inspiration, and empowerment for the global Black community seeking a fresh start abroad. 

Chrishan highlights the top mistakes you may never have considered—from underestimating costs to the legal and healthcare surprises that can catch you off guard. She also shares valuable insights on integrating and adjusting to a new lifestyle and embracing personal growth as you navigate life in a foreign country.

If you could move to any country tomorrow, where would you go and why? I'd love to know, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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How can solo travel transform your life and career? What is travel influencing really like?

Alyssa Ramos is one of the first solo female travel influencers. She’s the founder of My Life's A Travel Movie and has been traveling full-time as a living for over 10 years. 

As someone who never actually set out to become an influencer, she shares her unexpected story of building a career around full-time travel, the realities of social media influencing and travel blogging, and her experience leading tours in Antarctica.

Alyssa talks about the mindset shifts that helped her push past societal expectations and how solo travel has profoundly shaped her life and choices. She reveals the truth behind the lifestyle, addresses misconceptions, and provides insight into the positives and negatives of the industry. 

You’ll also hear about what it’s like to travel to Antarctica and gain plenty of practical advice about the costs and logistics of planning your adventure.

What’s the most transformative experience you’ve had while exploring solo? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What does it mean to read the world, and how can it transform your perspective on global cultures?

Ann Morgan is an author, novelist, and literary explorer based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she challenged herself to read a book from every country, recording her quest at ayearofreadingtheworld.com and in the non-fiction book Reading the World.

Ann shares her experience, giving us powerful insights into literature’s ability to expand horizons and challenge preconceptions. She shares tips on finding books that challenge your worldview, the importance of reading outside your comfort zone, and how literature can reveal cultural blind spots. We talk about some of the challenges with reading globally and what to be cautious of when choosing what to read.

You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives on how stories from around the globe can enrich your understanding of the world and your place in it.

Which book from a different culture or country has impacted how you see the world? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Want to experience the real flavors of Europe? Eating Europe founder Kenny Dunn shares his eight food hacks in Europe for avoiding tourist traps and eaing like a local. 

Since 2011, Eating Europe has guided over 400,000 travelers to the best local eats in 17 of Europe’s greatest cities. Their immersive culinary experiences allow travelers to discover where locals eat, hear the stories behind each dish, and interact with the people who make these iconic foods.

Kenny’s insider tips will help you spot high-quality, authentic dishes anywhere in Europe, from Milan to Paris and beyond. You’ll learn not only about the best locations to visit but how to look for certain qualities in your food to ensure a delicious and authentic experience and why a food tour should be a part of your next adventure.

What’s the best local dish you’ve discovered while traveling? I'd love to know what it was and why you loved it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Looking for new travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist hotspots?

In this episode, Jason interviews Andrew Nelson, a two-time Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist. Andrew’s new book, Here Not There, highlights lesser-known destinations and reveals hidden gems that can change your travel experience.

As a travel expert and regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is known for discovering unique spots. His book encourages travelers to avoid crowded places and explore smarter with fresh alternatives to typical bucket list locations.

Over-tourism is one of the biggest issues in global travel today, and this episode offers actionable tips to steer clear of crowded tourist spots while still having amazing experiences. Andrew’s knowledge is timely and will give you plenty of new ideas, whether you're looking at destinations in the US or beyond.

If you could swap a popular tourist destination for a lesser-known gem, where would it be? I’d love to hear your ideas and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What does it take to walk around the world, and what motivates someone to take on such a massive challenge?

Tom Turcich enjoys walking, a lot. Actually, he might enjoy walking too much. Over seven years, he and his dog, Savannah, walked 25,000 miles across thirty-eight countries to become the 10th person and first dog to walk around the world. 

In this special episode, I’m handing the mic over to Tom to interview Alexander Campbell, who started his own world walk in February 2023. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of walking across multiple continents.

At the time of this recording, Alex is 12,000km into his 40,000km trek. Starting from his hometown in Sydney, Australia, he’s traveled through Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, and recently completed crossing Nepal through the Himalayas.

This episode offers a unique chance to listen in on a conversation between two world walkers, each with their own incredible stories. You'll hear about the challenges and experiences they’ve faced, from managing nutrition and health in remote areas to handling unexpected obstacles like border closures and injuries. Learn how Tom and Alex both approach walking as a way to build confidence and face their fears and why taking breaks along the way is crucial for long-term endurance.

What long-distance walk or quest would you want to go on? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tiffany Mathias, a self-confessed baseball stadium chaser, recounts her quest to visit every ballpark in the US, touring the stadiums, chatting to ushers and fans, and sampling the often eccentric local concessions—often as a solo traveler. To watch a game in a new stadium, says Tiffany, is “to be in her happy place.”

This is a feed drop from Condé Nast Traveler's podcast Women Who Travel.

What kind of unique travel experience do you want to have? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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