Chris Christensen - Award winning travel blogger, journalist and creator of Amateur Traveler Podcast
- S2E26
- 41:01
- October 14th 2026
On this episode of The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel sits down with Chris Christensen, the creator and host of the award-winning Amateur Traveler podcast. Having visited around 84 countries at the time of recording, Chris shares stories of cruising China’s Yangtze River, discovering Uzbekistan’s Silk Road architecture, visiting communities in the Peruvian Amazon and enjoying street tacos in Mexico. Together, they explore how curiosity, history, food and human connection can make travel more meaningful and how to find the experiences that suit you.
Destinations mentioned:
- Canada — the only country outside the United States he had visited before finishing college.
- United States - California, the East Coast & Virginia
- France
- Normandy — a region he has visited and enjoyed, with a return trip planned at the time of recording.
- Spain
- Jerez de la Frontera — a food-focused trip involving traditional dishes, contemporary cooking and sherry.
- China
- Shanghai — including a business stay at the Marriott property in Tomorrow Square.
- A hotel outside Shanghai — the setting for the wedding he attended.
- The Yangtze River — a cruise added to his wedding trip.
- Tanzania — a volunteer trip, safari experiences and time spent with local people.
- Peru
- The Peruvian Amazon — visits to river communities and a large natural reserve; the reserve is not clearly named.
- Egypt
- The pyramids — an especially memorable historical experience; the transcript does not specify the location by name.
- Uzbekistan — a recent favourite for its history, architecture and Silk Road heritage.
- Kazakhstan
- Charyn Canyon — discussed in the context of a poorly guided press trip.
- Türkiye
- Istanbul — one of his favourite cities.
- Sultanahmet and the historic walled city — the area where he likes to stay.
- Cambodia
- Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
- Vietnam
- Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City
- Thailand
- Bangkok
- England : London
- Mexico: Cozmuel, Mexico City, Merida
- Hawaiʻi, United States
- Lānaʻi — memorable stays at two Four Seasons properties.
- Zimbabwe
- The banks of the Zambezi River —Zimbabwe Safari Lodge
- Australia
- A family visit connected with his uncle’s work in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.
- Greece
- Meteora — discussed as a destination that caught his attention through a Bond film and in the context of his travels.
You can find out more about Chris here:
Website - https://amateurtraveler.com/about/
Social Media : https://www.instagram.com/chris2x
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amateurtraveler
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisChristensen
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3rg2hju5dg4RDs9Y5Ru63a
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnchristensen
Host: Angelica-Hazel Toutounji
📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_
🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au
📧 Email: [email protected]
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The Travel Date
The Travel Date is an inspiring and entertaining travel podcast hosted by Adelaide-based clinical nutritionist, writer, devoted foodie and passionate traveller Angelica-Hazel Toutounji.
Every journey begins with a story, and each episode of The Travel Date invites listeners to discover the people, places, cultures and unforgettable experiences that make travelling so special. Through warm, relaxed and engaging conversations, Angelica-Hazel speaks with travellers, travel writers, content creators, tourism professionals, business owners and fascinating guests whose lives have been influenced by their adventures around Australia and across the world.
The Travel Date explores much more than simply where someone has travelled. It discovers why people travel, what they learn along the way and how a destination can change their outlook on life. Guests share their favourite locations, memorable meals, unexpected challenges, hidden gems, cultural experiences and practical travel advice, along with the personal moments and meaningful connections that stay with them long after they return home.
From spontaneous overseas adventures and immersive cultural journeys to luxury escapes, regional road trips, family holidays, wellness retreats and budget-friendly experiences, The Travel Date celebrates the many different ways people explore the world. Whether it is a major international destination or a remarkable place closer to home, every location has a story waiting to be discovered.
Food, culture and human connection are at the heart of the podcast. Angelica-Hazel’s natural curiosity and love of storytelling encourage her guests to go beyond the usual travel recommendations and share the honest, funny, emotional and sometimes life-changing experiences behind their journeys.
Listeners can expect fascinating destination ideas, authentic travel stories, helpful recommendations and plenty of inspiration for their next adventure. The podcast also provides an opportunity to discover local communities, independent tourism operators, accommodation providers, regional businesses and extraordinary destinations throughout South Australia, across Australia and around the world.
The Travel Date is not simply about collecting destinations—it is about collecting moments, creating memories and developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The podcast celebrates travel’s ability to inspire curiosity, build confidence and resilience, strengthen relationships and remind us to make the most of the time we have with the people we love.
Whether you are actively planning your next holiday, dreaming about a faraway destination, searching for practical travel ideas or simply enjoy hearing wonderful stories from interesting people, The Travel Date will leave you informed, entertained and ready to explore.
Take the trip. Taste the food. Meet the people. Collect the moments.
Subscribe to The Travel Date and join Angelica-Hazel for a new guest, a new destination and a new story.Host and contact details
Angelica-Hazel Toutounji
Adelaide, South Australia
Telephone: 0438 716 606
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.angelicahazel.com.au
The Travel Date Instagram: @the_travel_date
Angelica-Hazel Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition