Travel with Rick Steves

Apr 30/2020

Hear about Michelangelo's life-consuming struggle to create the grand papal tomb that was supposed to be his magnum opus, but is largely ignored today. Then get an update on what's new this year in Dublin, where a major renovation at Trinity College's Old Library has turned viewing the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest[...]
Tour guides from Berlin update us on what's new in the German capital, and discuss why they love living in a city so dense with history — and one that seems to be constantly reinventing itself. And a former Peace Corps volunteer reflects on the value of his two-year stint, which had him, right out[...]
American road-trip aficionado Jim Hinckley recommends Old West ghost towns to visit before they fade away. Then Irish singer Cathie Ryan explains — and demonstrates — how Ireland remembers its heroes in song. And journalist Carl Hoffman lets us in on what he's concluded after researching the disappearance of banking scion Michael Rockefeller, who vanished[...]
Learn about Italy's sagre — traditional country fairs, often centering on the local harvest, that usually feature colorful historical pageantry. Then hear what's new in old Rome as it spiffs up for the coming Jubilee Year celebrations. Then listen in as venerated writer and editor Michael Korda recounts his experiences amid one of the Cold[...]
A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then an expert in public green spaces recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And a writer who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska alerts[...]
A Harvard historian discusses how the impact of the Immigration Act of 1965 continues to reverberate in American society, and in particular what the US gained in becoming far more welcoming to Asian immigrants than ever before. And tour guides from Hungary, Poland, and Portugal update us on some of the profound political issues under[...]
An American memoirist describes what she learned when retracing an epic — and poignant — family road trip all the way from Oregon to the southern tip of South America. Then a film producer recounts some of the exhilarating travels he's turned into spectacular IMAX nature films. And fellow listeners call in to share how[...]
The co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the charms of Slovenia's laid-back capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares her insider tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest, and a naturalist with a knack for adventure explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect. For[...]
A historian discusses some of the most salient narratives about themselves that eastern Europeans have been passing down through generations of folklore. Then a Bulgarian tour guide lets us in on why the smaller Balkan countries of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are emerging as "back-door" destinations. And tour guides from Italy share tips for[...]
A linguist who studies disappearing languages lets us in on some of Europe's lesser-known lingos and discusses how languages help define cultures. Then travel journalist Oneika Raymond shares some of the insights she's gained as a "serial expat" and why she encourages fellow women of color to explore the world on their own, despite the[...]
A longtime Italophile shares the charms and rich culture of Sicily. Then a popular columnist and avowed train buff recounts tales of his rail travels the world over. And a photojournalist takes a deep dive into the ways we soak, swim, and slow down in hot springs. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like[...]
Delve into southern Wales and its evocative landscape of castles, pilgrim trails, and coal mines. Then get a rare glimpse into Central Asia's largest country from a former Peace Corps volunteer. And vicariously explore some of our world's remaining desolate places. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Get recommendations for enjoying scenic hiking trails in the Scottish countryside. Then learn how Oslo's renovated harbor front has become a popular place to enjoy the city's art, culture, scenery, food, and even saunas. And hear how fellow listeners have been coping with crowds at Europe's major sights. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Tour guides from Athens recommend easy day trips from the capital into the historic Greek countryside, then let us in on some lesser-known island getaways in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Plus, British actress Dame Joanna Lumley shares her favorite highlights from exploring northern Greece for a TV special she filmed there. For more information[...]
British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitors in the Spanish capital. And we ponder our place in the planet's history with author Robert Macfarlane,[...]
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof has witnessed his share of danger and strife as a foreign correspondent. Listen in as he reflects on his career and helps us look for hope beyond the headlines that bombard us daily. Plus, get a taste of the culinary delights of Paris with a foodie so enamored of France[...]
Get ideas for visiting some of Paris' unique, under-appreciated small museums, as well as tips for tackling its massive grande dame, the Louvre — and an author's insights into the former palace's remarkable history. And French tour guides tell us what they love best about the cities along the Mediterranean's sparkling Cote d'Azur. For more[...]
Get a taste of the hearty, homespun cuisine of the American South from a writer who has documented our nation through the foods we celebrate. Then hear about a man's quest to trace the travels of Ben Franklin — and to uncover the founder's life lessons. And listen in as callers recount meaningful travel experiences[...]
A Newfoundland musician lets us in on the sights he recommends to best enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Then an award-winning Canadian TV personality shares his own favorite places and things to enjoy across Canada. Plus, a culinary historian raises a glass to New Orleans and unveils how to appreciate the[...]
Hear about the slower pace of life on Bowen Island, just offshore from bustling Vancouver, British Columbia. Then get tips for exploring Alaska beyond its cruise ship ports. And vicariously experience a summer hike across Iceland's dramatic backcountry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details[...]
Hear from a scuba diving enthusiast how the scenery beneath the surface can be breathtaking in unexpected ways. Then get tips from a tour guide for enjoying Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast in spite of the crowds. And discover how you can enjoy a ramble on one of England's most popular hiking trails, the South West[...]
The Iberian Peninsula takes center stage as tour guides tell us what they like best about the scenic Algarve region of Portugal, and recommend where to find the charming parts of Spain's crowded and touristy Costa del Sol. Plus, futurist Kevin Kelly tells us what traditional aspects of Asia have impressed him the most over[...]
A self-described "Rome nerd" helps us picture what it was like to live in the Roman Empire and explains how much we can learn about the era from its now 2,000-year-old rubble. Then a tour guide from Bulgaria sings the praises of its cultural capital, Plovdiv — one of the oldest cities in Europe, possibly[...]
Historian, novelist, and legendary editor Michael Korda invites us to look back on World War I through the eyes of its soldier poets, whose works — often composed in the trenches — offer an unusually personal and uncensored perspective on the horrors of "the war to end all wars." And a Turkish tour guide takes[...]
Rick and his senior writer discuss why so much of what Americans have long called "Eastern Europe" is better termed "Central Europe," especially with the Cold War now several decades behind us. Then a tour guide from Oslo explains how Norway cleverly uses its oil-industry revenues to maintain a flourishing society. And German-American journalist Michael[...]
A pair of tour-bus drivers offer their expert tips on what to expect when navigating the highways of Europe. Then we discuss ideas for exploring two of Europe's most scenic regions: the lush Irish countryside and the floral landscapes and villages of southern France — and pop into a Dublin pub for a wee sing-along.[...]
A German journalist shares some timely thoughts on what his fellow citizens find appealing about America, as well as his insights into the intriguing differences between our two societies. Then a London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the[...]
A Dutch guide invites us to imagine a day on the water exploring Amsterdam's iconic canals. Then a historian shares what little we know of the elusive Sentinelese — likely the most isolated, least contacted people on earth — and what he learned by traveling to nearby islands in the Bay of Bengal. And a[...]
Celebrate Earth Day by considering the ways you can address climate change at home, with practical advice from a scientist who's seen its effects around the world. Then hear from a culinary historian about the crops, farm animals, and agricultural traditions that we risk losing in America. And mark Shakespeare's birthday by learning how his[...]
We admire the seafaring prowess of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with 18th-century Hawaiians. Then tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in northern Greece, and The New Yorker’s "Comma Queen," Mary Norris, explains what an appreciation for Greek language and[...]
We learn some surprisingly useful Italian phrases from one of Italy's most popular newspaper columnists, then consider why certain places have fostered more than their share of world-changing innovations, and hear about Timbuktu's history as an important center for scholarship. Plus, we find out about the thrill of dropping in on a choir practice in[...]
A nature filmmaker and self-proclaimed "umbraphile" shares tips for viewing the next total solar eclipse, when the moon will cast its otherworldly shadow on a narrow band across North America on April 8 — and explains why he thinks it’s worth a trek to the totality zone. Then the "Paddle Pilgrim" returns to tell us[...]
An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — some of which[...]
In this all-Irish hour, tour guides describe some of the intriguing sights you'd encounter on a walking tour of Dublin and explain why the rugged Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast, are such an exciting place to explore Irish traditions. And author Timothy Egan delves into the legacy of 19th-century America's most famous Irish immigrant.[...]
A columnist for the Irish Times describes some of the historical objects so cherished by his compatriots that they're considered key to Ireland's national identity, and tells us where you can see them on display. Then we take a closer look at the life of Michelangelo and the midlife mess that threatened to derail him[...]
A historian describes how eastern European countries have modernized since the Cold War and examines the kinds of challenges they face today. And an American-born artist and creative writing teacher shares the joy she feels in being "Welsh by choice." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Get ideas and tips from TV host Samantha Brown for finding little corners of Europe in the New World, then hear an author's dramatic firsthand account of a near catastrophe on a cruise ship caught powerless in a freak winter storm off the coast of Norway. And a tour guide takes us to the wild,[...]
Hear what it's like to live on one of the windswept Orkney Islands off the northern tip of Scotland, where people have lived since before recorded history. Then learn how redesigned traffic patterns in Europe have had a positive impact on quality of life — and get ideas for making your own city a more[...]
Astronomer Philip Plait — who fell in love with Saturn after first viewing the gas giant, with its mesmerizing rings and moons, through a telescope as a child — shares some of the amazing discoveries we've made about the planet in recent years. Then actor Martin Sheen describes how his travels in the developing world[...]
The most popular storyteller of our time, author James Patterson, shares insights from the people who work behind the scenes to turn Las Vegas into America's ultimate fantasy destination. And a Morocco-based tour guide recommends letting yourself be amazed by the night sky in the Sahara Desert, a view that's guided travelers for millennia. For[...]
A deep-sea diving instructor from Australia explains why he's not afraid of sharks — well, most of them. Then a Cuba travel expert looks at the places and experiences you can explore beyond Havana, as well the rules that govern travel to Cuba for US travelers. And a guide from Italy helps us step into[...]
Hear the unlikely story of how Spanish grew from a Latin dialect in northern Iberia to become one of the world's most important and widely spoken languages. Then get tips for enjoying your first trip to Spain, and for getting the most out of a visit to the Prado's massive art collection in Madrid. For[...]
Get tips for enjoying elegant, easily navigated Vienna, Austria's capital and the epicenter of a once-mighty empire. Then hear a Bosnian describe what his country, a generation after its infamous war, has to teach us about getting along with our neighbors — and why the nation is now blossoming as a travel destination. And get[...]
A tour specialist from Cairo explains how you can cruise through five thousand years of history on the Nile River in Egypt. Author Pico Iyer suggests paradise on earth might be in some of the most unexpected places. He tells us about his sojourns from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to experience what South Asia[...]
Get some travel advice from the former U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, who recommends his favorite vacation getaways in the Balkans. Then listen in as a climate scientist describes the efforts that have worked — and some that haven't — in combatting the pollution that causes climate change…and what you can do now to make a[...]
Brighten your holidays with an international perspective on Christmas celebrations: Learn about Europe's Old World holiday traditions, and meet some of Santa's cousins, as some of Rick's friends drop by to discuss the sometimes sublime, often quirky ways they observe the season in Bavaria, Sardinia, Croatia, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Rome. And get a taste of[...]
Hear about why cod is so popular among the Portuguese — especially at this time of year — and get a taste of the culinary treats to try in and around Naples. Then find out how the Irish gear up for the holidays, and what listeners enjoy about traveling overseas during the Christmas season. For[...]
A columnist for the Irish Times discusses the dramatic recent changes in public opinion and attitude in Republic of Ireland, and how he's seen it become a modern, progressive nation over his lifetime. And a journalist from Utah tells us how to find some of the roadways the ancient Romans built to connect outposts of[...]
A former US ambassador to Switzerland shares her insights into what makes the Swiss tick — and what their society gets right. Then an astronomer helps us imagine what sort of views we'd enjoy if we could travel to planets in our solar system. And a guidebook author from Anchorage tells us why south-central Alaska[...]
Tour guides from Lisbon paint audio pictures of the vivid art that colors the streets of Portugal, then a journalist and former diplomat tells of how curiosity led him to meet with healers in the jungles of Nicaragua and Belize. And travel writer Richard Grant explains how a particularly bitter Yukon winter in Dawson City[...]
A culinary historian tells us what's traditionally been on the Thanksgiving table over the years. The head of the World Food Program USA updates us on the work that goes into feeding the world's most impoverished communities. Also, we remember Tucson-based travel writer Tom Miller. And we get a taste of the variety of sausages[...]
Hear about the risks and heroism it took to protect Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then vicariously eat your way through four of Italy's lesser-known regions — where specialties include elaborate seafood stews, spreadable salamis, and some of the world's best sheep's-milk cheeses — with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin. And listen in as[...]
A Jerusalem-raised Palestinian tour operator explains how he works to reconcile divided communities — in his home country, and far beyond. Then two Spanish tour guides consider what makes their country one of the world's most popular destinations among tourists, and what they want visitors to experience there. And a historian discusses the legacy of[...]
At a time of year when, according to some cultures, the worlds of the living and the dead come a little closer together, a historian joins us to explain how vampire stories arose from eastern European legends of the "un-dead." Then Irish writer Fintan O'Toole describes the role of the supernatural in Celtic traditions and[...]
A creative-writing professor discusses Icelandic mythology, as told in the Viking-inspired sagas — and how a summer backpacking trek around the island nation helped him understand the role these tales play in Iceland's modern-day culture. Then futurist and Wired founder Kevin Kelly looks back on his journeys to document, over nearly 50 years, many of[...]
Tour guides from Hungary discuss their country's love of paprika and set us straight on what makes for good goulash. Then the literary director of the Library of Congress and bicultural author Marie Arana examines the cultural divide between the US and Latin America, and explains its thousand-year-old historical roots. And we learn why the[...]
Get a sneak peek at some of the surprises you might encounter when exploring one or more of Indonesia's 13,000 islands. Then hear from a journalist about how his fellow Italians pulled together — with a uniquely Italian spirit — to cope with the earliest days of the Covid pandemic. And pick up tips for[...]
Commercial pilot and very frequent flier Mark Vanhoenacker shares stories from his many brief excursions to cities around the world. Then Cuba travel expert Christopher P. Baker discusses how the island has been faring since the pandemic shut down its tourism industry and relays the latest on government requirements for Americans interested in visiting. And[...]
Take a look at the historical attractions of southeast Louisiana that are easy day trips from New Orleans. Listen in to a German journalist comparing how his fellow Germans approach contemporary political and social issues versus the polarizing ways many Americans react to hot-button issues. Plus, hear listeners share tales of how they've been able[...]
Get tips for making the most of a long layover in Heathrow Airport with a quick visit into central London. Then meet the Tower of London's "Ravenmaster": the Yeoman Warder tasked with guarding a thousand years of British history. And hear about several celebrated spots in the English countryside that you can enjoy as fun,[...]
Two local guides working in Venice recommend their favorite ways to find serenity in the "most serene" of cities, despite its often overwhelming tourist crowds. Then Rick chats with author Phillip Barlag about a dozen buildings and plazas in Rome that offer particularly fascinating insights into the city's rich history. And author Angela Nickerson helps[...]
Consider your options for encountering the thousand-year-old culture of the Vikings on a visit to Scotland's Orkney Islands. Then listen in as a frequent domestic traveler explains why he believes that visiting all 50 states is a worthy endeavor for all Americans — not merely for fun but as a powerful way to overcome political[...]
The director of the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art tells us how a small city in Arkansas became home to a major art museum. Then author Rick Antonson describes how motoring west along the legendary Route 66 can reveal easily overlooked slices of Middle America. Plus, a Dutch tour guide discusses Amsterdam's reliance[...]
Guidebook authors from Morocco and Costa Rica explain why Tangier serves as a handy entry point into Morocco, discuss the meaning of "pura vida" in the tropical abundance of Costa Rica — and tell their story of an overseas trip that led them to fall in love and make a new life for themselves. And[...]
BBC reporter Nick Bryant gives us a personal look at India as he discusses what he learned about its society while he was stationed in New Delhi. Then Indian-born actress Madhur Jaffrey shares childhood memories from the last days of British colonialism. Plus, friends from Italy tell Rick how they cope with their country's everyday[...]
A journalist explains why she travels to countries that most people would have a good reason to avoid. Then an alpine guide discusses why she enjoys exploring Europe's historic hiking trails with her young children in tow. And a tour guide discusses what he enjoys most about Romania's less-traveled Old World scene. For more information[...]
A creative-writing instructor with an appetite for American comfort food describes some of his favorite quintessentially Midwestern dishes, and a former US ambassador lets us in on some of Switzerland's most enjoyable urban festivals and experiences. Then diving experts invite us to imagine the beauty of the underwater world as they explain what motivates them[...]
Find out how a camping trip down the Colorado River can be a life-altering experience. Hear about Nancy Pearl's favorite books for armchair adventures. Also, learn the protocol to order and enjoy the local specialties in Spain's tapas bars. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
The authors of "The Bonjour Effect" explain how many of the problems foreigners encounter in France are a disconnect with how the French expect you to communicate. Author Susan Cahill reveals some of her favorite garden spots in Paris and get a whiff of its colorful history. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Learn how colorful ceramic tiles have long been an important part of the scene in Portugal. Get recommendations from Cameron Hewitt, Rick's senior researcher, on elegant and soulful Polish cities, some of Europe's best-kept secrets. Hear from Author Anthony Sattin about how nomads have have shaped civilization over the centuries. For more information on Travel[...]
Hear about making family memories in western Canada along the historic Rocky Mountaineer train line. Explore the Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea. Learn more about confronting culture clashes in overseas travels. And discover the best local crafts in each of the 50 states. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Hear how Croatia's capital city Zagreb is a hidden gem of Central Europe, a respite from the tourist crowds of other more-famous cities. Listen in as author Richard Grant tells us why Natchez is called the quirkiest town in Mississippi. Plus, find out from TV reporter Conor Knighton about visiting each one of the U.S.[...]
Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and[...]
Author Bill Bryson describes how buying an old house in England has made him appreciate how dramatically domestic life has changed in just a few generations. Then writer Pico Iyer explains why visiting difficult destinations can shed light on where — or what — "paradise" might be. And urban planner Jeff Speck celebrates some of[...]
Join us as we travel back in time to Roman England to consider what remains today from 400 years of Roman rule in Britain. Then hear about the most spectacular sites in Turkey to revel in the rich 600-year history of the Ottoman Empire. And listen in as a Palestinian raised in Jerusalem shares his[...]
Get tips for discovering the delightful bits of Americana that await along the scenic inland back roads of California and the Pacific Northwest. Then listen in on a special in-studio concert with folk musicians Jim and Susie Malcolm as they explore the musical traditions of Scotland. And hear about some of the quirkier festivals you can[...]
Hear about the "personalities" that differentiate the biggest of the San Juan Islands, which cluster in the northwest corner of Washington State. Then listen in as actor Martin Sheen describes how his experiences filming overseas have come to influence his political activism. And get a professional intercontinental pilot's perspective on travel and lifelong wanderlust. For[...]
Hear about the natural beauty and rich culture that await visitors in the Republic of Georgia, where Europe meets Asia. Then get an update on the travel scene in Amsterdam, where recent regulations attempt to minimize the impact of "nuisance tourists," and a renovated riverfront has become a pleasant place to escape the often crowded[...]
Actors Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez relive their experience filming a movie about walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and describe how a pilgrimage hike with strangers can be an effective antidote to years of pandemic isolation. Plus ecologist and filmmaker Chris Morgan tells us about recent successes in reintroducing certain wildlife[...]
Hear what kind of cross-cultural issues emerge when Europeans marry Americans, then listen in as we discuss the allure of a road trip around America's Great Plains, where unobstructed views make the sky seem closer. And get tips on the best places to visit in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic for a sense of[...]
Journalist Zach Saint George describes the slow-motion migration of several North American tree species seeking to evade environmental threats. Then Wired founder Kevin Kelly lets us in on a massive photography project to document traditions disappearing across a quickly modernizing Asia. And writer Seth Kantner explains what he loves about living off the land near[...]
Hear about the importance of extended family in Greece, where the honor of being named a godmother comes with real responsibilities, and learn about some of Athens' most interesting neighborhoods — many of which are enjoying an exciting new vitality. Then listen in as an Arab-American Peace Corps veteran describes what he's come to admire[...]
Get to know some of the most notable of Italy's many patron saints, and why they remain important to so many. Then hear what journalist Tim Egan spent his time contemplating on his walk along the medieval Via Francigena — the pilgrimage path from Canterbury to Rome. And learn about the role of relics in[...]
Learn about the thoughtful design behind America's elegant city parks of the 19th century, which continue to provide green space for millions of urban dwellers, then get some tips for exploring Europe on one of its long-distance hiking trails. And hear about the massive archaeology museum, built to display a vast collection of ancient Egyptian[...]
We'll take an up-close look at some of Paris' most beautiful bridges as well as its most intriguing specialty museums and galleries, where you can escape the crowds — and are sure to discover something new in this always-surprising city. Then we'll head south to savor the relaxingly rural, yet assuredly sophisticated charms of Burgundy.[...]
Hear about how a locally operated tour can add depth and conviviality to your next trip to the Emerald Isle, then learn about the sophisticated ways ancient Celts mapped out their pre-Roman world. And get tips for exploring scenic West Cork — an untamed alternative to the tourist-trodden Ring of Kerry — and other highlights[...]
English actor Martin Clunes recommends some of his favorite smaller British isles among the many he visited while filming a travel documentary. Then Rick checks in with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin to celebrate the completion of their new guide to Italy's regional cuisine. And a Florence-based tour guide lets us in on her favorite food[...]
We'll take an audio stroll along the Danube waterfront in elegant, Old World Budapest, then contemplate the prehistoric stones that stand amid the stark beauty of Scotland's remote Orkney Islands. And listeners share their most memorable instances of a stranger's kindness changing an overseas trip for the better. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
We look at the top sites where you can experience firsthand the groundbreaking contributions of Spain's greatest artists. Then tour guides from Wales and Bosnia share the facets of their nationalities that mean most to them — such as the Welsh fortitude for enduring the blustery climate that produces such beautiful landscapes, and Bosnians' knack[...]
Hear how ancient pagan traditions spice up carnival season in the Basque Country and the Balkans — two regions that celebrate the days preceding Ash Wednesday with raucous festivals. Then get two Sicilians' take on what sets Sicily's island culture apart from the rest of Italy. And consider your next armchair journey as Harvard professor[...]
Historian Laurence Bergreen takes us to 18th-century Venice — the time of Casanova, when this "Most Serene Republic" had become the Sin City of Europe. And the head of the Young China Group think tank lets us in on what he wishes Americans knew about today's China and what he expects to see as it[...]
Author Mark Adams reveals four possible Mediterranean locations where the legendary lost city of Atlantis could have been. The former U-S Ambassador to Switzerland tells us what it's like representing American interests in a country known for its neutrality. Plus, a longtime resident of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula describes what to look for when you venture[...]
Explore two of Europe's less-crowded scenic peninsulas! Rick visits with local tour guides from Pula, on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, and from Ireland's Cooley Peninsula, an hour north of Dublin in County Louth. Plus marine conservationist Jonathan White explains what he's discovered about the power of the tides around the world — and how they affect[...]
Soak in the history and the splendor of Bath, where Georgian architecture and mineral waters make it one of England's most attractive cities. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a travel writer researches guidebooks. And hear how Peter Wortsman's Jewish heritage forces him to grapple with some powerful ghosts from the past in[...]
Hear how the US Civil Rights Trail, with 100 stops across 14 states, was organized to help all Americans get an up-close look at the movement to dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South. And listen in as ecologist Chris Morgan describes changes he's observed on Norway's Svalbard archipelago — halfway between the mainland and[...]
A tour guide from Mexico City describes some of the most pleasant surprises he enjoys sharing about his adopted home. Then the author of the "Thousand Places to See Before You Die" series explains why culture shock can be the highlight of your next overseas vacation. And a young orchestra conductor describes some of his[...]
Consider new ideas for greeting the new year by learning about some of the unusual traditions — and a few superstitions — with which Swedes, Croats, Scots, and the Welsh celebrate this time of year. Then hear about the multicultural food and music that enliven the streets of New Orleans' neighborhoods. And join us as[...]
We'll hear how the traditional Christmas markets of Germanic Europe set the mood for the season. And we'll learn about Christmastime events that bring everybody out on the streets of Madrid and Dingle, and cozy holiday celebrations in homes on Sicily and Scotland's Hebrides. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
In the first of two holiday-themed shows, Rick's guests recall their childhood Christmases in the Netherlands, Italy, and New Mexico. Then more friends join us to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan...and Antarctica. Plus, we'll hear about how the English tradition of "wassailing" developed as a way[...]
Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like[...]
We look at the must-see paintings, sculptures and historic edifices across Europe. University of Florida professor Jack E. Davis notes the many roles the Gulf of Mexico has played over the years, and why it's important to understand its ecology. And we'll look at the role of guidebooks, and what can make one worth reading,[...]
A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then author Catie Marron recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And author Seth Kantner, who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska, alerts us to[...]
Listeners tell us what makes their hometowns feel special, then the host of the TV show Lidia's Italy describes the remarkable diversity among the regional cuisines of Italy — and how each naturally features whatever's particularly delicious from a given area. Then a Madrid-based wine expert shares tips for food pairings and fully enjoying what[...]
Get expert advice for planning a trip to the majestic Scottish Highlands. Then hear about some of Spain's most influential artists, from El Greco to the modern day. And discover what's making Alabama an increasingly popular destination for international visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Get tips for how to "do as the Romans do" in Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. Hear about the travel writer Will Hide's latest crazy rides, from cycling across the hills of Rwanda to driving what might be the world's "most dangerous road" up from Delhi into the Himalayas. Plus listen in as guides from Slovenia and[...]
Uncover the truth behind Count Dracula in Romania. Find out where the most haunted house is located in New Orleans, and what's behind local customs such as voodoo and jazz funerals. Plus, hear how the cities of India surprised author Mary Morris when she traveled there to view tigers in the wild. For more information[...]
Pico Iyer explains why autumn is the perfect season for understanding the soul of Japan. Robert Reid recommends how to amp up your next vacation, by traveling like a travel writer does. And guides from Sweden tell us how to keep expenses in check, to enjoy Scandinavia the way the locals do. For more information[...]
Get a taste of Austria beyond the usual tourist sites in Vienna and Salzburg, where farmstays and festivals can make you want to wear lederhosen for a day. Rick's right-hand man on all things Ireland shares what he's liked most about researching guidebooks and leading tours in the Emerald Isle for the last 20 years.[...]
Learn to see Rome — the way the ancient Romans did — as the opulent and innovative city that gave Europe a common culture. Look closer at the even more-ancient worlds of the Greeks and Egyptians, and what their antiquities can tell us about their lives. And find out what's being done to protect important[...]
Find out why Germany's "second city," the industrial northern port of Hamburg, is a favorite getaway among Germans. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's new TV series, which explores the backstories of Europe's greatest artworks. And consider what drives some death-defying athletes to go all-in for "extreme sports." For more information on Travel with[...]
The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest — which is back on after a two-year pandemic hiatus. And an adventure traveler explains why even the creepiest critters deserve[...]
Diplomat and former ambassador Eric Rubin gives us a look at how the foreign service works on behalf of American interests in Bulgaria. Then "Senior Nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell update us on their pandemic-era global travels. And artist and author Sylvia Verange reflects on her hiking journey across the Himalaya Mountains and how it's[...]
Humorist Maeve Higgins recommends places to visit in her home turf of Ireland's County Cork. Then tour guides from southwest England share their expert advice on where best to enjoy the coastal beauty of Cornwall and Devon — and the tourist traps to avoid. And guides from Scotland describe what makes Glasgow such a cool[...]
Travel writer Chris Baker returns with more ideas for fun day trips from LA and San Francisco, including his home base of Palm Springs. Then historian Laurence Cotton joins us to celebrate the 200th birthday of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose parks and civic projects have given so many American cities a lasting natural[...]
British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful[...]
Tour guides from New Orleans examine the historical, musical, and culinary elements that make their city one of the most exceptional places anywhere in North America. They also share their top recommendations for exploring the city and discuss the merits of a pay-what-you-like model for city walking tours. And an associate conductor with the Seattle[...]
Actress Joanna Lumley details her 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River to the river's fabled source in Rwanda. Joanna shares what she learned from people she met while filming a documentary about the trip, and describes her ride to the pyramids on one very fine camel. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she[...]
Rick checks in with Dylan Thuras from Atlas Obscura to discuss a few of their favorite small, sometimes eccentric museums around the world. Then author Peter Fiennes describes some of the real sites where Greek myths were set, and how they can speak to us today. And two historian tour guides share some of their[...]
English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to[...]
Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu. Then author Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries. For[...]
Enjoy some of the best-ever writing on life in far-away places with a recommended reading list from a Harvard professor of comparative literature. Then get tips on the historic towns and royal retreats that are easily enjoyed as day trips from Berlin. And hear about daily life in Mexico City in 2022 from an American[...]
Celebrate Bastille Day with French guides. They'll explain the impressionist techniques perfected in the early 20th century, provide insider advice for designing the perfect Parisian itinerary, and help tackle the immense collection at the Louvre. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Chris Baker recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. Plus, Jack Davis pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction[...]
Explore what Canada has to offer! Newfoundland's Alan Doyle recommends sights to enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Comedian and author Rick Mercer shares some of his favorite places to enjoy across Canada. Plus, raise a glass to New Orleans as Elizabeth Pearce unveils how to appreciate the history of America's most[...]
Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from[...]
Get tips from an American-Japanese author for experiencing the rugged allure of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Then hear from a nature photographer what it's like to spend a summer boating up Hudson Bay in search of polar bears. And learn all about how Dubliners celebrate Bloomsday — good fun even if you still haven't[...]
Two English tour guides discuss a time-honored way to enjoy the British countryside: "rambling" along Britain's well-marked system of hiking trails. Then author Peter Fiennes describes his cross-country journeys in the footsteps of great British writers, and what his travels revealed about how much the UK has changed in recent years. And Rick learns about[...]
Get in a festive mood as Rick invites a few of his friends to compare the beer styles of Europe, and the cultures that go with them. Also, writer David Farley tells us about an eccentric hill town not far from Rome. It's home to a generation of bohemian residents, and one of the strangest[...]
Author Graham Robb describes a few of the extraordinary historical characters of Paris. Then vintner and tour guide Cecilia Bottai shares tips for planning a getaway to the relaxed "green heart" of central Italy. And author Celia Lyttelton tells us how she traveled the world to find the ingredients for making her very own custom[...]
Journalist Euny Hong explains how South Korea has made itself not only an economic powerhouse but a pop-culture superpower. And tour guides from Portugal join Rick to share recommendations for planning a week's getaway to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the colorful, historic towns in between. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
British travel writer Will Hide recounts his journeys along the back roads of Appalachia, where country music first arose from the melodies and instruments of immigrants from the British Isles. Then tour guides from France share tips on exploring the Loire Valley's many magnificent châteaux. And author Sara Zaske reveals what she learned from the[...]
Guidebook co-author Pat O'Connor delves into the details of driving in Ireland, where renting a car can be worth the extra expense when it gives you the flexibility to explore the countryside on your own schedule. Then author Mary Morris explains why she prefers to go solo to connect with other people in her travels,[...]
Travel writer Julian Sancton tells us how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then science reporter Zach St. George explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive a warming climate. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes[...]
Get acquainted with some of the most popular French and Italian saints, and learn why they remain important to their countrymen. Plus, actor David Suchet shares what he discovered while making a documentary about the life and times of St. Peter, and the first-century world he inhabited in Galilee. For more information on Travel with[...]
Kayaker Dave Ellingson tells us how he learned to savor the unexpected on a paddling adventure in Minnesota. Then German comedian Hape Kerkeling relives his hike on the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain, where he learned something new every day. And adventurer Christina Nealson recommends places in New Mexico to get in touch with[...]
Get an expert's tips for enjoying the best of the Louvre's gigantic trove of treasures on a short visit. Then hear about what you can expect from US embassy and consulate staff, should you need their assistance while traveling, from the President of the American Foreign Service Association. And listen in as Rick recalls his[...]
A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying[...]
Irish-born comedian and writer Maeve Higgins shares what she's observed about the US after a decade of living in New York City, and Irish tour guide Barry Moloney explains why his hometown of Kinsale, on the scenic south coast of County Cork, is so popular among visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Hear how the Irish language, once banned by English colonial rulers, has re-assumed its place at the heart of Irish identity. Then listen in as musician Kieran O'Hare explains why he finds Irish bagpipes more pleasing than the better-known Scottish ones, and plays a few traditional tunes on the Irish tin whistle. And eavesdrop on[...]
Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian "mound builder" cultures. Then find out which cultural treasures — architecture, landscapes, townscapes — have been added to the World Monuments Fund's most recent list of endangered sites. And hear about some of the more curious places and[...]
Author J. Maarten Troost recounts his journeys sailing the South Pacific in the wake of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the contentment and sobriety he found along the way. Then Harvard professor David Damrosch describes the globe-spanning route he charted during the pandemic...via some of the world's most eye-opening works of literature, both classic and contemporary[...]
An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernista architect had envisioned for Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Família church, and shares updates on the work to complete what Gaudí started 135 years ago. And travel writer Seth Kugel makes the case for letting serendipity play a role in your trip's itinerary. For more information on Travel[...]
A pair of German tour guides take us on a vicarious stroll down Unter den Linden, the famed tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of Berlin, and describe what it reveals about their country's history. A British writer and avid "mudlarker" explains why low tide on the River Thames often brings pieces of that city's[...]
We consider how visiting second- and third-tier destinations — places some might dismiss as "boring" — can lead to the most rewarding travel experiences. And two New York Times journalists take us on a pair of journeys: first to the world of offbeat — and often mortally dangerous — athletic achievements, and then to the[...]
A young "digital nomad" tells us why Tblisi, in the Republic of Georgia, makes an ideal home base for working abroad. Then a Belgian tour guide describes what visitors enjoy most when exploring the medieval town center of Bruges. And tour guides from Italy share tips for people-watching among the high-fashion café society of Milan[...]
Historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century, then journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world's greatest rodeo championship. And writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the[...]
The president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners joins Rick to discuss places you can visit to better appreciate the life and civil-rights accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. Travel writer Tim Neville describes how a homegrown ski slope had brought a bit of joy — at least for a few years — to the young[...]
We hear from a young traveler who, having graduated from college amid the pandemic, used the opportunity to set out on an epic hike from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Then Rick and the author of the "Frommer's London" guidebook share what makes them eager to return to London, and what post-pandemic[...]
Two Scottish friends explain the Scots-dialect lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne," and a Parisian sommelier shares his expert tips for selecting — and enjoying — French wines. Then an author with Atlas Obscura describes some of the unusual things people eat and drink to ring in the New Year in different parts of the world.[...]
Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond.[...]
Hear about what Europeans are looking forward to at this time of year, from Saint Nicholas Day through Boxing Day, in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — perhaps it's some of grandma's special potato salad to go with the fish stew and figgy pudding! For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Rick talks with author Paul Theroux about the advantages of traveling solo, and swaps some travel-writing tricks, then TV host Samantha Brown joins us to describe how the pandemic has affected her love of exploratory travel. We'll also hear what's special about Paris in winter, and how the people of Dingle celebrate the Irish tradition[...]
A pair of French tour guides tell us why Lyon is one of their favorite places in France. Then the president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners describes how the example set by Martin Luther King, Jr., inspires his work within religious communities in America. And a journalist from Iceland points out his country's surprising degree[...]
A Greece-based tour guide describes the elevated role of godparents in her adopted country, where godparents become a lifelong part of the child's family. Then TV chef Lidia Bastianich shares the story of her family's flight from Yugoslavia, and the successful family business they were able to start in America. And former NBC Middle East[...]
British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitors in the Spanish capital. And we ponder our place in the planet's history with author Robert Macfarlane,[...]
Tour operator Steve Perillo describes his family's connection to a scenic town near Naples, and why he's so eager to return. Then travel writer Chaney Kwak explains why Seoul is an ideal introduction to traveling in Asia, and recommends a relaxing island counterpoint to the bustling Korean capital. And Rick and his frequent collaborator Cameron[...]
Join Rick on a dip into the deeper end of travel literature as he talks with travel essayist Pico Iyer about writing from the heart, then with author Julian Sanction, who recounts the gripping story of a polar expedition stuck in Antarctic ice over 100 years ago. And Salman Rushdie takes us back 500 years[...]
Just in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead, meet some of the famous residents of Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery, then take an armchair expedition to some of the spookiest places in the Atlas Obscura catalog. And hear what an Episcopal deacon has learned about how people around the world deal with death. For[...]
Roman Mars, host of the podcast "99 Percent Invisible," describes some of his favorite examples of clever design from his home turf in Oakland and Berkeley. Then two tour guides from London team up with Rick to recommend an ideal sightseeing week in the British capital. And poet and essayist Lisa Wells shares the insights[...]
Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physical disability. And author Richard Cohen describes the varied ways human cultures have long celebrated — and[...]
Three tour guides from Berlin suggest sights to see and experiences to enjoy in Germany's vibrant, changing capital. And to celebrate Oktoberfest season, a tour guide from Munich explains why beer gardens are so important to Bavarian culture. Then two guides from Italy walk us through the typical Italian's daily visit to a coffee bar,[...]
Find out what makes the small Danish island of Ærø a perfectly charming and cozy getaway, which region Italophile Fred Plotkin considers Italy's greatest source of culinary and cultural achievements, and why the large island of Sicily is such a favorite with visitors, whether from elsewhere in Italy or abroad. For more information on Travel with[...]
A writer with Atlas Obscura describes some of the world's most unusual foods — and extraordinary places to eat them. Then the author of Frommer's guide to Orlando shares tips for visiting Disney World, which has introduced big changes to its reservations system just in time for its 50th anniversary. And listeners share some of[...]
Scottish tour guides share their best advice for a spirit-boosting trip to the enchanting isles of Scotland's Inner Hebrides. Then author Lori Erickson invites us to gain a deeper understanding of our own family histories as she describes what she discovered about her Norwegian ancestors — and the realization that her day-to-day life remains influenced[...]
Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks, and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on[...]
Travel writer Don George shares the reflections that have helped him get through the pandemic with a positive outlook. Then tour guides from the border-straddling Basque Country of Spain and France lend insights on their home turf, plus advice for enjoying it. And a pair of British guides describe a few of their favorite historic[...]
Listen in as a University of British Columbia professor describes the woodsy charm of Bowen Island, just offshore from Vancouver, and a nature photographer shares what he's learned from decades of working amid the often-surprising light of the Alaskan Arctic. Then hear how Poland's capital city has shaken off its difficult 20th-century history to become[...]
American-born tour guides who've settled in Tuscany explain why it's an ideal region for experiencing the essence of Italy. And the curator of mammalogy at the American Museum of Natural History tells us what scientists are learning about the fantastic beasts that used to roam the Earth — as they investigate why they went extinct.[...]
Get tips on becoming a "digital nomad" from an American who relocated to the Republic of Georgia. Then consider ideas for taking a deeper look at the US as a geologist shares advice on making the most of the view from your next domestic flight, and an Arizona novelist describes how the overwhelming beauty of[...]
Find out what makes the coastline of southern Portugal's Algarve region an ideal destination for family vacations. And learn about some of Fiji's most interesting customs as a guidebook author describes how the indigenous population of this South Pacific island nation has maintained its cultural identity. Plus listeners share tales of how the pandemic has[...]
Journalist and author Marie Arana describes her cross-cultural experience of growing up in both Peru and the US, and another author, Linda Leaming — one of very few Americans to ever live in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan — shares her experiences of teaching in and marrying into Bhutanese culture. Plus Spanish tour guide Jorge[...]
A pair of seasoned tour guides discuss the romantic allure of Germany's Rhine Valley, and author David Mould recounts his journeys in the Indian Ocean region while sharing what he's loved most from his time in India, Bangladesh, and Madagascar. Plus, with some restrictions on international travel winding down, listeners tell us where they're most[...]
A flamenco enthusiast from Sweden explains her lifelong passion for the fiery dance traditions of southern Spain. Then writer Will McGrath tells us what he learned from his neighbors while living in southern Africa's small mountainous nation of Lesotho. And Rick checks in with listeners to hear how the mistakes they've made as travelers became[...]
Get ideas for visiting some of Paris' unique, under-appreciated small museums, as well as tips for tackling its massive grande dame, the Louvre — and an author's insights into the former palace's remarkable history. And French tour guides tell us what they love best about the cities along the Mediterranean's sparkling Cote d'Azur. For more[...]
Esteemed travel writer Paul Theroux recounts his cross-country adventure driving from Cape Cod to southern California amid a pandemic, and Don George of National Geographic Traveler describes how he's dealt with wanderlust while staying close to home. Then Laurence Brown of YouTube series Lost in the Pond shares a few of the surprises he's found[...]
Writer Porter Fox tells us what he discovered when he followed the US-Canada border from Maine to Washington State. Then writer and photographer Becky Lomax shares her favorite national park experiences. And guidebook author Kimberley Lovato recommends day trip options for enjoying beaches, redwood groves, and wineries within easy reach of San Francisco. For more[...]
After learning why a midday stop at the public market is always a good idea in Turkey, get an insider's look at how the tour industry is rebuilding itself as Rick and the head of Perillo Tours compare notes on what the road to normalcy looks like for their companies. And New York Times travel[...]
Get ideas and tips from TV host Samantha Brown for finding little corners of Europe in the New World, then hear an author's dramatic firsthand account of a near catastrophe on a cruise ship caught powerless in a freak winter storm off the coast of Norway. And a tour guide takes us to the wild,[...]
There's an invisible layer to the city where you live. It's meant to make your life easier, but is easy to overlook. Roman Mars of the podcast "99% Invisible" helps us examine how our urban environments are designed. And author Paul Theroux tells us how he explores getting older and the surfing culture near his home on[...]
There's something about the city of Rome that lets you know you get to be part of its incredible history. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear how the locals love their city, even with all its flaws. The author of "Garden Lust" tells us about his favorite contemporary botanical gardens around the[...]
Enjoy a picnic of comfort foods from the American Midwest, as Matthew Gavin Frank describes a few of his favorites. Author Mary Morris tells us what she discovered on a challenging winter trip to central India, when she decided to travel "All the Way to the Tigers." And listeners share recommendations and feedback with Rick[...]
There's a largely unknown world to explore, right beneath your feet. Author Robert Macfarlane tells us what he finds intriguing about the "Underland." Plus, hop aboard for a sail to Oslo. And Dutch tour guides help us plan a trip to the Netherlands, where they recommend Haarlem, cycling to the sea, and other attractions beyond the usual[...]
On our Mother's Day edition, we hear what it was like to relocate a Midwestern family to the Croatian village their great-grandparents came from. An American who married a Frenchman tells us what it’s like raising a child in Paris. We go on a sentimental family trip to San Francisco, and hear how mamma is[...]
New York Times correspondent Dionne Searcey tells us about her work as the paper's West Africa bureau chief, where her team's reporting on the women kidnapped by Boko Haram won them a Pulitzer. Learn how the palace of Versailles was built to impress — and still does so for visitors today. And hear about the elaborate[...]
An American "digital nomad" tells us how he's figured out how to work from home, overseas in the Republic of Georgia. Guides from Athens tell us how their city became a cleaner, more attractive metropolis for exploring ancient and modern Greece after they spiffed up for the 2004 Olympics. And we wade into the issues[...]
Laurence Brown explores a few of the memos that must have gotten "lost in the pond" between the US and Britain. Zora O'Neill tells us how studying the Arabic language might not prepare you for talking to everyday people in today's Arab world. And hear how the most important royal family in Europe earned their titles[...]
A tour guide from Sevilla explains how the annual April Fair will animate her city again when the pandemic is finished. Guides from England share their favorite places to enjoy your own piece of the English countryside, on any of the hundreds of walking trails in Britain. And we explore how public squares can make[...]
A London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian era, and even as far back as Roman times. Plus, hear what high tides threaten to bring to coastal communities around the world, and celebrate Easter at sites mentioned in[...]
Guides from Spain highlight the historical treasures you can find in Granada today, including the impressive Islamic art of its Alhambra palace. Rick Antonson tells us how he climbed to the top of Mount Ararat in Turkey and about its significance to nearby Armenians. And anthropologist Wade Davis explains how the flow of the Rio[...]
You'll find one of the oldest cultures in Europe along the Atlantic coast of Spain and France. We'll explore Basque Country with two guides who have deep family roots in the region. We'll also visit the island of Innishmore in Ireland's Aran Islands. And we'll extend our St. Patrick's Day observance by hearing how nearly every town[...]
We'll help you start your travel plans for when the pandemic is behind us with an all-Celtic hour. Tour guides from Ireland offer insider advice for visiting Galway and the west of Ireland, and for planning a week's itinerary to the Emerald Isle. We'll also pop over to the Celtic corner of France to hear what[...]
A Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London explains why a British legend about ravens is being put to the test. A New York Times reporter tells us how people are hoping to travel safely again. The head of Perillo Tours describes how his company dealt with the loss of business over the past year. And Rick[...]
Travel writer Dave Seminara tells us how curiosity led him to meet with healers in the jungles of Nicaragua and Belize. Plus, Richard Grant tells us how a Yukon winter in Dawson City inspired Jack London to become a writer; tour guides from Lisbon point out the art that colors the streets of Portugal; and[...]
A Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution is happening faster than we used to think all over the world. Plus, travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska to follow what the Harriman Expedition saw in 1899. And we'll hear how the Greek island of Crete offers a natural experience unlike[...]
While this year's Mardi Gras parties were called off because of the pandemic, we'll bring you a virtual celebration of Carnival — a social safety valve for letting off steam since the Middle Ages in Venice and Cologne. We'll also explore more of China's booming megacities with the head of the Young China Group and enjoy[...]
Find out what taking high-definition photos of Earth through the windows of the International Space Station revealed to astronaut Chris Hadfield. Hear why writer Eric Weiner prefers spending four days on Amtrak over a cross-country flight. And get inspired to view the Renaissance treasures of Florence. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
With a global pandemic playing havoc with travel plans, we can take refuge in our fondest travel memories and look at places to go next. We'll explore what the picturesque cities of central Mexico have to offer. And the author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die recommends some of her favorite destinations. Plus, listeners share where[...]
A Canadian observer of America's malaise offers what he calls an "intervention" to his friends in the USA. Plus, we'll explore Spain's civil war with a pair of Spanish tour guides whose families still feel the after-effects of the Franco era decades later. And we make time to find beauty in the Gothic stained-glass marvel[...]
American ex-pats tell us why they chose to make a new home for themselves in Italy — and how they make it work. And Irish comedian Maeve Higgins explains what it's been like moving to New York from a small town in County Cork and getting accustomed to American ways. She also tells us about the[...]
British travel writer Dan Richards explores the historic outposts and refuges you can visit that are scattered among some of the most dramatic scenery on earth. Plus, local guides tell us about the outdoor possibilities in their home turf, from Wales' highest views at Snowdonia National Park to the surprises you'll find in the elaborate[...]
Guides from Greece tell us about the significant places you can visit to better understand the world of the ancient Greeks. Journalist Conor Knighton describes how he made an epic New Year's resolution happen by visiting all of America's National Parks in 12 months. And listeners share their standout travel memories, as we await the[...]
MIT Professor Alan Lightman tells us how a little time alone with the night sky in Maine illuminated his awareness of the universe, and his place in it. Also, listeners share travel experiences that really "stoked their spirit." And we get ready to welcome in the new year with a toast to Champagne, and the region[...]
Brighten your socially distanced holidays by looking at the extra observances our friends in Europe normally celebrate this time of year. Listen in as Rick's friends from Germany, Spain, Sicily, Ireland, and Scotland tell us how they have traditionally enjoyed the holidays where they live. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Take a virtual vacation to spice up this year's stay-at-home holidays: We'll hear about the festive customs people in Holland, Venice, Santa Fe, and England have for celebrating the Christmas season, and listeners tell us where they'd like to travel again in December. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
"Have you got a piano?" Sophy Roberts tells us how that simple question warmed her up to the people of Siberia on a search for historic pianos in the Russian Far East. Plus, find out how you can get close to the sites and treasures of the British royal family. And author Frances Mayes explains[...]
Jessica Bruder, author of the book that the new movie "Nomadland" is based on, tells us how she learned firsthand how thousands of older Americans survive on seasonal temp work while living in RVs. We'll also hear about the wines Italians prefer and the songs that get requested the most in Italy. Plus, Rick describes the[...]
Find out how living in the crosshairs of cultural battlelines in the Balkans has made Bulgaria one of Europe's most interesting places to eat. Food writer David McAninch reveals what makes the food traditions of Gascony different from the rest of France. And tour guides from southern Italy tell us what Italians expect in a[...]
We look beyond the dazzling skyscrapers of Frankfurt to find the city's street-level charms, with the help of a friendly pair of German tour guides. Author Robert Macfarlane tells us about two of England's most mysterious landscapes, in Dorset and Suffolk, which he finds himself drawn to. And Rick checks with more listeners on how[...]
Tour guides from Hungary set us straight on their country's love of paprika and what a good goulash is supposed to be. Author Marie Arana looks at how a thousand years of history can help explain the differences between the countries of Latin America and the US. And we'll explore why Galicia — a lesser-known[...]
Just in time for Halloween and All Souls Day, we'll explore the legacy of the real-life pirates who operated off the Carolina coast of colonial America. A pair of Irishmen clue us in to their country's traditions about the different orders of faery people that some believe inhabit Ireland. And we'll learn about ghost sightings in San[...]
Rick compares notes with travel writer Dave Seminara on Medellín, Colombia, as the "City of Eternal Spring" tries to shake off its former reputation for cartel violence and promote itself as a safe and family-friendly destination. Plus, we relive two of our favorite interviews, hearing how important travel has been to the work of writer and[...]
Find out what the art of the Dutch Masters can reveal about the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, and why Holland and Belgium were so different from the rest of Europe. Learn about the intelligence and personalities of different bird species around the world, and what they might teach us about what it[...]
Author Jim Hinckley recommends Old West ghost towns you can still visit, before they fade away. Irish singer Cathie Ryan shares how Ireland remembers its heroes in the lyrics of traditional songs. And journalist Carl Hoffman tells us what he learned about the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller, who vanished in 1961 while on an art-buying[...]
Learn why Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is a hidden gem for visitors to eastern central Europe, where tourist crowds have never been a problem. Author Richard Grant tells us why Natchez is called the quirkiest town in Mississippi, and what its slave-owning history can teach America today. And reporter Conor Knighton tells us what he learned[...]
Get inspired to fly-fish in some of the world's most beautiful waters; hear what challenges people overcome every day in the countries that border the Indian Ocean; and get ready to enjoy yourself in convivial Copenhagen. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit[...]
Travel writer Paul Theroux shares what he looks for when he travels — experiences that turn into best-selling books and take readers on adventures around the world. We'll also hear how festivals in Bulgaria celebrate the nation's history, folk culture, and the changing seasons. And listeners tell us where they hope to be able to travel[...]
An American ex-pat tells us why he's made Mexico City his home for the past 25 years and how the Mexican capital is becoming a magnet for people from around the Americas. We'll also look at the fun things you can do only in Los Angeles, when the city gets back to its own version[...]
Rick tells us what it's like to spend his first summer at home in decades. We get an update on how Honolulu is faring without tourist crowds. We'll hear what the Greeks like best about their most popular vacation island, Santorini. And a marine biologist explains how being near the water — even if it's just[...]
Explore the traditions of Scotland in a special studio concert with folk musicians Jim and Susie Malcolm. We'll also look at some of the quirkier festivals you can find in England. And we'll get you ready to cruise the inland back roads of California and the Pacific Northwest, in search of farm stands, scenic parks, and gentle[...]
Get an inside look at the mostly friendly rivalry between Sweden and Norway (naturally, it comes with a few old jokes). We'll also meet the traveling Elliott family, who visited Rick in the middle of a pre-Covid, cross-country road trip; they have tips for making a long road trip work for the whole family. And[...]
Writer Pico Iyer looks for silver linings to the pandemic lockdowns. Eric Weiner explores the life lessons he gained by visiting the home turf of the world's great thinkers and philosophers. And the author of a guidebook to Fiji shares the tourism highlights of the South Pacific nation where her family has lived for generations.[...]
Join us for a jolly good "Hour of London": Once we can fly to Europe again, hear how you can plan a quick visit to the city when you have a long layover at Heathrow. Get inspired by nearby day trips that are easy to arrange when you're staying in London. And discover why there's[...]
Meet the first woman — and youngest contestant — to win the world's longest endurance horse race across the wilds of Mongolia. Explore the beauty of Iceland on a day trip from the capital, Reykjavík. And hear what the pandemic lockdown has been like for Rick's friends in Belgium and Switzerland. For more information on[...]
Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie tells us how her activist album "Medicine Songs" raises awareness about our place in today's world. Author Kim Dinan tells us how a yellow envelope a friend gave her set the tone for a three-year, round-the-world adventure. And listeners share concerns they have as they plan their next overseas travels.     For more[...]
As a summer close-to-home unfolds, Rick checks in with friends in New York and Italy: Cultural maven Fred Plotkin tells us how he's used the downtime to start new projects, and tour guides from Rome, Venice, and Siena describe what their cities' gradual re-openings have meant to them. Plus, nature writer Gary Ferguson shares eight master lessons[...]
There's always something new to discover and enjoy when you visit Paris. We'll take a closer look at the beautiful bridges that set the stage for a romantic walk along the Seine as well as the marvels and delights you can find in the city's many specialty museums and galleries. And for the pleasure of[...]
After visiting battlefield monuments and memorials, Jason Cochran saw how American history has been written and re-written. He tells us how the Civil War still factors into how his native South views itself. We'll also look at the ultimate summer adventure in social distancing on the Alaska Peninsula and hear how a group of high-school buddies road-tripped[...]
Eager for the Canada-US border to reopen? Whet your appetite to visit Vancouver and Buffalo: A former tourism exec explains issues the industry faces in Canada's West Coast metropolis, and a travel writer from Buffalo rediscovers his hometown's resilience and the fun you can find on either side of the Niagara River. We'll also hear[...]
An architecture professor from Italy compares the scope of today's mega-cities with the more human scale of Venice. A pair of documentary producers tell us what they found when they got to know the residents of a legendary commune in the middle of Copenhagen. And we get mom-tested advice for making everyone happy on an[...]
Chandler O'Leary recommends highlights for a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Diego to the Olympic Peninsula. Matthew Gavin Frank describes some of the quintessential local dishes you can enjoy across the South. And listeners remember people they encountered in their travels, where a simple act of kindness became a lifelong memory. For[...]
A pair of millennial tour guides from the Netherlands describe the fun their generation looks forward to having again when their country returns to normal. Scottish guides recommend stops to explore when you walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Hear what you shouldn't miss when you visit the Andalucía region of southern Spain. And Rick[...]
Get stoked for when we can travel again with expert advice on enjoying Lisbon's intimate and historic neighborhoods. Architecture critic James Gardner tells us why he bought an apartment in Buenos Aires, where European elegance and Latin culture combine. And frequent traveler Wendy Simmons shares tips for enjoying your time in the air the next[...]
Learn about the traditional Turkish comfort foods and desserts that you can enjoy from the shops and street vendors of Istanbul. An American who's married to an artist in Bhutan explains what's required for visitors to tour the Himalayan kingdom. And guides from Germany describe the monuments to their country's turbulent history that you'll find[...]
Is it really too late? A mountain-climbing journalist explains why he says the accelerating effects of global warming have put the earth in hospice — and what it requires to turn it around. We'll also hear what the original Earth Day accomplished 50 years ago, and we'll take a closer look at Rome, where viewing[...]
Find out how the Disney and Universal theme parks compete for your time and money, and what other things you can plan to enjoy when attractions open up again in Orlando and central Florida. And get inspired to build a day hike into your travel plans or explore the attractions of Switzerland's most interesting cities[...]
On our 15th-anniversary edition of Travel with Rick Steves, Rick explores designing your own spiritual pilgrimage: Tim Egan shares what the trail from Canterbury to Rome showed him about his own religious skepticism; Lori Erickson explains how spiritual travels informed her view of the world as a clergywoman; and Elaine Sciolino remembers how the world[...]
We revisit interviews from 2017 about the motor-free Gili Islands of Indonesia as alternatives to the crowded tourist scene on nearby Bali. A guide from Australia shares all-season recommendations for getting away from it all Down Under. And listeners tell us about their most memorable travel adventures. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Get inspired to rediscover the world when it's safe to travel again with an episode that takes us to a number of special outdoor venues. We'll get more ideas for exploring the long-distance hiking trails of Europe, find out about improvements to the neighborhoods of Athens, and discover the world's most interesting contemporary gardens. For[...]
Tour guides from Spain explain the importance of saints to the Spanish national identity — and as a reason for holding a festival. Actor David Suchet tells us what he discovered about his faith when he filmed a documentary about the first-century travels of St. Paul. And Rick chats with art historian Miles J. Unger[...]
Find out why the Old-World town of Eger, in northern Hungary, is such a popular weekend getaway from Budapest. The head of the Young China Group updates us on how the millennial generation has been coping lately in China. And listeners remind Rick that you're never too old to travel. For more information on Travel with[...]
Author Terry Tempest Williams explains why she purchased oil leases near her home in the Utah desert to protest removing protections in a national monument. Travel writer Kiki Deere tells us why the Philippines is one of her favorite countries to visit. And a tour guide who mapped hiking trails in Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley talks[...]
Learn about the important role lighthouses played in the 19th century, and find out where you can visit interesting ones in the US and France. We'll also hear from a Welsh tour guide on the pride that comes from belonging to a distinctive corner of Great Britain, with its own language and traditions. And Rick[...]
It's an all-Irish hour, as tour guides from Dublin and the West point out what you can find on a walking tour of the Irish capital and share why the rugged Aran Islands are one of the top sites to explore Ireland's traditions. And author Timothy Egan explains the legacy of the most famous Irish[...]
Discover why the city of San Miguel de Allende is attracting artists and retirees to Mexico, and why food in Italy is reliably good — even in restaurants you might find on a road trip. We'll also hear from a pair of pro-independence Scots on how Scottish nationalism is different by being left-of-center, and a[...]
Learn how Spanish became one of the world's most important languages, and get tips for enjoying your first trip to Spain and for tackling the massive art collection at the Prado in Madrid. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Learn why acqua alta episodes are flooding Venice more frequently — and what it was like to live through a week of near-record floods last November. Hear what it takes to hike across Papua New Guinea on the notorious Kokoda Trail. And discover the traditions behind the February "Carnaval" celebrations in the Basque Country of[...]
Learn why Monet created colorful gardens at his house near Paris from an artist who helped restore them. Hear how renovating a house on an island off the coast of Brittany can feed your wild side. Three Americans explain the expectations of being married to an Italian (and living next to the in-laws). And an[...]
Writer Elaine Sciolino explains how the legendary Seine River made Paris into the vital, romantic city you find today. We'll also hear from German tour guides on how their country views its important social issues, and we'll learn the differences between the Belgians and the Dutch. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Writer Euny Hong explains how a Korean system of non-verbal social skills works, and how it can help in your travels and your life. We also get insider information on enjoying Italy's scenic Amalfi Coast without getting stuck in tourist crowds or traffic. And listeners check in with Rick about travel concerns for shoulder season[...]
The folks from Atlas Obscura tell us about many of the remarkable traditions they've encountered, including a few of the creepiest. We'll also discover the timeless character of Scotland's Hebrides islands — where you're more likely to overhear conversations in Scots Gaelic than English — and learn how to turn the blues into songs that[...]
We admire the seafaring prowess of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with 18th-century Hawaiians. Then tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in northern Greece, and The New Yorker’s "Comma Queen," Mary Norris, explains what an appreciation for Greek language and[...]
On the 10th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, journalist Catherine Porter tells Rick how the rescue of a 2-year-old girl brought hope to a desperate country — and changed her life, too. Plus, adventure traveler Christopher Solomon tells us what a recent trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge showed him about the[...]
One of the top American travel writers of our time, Paul Theroux, tells us about his recent road trip across Mexico to see for himself what the situation was like on the other side of the border. We'll also look at Ukraine as an up-and-coming Eastern European tourism destination with a lot to offer, at[...]
Make it your New Year's resolution to travel well. Writer Seth Kugel recommends a few rules for a "travel mode" that helps us focus on the world around us, and not on our phones. A Dutch tour guide helps us avoid the lines in Amsterdam to better enjoy and appreciate the city. And listeners share[...]
Warm up your holidays by including time-tested traditions from the Old World, as Rick learns how friends in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic celebrate Christmas. Potato salad and fish stew, anyone? For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Find out why cod is an important comfort food in Portugal, and get a taste of the treats found in Naples and the Campania region of Italy. We'll also hear from listeners on what they enjoy about traveling overseas during the Christmas season, and Rick checks in with an innkeeper in Dingle to learn how[...]
Pico Iyer explains why autumn is the perfect season for understanding the soul of Japan, Robert Reid recommends how to amp up your next vacation by traveling like a travel writer, and tour guides from Sweden share tips on keeping expenses in check and enjoying Scandinavia like a local. For more information on Travel with[...]
What is relying on GPS doing to your brain? We'll explore our innate "Wayfinding" abilities with a science reporter who's investigated how some people are able to navigate with only natural features as their guide. Plus, enthusiasts of hiking Europe's medieval footpaths share what it's like to walk Italy's pilgrim trails to Rome. For more[...]
The host of the TV show Lidia's Italy describes how the special of the day varies from region to region in the homes and restaurants of Italy. We'll also hear from a Madrid-based wine expert on tips to better enjoy what you're drinking, and listeners tell us what makes their hometowns feel special. For more[...]
How much are we a product of our nation's history? Learn about the struggles between Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and US General Oliver Otis Howard in the years following the Civil War. We'll also hear about the growing number of older, "houseless" Americans living full time in RVs and camper vans: For some,[...]
We commemorate the big anniversaries in Germany for the fall of the Berlin Wall and the birth of the Bauhaus art movement. We'll also hear how Poland's port city of Gdańsk is an important historical center, and comes recommended as an up-and-coming visitor destination. And hear how the French like to relax in Provence, in[...]
Tour guides discuss two of Europe's scenic and less-crowded peninsulas: Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and Ireland's Cooley Peninsula. Then a marine conservationist shares what he's discovered about the power of tides around the world — and how they affect you, even if you don't live near the shore. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Just in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead, meet some of the famous residents of Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery. Then take an armchair expedition to some of the spookiest places in the Atlas Obscura catalog. And hear what an Episcopal deacon has learned about how people around the world deal with death. For[...]
Find out about the ruthless 15th-century prince behind the Dracula legend, still a major source of tourism for Romania. Then get introduced to some of London's more sophisticated establishments, where you can dine and dress like a real gentleman or lady. And enjoy a taste of Diwali, India's "festival of lights" — plus hear from[...]
American-born tour guides who've settled in Tuscany tell us why it's an ideal region for experiencing the essence of Italy. And the curator of mammalogy at the American Museum of Natural History tells us what scientists are learning about the fantastic beasts that used to roam the Earth — as they investigate why they went[...]
British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful[...]
Historian Michael Wood discusses how Westerners might better understand China, the world's new superpower, by learning more about its monumental achievements over the past 4,000 years. We'll also get time-tested advice from author Ashley Steel for taking the kids to Europe. Plus, Rick's son, Andy Steves, shares his favorite phone apps and other tech tips[...]
The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich explains how to become a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest. And an adventure traveler shares why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Find out why Portugal isn't jumping on the Magellan 500th-anniversary bandwagon like their neighbors in Spain are. Then, guidebook author Julie Meade tells Rick which neighborhoods of Mexico City are the most fun to visit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Travel writer Seth Kugel offers eight tips for enjoying global travels with minimal expense. Then author Pico Iyer tells Rick how he keeps discovering new things about Japan and its people, even after living there for more than 30 years. And tour guides from Ireland share what's new in Dublin. For more information on Travel[...]
Cartoonist Sarah Glidden shares the insights she gained while getting to know the Kurdish people of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Then a Dutch "language spotter" recommends interesting foreign words we English speakers might want to borrow. And tour guides from Prague explain how sharing a beer is an important part of the social fabric in[...]
Author Cassandra Overby relays expert tips for exploring Europe's long-distance hiking trails. Then Greek tour guides discuss what's new in Athens' neighborhoods. And botanist Christopher Wood digs into the world's most interesting contemporary gardens. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century, then journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world's greatest rodeo championship. And writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the[...]
Hear about what it's like to celebrate National Day in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest — and wealthiest — countries. (Hint: Free beer at the palace!) Then learn the secret to gelato's distinctive smooth texture and get tips for picking the best gelato shop in any Italian town. And tour guides from Britain tell[...]
Discover what makes the food in Sicily arguably the tastiest and most interesting in all of Italy. Then hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet. And Turkish tour guides give an update on tourism in Istanbul. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Tour guides from across Europe discuss the European Union — and why Switzerland stands apart from its neighbors by not being an EU member. Plus, tour guides from Budapest recommend what to look for when you visit Hungary. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details[...]
Space journalist Charles Fishman tells us how the Apollo 11 moonwalk became reality. Then Alan Stern, the head of NASA's New Horizons mission, tells us about their probe's fly-by of Pluto earlier this year. And astronaut Chris Hadfield describes the views of Earth from the International Space Station. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
The authors of "The Bonjour Effect" noticed that many problems foreigners encounter in France aren't due to not knowing the language, but rather not knowing how the French expect you to communicate with them. Now that their book has been translated into French, they tell us how their work has been received in France. And[...]
Brent Glass, former director of the National Museum of American History, recommends places you can visit to commemorate the women who changed American history. Then endurance swimmer Diana Nyad tells us how she set a world record when she swam from Havana to Key West. And naturalist Gary Ferguson describes how the fierce nature of[...]
Writer Porter Fox tells us what he discovered when he followed the US-Canada border from Maine to Washington State. Then, writer and photographer Becky Lomax shares her favorite National Park experiences. And guidebook author Kimberley Lovato recommends day trip options for enjoying beaches, redwood groves, and wineries within easy reach of San Francisco. For more[...]
Tour guides from Rome and Sorrento help listeners plan Italian adventures and let us in on how some things work — or don't work — in Italy. Then journalist Martin Fletcher tells us about living in Israel as well as the political pressures that will prevent a resolution to Israeli-Palestinian tensions from happening anytime soon.[...]
Get tips from an American-Japanese author for experiencing the rugged allure of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Then hear from a nature photographer what it's like to spend a summer boating up Hudson Bay in search of polar bears. And learn all about how Dubliners celebrate Bloomsday — good fun even if you still haven't[...]
Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu, just a century after it was revealed to the outside world. Then author and radio commentator Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in[...]
The co-founder of Atlas Obscura, the online almanac of unusual places, recommends destinations sure to fascinate curious kids. Then a military historian from Normandy offers insights and advice for visiting the beaches where, 75 years ago this week, D-Day turned the tide of World War II. And tour guides from Lisbon share tips for enjoying[...]
The founder of the Monuments Men Foundation joins us to consider what the world would be like had the Mona Lisa or Michelangelo's David been destroyed in World War II, and describes the work of the team who took heroic steps to protect Europe's art treasures from wartime damage and Nazi theft. Then a guidebook[...]
A memoirist describes the challenges and delights of kayaking Norway's spectacular fjords, then tour guides from Madrid share tips for planning a memorable trip to Spain. And author Alan Lightman discusses the value of unplugging as a way of better understanding and appreciating the world around us. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Naturalist Terry Tempest Williams reflects on a mystery left behind by her late mother, and explains her drive to speak out on behalf of the rugged Utah wilderness she calls home. Then a tour guide from Italy describes how he likes to get away from it all: on a motorbike across the vast Sahara desert.[...]
Extend your vicarious travels beyond the solar system by listening in as the head of NASA's New Horizons project describes his mission to explore beyond Pluto. Then learn about the world's craziest tidal action, and the "celestial dance" that causes it, from a marine conservationist. And hear from English tour guides about their favorite experiences[...]
To celebrate King's Day in the Netherlands, tour guides for Amsterdam join us to recommend strategies for enjoying this scenic city on foot. Then the author of "Explore Europe on Foot" makes the case for exploring Europe via its long-distance hiking trails — at your own pace and away from the crowds. And listeners get[...]
Find out why Oslo has proudly been declared 2019's "European Green Capital." Then hear all about England's most beautiful and historically important cathedrals, from Canterbury's to the York Minster. And get a taste of the comfort foods you can savor in Slovenia, where the culinary influences of neighboring countries add variety to the menu. For[...]
As National Parks Week approaches, a guidebook author joins us to share ideas for exploring America’s 59 national parks. Then tour guides to France help listeners plan their summer voyages, with advice for marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, and enjoying a "babymoon" in Paris. Plus, the author of "Sea People" tells the[...]
We'll hear some of the ways the Netherlands — a country that can’t afford time to argue about climate change — is protecting its citizens from steadily rising seas. Then international-affairs professor Nina Khrushcheva, great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, tells us what she learned about her motherland when she traveled to towns in all eleven of[...]
A musician from Orvieto provides examples of the different styles of folk music you can enjoy across Italy, then a British ex-pat tells us what it's like to live in Switzerland — and explains why the Swiss are deliberately different from the rest of their European neighbors. And one of the top Welsh tour guides[...]
Best-selling author Frances Mayes tells us about her favorite uncrowded corners of Italy, away from the crush of Italy's top tourist destinations. And we'll get a personal take on the current political scene in Hungary, Poland, and Turkey, where conservative populism has changed and challenged these countries' democratic structures. For more information on Travel with[...]
Hear how the Irish language, once banned by English colonial rulers, has re-assumed its place at the heart of Irish identity. Then listen in as musician Kieran O'Hare explains why he finds Irish bagpipes more pleasing than the better-known Scottish ones, and plays a few traditional tunes on the Irish tin whistle. And eavesdrop on[...]
A flamenco enthusiast from Sweden explains her lifelong passion for the fiery dance traditions of southern Spain. Then writer Will McGrath tells us what he learned from his neighbors while living in southern Africa's small mountainous nation of Lesotho. And Rick checks in with listeners to hear how the mistakes they've made as travelers became openings[...]
Travel writer Seth Kugel offers tips for first-time visitors to Brazil, then a team of European tour guides share their personal — and diverging — takes on the Brexit conundrum. And two leaders of an anti-poverty nonprofit explain their innovative approach for combating systemic poverty among farmers in Guatemala. For more information on Travel with[...]
British actress and global traveler Joanna Lumley tells Rick why her family is revered in Bhutan, then Spanish tour guides describe the highlights of their country's spiritual capital, Toledo. Plus, guidebook author Trish Clark shares tips for finding an affordable room and a good breakfast in Europe's convents and monasteries. For more information on Travel[...]
Get a taste of Norse mythology and a glimpse of the Vikings' complex view of the cosmos. Plus, hear how Athens' Acropolis remains a powerful symbol of civilized democracy 2,500 years since it was built, and learn about the courageous subjects of filmmaker Holly Morris' "Adventure Divas" documentary series. For more information on Travel with[...]
Hear why Romans love their city, even with all its flaws. Then take a deep breath of fresh audio air as author and garden designer/director Christopher Woods tells us about his favorite contemporary botanical gardens around the world. And listen in for advice on visiting Switzerland and hiking in the Alps. For more information on[...]
Actress and cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey explains why clichés about British food are out of date — thanks mainly to the influence from immigrants. And the founder of the Young China Global Group explains what he's discovered about China's millennials — and about how their expectations for the future are changing China, and the world.[...]
Michael Scott Moore tells us what it was like to spend nearly three years as a captive of Somali pirates. Travel writer Robert Reid thinks American media have a blind spot about travel to Russia. He tells us why he finds it an affordable and friendly country. Plus, guides from London share budget travel tips[...]
Two Turkish tour guides paint an audio picture of the otherworldly region of Cappadocia, where you can get face-to-face with early Christian history. Then, just ahead of Burns Night, Scottish folk singer Jim Malcolm shares some of the poetry that adds depth to the traditional music of Scotland. And tour guides from Northern Ireland describe[...]
Have you heard the one about the Swede, the Norwegian, and the Dane? Find out what Scandinavians tend to think about their Nordic neighbors, and the sometimes not-so-subtle differences that help give each country its distinct identity. Then listen in for the story of the US travel guide from the mid-20th century that helped African[...]
Americans who've made a new home for themselves in Italy explain what took them to the land of "bella chaos," and how they make it work. Then Irish comedian Maeve Higgins describes her adjustment to American ways after moving to New York from a small town in County Cork. For more information on Travel with[...]
Novelist and MIT physics professor Alan Lightman describes how a little time alone with Maine's night sky illuminated his awareness of the universe, and his place in it. Then listeners share stories of inspiring travel experiences, before we welcome the new year with a toast to Champagne — both the bubbly and its French region[...]
We'll look at what makes the cozy Christmas markets of Germanic Europe so treasured. Then we'll hear about special Christmastime traditions from around Europe, including Spain, Sicily, Ireland, and Scotland's Hebrides Islands. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Food writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort grub served in America's roadside restaurants, then culinary-culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus a tour guide from Prague describes the traditions that at[...]
An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernista architect had envisioned for Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Família church, and shares updates on the work to complete what Gaudí started 135 years ago. And travel writer Seth Kugel makes the case for letting serendipity play a role in your trip's itinerary. For more information on Travel[...]
A Greece-based tour guide describes the elevated role of godparents in her adopted country, where godparents become a lifelong part of the child's family. Then TV chef Lidia Bastianich shares the story of her family's flight from Yugoslavia, and the successful family business they were able to start in America. And former NBC Middle East correspondent[...]
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Peter Balakian describes the new positive spirit he encountered during his recent travels in Armenia, whose citizens have earned good reason to feel upbeat about their future. And composer Paul Kildea explains how Frederic Chopin's sublime 24 Preludes — written on a clunky mini-piano in an abandoned monastery in the middle of[...]
Find out what made Bulgaria one of Europe's most interesting places to eat. Food writer David McAninch reveals what makes the culinary traditions of Gascony tastier than in the rest of France. Plus, discover what Italians expect in a good olive oil. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
Get insider advice for enjoying the less-visited corners of the Balkan Peninsula, from Bosnia's atmospheric mosques to Montenegro's scenic coast. And as we mark the centennial of the "Great War," hear about the most compelling places in Europe to learn about American soldiers' contributions to World War I. Plus, listen in as tour guides share[...]
A New York Times travel writer recommends four great cities for solo travelers, and the best time of year to visit them. Then the author of "Achtung Baby" tells us of her family's relocation to Berlin, and what she learned about Germans' hands-off approach to child rearing. And listeners share their travel plans and experiences[...]
Author Jim Hinckley joins us to recommend Old West ghost towns that you can still visit. Then Irish singer Cathie Ryan describes how Ireland remembers its heroes through the lyrics of traditional songs. And journalist Carl Hoffman shares his deeply researched take on the mysterious disappearance of banking scion Michael Rockefeller in the jungles of[...]
An Athenian theater director discusses drama's role as a building block of civil society since ancient times, and recommends some Greek destinations that are especially fascinating for the theatrically inclined. Then an English lit expert from Cambridge explains how the works of Shakespeare have been embraced in East Africa. And a radio DJ tells us[...]
A transcontinental pilot discusses the marvels of jet travel, then Australian actor Marta Dusseldorp describes her favorite Down Under destinations, and shares insights she's gained from starring in a TV series about the postwar 1950s. Plus, tour guides from Berlin explain the German love of a good sausage, at any time of year…and any time[...]
The author of "Living Abroad in Japan" offers tips for making yourself feel at home in Japan, no matter how long your visit. Then Rick talks to tour guides from England about scenic filming locations you can visit in Britain. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Filmmaker and documentary photographer Phil Borges explains what's behind his remarkable photos of people in different traditional societies of central Asia. Then portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz lets us in on how she documents the worlds of her famous subjects, and shares stories of the road trips that've brought her closer to great American artists. And[...]
Author and artist Elizabeth Murray tells how her life was changed by working in painter Claude Monet's gardens outside Paris. Then Irish tour guides take us to the scenic highlights of the popular Ring of Kerry peninsula. And nature writer Gary Ferguson reveals how cultivating a relationship with the natural world helps us better understand[...]
Three tour guides from Berlin suggest sights to see and experiences to enjoy in Germany's vibrant, changing capital. And as Bavarians prepare to host this year's Oktoberfest, a tour guide from Munich joins us to explain why beer gardens are so important to their culture. Then two guides from Italy walk us through the typical[...]
Roman tour guide Francesca Caruso recommends places to explore in the Eternal City that give you a particularly vivid feel for its centuries of history. Then historian Michael Wood describes how China's updated infrastructure makes it easy to reach his favorite sights in this fascinating country. And author Fred Plotkin discusses how you can eat[...]
Listen in as tour guides from Scotland let us in on their favorite experiences on the magical Isle of Skye. Then hear what it's like to kayak the length of both the Mississippi River and New York's waterways, from Buffalo to the Statue of Liberty. And join in on an audio Moondance along Belfast's "Van[...]
In what was the beginning of the packaged tour, find out how middle class Victorian-era tourists from England enjoyed the Swiss Alps. Examine the emotional benefits of travel that last well after you return home. Plus, a painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife. For more information[...]
Hear author Teresa Bruce describe how she retraced a poignant family road trip all the way down the Pan-American highway. Then listen in as we weigh the value of souvenirs with travel writer Rolf Potts, who shares insights on the origins of the travel-gift industry. And reminisce with fellow listeners who’ve called in to share[...]
Hear how Crete offers travelers a uniquely fascinating Greek island experience. Then travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska in the path of the Harriman Expedition of 1899. And a Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution around the world is happening faster than we used to think. For more information[...]
Tim Neville discusses why you'd enjoy vacationing in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Travel writer Stephanie Rosenbloom explores the advantages of traveling solo and how to do it without feeling all alone. And tour guides from the Balkans recommend their favorite places to explore along the coast of Croatia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
British tour guides discuss their favorite overlooked cities to visit, beyond London. Plus, we learn what guides from the Cumbrian Lake District and the Cotswolds love about living in rural England, including recommendations for connecting with the regions' sometimes-eccentric folk culture and its literary giants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Kathleen Winter tells us what her voyage into the Northwest Passage taught her about the world. Richard Grant left the bustle of Manhattan to buy an old farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta. Plus, listeners share tales of memorable stories from the people they've met overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Hear about the charms of France's Alsace region from local tour guides. A Parisian guide explains how visitors' expectations lead to misunderstandings and faux pas. Plus, Fred Plotkin shares how you might find the best croissant you've ever tasted in Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Tampa Bay Times columnist Craig Pittman explains how Florida's massive tourism industry impacts the state's residents. Plus, the author of a guide to Route 66 tells us about efforts to revitalize the historic 24-hundred mile highway as a national heritage trail. Also, author Sarah Vowell tells us what she learned when she visited sites associated[...]
Newfoundland actor and musician Alan Doyle recommends sights to best enjoy the rugged beauty of his island home in the Atlantic. And Canadian TV personality Rick Mercer shares his favorite places and things to do across Canada this summer. Plus, culinary historian Elizabeth Pearce raises a glass to New Orleans for its tri-centennial, and unveils[...]
Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for[...]
Journalist and former diplomat Dave Seminara vividly describes the unusual sports and traditions you might encounter in the Basque Country. Then a Czech tour guide and a guidebook writer join us to share insights and tips for appreciating Prague's innovative and fascinating art and architecture — and we enjoy a mini-concert from the Prague Castle[...]
Join us as tour guides from Norway, Belgium, and Bulgaria share insider perspectives on their countries. Listen in as they describe the hot-button issues that animate their countrymen's conversations, and explain what makes their countries so special — and why so many residents of smaller nations often feel such big national pride. For more information[...]
A New York Times travel writer shares tips for apps that can help you make the most of your next overseas trip, then a Seattle DJ describes how Iceland has exploded as a hotbed of creativity — and why he makes a point of visiting once a year. And a lifelong resident of the Dingle[...]
Get tips from guidebook author Pauline Frommer on how to make the most of a New York City stopover, and hear how the city's High Line greenway has become one of its best places to stroll and people-watch. Then listen in as tour guides from Berlin share their recommendations for the most enjoyable special events taking[...]
A bestselling author of a book on the Northwest Passage describes how the Inuit of Canada and Greenland are responding to modern challenges posed by changes to the Arctic environment. Then we delve with a filmmaker into the pre-Columbian world of the Incas, and ponder what untold stories the Andes Mountains may still hold. Plus,[...]
Hear from two Roman tour guides about what to expect on a first-time trip to Italy, and how to make it the adventure of a lifetime. Then get a taste of life in France’s rural southwest as author David McAninch explains how spending the better part of a year in Gascony taught his American family[...]
Get recommendations from a language buff for learning a new tongue overseas, then listen in as an American expat explains why he's called Mexico City home for the past 25 years — and why the Mexican capital is becoming a magnet for many others from around the Americas. Plus, hear from the author of a[...]
Tour guides from Scotland recommend their favorite Caledonian experiences, from elegant Edinburgh to clan castles in the Highlands, and even budget getaways for backpackers. Then a pair of world travelers explain why they’ve settled down in Greece’s Nafplio, the picturesque Peloponnesian town that’s a getaway for big-city Athenians, a jumping-off point for history-rich sights nearby,[...]
Hear about the variety of spectacular Alpine views any visitor can enjoy in and above Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, as described by a tour guide who's mapped the region's hiking trails. Then listen in as author Terry Tempest Williams explains how she purchased oil leases near her home in the Utah desert — not to drill, but[...]
Learn about some of America's most interesting lighthouses to visit — or even slumber in. Then hear from an experienced pilot about why the view from a 747 never gets old. And listen in as we consider the longbow's influence on the balance of power in medieval Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
An expat living in Saigon describes the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous Bui Vien Street, and explains why this backpacker district has recently become a weekend destination for local families. Then tour guides from Spain share updates and travel tips for the land of tapas and toreadors. For more information on Travel with[...]
Get acquainted with some of the most popular French and Italian saints, and learn why they remain important to their countrymen. Plus, actor David Suchet shares what he discovered while making a documentary about the life and times of St. Peter, and the first-century world he inhabited in Galilee. For more information on Travel with[...]
Author Tim Parks, a long-time resident of Verona, shares his observations about Italy’s railway system, and what it can tell us about the Italian mindset. And two tour guides from the Amalfi Coast take listener calls while exploring the highlights of their scenic southern corner of Italy, from Positano to the isle of Capri. For[...]
Three tour guides from Ireland share their recommendations for the sights and experiences travelers shouldn’t miss on a first-time visit to their home turf — from fun things to see and do in busy Dublin, to tips for exploring the windswept byways of the Kerry coast. And musician and actor Alan Doyle helps us to[...]
Rick gets a perspective on current issues the European Union is facing, from a geo-political friend in Brussels. Three women travel guides to Europe describe what it requires for women to feel comfortable traveling solo. Plus, author Teresa Bruce describes retracing a road trip from Oregon to Bolivia down the Pan American Highway. For more[...]
Hear from Londoners about what's afoot in their city right now, and the don't-miss experiences for anyone looking to make the most of a visit to the British capital this year. Then author Carl Hoffman tells what he discovered about two modern-day adventurers who befriended an indigenous tribe in Borneo: One of them got rich[...]
We look at the top sites where you can experience firsthand the groundbreaking contributions of Spain's greatest artists. Then tour guides from Wales and Bosnia share the facets of their nationalities that mean most to them — such as the Welsh fortitude for enduring the blustery climate that produces such beautiful landscapes, and Bosnians' knack[...]
Tune into the traditional music of Spain and find out where to catch the best flamenco shows in Madrid. Then listen in as astronaut Chris Hadfield describes daily life aboard the International Space Station, and lets us in on how you get used to doing everything — and we mean everything — in zero gravity.[...]
Historian Laurence Bergreen takes us to 18th-century Venice, at a time when Casanova called it home. Then journalist Craig Pittman updates us on what Florida is like for vacationers in 2018, and lets us in on local scuttlebutt. And geographer Joshua Jelly-Schapiro reminds us that the Caribbean’s cultural influence extends far beyond hosting cruise ships and[...]
Find out what six cities food maven Fred Plotkin considers to be the world's best places to experience edible ecstasy. Then get an update on today's "New Koreans" from journalist Michael Breen, whose recent book describes the rapid changes afoot in South Korea since its emergence as a worldwide economic and cultural force. For more[...]
We check in with author and long-distance walker Francis Tapon after his five-year journey to all 54 countries in Africa. And we hear how a widespread love of Shakespeare played a key role in shaping Africa's newest nation, South Sudan. Plus, tour guides from France offer tips for exploring the countryside of Normandy, including the[...]
We consider the importance of poet W.B. Yeats to the Irish soul, and discuss real-life English destinations that let you experience the world of Agatha Christie's mysteries. And just in time for Burns Night, Scottish troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns' poetry means to the Scots, and sings some favorite Burns tunes. For more[...]
Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie discusses her new album of activist "Medicine Songs" and what they have to say about our place in today's world. Then author Kim Dinan tells the story of how she quit her job, sold her stuff, and set off on a three-year round-the-world adventure — inspired, in part, by a certain yellow[...]
An Italian scholar of architecture compares the scope of today's mega-cities with the more human scale of Venice. And we'll hear what a pair of documentary producers noticed when they interviewed residents of Christiania, a communal society tucked into the middle of downtown Copenhagen. Plus, we get mom-tested advice for making everyone happy on an[...]
Pour a festive glass as we learn about the strong, often homemade liquors that lend zest to celebrations across central and eastern Europe. Then hear where to find some of the world's best beer, from the author of "50 Places to Drink Beer Before You Die." And join the party as friends from Edinburgh offer[...]
Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond.[...]
Hear about what Europeans are looking forward to at this time of year, from Saint Nicholas Day through Boxing Day, in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — perhaps it's some of grandma's special potato salad to go with the fish stew and figgy pudding! For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
We hear of the true awesomeness of experiencing a total solar eclipse, from the one that swept across the American West in 1878 to the one that drew crowds to the totality's path in the US in August 2017. And we'll also learn what it's like to take part in a winter solstice ritual from[...]
Hear about some of the world's most remarkable — and creepiest — traditions. Then discover the timeless character of the Hebrides — an island group off Scotland's northwest coast where you're more likely to overhear Gaelic than English. And enjoy a sampling of Portugal's beloved fado music: sad songs that make everyone feel better. For[...]
Hear what makes Spain's jamon the best ham in the world, then learn about the traditional comfort foods of Scandinavia, and the after-dinner customs that keep Italians lingering at restaurant tables. And find out why a Tulsa mom embarked on a four-year project to prepare meals from every country in the world. For more information[...]
Travel writer Dave Seminara explains why Indonesia's motor-free Gili Islands are a good alternative to the crowded tourist scene on nearby Bali, then a tour guide from Australia shares all-season recommendations for getting away from it all Down Under. And listeners share their most memorable travel adventures. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Tour guides from Berlin recommend sites you can visit to better appreciate their city's tumultuous past century, from the Nazi years to the Cold War, and the wall that split Berlin in half. And travel writer Leif Pettersen describes what he enjoyed about living in Romania, and why it's become one of today's best bargain[...]
Learn about the post-Civil War struggles between Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and US General Oliver Otis Howard, then hear about the growing number of older "houseless" Americans living full time in RVs and camper vans: For some, it's the ultimate freedom; for others, it's all they have left. For more information on Travel[...]
Hear about America's spookiest spots, then take a virtual stroll past the colorful, fragrant stalls of a Provencal farmers market with author Marjorie R. Williams. And listen in as some Belgians get nostalgic discussing the hearty comfort foods of their homeland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Author Paul Theroux shares the insights he gleaned about America from the people he met in the small towns and backroads of the Deep South. Then history professor Mark D. Van Ells returns with more suggestions for visiting places that honor the sacrifices of Allied troops in World War I. For more information on Travel[...]
We hear how Mostar — after suffering intense damage in the Bosnian war — has become an attractive tourist destination on the Adriatic cruise circuit, and get an update on its ongoing efforts to bridge old conflicts. And author Mark Adams divulges the four spots most likely to have inspired the legend of Atlantis. Plus,[...]
Celebrate 500 editions of Travel with Rick Steves with a fond look back at a few of Rick's most memorable guest interviews from the past 12 years. Then get a taste of the elegant life in London as the author of the "Discriminating Guide to London" recommends spots around town where commoners can feel like[...]
The author of a guidebook series on fly fishing explains why it's such a popular sport worldwide. Then tour guides from Spain take listener calls to share up-to-date-advice for planning a great Spanish getaway. And a seasoned world explorer shares lessons learned on the road that could well transform your own daily life back at[...]
Listen in to an exploration of the open-air markets of Paris, where souvenir shopping can be memorable in itself. Then hear why Belgian beer is so good that it's worth planning a trip around. And learn about the mysteries and history found in Slovenia's vast network of caves. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Friends of Rick's from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Bosnia share a Slavic perspective on what it means to participate in the European Union. Then novelist David Lida describes what poverty in rural Mexico looks like, and its role in the lives of many who enter the US illegally in search of work. Plus, Rick[...]
Get insider advice for enjoying Naples — home to what has to be the liveliest street scene in Italy — without feeling put off by its in-your-face energy. Then listen in as a leading expert on international terrorism explains how and why groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda have turned to human trafficking and[...]
The author of Frommer's Orlando guidebook returns with ideas for enjoying central Florida beyond the big theme parks. Then Tampa Bay Times reporter Craig Pittman discusses what makes his home state one of a kind — and much more than the target of punch lines. Plus, writer and trespasser extraordinaire Ken Ilgunas describes his hike[...]
Guides from Portugal describe the delights of Porto, and the winemaking traditions of the nearby Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. Then NPR's David Greene shares what he learned about everyday working-class Russians from his trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway. And friends from Scotland explain the cultural importance of their neighborhood pubs, and share[...]
Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks, and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as The Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on[...]
Hear about what it's like to celebrate National Day in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest — and wealthiest — countries. (Hint: Free beer at the palace!) Then learn the secret to gelato's distinctive smooth texture, and get tips for picking the best gelato shop in any Italian town. And tour guides from Britain tell[...]
Cartoonist Sarah Glidden shares the insights she gained while getting to know the Kurdish people of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Then a Dutch "language spotter" recommends interesting foreign words we English speakers might want to borrow. And tour guides from Prague explain how sharing a beer is an important part of the social fabric in[...]
Two Scottish tour guides discuss share tips for planning a great Scottish getaway, with specifics on tracking down scenes from the "Outlander" and "Harry Potter" series and where best to explore the ancient haunts of the Celts and Vikings. Then folks from Atlas Obscura, the fascinating online almanac of unusual places, chat with Rick about[...]
Author and Seoul-based foreign correspondent Michael Breen discusses how his fellow South Koreans regard their cousins to the north. Then a tour guide from Detroit shares some of the joys of exploring her lively city as it recovers its status as a cultural hub for the Midwest. And hear how peace-loving Slovenians compare themselves to[...]
French tour guides share tips for enjoying the highlights of the glittering Côte d'Azur, as well as recommendations for elegant day trips from Paris. Plus, author Graham Robb tells us what his bicycle adventure across the French countryside taught him about France's provincial character and history. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Historian Michael Wood discusses how Westerners might better understand China, the world's new superpower, by learning more about its monumental achievements over the past 4,000 years. We'll also get time-tested advice from author Ashley Steel for taking the kids to Europe. Plus, Rick's son Andy Steves shares his favorite phone apps and other tech tips[...]
Author and This American Life contributor Sarah Vowell tells us what she's recently learned about the Americanization of the Hawaiian islands. Then say "Happy 150th birthday" to Canada with one of its top TV personalities, Rick Mercer. Plus, a tour guide from Siena tells us how her adopted neighborhood won last year's Palio horse race[...]
Tune in as Rick gets tips from frequent traveler Wendy on how to actually enjoy a long-distance flight in coach. Then we'll hear expert advice from Lisbon-based tour guides for enjoying the intimate neighborhoods of Portugal's historic capital. And learn about the mix of European elegance and Latin culture that led architecture critic James Gardner to[...]
Hear how the summer solstice is celebrated in Scandinavia, where the official start of summer is a big deal. Then listen in as Italian friends discuss the effects of their country's high unemployment rate — and how Italians are meeting the challenge — before taking listener calls to share tips for a "dolce vita" vacation.[...]
We start with a close look at how World War I upended the roles of Europe's monarchies, then hear about Agatha Christie's 1922 Grand Tour to promote the British Empire, as told to her grandson. And, just in time for "Bloomsday," a Dublin tour guide takes us on an audio walk past the city's must-see[...]
Hear what's new at the two most popular destinations in the US as the author of the Frommer's guidebook to Disney World shares tips for making the most of your time there, and Pauline Frommer updates us on the best things to do and see in New York City. Plus, a tour guide from Greece[...]
Join us to get a German perspective on Deutschland's recent emergence as the leading nation of the European Union, and stay tuned as our tour-guide guests take calls to help listeners plan memorable German getaways. Then get ready for your summer road trip with recommendations from Patricia Schultz, author of "1,000 Places to See in the USA and[...]
Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the regional dessert specialties of Italy — and divulges the whereabouts of the best gelato in the entire country. Then a tour guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating pasta. Plus, we'll get an overview of Paris's enticing array of open-air neighborhood[...]
"Senior nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell discuss their travels among home shares around the world — and why, after three years, they plan to keep on globe-trotting full time. And we'll hear what makes the republic of Macedonia, in the southern Balkans, one of tour guide David Willett's favorite destinations anywhere. For more information on[...]
Author Lisa Dickey describes her recurring travels around Russia, where she explores how life keeps changing for the average local citizen. Then we'll get up to date on the newest and not-to-be-missed sights in London as a tour guide highlights the special exhibits and events luring visitors to the city this year. Plus, tour guides[...]
Genuinely "down to earth" astronaut Cady Coleman joins us to describe what it's like living and working — for months at a time — on the International Space Station, where the zero-gravity environment affects everything you do...and how circling planet Earth every 90 minutes changes your outlook on life. Plus, listeners share tales of their[...]
A tour guide from Seville explains how its annual April Fair animates her city, and anchors a season of outdoor festivals in southern Spain. Then tour guides from Britain share their favorite places to go walking in the countryside — rain or shine. And we consider how public squares can give their cities a sense[...]
Tour guides from Spain explain the importance of local saints to this festive country's national identity. Then actor David Suchet shares what he discovered about his own religious faith while retracing the first-century travels of St. Paul. And Rick chats with art historian Miles J. Unger about the masterpieces by Michelangelo that travelers can enjoy[...]
Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu, just a century after it was revealed to the outside world. Then author and radio commentator Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in[...]
Folks from online magazine Atlas Obscura share some of their favorite American roadside attractions. Then author Doug Mack explains the unique status of the United States' far-flung territories, where American citizenship is "complicated." And writer, photographer, and businesswoman Wendy Simmons describes her remarkable tour of North Korea. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Rick and two French guides offer tips for planning a visit to the royal palace of Versailles and discuss contemporary issues facing France. Graphic Novelist Sarah Glidden discusses her first trip to Israel on a Birthright tour. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -[...]
Give yourself an authentic Saint Patrick's Day as friends from Ireland demonstrate how traditional folk music continues to play an important role in their lives on a level that everyone can enjoy. Explore the sights of Ireland's second city, Belfast, and hear how Northern Ireland has outgrown its reputation for sectarian violence. We'll also have[...]
Photographer Marty Essen talks to Rick about his close encounters with animals in their native environments. And guides from Ireland recommend their favorite parts of Ireland to explore for people visiting this year. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Celebrate 30 years of Women's History Month in the USA by visiting sites where women changed the nation's history, recommended by a former director of the National Museum of American History. Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad tells us how she set a world record swimming from Havana to Key West. And naturalist Gary Ferguson describes the[...]
We'll hear about the local delicacies found on the various tapa menus across Spain. Then we'll learn more about the centuries-long traditions behind Carnival celebrations in Venice and Cologne, the scene of some of Europe's biggest wintertime parties. Plus we'll listen in on the Norwegian TV show that's helped many Americans discover their old-country ancestry.[...]
We'll take an audio stroll along the bustling banks of the Danube as it flows through the scenic heart of Budapest. Then we'll hear from some Brits about what motivated them to vote for or against leaving the European Union, and about what makes them fearful — or optimistic — for the years ahead. For[...]
A Sicilian tour guide lays out the essentials for exploring his distinctive sun-drenched island. Then a prominent Italian archaeologist discusses Venice's population decline, which continues even as crowds of tourists and cruise-ship passengers overwhelm Italy's most beloved city. And we'll get all the gritty details on the side of 18th-century Venice described so vividly by[...]
Discover the rewards of being a "road-trip pilgrim," as explained by author Dan Austin. Then journalist Elizabeth Becker describes how China's mandatory Golden Week holidays have boosted the worldwide travel industry, and how China's investments in tourism are paying off. And a panel of Europeans discuss how the recent rise of populist politics is playing[...]
British author Tim Parks explains why the Italian rail system, which he depends on daily, means more to him than a mere means of transportation. Then a pair of tour guides from opposite ends of Italy highlight the regional differences that make travel in Italy such an enjoyable study in contrasts. For more information on[...]
Travel writer Dave Fox discusses everyday life as an American in Saigon, then British actor David Suchet explains why this year's 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is so important — and why London is the world's best city for theater. Plus, listeners get Rick's advice for making the most of their European travel plans[...]
Two Americans who've made their living in Cuba shed light on the influence Americans have there, then author Ken Ilgunas describes the 1700-mile trek he made on foot from Alberta to Texas in hopes of getting a local perspective on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Learn how eating like a Greek could be an ideal way to improve your diet in the new year. Then listen in as consumer-travel advocate Christopher Elliott explains why travel insurance isn't always a good deal, and author Patricia Schultz recommends a thousand places you should plan to see in the US, plus her top[...]
Authors David Sedaris and Patricia Schultz encourage making travel plans in the new year. Chris Santella recommends getting outdoors for an adrenaline kick heli-skiing in Alaska or a civilized game of golf on the coast of Ireland. Plus, Nate Johnson stirs up our curiosity about urban wildlife from the birds we take for granted to[...]
Friends from Madrid, Rome, London, and Lisbon tell us how they celebrate the yuletide holidays. We'll also hear about small-town festivities in Holland, Austria, Northern Ireland, and Bulgaria. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort food served in America's roadside restaurants, then food and culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus we'll hear how locals get into the Christmas spirit[...]
Montreal-based authors of "The Bonjour Effect" discuss the unwritten rules of conversation in France, and the communication hurdles visitors face — even those who speak perfect French. Then reporter Peter Costantini shares updates from Nicaragua, where he's been investigating problems behind the country's bid to build a canal to rival Panama's. For more information on[...]
Get into the holiday spirit by hearing about Germany's many outdoor Christmas markets, then listen in as Rick's son Andy Steves describes what kind of low-cost weekend adventures young travelers are looking for in Europe. Plus, find out why Seoul's nightlife and pop culture are attracting a worldwide crowd to South Korea, and experience the[...]
Learn about how Roman and prehistoric worlds are within reach just beneath Britain's surface. Then hear Commander Chris Hadfield describe what he's captured in his photos of our planet, taken from 250 miles away. And listeners share highlights of their travels in Israel and Palestine. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Two tour guides from Budapest tell us about Hungary's spicy culinary traditions, then author Marjorie R. Williams shares tips for finding exceptional seasonal produce — and great souvenirs — in the south of France. And policy analyst David Rieff joins Rick to discuss which efforts are proving the most effective in the push to reduce[...]
A leading international expert on terrorism, Loretta Napoleoni, tells us what she's learned about ISIS and their battlegrounds in the Middle East. Also, retired war reporter Martin Fletcher discusses his novel about what might have happened differently in Bosnia in the 1990s. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program[...]
A bestselling author of a book on the Northwest Passage describes how the Inuit of Canada and Greenland are responding to modern challenges posed by changes to the Arctic environment. Then we delve with a filmmaker into the pre-Columbian world of the Incas, and ponder what untold stories the Andes Mountains may still hold. Plus,[...]
Just in time for Halloween and All Souls' Day, we'll explore the legacy of the real-life pirates who operated off the Carolina coast of colonial America. Then a pair of Irishmen clue us in to the lore of the "faery people," who some still believe inhabit the Emerald Isle. And we'll learn about ghost sightings[...]
One of Australia's leading actors tells us what it means to explore the post-war 1950s and what she loves best about living in Sydney today. Also, a transcontinental pilot returns to further explore the marvels of jet travel. Plus, tour guides from Berlin explain why Germans love a good sausage no matter the time of[...]
Celebrate Spain's National Day with us as we learn about recent improvements to the country's high-speed passenger trains and freeways, then listen in as tour guides from Madrid, Sevilla, and Navarre answer questions and recommend memorable side trips from the capital. And hear why, in the south of Spain, it always feels like there's a[...]
Learn how tourism as we know it was invented by middle-class, Victorian-era English travelers seeking a pleasure trip in the Swiss Alps. Then listen in as a painter describes how peering into the eyes of savanna wildlife on an "artist's safari" deepened his appreciation for Africa's creatures. And join us as we examine the emotional[...]
Get a taste of Norse mythology and a glimpse of the Vikings' complex view of the cosmos. Plus, hear how Athens' Acropolis remains a powerful symbol of civilized democracy 2,500 years after it was built, and learn about the courageous subjects of filmmaker Holly Morris' "Adventure Divas" documentary series. For more information on Travel with[...]
A tour guide from Sofia discusses how Bulgaria's changed since it joined the EU, professional foodie Fred Plotkin explains why coffee varies across Europe, and writer Elaine Sciolino reveals what she learned about the public and private sides of Iran since living in Tehran as a New York Times correspondent. Plus, hear why patron saints[...]
Hear how author Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in a broken world through the people she's met in her travels to Italy and Rwanda. Also, Phil Borges reveals what he's learned from photographing indigenous people around the world, and playwright Peter Wortsman tells us why he loves the ever-evolving nature of Berlin. For more information[...]
Rick interviews ecologist Chris Morgan who says that saving the habitat for bears can save the planet for the rest of us. Get a taste of what wildlife photographer Marty Essen encountered from the Arctic Refuge to the Florida Everglades. Author Juan Villoro explains why soccer is as important as religion and shares an insider's[...]
Learn why the Great Barrier Reef — one of Earth's greatest natural wonders — is facing serious threats to its survival. Then author J. Maarten Troost introduces us to the remote Pacific island nations of Kiribati and Vanuatu, whose people have lived for centuries on a series of coral atolls and rugged volcanic islands. And[...]
Rick shares notes on visiting Havana with Cuban travel expert Christopher P. Baker, then filmmaker Ken Burns discusses his documentary series celebrating the National Park Service's centennial. And Smithsonian historian Brent D. Glass recommends places to visit that make American history really come alive. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
As Ireland gears up for another All-Ireland Championship, find out how Gaelic sports reflect a distinctly Irish identity. Hear what it's like for an American travel writer to live in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Also, listeners recall some of their favorite travel memories from Ireland, Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro. For more information on Travel[...]
Get tips for how to "do as the Romans do" in Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. Hear about the travel writer Will Hide's latest crazy rides, from cycling across the hills of Rwanda to driving what might be the world's "most dangerous road" up from Delhi into the Himalayas. Plus listen in as guides from Slovenia and[...]
Learn about the best places to visit in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic to get a feel for what Communist-era life was like behind the Iron Curtain, now a quarter century in the past. Join us as we explore the allure of a flatlands road trip, where the unobstructed view makes the sky seem[...]
Actress Joanna Lumley details her trip of a lifetime: a 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River all the way to its source, the swampy highlands of Rwanda. We'll hear how the river's personality varies over its course — past Cairo and Luxor, through Sudan and Lake Victoria — and about the sights she saw and[...]
Learn about the important role lighthouses played in the 19th century, and which are the most interesting to visit in the US and France. Then hear a tour guide from Wales explain the pride that comes from belonging to this distinctive corner of Great Britain, with its own language and traditions. And listen in as[...]
Historian David McCullough introduces us to some of the most influential "Americans in Paris" of the 19th century, who returned home to apply the lessons they’d learned in the City of Light — thereby helping transform a young United States. Also, tour guides from France celebrate Bastille Day with us, and New York Times correspondent[...]
Art-history scholar and tour guide Anna Piperato tells us how Siena’s high-spirited Palio horse race is a high point of the Tuscan summertime. Then author Richard Grant shares road-trip recommendations for a blues-inspired pilgrimage to the Mississippi Delta, and historian Erika Lee discusses how newcomers from Asia are making an impact on the US. [...]
NPR correspondent Eric Weiner tells us why Canada's one of his favorite summer road-trip destinations. Then author Simon Winchester discusses the growing importance of the Pacific Rim nations, and why the Chinese navy is making some of its neighbors nervous. And tour guides from Slovenia share tips for planning a relaxing getaway to their small[...]
Explore the heritage of the South Carolina Low Country, home to resorts, historical centers, and plenty of rice and seafood. Discover how you can stay high in the Andes with an indigenous family, right on the lake where Incas believe life began. Learn how Latinos in the United States are gaining influence — and what[...]
Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian of Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice[...]
The producer of "Bear Trek" talks about the bears and wolves that still live in Romania, Scotland, and the Alps, and discusses efforts to "re-wild" the open spaces of Europe. Then tour guides take calls to help listeners plan summer vacations to far-flung corners of Greece and France. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Author Paul Theroux shares the insights he gleaned about America from the people he met in the small towns and backroads of the Deep South. Then history professor Mark D. Van Ells returns with more suggestions for visiting places that honor the sacrifices of Allied troops in World War I. For more information on Travel[...]
Tour guides from Paris and the Spanish Basque Country share recommendations for enjoying their local cuisine, and food writer Fred Plotkin helps us appreciate the culinary traditions of Italy, where every bite can be a celebration. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit[...]
Get an inside look at the mostly friendly rivalries between Sweden and Norway. Then hear from a family midway through their epic drive across North America, who stop by to share tips for making a long road trip fun for everyone. And listen in as we explore Australia's urbanized east coast and venture into the[...]
Find out how Berlin uses its monuments to teach new generations to remember the city's turbulent history. Then get insider tips for planning a getaway to Spain, and learn about the rural "sagre" festivals celebrated in the Italian countryside. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details[...]
Hear about some of the customs that Greeks observe in the days leading up to Orthodox Easter. Then British tour guides recommend places to visit in the north and east of England that do well to lift travelers' spirits. And meet Juan Villoro, one of Mexico's most respected writers, who tells us how Mexicans view[...]
Find out about a group of grandmothers who are defying the odds by living in Chernobyl. Then learn how environmental problems in India are making us rethink how we tackle the challenges of climate change while feeding a growing population. And hear how one woman retraced the journey her grandfather once took in order to[...]
Hear how you can view 10 centuries of architecture when you walk along the Coronation Way in Old Town Prague. Then learn about Portugal's sunny Algarve coast, once believed to be the end of the world. And perhaps get inspired to try life on the road by author Christina Nealson, who describes her RV-fueled explorations[...]
An expert updates Rick Steves on the practicalities of American travel to Cuba and how increased demand is affecting tourism there. Also, screenwriter Kim MacQuarrie tells us about the notorious bandits and revolutionaries whose lives he researched in South America and whose larger-than-life legacies still resonate in the Andes. For more information on Travel with[...]
Adventure traveler Hilary Bradt tells us why Madagascar is her favorite place in the world to explore. Then guides from Scotland share sightseeing advice for Edinburgh, with tips for day trips into the Scottish countryside. And historian David McCullough tells us how in-person visits to America's historical sites has influenced his writing and enriched his[...]
Hear why patron saints are so important to Siena, then get tips from guides in Rome for navigating the crowds during the Vatican's 2016 Jubilee Year observance. And listen in as author Miles J. Unger explains how the masterpieces of Michelangelo can take us into his Renaissance world. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Hear what two Americans learned about a different way of life after immersing themselves in everyday life in the Balkans, including Croatia. Then listen in as we explore the highlights of northern Italy, from Milan and Lake Como to small Alpine towns where Germanic influences add an intriguingly un-Italian touch. For more information on Travel[...]
Linguist Gaston Dorren tells us how languages reveal the personalities and history of the lands in which we travel. We'll also learn how the once-banned Irish language has reclaimed its role at the heart of Irish identity, then listen in as guides from Ireland help travelers prepare for their next trips to the Emerald Isle.[...]
Journalist and epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani tells us how easy it is to connect with people while traveling in Indonesia — a surprising, engaging nation of more than 13,000 islands. We'll also hear about how Europe's refugee situation is being viewed in France, Germany, and Italy. And we'll catch up on current issues for debate among[...]
Two moms share their tips, and enthusiasm, for globetrotting and "world-schooling" with younger children. Then listeners describe how they've enjoyed wintertime adventures in places like Iceland and Austria. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Fred Plotkin, author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," shares ideas he gleaned from the recent Milan Expo on how the world is tackling the challenges we face in feeding a growing planet. Then guests from Greece, Turkey, and Sweden share how their countries are dealing with an overwhelming number of immigrants, including those fleeing[...]
Novelist Kathleen Winter describes how her Northwest Passage voyage through the Canadian Arctic taught her to view the world in a new light. Then journalist Richard Grant tells of what happened to his world view (and dinner menus) when he left the bustle of Manhattan to buy an old farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta. And[...]
Learn about the Norwegian TV show that's helped many Americans discover their old-country ancestry, then get to know the centuries of traditions behind Carnival celebrations in Venice and Cologne, the scene of some of Europe's biggest wintertime parties. Plus, hear about the local delicacies you'll find on the various tapa menus across Spain. For more[...]
Writer and international-development expert David Rieff describes what seems to be working — and what isn't — in the quest to end hunger in developing nations. Then author and activist Gloria Steinem reflects on her decades of frequent travels, and how they gave her a sense of adventure from a young age. And budget-travel blogger[...]
A Dutch tour guide shares the charms of her historic hometown of Delft, then author Simon Winchester tells us why he believes the Pacific Rim defines our global future and details the biggest challenges facing the world's largest ocean. And NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher explains his zeal for telling the personal stories behind the 20th-century[...]
Get a personal look at India as BBC reporter Nick Bryant tells us what he learned about Indian society while he was stationed in New Delhi, and actress Madhur Jaffrey shares childhood memories from the sunset of the imperial era. Plus, friends from Italy tell Rick how they cope with the everyday chaos of their[...]
A pair of native-born Sicilian tour guides tell us what matters most about the "intensified Italy" of the island they call home. Then Eric Weiner, author of Geography of Genius, poses a theory about the places that have fostered world-changing innovation, from ancient Athens to today's Silicon Valley. And a journalist from Tokyo updates us on[...]
Hear how an American found delight, and a fresh start, in rural Ireland — even after an unwelcome medical diagnosis ended his career. Then consumer-travel expert Christopher Elliott explains the pros and cons of travel insurance, and lets us in on the tacked-on costs of many “bargain” airfares. And listeners share their plans for overseas[...]
Hear about New Year's customs and superstitions of Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Wales, the Netherlands, Spain, Sicily, Hungary, and Scotland. Then brighten your New Year with new tips for pairing the right kind of pasta and sauce, and learn the dos and don’ts of attending a dinner party in Switzerland. For more information on Travel with[...]
Hear about holiday traditions in Wales, Hungary, Sicily, and Scotland, then learn about the unique ways people light up the season in Santa Fe — where the glow of luminarias and the scent of piñon wood fires leave a lasting impression. And listen in as we head much farther south to hear how scientists at[...]
Nothing says Christmas like fresh oysters and fermented trout — at least according to some Europeans. Learn about the yuletide traditions of France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy, from the varied fare to unusual holiday decorations to Santa's leaner — and often meaner — overseas counterparts. For more information on[...]
Learn about some of America's most interesting lighthouses to visit — or even slumber in. Then hear from an experienced pilot about why the view from a 747 never gets old. And listen in as we consider the longbow's influence on the balance of power in medieval Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Hear how you can get close to the ancients by hiking Peru's Inca Trail, and get tips for enjoying Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Then we'll zoom in on two more areas with striking monuments from the past: Turkey, with its legacy of the Ottoman Empire, and Wales, with its string of massive medieval castles. For[...]
Hear what makes Spain's jamón the best ham in the world, then learn about the traditional comfort foods of Scandinavia, and the after-dinner customs that keep Italians lingering at restaurant tables. And find out why a Tulsa mom embarked on a four-year project to prepare meals from every country in the world. For more information[...]
British actress Joanna Lumley takes us on a soulful journey from Athens into northern Greece. Guides from Britain help us plan a getaway into England's scenic Cotswolds. Then travel writer Tim Neville tells us about skiing in unlikely places ― including Kosovo and North Korea. And we get a taste of Reykjavík nightlife during the[...]
As Europe observes the centennial of the "Great War," learn about the WWI sites you can visit to better understand American doughboys' role on the battlefields. We'll also share tips for visiting Kraków, the cultural and spiritual capital of Poland. And we'll get insider advice for enjoying WWI sites in some less-visited corners of the Balkan[...]
Listeners tell us about eerie encounters they've had while traveling in England and France. Then ghost hunter Terrance Zepke describes some of the most haunted places she's investigated in the US, including a former asylum in Appalachia, and even a haunted nightclub near Cincinnati. And food blogger Kate Hopkins delves into the bittersweet history of[...]
Learn why Colombia is turning into one of South America's prime tourist destinations. And as we mark the 50-year anniversary of the Immigration Act of 1965, hear about why Asians, primarily from China, represent the largest group of newcomers to the US. Then listen in as we learn how things get done — or not[...]
Hear how recent upgrades to Oklahoma City have helped to turn it into a "big-league" city. Then eavesdrop on some local buzz around town in Honolulu, and get a sense of how time spent exploring its cultural opportunities can enhance any visit to Hawaii. And listen in as author Wallace J. Nichols explains the psychological[...]
Author and artist Elizabeth Murray tells how her life was changed by working in painter Claude Monet's gardens outside Paris. Then Irish tour guides take us to the scenic highlights of the popular Ring of Kerry peninsula. And nature writer Gary Ferguson reveals how cultivating a relationship with the natural world helps us better understand[...]
Tune into the traditional music of Spain and find out where to catch the best flamenco shows in Madrid. Then listen in as astronaut Chris Hadfield describes daily life aboard the International Space Station, and lets us in on how you get used to doing everything — and we mean everything — in zero gravity.[...]
Guides from Portugal describe the delights of Porto, and the winemaking traditions of the nearby Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. Then NPR's David Greene shares what he learned about everyday working-class Russians from his trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway. And friends from Scotland explain the cultural importance of their neighborhood pubs, and share tips[...]
People-watching and relaxing in the night air in one of Rome’s picturesque public piazzas: Get tips for enjoying Rome’s more intimate side after sunset. Then a guide to New York City tells us where you can get in touch with the city's forgotten history and its multicultural character, and hear from a few daring souls[...]
Find out why Bath is an ideal city to visit for a little R&R in the English countryside, then hear why one American expat, who runs a popular website about her life in the Yucatán, left California with her husband to start a new life in the Mexican city of Mérida. And get clued in[...]
Did you hear the one about the Swede, the Norwegian, and the Dane? Hear about what Scandinavians tend to think about their Nordic neighbors, and the sometimes not-so-subtle differences that help give each country its distinct identity. Then listen in for the story of the special travel guide that African Americans relied on in the[...]
Listen in as we rock the cradle of country music, from kitchy Dollywood to all-day mountain-music jams along Virginia's "Crooked Road." Tony Horwitz explores how John Brown's 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry still haunts us today. And we'll hear how fun it can be to hike Appalachian Trail. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Journalist Gary Rivlin tells us how he's seen New Orleans change in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina. Also, Brin-Jonathan Butler describes what a decade of training with Olympic boxing elites in Havana showed him about life in Cuba, and why he's now barred from returning. And hear how the nearly century-old legacy of an[...]
Hear how photojournalist David Adams journeyed to Afghanistan and central Asia in search of the lost cities encountered by Alexander the Great. Learn why Ephesus, in western Turkey, is one of the best places in the world to resurrect a sense of the everyday life of the ancient Greeks and Romans. And for those looking[...]
David McCullough recounts a big day in aviation history, when the Wright Brothers first demonstrated powered flight to an eager audience ― in France. Then travel writer Tim Neville shares his first impressions of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan ― neighbors along the fabled Silk Road of central Asia, but ones with very different personalities. And listeners[...]
A British ex-pat tells us what it's like to live in Switzerland, and explains why the Swiss are deliberately different from the rest of their European neighbors. We'll also get pointers for fun things to explore on a weekend in Wales from one of that country's top tour guides. And a musician from Orvieto provides[...]
Naturalist Terry Tempest Williams reflects on a mystery her late mother left behind, and explains her drive to speak out on behalf of the rugged Utah wilderness she calls home. Then a tour guide from Italy describes how he likes to get away from it all: on a motorbike across the vast Sahara desert. For[...]
Author Euny Hong explains how South Korea has transformed into an economic and pop-culture powerhouse to become one of the world's "coolest" countries. Then author Pico Iyer shares what he observed on a recent visit to the renegade nation of North Korea, and explains how easy it is to visit the North on a tightly wrapped[...]
Hear French views on the tensions that free speech can raise in a multicultural nation. Author Graham Robb introduces us to some of the people that have helped define today's stylish city of Paris. Also, listeners describe the high points from their latest adventures overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Guides from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic tell us about some of the sites you can visit to get a feel for the Communist era in central and eastern Europe. We'll also explore the allure of a road trip in flatlands, where the unobstructed view makes the sky seem closer. And hear what kind[...]
Find out why Madrid and Prague are two of the most romantic cities in Europe as local tour guides describe outstanding architecture, peaceful gardens, friendly street life, and romantic viewpoints where visitors might find themselves falling in love.Plus, Rick chats with listeners who share unforgettable encounters from their travels. For more information on Travel with[...]
Explore the charming backstreets of Venice as local guides offer insider advice for avoiding the crush of tourists. Experience the elegance of Venice from its breathtakingly beautiful architecture to its quiet neighborhoods. Also, while Norway tops the list of expensive countries, we'll get budget tips for enjoying Europe's most dramatic coastal scenery. For more information[...]
Just in time for "Bloomsday," a Dublin tour guide takes us on an audio walk past the city's must-see sights for fans of James Joyce's "Ulysses." Then we hear about Agatha Christie's 1922 Grand Tour to promote the British Empire, as told to her grandson. And we take a close look at how World War[...]
Get tips from the author of the best-selling "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" on how to enjoy the Disney theme parks without getting overwhelmed. Then listen in for some practical advice for minimizing tears when flying with small children. And hear why its wildlife makes Madagascar one of veteran traveler Hilary Bradt's favorite places[...]
Get insider tips for which of Britain's many tourable historic mansions and stately homes are the most rewarding to visit, and which of those offer the chance to meet the lord or lady of the manor. Plus, guides from Rome and Sicily give us a local's take on the Italian hot-topic issues their neighbors are[...]
Listen in as Elizabeth Pisani shares tales of her year-long voyage to get reacquainted with the world's fourth most populous country ― what she calls the "improbable" nation of Indonesia. Then learn about where to find some of America’s best breakfasts on your next US road trip – the perfect places get each day started[...]
We follow up with friends from Turkey who participated in Istanbul's 2013 Gezi Park protests and learn why there's still a populist movement against the leader of their national government. Then it's on to the ancients of Greece: what they can still show us about their world, and how it influences us today. And we[...]
Jake Ducey describes what the world taught him after he dropped out of college and spent half a year wandering far from home, then blogger "Nomadic Matt" shares budget travel tips that allow you to see the world in comfort on $50 a day, whatever your age. Plus listeners share tales from their unforgettable adventures.[...]
NPR's former Moscow correspondent David Greene joins us to describe his winter ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and share what it taught him about the Russian people. And we'll examine how Europeans are debating immigration issues in light of the recent increase in refugees from Syria and North Africa. Then it’s off to Portugal, where we’ll[...]
Learn about how the waters of Rome — from its ornate fountains to a shrine for the Venus of the Sewers — can be a refreshing way to explore this ancient capital. We'll also hear from Ferenc Máté how sailing the dangerous waters around Canada's Vancouver Island set the scene for the first of his[...]
Get suggestions for relaxing in Hungary’s countryside, long a favorite for low-stress family vacations. Rick also checks in with listeners planning family trips to the UK and Ireland. Then get tips for exploring the Basque Country of Spain and France, where top-notch food, modern art, and deep-seated traditions make for a colorful trip to this[...]
Listen in as astronaut Chris Hadfield and writer Pico Iyer describe the life-altering perspectives they’ve gained from their travels. Then Rick compares notes with guidebook publisher Hilary Bradt, and remembers the highlights of his first trip to Europe after high school graduation — the first time he traveled abroad without his parents. For more information[...]
Listen in as Christopher P. Baker, one of America's top experts on travel to Cuba, reports on the reaction in the streets of Havana to President Obama's announcement - and addresses common misconceptions about what the policy change really means for Americans who want to visit Cuba. Then learn about southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances,[...]
Get tips for exploring Mexico at your own pace as the experts behind “The People's Guide to Mexico” offer tips for enjoying an independent road trip. Then hear about the frustrations many Italian women face when fighting against some very deep-rooted gender stereotypes, and listen in as listeners share their travel tales from Sicily. [...]
Give yourself an authentic Saint Patrick's Day as friends from Ireland demonstrate how traditional folk music continues to play an important role in their lives on a level that everyone can enjoy. Explore the sights of Ireland's second city, Belfast, and hear how Northern Ireland has outgrown its reputation for sectarian violence. We'll also have[...]
Get a peek behind the news to hear first-hand how Spaniards and Greeks are coping with Europe’s economic crisis — then hear the other side of the debate as we turn to look at thriving Berlin, which has continually attracted newcomers ever since it reunited 25 years ago. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
One of America's top experts on European train travel shares her tips for making the most of Europe's extensive train network, and explains how rail passes work — and how to know when they’re a bargain. Then Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern tell us what they look for in hometown "comfort food" restaurants,[...]
Get personal insights on what persuaded the Scottish people to vote 'Nae' in their recent independence referendum, and hear an overview of the two personalities that comprise Belgium. Then listen in as we learn more about the doomed Lusitania, which was sunk off the coast of Ireland 100 years ago this year, and about some of[...]
Listen in as an artist who helped restore Monet’s gardens explains why the French painter first created these colorful gardens at his house outside Paris, and hear how renovating a house on an island off the coast of Brittany can feed your wild side. Then American tour guides let us in on what happens when[...]
Get tips for eating well on the cheap in Istanbul, where street vendors and inexpensive cafeterias offer great local food amid the city’s vibrant street life. Then hear about the Karneval street parties that have livened up Germany’s Rhineland for centuries, and the pre-Lenten festivities that kick off spring in Croatia and Slovenia. Plus, listen in[...]
Find out what's been threatening the mid-Pacific...and what’s being done to protect it. Then learn about an unusual — and often comfortable — alternative to hotels and B&Bs: convents and monasteries, many of which welcome travelers in some of the world’s prime locales. And listen in while the man behind The Long Winters tells tales[...]
Join us as we take a look at regional highlights beyond Paris, such as the vineyards and mansions of the Loire Valley. We'll also learn about the weathered prehistoric stone formations on the hillsides of Brittany and how they link us to France’s mysterious past. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
We look at how important the poet W. B Yeats is to the Irish, then Agatha Christie’s grandson recommends places in England where you experience the world of her mystery novels. And, just in time for Burns Night, Scottish troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns means to the Scots — and sings some of[...]
Explore the highlights of the South Carolina Low Country, home to antebellum architecture, wildlife preserves, and plenty of rice and seafood. Then discover how you can stay high in the Andes with an indigenous family, right on the lake where Incas believe life began. And learn how Latinos in the United States are gaining influence[...]
Francis Tapon checks in with Rick at the halfway point of his goal to explore each of Africa's 54 countries. African historian Martin Meredith explains the lasting impact of the continent's colonial legacy. Also, Sasha Martin shares how to introduce your family to the favorite foods of every nation on earth. For more information on[...]
Hear how people in Sweden, Croatia, Wales, and Scotland welcome in the new year, then learn how Spanish wines are making a splash — and get tips for pairing up its major varietals. And listen in as an Australian photojournalist describes how his expeditions in Central Asia led him to new insights on Alexander the[...]
In Europe, Santa Claus has some rather interesting relatives. Get acquainted with such characters as Baba Noel, Grandfather Frost, Saint Nicholas, Krampus, and even Samichlaus and Schmutzli. Listen in as friends from Madrid, Rome, London, and Lisbon tell us about their cities’ Christmas traditions, then hear how the holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria, the Swiss[...]
Look at the world in a whole new light: Hear about a view that's "out of this world" as astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield describes the photos he took of Mother Earth from 250 miles away, and what they revealed. We also explore how the Roman and pre-historic worlds are within reach when you dig a[...]
Experience vicarious time travel as actress Joanna Lumley describes the memorable connections she made at the iconic sites of ancient Greece, then hear about some of the holiday traditions that get the season underway in the Netherlands and Sweden. Plus we’ll discuss how easy it is to enjoy the grandeur of great churches all over Europe,[...]
Find out how to make traveling abroad into a favorite family pastime, as two moms share their tips, and enthusiasm, for overseas travel with kids. Then hear how listeners have enjoyed exploring places like Iceland and Austria during the winter months. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Adam Gopnik explains why "The Table Comes First in France," and how taking time to eat with joy and appreciation can make every dinnertime into an occasion at your house. Also, guides from Portugal share the highlights of their country's cuisine, from Atlantic seafood, to the hearty stews enjoyed in the mountains. For more information[...]
Hear how the light and color of the Caribbean inspired a dazzling photo book by novelist Ferenc Máté – who, having sailed to the West Indies island of St. Vincent, liked the gentle island life style so much he didn't want to leave. Then we'll explore options for touring the Hebrides, the isles off Scotland’s west[...]
Learn how recent upgrades have helped turn Oklahoma City into a "big-league city." And hear what people are talking about in Honolulu, and how this city’s cultural offerings can enhance any trip to Hawaii. Plus, author Wallace J. Nichols explains how being near water really can benefit your state of mind, even if it just[...]
Hear about why Buenos Aires is one of the world’s most popular cities from an American who's made Argentina his home. Then learn how to fit in with the locals in Spain, where the daily rhythms of life beat differently than they do in the US. And listeners follow up with Rick about what they've[...]
We'll explore the legacy of the real-life pirates who operated off the Carolina coast in colonial America. Next, a pair of Irishmen clue us in on the various sorts of faery people that some still believe inhabit the Emerald Isle, and we'll learn about the ghost stories of San Francisco. For more information on Travel[...]
Get tips for viewing ancient temples, amphitheaters and cities in Greece, Turkey and Egypt through the eyes of the people who lived there long ago. Find out about visiting Tangier on the Moroccan side of the Strait of Gibraltar. We'll also look at vacation options for Turkey's un-touristy Black Sea coast. For more information on[...]
In Italy, the journey is always an adventure. Author Tim Parks helps us appreciate how the Italian rail system works, and why it's more than mere transportation. Plus, a pair of tour guides from opposite parts of Italy highlight the differences you'll notice — and even enjoy — between the north and the south of[...]
Learn about the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and the serious threats it's facing to its survival. Also, author J Maarten Troost introduces the remote Pacific Island nations of Kiribati and Vanuatu, and we'll learn how people have lived for centuries on a series of coral atolls and on rugged islands that[...]
A guide shows us how to enjoy the Swedish capital al fresco, where the locals make it a priority to get outdoors, any time of year. We'll also explore the mysteries of the ancient stone circles and prehistoric monuments of England. And we'll hear how taking a sauna is an important part of life in[...]
Find out how easy it is to cycle almost anywhere in The Netherlands. Also, learn how Paris was a leader in designing attractive plazas and parks that anyone can enjoy like an outdoor living room, whether you live there, or are just planning a visit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
We'll explore some options for enjoying the climate and culture of Greece — with or without cruise-ship crowds — and get some advice on choosing between Greece’s many islands. We'll also compare the British and German media with what we've come to expect in the US. And listen in as Rick savors the relaxing ritual[...]
Hear about how the Bosphorus — the busy shipping canal that separates the European side of Istanbul from Asia — is a sentimental favorite among Turks. We’ll also learn why Croatia’s Adriatic coast tops so many travelers’ “must see” lists, and get inspired to enjoy Impressionist art in and around Paris, where it originated. For[...]
Lisa Napoli tells us about the Himalayas and her time helping to start a radio station in Bhutan. Photographer Phil Borges describes how much things have changed on a recent return to rural Tibet and what's threatening its indigenous people. Also, author Pico Iyer explains the appeal of spending time in some of the world's[...]
Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern share their favorite comfort food discoveries, including sour cream raisin pie, from road trips across the Midwest. Our panel of European moms returns from France, Sweden and Slovenia to explain how education policies are changing where they live. Also, listeners share fond memories of their travels. For more[...]
Hear how you can view ten centuries of architecture along the Coronation Way in Old Town Prague. Find out about the Algarve region of Portugal where the beach, sun and seafood are now the main attraction. Or, try life in an RV the way author Christina Nealson did for five years exploring the back roads[...]
Find out what's new in Amsterdam, including all the changes at the city's recently renovated art museums. Then hear how Switzerland pulls neighboring European cultures together into a uniquely Swiss identity, and discover the variety of outdoor recreation you can enjoy in Spain, from mountain hiking to ocean kayaking and paddle boarding. For more information[...]
Martin Clunes, star of the Doc Martin TV series, tells us what he discovered while filming a documentary on the far flung outposts and islands that surround Great Britain. Voters in Scotland are considering particular issues as they prepare to vote on whether or not to secede from the United Kingdom. Also, working mothers from[...]
Italian food expert, Fred Plotkin, takes us wide-eyed visitors deeper into the culture of enjoying a good meal in Italy. Jamie Blair Gould, a tour guide from Lucca, helps listeners assemble the ingredients for the perfect Tuscan picnic. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -[...]
Hear why Albania ranks high for seasoned travelers on the list of places to discover as it emerges from decades of isolation. Get tips for enjoying the arts and comforts of Vienna where every day is like a Sunday afternoon. Find out what the freedom to relocate within the European Union feels like. Rick also[...]
French tour guides share tips for enjoying the highlights of the glittering Côte d'Azur, as well as recommendations for elegant day trips from Paris. Plus, author Graham Robb tells us what his bicycle adventure across the French countryside taught him about France's provincial character and history. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Discover a great American getaway as Pauline Frommer shares some of her favorite tips for enjoying New York City like a local, and hear about the pleasures of Savannah, Georgia, where artistic energy mixes with the antebellum architecture of the Old South…then travel farther south to learn how legendarily bohemian Key West continues to delight[...]
If you had wings, where would you fly? Learn how studying the remarkable intelligence of birds can take you around the world, and even teach us what it means to be human. We'll also hear about an amazing hiking journey across one of Alaska's least-visited wilderness reserves, then get a journalist's view on how Japanese[...]
Hear what Londoners have nicknamed the latest skyscrapers popping up around their city, and get tips for exploring the lesser-known parts of Turkey, where the main attraction just might be you. Then learn about what options cruise-ship passengers have for seeing the impressive sights of St. Petersburg. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Cruise your way around Provence and Ireland: We'll look at your options for getting around the Emerald Isle, and for exploring the floral landscapes and villages of southern France. And a pair of professional tour-bus drivers offer tips on what you can expect when navigating the highways of Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Get a personal look at India: BBC reporter Nick Bryant tells us what he learned about Indian society while he was stationed in New Delhi, and actress Madhur Jaffrey shares childhood memories from the last days of British colonialism. Plus, friends from Italy tell Rick how they cope with the everyday chaos of their country,[...]
This show goes to great depths: A diving enthusiast highlights the underwater world, from the turquoise coasts of Central America to the cold jade waters of Puget Sound. Then NPR's Steve Inskeep explains what Karachi showed him about the world's mushrooming mega-cities. And author Scott Wallace describes his trek deep into the Amazon, and the efforts[...]
To mark the centenary of the start of World War I, we'll hear how the British are remembering the Great War, and what's afoot in London this year, where WWI sites, events, and memorials make good on the British promise to "never forget." Then we'll visit the areas of the former Yugoslavia, where the war[...]
Get tips for enjoying the scenic fjord country of Norway, currently celebrating its 200 years as a nation. Then listen in as we chat about what makes the tiny Riviera principality of Monaco sparkle, and listeners share tales of faux pas they committed while traveling abroad. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Do a little vicarious traveling for Mother's Day: Listen in as American author Jennifer Wilson describes her experience of relocating her family to the same Croatian village that her great-grandparents had emigrated from. Then, an American who married a Frenchman explains what it's like to raise a child in Paris, and friends from Sicily discuss how[...]
Join us for a generous dose of convivial banter about Scotland: We'll hear all about this year's Scottish "Homecoming," then get insider tips for enjoying Edinburgh and Glasgow, and exploring the Scotland's borderlands, Highlands, and islands. Plus, folk singer Jim Malcolm shares some of the poetry embedded in the traditional music that so evocatively reflects the[...]
Enjoy Mexico and the Netherlands like you're one of the family: The authors of "The People's Guide to Mexico" share tips for making your next trip south of the border extra-fun and culturally rewarding. Then we'll look into family-friendly cultural treats in the Netherlands, including Europe's guilty TV pleasure, the annual Eurovision Song Contest. For more[...]
Listen in as we chat about experiencing impressive site-specific art in the Americas, then learn about endangered heritage sites in Latin America and Iberia. We'll also explore some quiet "sacred places" scattered across New Mexico’s dramatic landscapes. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit[...]
Learn how Ireland is displaying its connections with the infamous Titanic — in Belfast, where it was built, and in County Cork, its final port of call. We'll also explore the historic synagogues and neighborhoods of Prague, once home to Europe's largest Jewish population. And we'll meet a woman who's been helping former enemies make peace in[...]
British actress and global traveler Joanna Lumley tells Rick why her family is revered in Bhutan, then Spanish tour guides describe the highlights of their country's spiritual capital, Toledo. Plus, guidebook author Trish Clark shares tips for finding an affordable room and a good breakfast in Europe's convents and monasteries. For more information on Travel[...]
International news gets personal as Rick's friends give us a peek into what current affairs are on Germans' minds, and a tour guide from Turkey explains what prompted her to join the thousands protesting in the streets of Istanbul last year. Plus, Rick shares travel notes with listeners about Egypt, Italy, and France. For more[...]
Author Ferenc Máté shares the rewards of relying on one another, instead of our gadgets, and filmmaker Dan Austin describes how a low-budget bike journey changed his view of the world — and spurred him to do the same for others. Plus, listeners share teachable moments they encountered while traveling in Germany. For more information on[...]
Get a fresh look at Cuba and Ireland: Hear from a motorcycle-tour guide about how Americans can now legally visit Cuba, then learn about the sophisticated celestial-based geometry the ancient Celts used to organize their world. Listen in as a pair of Irishmen share a beer and a little banter with Rick for Saint Patrick's[...]
This week, we'll learn about the pre-Inca sites of the northern Peru cloud forest, where the tourist crowds of Cuzco are hundreds of miles away. Also, a radio journalist describes what it was like to be embedded with the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he got to observe the day to day lives[...]
Hear about the threats to iconic places in the United States that the World Monuments Fund has added to its latest "watch list" of endangered places. Guides from Wales and Ireland share their favorite highlights of the Irish Sea that unites the Celtic lands of Britain and Ireland. Also, get a wee taste of Irish[...]
Meet an urban explorer who tells us why his favorite part of Paris is underground, and how he gets to enjoy a view of the Manhattan skyline from the top of the Brooklyn Bridge. We'll also hear how a street artist brings color and panache to people around the world. Also, soon-to-be travelers ask Rick[...]
Guides from Stockholm and Istanbul recommend getting back to nature in the Swedish countryside, and share tips for enjoying a night on the town in Istanbul and Rick checks in with listeners who have questions on dealing with medical problems while visiting Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Guides from Greece and Egypt share tips for sightseeing the historical highlights of the eastern Mediterranean. Plus, guides from southern Italy and Morocco take listener calls with ideas for exploring the local color of the "instep" of southeast Italy, and for going deep into Morocco. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Learn about a few of the many traditional cheeses that go with the seasons in France. Two authors tell us about the culture shock that comes with marrying a Frenchman and living in Paris. Also, an American clothing designer tells us how he awakened a part of himself, by returning to West Africa, where his[...]
The heroic efforts of Allied troops known as The Monuments Men are about to be depicted in a major motion picture. Hear how the film's co-author and producer was inspired to tell their story, and how the effort to recover important works of art stolen by the Nazis in World War Two continues today as[...]
Get tips for planning a visit to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, near Naples. Explore ancient monuments, dating to the Roman Empire and earlier, that are scattered across the countryside of England from Hadrian's Wall to Stonehenge. Also, hear how recent renovations have turned Glasgow into an energetic showpiece city in the center of Scotland.[...]
The stereotype of bland food in Britain is changing. Actress and cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey tells us how Britain has become a "Curry Nation." Also, the owner of a fair trade coffee company explains the workings of the coffee industry, from the perspective of the growers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
There's a lot you can understand about Italy by observing how they operate their rail lines. Author and long-time Verona resident Tim Parks lets us in on the Italian way of doing things. Guides from the scenic Amalfi Coast take listener calls and share highlights of their corner of Italy, from Positano to the isle[...]
Hear about some of the heritage sites around the world that are in danger of being destroyed by war, weather, and neglect. Learn what is lost when an endangered minority language disappears from earth. Also, mountain climbing legend Ed Viesturs explains how he tackles Mount Everest and the rest of the world's highest peaks —[...]
Find out more about Russia's Black Sea resort city of Sochi and how the Winter Olympic games are affecting local attitudes. Pauline Frommer offers enthusiastic tips for making a visit to New York City fun and affordable. And friends from Europe share their local traditions for welcoming in the New Year in Spain, Croatia, Wales,[...]
Hear about holiday traditions in Wales, Hungary, Sicily, Scotland, and even Santa Fe where locals have unique ways to light up the season. Hear how scientists at a research station in Antarctica make merry. Plus listeners share some of their favorite Christmas memories from holiday travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Take a look at the conflict centers of the world through the lens of a foreign correspondent from the BBC. We hear how Christmas with the troops in Afghanistan can be a bit of a surreal experience. Get a look at how they celebrate the holidays in Switzerland and Austria. Rick also learns the essentials[...]
In the Loire Valley in central France, dozens of historic estates are ready to impress you with everything from elaborate gardens and architecture to authentic displays of medieval hunting and defense techniques. Plus, two guides recommend the sites in Brittany where even the rocks can show you a good time. Also, Leslie Carroll digs up[...]
Italian food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the local dessert specialties of Italy, and tells us where you can find the best gelato in the entire country. A guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating your pasta. Also, we'll get an overview of the dozens of neighborhood food[...]
Hear how J. Maarten Troost found contentment and sobriety, sailing in the wake of Robert Louis Stevenson among the South Sea islands. Journalist Lisa Napoli describes the pressures to modernize and connect with the outside world that are changing the Himalayan country of Bhutan. Also, tour guide Asa Danielsson from Stockholm explains how a strong[...]
A genuinely "down to earth" astronaut tells us what it's like living and working on the International Space Station. Colonel Cady Coleman explains how zero gravity changes the everyday things you do, and how circling planet Earth every 90-minutes will change your outlook on life. Plus, listeners share tales of their own unforgettable treks and[...]
When in Rome, one of the timeless ways to enjoy the city is people-watching and enjoying the night air in one of the city's picturesque public squares. Find out how to experience a more intimate side of Rome, after dark. A guide to New York City tells us about the un-touristy corners of his city[...]
Adventure traveler and author Richard Grant describes the craziness he encountered on the island of Zanzibar. A native of small town Italy explains the uncrowded appeal of Abruzzo, in the rugged Apennine mountains. Also, a tour guide to southeast Asia outlines the visitor scene from Vietnam to Burma. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
An expert on travel to Cuba explains how their society is changing under Raul Castro's policies, and how Americans can legally get around the embargo on travel to Cuba. Also, we look into the attractions of back-roads touring in Quebec, and hear about Germany's extensive network of hiking trails. For more information on Travel with[...]
Rick checks in with European tour guides on researching family history in Ireland, and listeners tell us of their own discoveries meeting relatives in Sweden and Lithuania. We'll get highlights of the Low Countries of Belgium and the Netherlands where a cozy medieval city or a bike ride to the sea is just a short[...]
The experts from The People's Guide to Mexico offer tips for enjoying an independent road trip to explore Mexico on your own. Hear about the frustrations many women face in Italy when they try to break some very old gender stereotypes. Also Rick checks in with listeners responding to past topics and guests. For more[...]
Your travels can open up your taste buds to entirely new adventures. Guides from Paris and the Basque Country in Spain introduce us to their local food traditions. Fred Plotkin serves up another helping of appreciation for the cuisines of Italy, and how to make every bite a celebration, Italian style. For more information on[...]
Hear how Terry Tempest Williams found beauty in a broken world in Italy and where you'd least expect it, in Rwanda. Phil Borges tells us what he's learned from photographing indigenous people around the world. Also, Peter Wortsman returns with insights into why he loves the ever-evolving nature of Germany's capital city, Berlin. For more[...]
Get better acquainted with Southeast Asia and Ireland through the eyes of its artists. We'll explore how understanding the stories behind paintings, and knowing the role of important architectural sites, can help frame your appreciation for anyplace you visit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
The waters of Rome can provide you with a refreshing way to explore the ancient capitol of the world. Hear how sailing the dangerous waters around Canada's Vancouver Island sets the scene for the first of the Dugger mystery novels from Ferenc Máté. Also, we explore getting some serious fresh air and exercise, in the[...]
Hear how two travelers immersed themselves in Croatia and its neighbors. Plus, guides from Italy share the highlights of northern Italy, from Milan to Lake Como, and they recommend less-crowded small towns and lakes, where German and Swiss influences add a distinctive texture from the rest of Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Celebrated author, Pico Iyer, shares how going it alone can actually clue you in to the global village that already surrounds you. Travel writer Will Hide tells us why Cape Town, South Africa is one of his favorite getaways — where a pleasant climate, easy access to outdoor adventures, and friendly people are just an[...]
Expert guides from southern England chat with Rick and take listener calls about their favorite parts of rural Britain. They'll recommend where to enjoy off-the-beaten-path pastoral landscapes, complete with thatched roof cottages, abbeys and castles, coastal lookouts, and even wild ponies. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Explore sites that pay homage to some of the icons of rock and roll. Get a heartfelt taste of music traditions in Ireland where a homecoming theme invites visitors this year. Also, explore how the Great Plains can get you in touch with Native American and pioneer history, the natural world, and a few curiosities[...]
See how attending a performance at one of Europe's great concert venues can add to your enjoyment of classical music. A guide from Portugal introduces us to some of the high points away from Lisbon. Also, travel writer Don George shares stories of life-changing food adventures around the world. For more information on Travel with[...]
France offers visitors a great deal of variety including the vineyards and elegant castles and mansions in the Loire Valley. Hear how the pre-historic stone formations on the hillsides of Brittany provide a link to unknown peoples from long ago. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Rick examines today's political scene in Germany and takes a deeper look at the historical ghosts you can stumble on in Berlin. A political organizer and tour guide from the Rhine region tells us what the average German thinks of their role in the economic bail-out of other countries in the European Union. Also, playwright[...]
Barbecue, chili, clam chowder, fresh oysters, and even buckwheat pancakes are a few of Jane and Michael Stern's discoveries that can turn your next American road trip into a comfort food pilgrammage. Also, travel writer Crai S. Bower joins Rick to share some of their favorite natural getaways in coastal British Columbia, Canada. For more[...]
Guides from Sorrento explain how their cliffside city is an easy hop to historical and scenic adventures, and also a great place to relax with a chilled glass of homemade limoncello. We'll also get a commercial pilot's perspective on the airline industry with tips for enjoying your next flight. Finally, Rick checks in with listeners[...]
We'll explore the historical riches of Potsdam, Germany, and we'll hear how Athens, Greece has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. We'll also get a dispatch from adventure cyclist Willie Weir from his favorite square in Madrid, and we'll open the phones for your nominations for a favorite city to[...]
Get inspired to take a classic American road trip along the Lincoln Trail, from Springfield, Illinois to Gettysburg and the Potomac. We'll also hear about the special travel guide that African-Americans relied on in the mid-20th century to find a welcome on the road. Plus, TV travel host Samantha Brown shares how to enjoy your[...]
Rick interviews a guide to the street markets of Paris, where souvenir shopping can be a destination in itself. Hear how the beer in Belgium is so good, it's worth a special trip. Also, learn about the mysteries and history you can find in the caves of Slovenia. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Photographer Annie Leibovitz joins us to describe what it meant to zoom in on places and objects from the icons of American culture from Walden Pond to Niagara Falls and from Ghost Ranch to Graceland. Listeners also give ideas for planning extraordinary travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Guides specializing in eastern and central Europe highlight the charms of Kraków, Poznań, Warsaw, and Gdańsk, where the prices can be as friendly as the people. Also, Fred Plotkin explains how this is a really big anniversary year for opera. He recommends performances celebrating the birthdays of Wagner, Verdi, and Benjamin Britten. For more information[...]
Naturalist Terry Tempest Williams tells us why her dedication to the rugged beauty of the Utah wilderness where she lives requires her to speak out on its behalf. Also, a tour guide from Italy describes how he gets away from it all, riding a motorbike across the vast expanses of the Sahara desert in North[...]
Discover how you can enjoy Mexico and the Netherlands like you're one of the family. The authors of The People's Guide to Mexico recommend how to make your next trip south of the border extra-fun and culturally-rewarding. Also, Rick looks into family-friendly cultural treats that you can enjoy in the Netherlands, including Europe's guilty TV[...]
Rick learns about tourism in the Palestinian Territories on the West Bank of the Jordan. Also, the host of The Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan, describes how a near-death experience at age 19 convinced him to make his travel fantasies come true. He tells us how leaving "No Opportunity Wasted" can add a lot of memorable[...]
A lot of Stockholm's charm comes from how much land and waterfront is dedicated to parks and public access. We'll also explore the mysteries of the ancient stone circles and prehistoric monuments of England. In addition, we'll hear how taking a sauna is an important part of life in Finland. For more information on Travel[...]
Five years in France showed Adam Gopnik and his family why the rituals associated with mealtime are often as important to the French as their recipes. Also, two guides from Portugal share the highlights of their country’s cuisine from Atlantic seafood, to the hearty dishes enjoyed in the inland mountains. For more information on Travel[...]
Moses Gates is an urban explorer who tells us why his favorite part of Paris is underground, and how he gets to enjoy his favorite view of the Manhattan skyline from the top of the Brooklyn Bridge. Street artist, Nicolina, brings color and panache to people around the world. Also, soon-to-be travelers ask Rick for[...]
Travel writer Jeff Greenwald makes a point to return to Nepal every year and describes how long-held customs are challenged by modern pressures and political turmoil. He also points out what’s timeless about the Himalayan culture that draws him back year after year. Also, we take a close-up look at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome[...]
An expert who advises American travelers on how to best use the passenger rail lines in Europe offers tips for when rail passes are a bargain, and how they work. Also, Jane and Michael Stern discuss trends in hometown "comfort food" restaurants in America, including a few eateries where the local atmosphere made their day.[...]
Rick explores the sites and culture of Basque Country with two guides who have deep family roots in the region. We'll look at the power of music in Ireland, where nearly every town comes with its own special song. Also, we'll hear how traditional ballads connect the Irish with their history, and with one other.[...]
Hear how language is a high form of art in Ireland, where the works of its poets and playwrights add color to even the nation's parks and pubs. We'll get tips for enjoying more of the speciality museums of Paris. Also, we'll explore how growing up in Renaissance-era Florence shaped Michelangelo into one of the[...]
Hear how you can get close to the ancients along the Inca Trail in Peru with tips for enjoying Cuzco and Machu Picchu. We'll also look at the monuments and legacy of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, and we'll see what medieval castles in Wales can still tell us about the past. For more information[...]
Journalist Elaine Sciolino explains the many ways seduction operates as part of day to day life in France. Also, Martin Fletcher describes what a good long walk down the coast of Israel showed him after 30 years of reporting from the Middle East. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick examines Sicily and what the "heel, toe and instep" of the boot of Italy has to offer the adventurous traveler. In addition, we'll explore pirate history and lore along the Carolina coast, where legendary sea scoundrels made their mark during colonial times. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Local tour guides explain why Madrid and Prague are two of the most romantic cities in Europe. Plus, Rick chats with listeners who share unforgettable encounters from their travels, where the kindness of the locals — even with a language barrier — left a lasting impression. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
A portrait photographer shares tips for taking top-notch photos of the people you meet in your travels. A painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife, and lets him look eye to eye with the creatures of the savannah. Also, a travel writer tells us how he's preparing[...]
Bill Bryson points out what the rooms and items in your house can teach you about the world. Tour guide, Britt Lonsdale, explains your options for enjoying an elegant afternoon tea in London. Also, public radio's favorite librarian, Nancy Pearl, inspires us to read about the far away places of the world. For more information[...]
North Ireland's city of Derry is gearing up to be this year's "U-K City of Culture." We'll find out how concerts and the arts are uniting the Irish. Hear how London's working class East End is becoming a trendy scene for colorful shops and a good curry dinner. In addition, hear how an American family[...]
Journalist Jonathan Groubert explains what a recent change of government means for the Netherlands. And Travel Channel host Samantha Brown chats about her latest projects. Plus, listeners tell us fun ways they get to feel like one of the locals in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
A wine expert from Paris explains how the wine industry operates in France and offers tips for finding the best deals on French wine. We'll also explore the rich New Year's Eve traditions of Scotland. And listeners describe places they want to return to, as well as a fun way to explore the world from[...]
Hear about holiday traditions from Wales and Hungary, Sicily and Scotland. Learn about the unique ways people light up the season in Santa Fe — where the fragrance of piñon wood fires leaves a special impression. Hear how scientists at a research station in Antarctica make merry. Plus, listeners share some of their favorite Christmas[...]
Friends from Madrid, Rome, London and Lisbon tell us about their cities' traditions for the Christmas season. And we’ll hear how the holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria, the Swiss Alps, Austria and the Low Countries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
To keep you well-fed while traveling around the holidays, American Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern recommend over-the-top dining venues for sharing a family meal. Also, Rick checks in with Phil Keoghan, the host of TV's "The Amazing Race," as it wraps up another season, racing around the world, and we'll hear how people[...]
Hear how the Dutch and the Swedes get their holiday season started. Get advice for blending in with the locals next time you're in Paris. Also, get tips for enjoying the expanded pedestrian zones on the streets of Madrid. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
You don't have to go inside a museum to experience great art. We look at some of the ways Europeans love to embellish their every-day scene. Also, Robert Edsel shares stories of the people who helped rescue the masterpieces of Western art from the Nazis, during and after World War Two, and how their work[...]
Ireland's Celtic Tiger economic boom improved the quality and variety of what the Irish like to eat. We'll look at trends in Irish cuisine from its culinary capital of Kinsale in County Cork. We'll also examine the effects of the Columbia River's massive hydropower dams that fuel the Pacific Northwest, where the price of cheap[...]
If texting a phone message is the biggest workout your hands get all day, Ferenc Mate shares the rewards of relying on one another, instead of our gadgets. Dan Austin describes his journey into becoming a "road trip pilgrim," and how a low-budget bike journey changed his view of the world. Plus, listeners share teachable[...]
Lisa Napoli tells us about her stint helping to start a radio station in the formerly isolated former-kingdom of Bhutan. Photographer Phil Borges describes how much things have changed on a recent return to rural Tibet, and what's threatening its indigenous people. Also, author Pico Iyer explains the appeal of spending time in some of[...]
This week features strange encounters in England and France. Terrance Zepke describes some of the most haunted places in America that she's investigated, from a former asylum in Appalachia to underground Portland. Plus, Kate Hopkins delves into the bittersweet history of candy, and shares her well-researched opinion on who makes the best chocolates in Europe.[...]
The countryside of Hungary is a sentimental favorite for relaxing family vacations. Rick gets suggestions for tapping into the recreation Hungarians treasure and checks in with listeners planning family trips to the UK and Ireland. Also, get tips for exploring the Basque Country of Spain and France. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Helping to melt the age-old rivalries between two popular regions of Italy, locally-based guides help us take a closer look at Tuscany, and its neighbor Umbria. They're both classic destinations for exploring Italy’s scenic medieval hill towns and countryside. And listeners share reports of faux pas and misunderstandings they experienced in Italy, and what they[...]
With a little help from expert guides, sightseeing in the ancient world of the Mediterranean takes on a whole new dimension. We'll also get tips for visiting Tangier, on the Morrocan side of the Straight of Gibraltar, and for holidays along Turkey's alternative coast on the Black Sea. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
The woman who practically invented the idea of a "bucket list" with her best-seller "One Thousand Places to See Before You Die," updates us on some of her latest favorites around the globe. We'll also meet an American who taught art at a women's college in Kuwait, and hear what the experience taught her. And[...]
Follow the lead of a seasoned traveler, and you'll discover new ways to make your next vacation terrific. Andrew McCarthy will share how actors on location find ways to connect with the locals, and Fred Plotkin illustrates how to plug into the excitement at some of his favorite opera venues in Europe. Also, Rick helps[...]
Get your thrills on a whitewater river raft, in the pages of a great novel set in an exotic locale, or sampling the fried pigs ears at a tapas bar in Spain For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
If you dread the mug shot that passes as your passport photo, you're not alone. We examine how the passport became the required document for international travel to and from the U.S. Also, three American tour guides offer tips for Americans who are thinking about moving to Europe, and tell us how they fit into[...]
Paul Theroux describes what a trip the length of Africa taught him, 40 years after serving with the Peace Corps in a village in Malawi. Frugal Traveler Seth Kugel tells us what it was like to spend a week in a small Mexican town he picked at random, well-off the tourist grid. Also, Neil Taylor[...]
Francis Tapon describes his three-year excursion into every country in the eastern half of Europe. He shares how the Balkans and the former Soviet states are the next travel frontier, where tourists don't outnumber the locals. Also, listeners check in with Rick for help in finalizing their vacation plans. For more information on Travel with[...]
Some things haven't changed much over the years in Appalachia. Rock the cradle of country music, from kitchy Dollywood, to all-day mountain music jams along Virginia's "Crooked Road." Tony Horwitz explores how John Brown's 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, still haunts us today. Also, we'll hear how fun it is to hike the Appalachian Trail.[...]
Get better acquainted with Southeast Asia and Ireland through the eyes of its artists. We'll explore how understanding the stories behind paintings, and knowing the role of important architectural sites, can help frame your appreciation for anyplace you visit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
The future of the United Kingdom is on the table when Scotland votes in 2014 on whether or not to form a completely independent government from the rest of Britain. Rick discusses the issues behind the push for separatism, with friends from Scotland, Wales, and England. Also, we'll hear how the European Union makes it[...]
Get inspired by Jane and Michael Stern for a summer road trip to find classic American dishes with a regional twist, like chowder and barbecue — and a few treats that are definitely one of a kind. We'll also meet the author of a guidebook with tips for navigating Interstate-75 between Michigan and Florida. Also,[...]
Celebrated author, Pico Iyer, shares how going it alone can actually clue you in to the global village that already surrounds you. Also, travel writer Will Hide tells us why Cape Town, South Africa is one of his favorite getaways -- where a pleasant climate, easy access to outdoor adventures, and friendly people are just[...]
It's said that the French consider people who live in Paris to be abnormal. A wine expert and TV personality from Paris joins us with tips for blending in with the quirks of stylish Parisians, and to prove that they share a sense of humor about themselves. Also, we explore our options for relaxing vacation[...]
We'll hear about this year's Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska from a rookie racer, Rick's younger sister. A guide from Pamplona, Spain tells us about the big San Fermín festival they're celebrating this week, and what the running of the bulls is all about. We'll also explore the craze in crime fiction from Scandinavia,[...]
Guides from the Museum of American History prepare us for a patriotic pilgrimage to the historical attractions along the National Mall. Next, a novelist reveals how the overwhelming beauty of the Grand Canyon inspires her writing. Also, a geologist explains what you're really looking at from a window seat view on your next domestic flight.[...]
Three of Rick's European friends share their impressions of being in America, and contrast it to life in their home turf in Italy, Ireland, and Slovenia. Plus, listeners recommend clever ways to connect with the locals when you travel overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Before embarking on their college careers, the "Ballpark Boys," a group of lifelong friends from Seattle, planned an epic roadtrip across the USA, to attend a game at every major leage baseball stadium in the country. Hear how they did it and which ballparks were their favorites. Plus, Richard Cohen chased the sun around the[...]
Adventure traveler and author Richard Grant describes the craziness he encountered on the island of Zanzibar. A native of small town Italy explains the uncrowded appeal of Abruzzo in the rugged Apennine mountains. Also, a tour guide to southeast Asia outlines the visitor scene from Vietnam to Burma. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Get tips for visiting evocative pre-Columbian sites. Learn how you can be a houseguest of today's Mayans, too. Plus, Rick joins a guide from Prague for a walking tour of the charmingly preserved "Golden City of 500 Spires," where sightseeing is fueled by some of Europe's best beer. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
We'll explore trendy Barcelona with the help of two expert guides to Spain. Viewing the works of modern artists such as Picasso, Gaudi, and Dali is a highlight of any visit. Also, travel blogger Angela Nickerson shares the highlights from researching her book "A Journey into Michelangelo's Rome." For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Rick plans a visit to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, near Naples, explores ancient monuments scattered across the countryside of England and learns how recent renovations have turned Glasgow into an energetic showpiece city in the center of Scotland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
Author Jennifer Wilson describes what it was like to relocate her family to the same mountain village in Croatia her great-grandparents emigrated from, an American who married a Frenchman explains what it's like raising her first child in Paris, plus, Rick shares how his mother influenced him as a traveler. For more information on Travel[...]
Italian food expert Fred Plotkin takes American visitors deeper into the culture of enjoying a good meal, and tour guide Jamie Blair Gould from Lucca helps listeners assemble ingredients for the perfect Tuscan picnic, complete with a picture postcard view. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
This week, a diving enthusiast highlights the underwater world, from the turquoise coasts of Central America to the cold jade waters of Puget Sound. NPR's Steve Inskeep explains what Karachi, Pakistan showed him about the mega cities that are mushrooming around the world. Also, author Scott Wallace describes his trek deep into the Amazon and[...]
Tour guides from London join Rick to point how you can join the crowds, or avoid them, for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Summer Olympics, and lots of other special events. Also, we learn the special ways Greeks and Bulgarians observe Orthodox Easter, their biggest holiday of the year. For more information on Travel with[...]
"One Thousand Places to See Before You Die" author Patricia Schultz shares new places she's included in the updated version of her book, actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy tells Rick why he's made a second home in Ireland, and Eva Marie Everson describes dozens of sacred sites in Israel from her guidebook. For more[...]
A Bosnian journalist tells Rick what it was like to live through the Siege of Sarajevo twenty years ago, and what it's like to visit the city today. Rick also shares tips with listeners for overcoming shyness and making friends while traveling, including meeting long lost relatives in the Old Country. For more information on[...]
Colleen Heater, author of "The Pilgrim's Italy", describes how 21st century travelers can find inspiration at Italy's many religious shrines; a tour guide in Siena tells us about resoration efforts along the old pilgrim's trail from England to Rome; and a German comic confides what he learned from a month-long trek to Santiago de Compostela[...]
Rick discusses the rewards of being a "road trip pilgrim" with author and traveler Dan Austin, and, in the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day, Irish tour guide Stephen McPhilemy takes listener calls, offers advice on touring convivial towns and ancient sites, and updates Rick on contemporary issues in Ireland. For more information on Travel with[...]
Guests from Egypt and Morocco discuss the "Arab Spring" movement and explain what the upheaval is about from an insider's perspective, and Rick chats with a Japanese-American tour organizer who's sending Americans to visit the region of Japan that was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami a year ago. For more information on Travel with[...]
Adam Gopnik discusses why the rituals associated with mealtime are often as important to the French as their recipes, and explains why "The Table Comes First in France"; also, two Portuguese guides share the highlights of their country's cuisine, from the seafood along its long Atlantic coast, to the hearty dishes enjoyed in the inland[...]
European Union experts join Rick to discuss the roots of the current political tensions in Europe, and how government policies are impacting the average European and frequent flier Johnny Jet returns with more tips for getting the most out of flights. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Rick invites some of his European friends to compare the beers of Europe and discuss the cultures that go with them, and travel writer David Farley talks about an eccentric hill town, not far from Rome, where a generation of bohemians share residency with a centuries-old mystery relic the Vatican would rather not talk about.[...]
Rick speaks with Parisians who inspire travelers to explore their city, from its relaxing parks and public spaces to late night strolls and memorable dinners. Also, Richard Wiese, one of today's most adventurous scientist-explorers, shares how his passion for exploring the natural world has taken him on research projects to the North Pole and the[...]
Photographer Annie Leibovitz talks about her pilgrimage to the homes of famous people from our history across the United States and describes what it meant to zoom in on the places and objects from the icons of our culture. Also, Rick checks in with listeners for ideas on planning extraordinary travels. For more information on[...]
Marine wildlife expert Richard Ellis explains how the loss of the ice cap in the Arctic is accelerating, why wildlife in the region cannot adapt to the effects of global warming, and why this should matter to everyone. Also, Rick takes listener calls for stories of lessons learned when immersed in another culture. For more[...]
Guides from Turkey dive into underwater archeology along with sights of Eastern Turkey and adventure traveler Richard Grant explores East Africa in search of the fabled source of the Nile River. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Ed Vulliamy investigates the escalating bloodshed from drug gangs in Northern Mexico and shares what he found in a "post-political" war zone, where few outsiders dare to tread. But Mexico is a big country, so Rick also explores this year's special tourism emphasis around an ancient Mayan prophesy, which is is fostering a deeper interest[...]
Steve Inskeep assesses international news coverage in the U.S. media, Fred Plotkin describes why Vienna is one of his favorite cities, and listeners share resolutions for enjoying other cultures — even from the comfort of their own kitchen. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details[...]
Rick uncovers holiday traditions from such places as Sicily and Croatia, Scotland and Brazil and gets suggestions for enjoying winter in Paris from a couple of local guides. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick celebrates Christmas with friends from near and far, hearing about holiday traditions from Holland and Hungary, Sicily and Scotland, learning about the unique ways people light up the season in Santa Fe, and discovering how scientists at a research station in Antarctica make merry, plus listeners share some of their favorite Christmas memories from holiday[...]
Rick is introduced to Santa's European relatives including Baba Noël, Grandfather Frost, Saint Nicholas, Krampus, and even Sammi Claus and Schwartzley. Also friends from Madrid, Rome, London and Lisbon discuss their cities' traditions for the Christmas season, and Rick learns how the holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria, the Swiss Alps, Austria and the Low Countries. For more information[...]
It's a tropical party town that hosted some of America's best known writers. William McKeen explains the appeal of Key West during its artistic heyday of the 1970s, and as a resort town today. We'll also explore the advantages of staying at a farmhouse "agriturismo" in Italy, as a relaxing alternative to the busy city[...]
Rick checks in with a Norwegian team skiing across Antarctica to commemorate the trek of countryman Roald Amundsen; plus, NPR's Steve Inskeep shares what he discovered in the urban muddle of Karachi, Pakistan, and a journalist from The Netherlands outlines political changes on the Dutch horizon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Jane and Michael Stern share their findings on the best Road Food and authentic regional food specialties they've found around the country and Rick gets a view from the cockpit on ways to help reduce the stress factors associated with flying. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Rick explores the flavorful benefits of street food vendors and decidedly unfancy hang outs and checks in with listener travel reports from the tsunami zone in northeast Japan, as well as Mexico City and East Timor. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick checks in with Reverend Jim Wallis and with "The Darwinian Tourist" to discover what they've learned from their travels to far away lands; hears how life is changing for nomadic sheep herders in Turkey; and celebrates cyclist Willie Weir's birthday in Portugal. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Rick discovers the high form of art in Ireland, language, where the works of poets and playwrights add color to parks and pubs. Plus, he gets tips for enjoying speciality museums in Paris, and explores how growing up in Renaissance-era Florence shaped Michelangelo into one of the greatest artists of all time. For more information on Travel with[...]
Rick learns about the extraordinary measures taken by the citizens of Paris in 1939 to protect thousands of priceless art treasures at the Louvre from the coming Nazi invaders and is introduced to the nation of Malta; listeners share stories about the haunted places they've visited in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick checks in with European tour guides on researching family history in Ireland; listeners discuss meeting relatives in Sweden and Lithuania; and Low Countries Belgium and the Netherlands, where cozy medieval cities or bike rides to the sea are just a short ride away, are examined. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program[...]
Carl Hoffman explains what it was like to travel the world on the most notorious, over-crowded trains, planes, busses and ferries — the way most of the planet gets from one city to another. And listeners share their own travel discoveries and suggestions for seeing the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Guides from Turkey tell us about the surreal scenery of Cappadocia, where you can glide over an endless panorama of colorful "fairy chimneys," or duck your head in a labyrinth of underground cave cities, decorated with Byzantine murals. We'll also get acquainted with the regional distinctions of modern Germany, and Rick takes listener calls about[...]
We continue our exploration of the differences between French and American culture, with the help of a local tour guide who contrasts the expectations of American and French tourists. Also, a journalist based in Paris returns to delve deeper into understanding the seductive nature of the French. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Ferenc Mate shares lessons from 20 years in Tuscany, where he and his wife went to turn a 13th century building into their dream home; Camille Cusumano explains how a passion for the tango made her relocate to Buenos Aires; and Fred Plotkin describes the simple pleasure of a cleansing sauna in Finland. For more information[...]
A seasoned river guide explains how a camping trip down the Colorado River can be a life altering experience; Nancy Pearl recommends more of her favorite books for armchair adventures; and two guides from Madrid explain the protocol for enjoying local specialties. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program[...]
Paul Theroux commemorates fifty years of adventures by comparing notes with Rick on how best to engage with the world and the editors of "Poetry After 9-11" discuss how New Yorkers are dealing with the shock of the September 11th attacks ten years later by composing poetry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Rick learns how medieval castles are being built by hand in France and Arkansas, and gets a closer look at how castles functioned in ancient times. Also, William Lobkowicz, American heir to one of Europe's most famous royal families, shares stories of overseeing his family's palace, castles, and treasures in Prague. For more information on[...]
Rolf Potts shares his misadventures in Turkey and Libya, and describes how he looks for treasure in towns around the world, including one unassuming hamlet off I-70 in central Kansas. Also, listeners offer tips on good eating, within a travel budget, while vacationing overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick explores the historical riches of Potsdam, Germany and dicusses how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Also, adventure cyclist Willie Weir joins Rick from his favorite square in Madrid, and listeners nominate favorite cities to explore. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick looks back fifty years to when the Berlin Wall was built, and discusses with a Berliner what it meant to split the city in half. Also, two participants from a madcap road race from London to Mongolia explain what it's like to finish the Mongol Rally in one piece. Also, a biologist explains how travelers[...]
Jane and Michael Stern inspire travelers with tales of finding classic American dishes with a regional twist; author Dave Hunter offers tips for navigating Interstate-75 between Michigan and Florida; and Richard Bangs dishes on how adventure travel can change the way you view the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick is joined by a tour guide raised in Rome who knows her city inside out. We'll check in on the city's now-trendy Jewish Ghetto, get practical tips for planning a visit, and hear what some of our listeners have discovered in Rome. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Two American journalists explain what they've discovered by living in Paris, and by walking across Israel. Elaine Sciolino explains the many ways seduction operates as part of day to day life in France. Also, Martin Fletcher describes what a good long walk down the coast of Israel showed him after 30 years of reporting from[...]
Hear how attending a performance at one of Europe's great concert venues can add to your enjoyment of classical music. A guide from Portugal introduces us to some of the high points away from Lisbon. Also, travel writer Don George shares stories of life-changing food adventures around the world. For more information on Travel with[...]
Paul Theroux describes what a trip the length of Africa taught him, 40 years after serving with the Peace Corps in a village in Malawi. Frugal Traveler Seth Kugel tells us what it was like to spend a week in a small Mexican town he picked at random, off the tourist grid. And Neil Taylor[...]
Ken Burns explains why he thinks the National Parks are some of the best things about the United States; a Washington D.C. guide offers tips for enjoying the Nation's Capital like the locals do; and Rick discovers what it's like to run a summer crepe stand on the coast of France. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Rick discusses the tensions behind Greece and Turkey's tumultuous relationship with two women from Greece and Turkey, and travel writer Fred Plotkin shares why Finland is one of his favorite places, especially when the midnight sun produces some of the sweetest berries you'll find anywhere. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Rick chats with his son, Andy Steves, a recent college grad who's learned a few tricks of his own for low-cost travel options in Europe. We'll also check in with the owners of dorm-style lodgings in Northern Ireland and the Swiss Alps, to get a glimpse inside the world of hostelling. For more information on[...]
Bill Bryson examines private life during the Victorian age; London guide Britt Lonsdale explains how to enjoy a proper afternoon tea service; and screenwriter Andrew Davies shares his appreciation for the works of Jane Austen, whose books about the gentle folk of rural England were first published 200 years ago. For more information on Travel with[...]
We'll look at what makes one expert's list for the best zoos in America. And to better understand how one European country stands apart from the rest, we've invited two guides from the Netherlands to explain how the Dutch get along in their densely-packed and efficient country, where millions live below sea level. For more[...]
In terms of culture, history, street life and great food Mexico City is the western hemisphere's equal to many of Europe's great cities — and one of the largest cities in the world. Two former New Yorkers tell us why they were charmed by Mexico City, why they moved there, and wrote guides to help visitors enjoy[...]
We're heading past the major cities to explore the countryside of both Hungary and Scotland. We'll find out why Lake Balaton has been a favorite getaway for Hungarian families for years. Also, we'll recognize where in Scotland's Highlands and western islands you can taste a spiritual energy — along with a good whisky — far[...]
Learn how Europeans are dealing with current economic challenges, and why their approach differs from their American cousins. Also, a Paris-based guide joins Rick to suggest venues where you can get a real taste of Medieval and Impressionist art. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
What would your life be like if you fell in love overseas, got married, and started to raise a family in another culture? Find out how it works for American Lisa Anderson, who's raising two boys in her husband's hometown in northern Italy. Also, two guides who specialize in Sicily explain why the Mediterranean's largest[...]
Rick explores the slang that separates Brits from their American cousins in an attempt to help travelers avoid being "gob-smacked" by what the locals might say, or labeled as a "plonker." We'll also examine how relics of many kinds have changed the world and share tips for making travel journals a fun and important way to preserve vacation[...]
Retracing Luther's trek from Germany to Rome, a Lutheran pastor and her husband explain how they traveled as a way to encourage harmony among religious groups in the 21st century. We'll also hear how Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and Greece get ready for Easter and why it's their biggest holiday of the year. For more[...]
Simon Winchester describes what he's learned about the world's busiest ocean, the Atlantic, and the many stories it still has to tell. And Reverend Jim Wallis describes how venturing to war zones and even to the "other side of the tracks" can change your perspective on the world. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Filmmaker Ken Burns joins Rick to discuss the American Civil War and what the research for his documentary series taught him. Also, Nancy Pearl recommends favorite armchair travel books and authors who have a gift for conveying the real atmosphere of a foreign place. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Neil Taylor discusses how the streets of London are gaining an international flavor with a growing immigrant population and Rick gets a local perspective on the upcoming Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey, including tips on experiencing royal traditions while sightseeing. Also, two tour guides from Turkey describe the customs they're observing as they get ready for their[...]
Adventure traveler Richard Bangs discusses the water rights dispute he found surrounding the source of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia when he thought he was going whitewater rafting, and guides from southern Italy describe the energetic attractions Naples, and its nearby coastal and island resorts. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Wilderness photographer Steven Kazlowski joins Rick to describe how climate change is impacting Polar Bears as well as the wildlife and Native people of the Arctic. Also, author Fen Montaigne explains what he witnessed at a penguin research station about the rapid warming on the Antarctic Peninsula. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Irish tour guide Barry Moloney talks of his home turf in Cork, long considered the "rebel south" of Ireland, now gaining a reputation for gastronomy, and travel writer Rolf Potts describes how he was able to journey around the world for six weeks without any luggage and still have fun. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
We commemorate the early days of the Peace Corps with travel writer Paul Theroux, who served as a teacher in Africa in 1963. He'll also share his perspective on when foreign aid does and does not work. Also, Seth Kugel shares highlights from his inaugural trip as the Frugal Traveler for the New York Times[...]
Travel writer Jeff Greenwald returns to Nepal every year, where ancient Hindu and Buddhist customs are challenged by modern pressures and recent political turmoil. Jeff joins us to describe how much the scene is changing in Nepal, as well as what's timeless about the Himalayan culture, and keeps him going back year after year. We'll[...]
Rick chats with one of the original "Monuments Men," a German-born Jew whose family escaped to America and now helps repatriate the treasures of Europe from the caves and castles where the plunder was stashed and later gets tips for planning ski trips to the Alps, where the slopes have some of the most impressive vertical drops[...]
We're exploring the perfect souvenir for the person who already has everything. Celia Lyttelton describes how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for creating her own perfect personal perfume. She explains the powerful connection fragrances have between places, memories, and our emotions. Also, travel writer Don George and callers share stories of how[...]
Enjoy Paris like a Parisian as two local guides join us to explain how cafes work as a part of daily life for Parisians, and how visitors can enjoy them, too. Also, guides from Ireland and Wales underscore the reason singing is so important in their cultures, and how the music traditions differ among themselves.[...]
Rick discusses basic budget tricks for getting travelers up close to amazing places and people who inhabit them. Also, Italy food expert Fred Plotkin explains why he finds the northeast corner of Italy one of the best places in the world for pairing fine wine with flavorful food, and two tour guides explain how they turn[...]
The Frugal Traveler for the New York Times joins us with advice for enjoying Sao Paolo, Rio and the Amazon on a budget. Also, with a history dating back to the 7th century, Croatia has yet to see 20 years as an independent nation. A sense of optimism comes with the stunning scenery and visitor-friendly[...]
The busy city of Istanbul has grown to be the home and cultural centerpiece for millions of Turks. It's also turning into a popular destination for visitors to witness many layers of history on the edge of Europe and Asia. We're detouring into the backstreets of Istanbul, with suggestions for enjoying the city like the[...]
What appears gross to one person, is sometimes a gourmet delicacy for another. Rick puts our appetites to the test as an entrée to understanding a culture while two guides who specialize in gourmet travels from their home base in Tuscany describe the comfort foods of Western Europe and travel writer David Farley tells us about[...]
Listeners share memories of trips that made lasting impressions and opened up a world unknown to many Americans, including one man's summer road trip down the length of East Africa. And we'll see how easy it is to celebrate the New Year, waltzing in style at one of the season's elegant balls in Vienna. For more[...]
Rick celebrates the holidays by exploring the distinctive ways people observe the Christmas season in Greece, Italy and Ireland and preparing to greet the New Year like locals in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Croatia, Wales and Scotland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Friends from Madrid, Rome, Lisbon, and London tell us about their cities' holiday traditions, and we'll check in on Bulgaria, Switzerland and Austria, plus a listener report about the big Christmas market in Nuremburg, Germany. Get to know such characters as Baba Noël, Grandfather Frost, the Cristkind, Saint Nicholas, Krampus, Sammi Claus and Schwartzley, and[...]
Join us for Part 1 of this year's European Christmas series as we discuss holiday traditions in Croatia, Sweden, Belgium, the Italian Riviera and the rural West of Ireland. and get tips on enjoying Paris in the winter from two locals. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives[...]
Bill Bryson found the ultimate bargain travel destination, by staying home to get acquainted with the 19th century English parsonage he lives in. We'll glimpse into just how much the comforts of home have changed in only a few generations' time. We'll also make sense out of the rubble of antiquity with the help of[...]
Gene Openshaw, co-author of Europe 101, joins Rick to discuss how art can change the way people view the world and certified guides from Rome and Florence share ideas for discovering new ways to look at masterpieces in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Kate Hopkins, "The Accidental Hedonist," shares what she learned about whiskey while visiting distilleries across Ireland, Scotland, Canada and Appalachia and Chris Rae investigates the slang that's familiar to Brits, but drives the rest of us bonkers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Listeners share unforgettable taste treats from their travels while Jane and Michael Stern suggest even more classic American road food worth writing home about. And two Lisbon guides describe the highlights Portugal's capital, where there's always time to be friendly, and a great view around the corner. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
Rick explores the various ways to see the countryside in Europe, from bike touring at your own pace, to taking the driver's seat on a tour bus, and hiking the English countryside on centuries-old trails. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Carl Hoffman describes his experiences traveling on the most notorious, over-crowded trains, planes, busses and ferries from India to the Andes and listeners share their own travel discoveries and suggestions for seeing the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Eric Weiner describes what he discovered during his year of researching how people in different countries define happiness and listeners share how they've learned to conquer fear of the unknown in overseas travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick explores the benefits of Britain's bed-and-breakfast system, gets a taste of seaside fun and classical culture along the west coast of Turkey and receives tips from a travel medicine epert on what precautions to take before venturing into the developing world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program[...]
Fred Plotkin, the author of the newly-updated "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," explains how knowing what food is in season is important to the Italian way of life. And we'll check in with listeners who have stories of what they discovered while on vacation in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
Parisian guides offer suggestions on the best ways to explore the city on foot — including how to avoid the crush of rush hour on the Metro — and a Paris-based New York Times journalist shares favorite hideaways among the many quiet, hidden gardens scattered around the city. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Columbus was just one in a long line of trans-Atlantic travelers. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, travel writer Tony Horwitz retraces the North American routes of 16th century explorers, and how they changed America before the big waves of European settlers arrived. And sailing expert Anthony Sandberg reveals what we'll find in today's[...]
Ferenc Máté tells us what he's learned from 20 years in Tuscany, where he and his wife went to turn a 13th century building into their dream home. Camille Cusumano also joins Rick to explain how a passion for tango led her to live in Buenos Aires and re-awaken her spirit. For more information on[...]
Lord Alderdice, one of the key political figures who helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, provides us with a look at the personal reasons that fuel political conflict and provoke terrorist acts. He shares his approach for addressing the tensions that face the United States and its allies today, with suggestions for overcoming terrorism and[...]
Join Rick for stories about how a whitewater river expedition in the western U.S. can be a life-altering experience -- even if you're over age 50. And for city adventures, we'll explore how to best take in the art and culture at Smithsonian's 17 museums in Washington D-C. Rick also checks in with listeners and[...]
The Rhine family of Salem, Oregon explains how they came closer together and what they learned while immersing themselves in a variety of cultures. Also, Rick checks in with a Lonely Planet author who has tips on finding the world, and family fun, in Southern California, and listeners send us their haiku about Seattle. For[...]
With the help of two expert guides to Spain, we'll explore trendy Barcelona where the works of modern artists such as Picasso, Gaudí, and Dalí are a highlight of any visit. Also, travel blogger Angela Nickerson shares the highlights from researching her book "A Journey into Michelangelo's Rome." For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Elizabeth Gilbert shares what she's learned about life's most important relationships. Author Leslie Carroll unveils some of the juicy scandals from "Notorious Royal Marriages." Also art history expert William Wallace discusses the early influences Michelangelo had in his hometown of Florence, and what you can still see of it today. For more information on Travel[...]
Guides from Stockholm and Istanbul tell us how to get back to nature in the Swedish countryside, and ideas for enjoying a night on the town in Istanbul -- even during Ramadan. Rick also checks in with listeners about their experiences dealing with medical problems while visiting Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Join Rick as we explore options for getting beyond the busy capital of Budapest and into the heart of Europe in the countryside of Hungary. Tour guide Peter Polczman takes your calls to highlight the scenic Danube Bend, Lake Balaton, and the winemaking center of Eger, known for its strong "bull's blood" wine. For more[...]
Rick swaps tales of both American and European road trips; Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern offer new tips for digging into local specialties; and a longtime river guide shares the thrill of a whitewater adventure. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -[...]
Two locally-based guides help melt the age-old rivalries between the regions of Tuscany and its neighbor Umbria in Italy and take a closer look at what makes both such clasic destinations for exploring Italy's scenic small towns and countryside. Plus Rick checks in with listeners for reports of faux pas and misunderstandings, and what they[...]
London guides Gillian Chadwick and Tom Hooper discuss the many free activities that make London a top-notch city for visitors. Plus, Rick and British history expert Roy Nicholls describe mysterious sites from ancient and prehistoric times in England worthy of a look. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program[...]
Explore the spirit of America with Rick as guides from the Museum of American History prep for a patriotic pilgrimage to the sights in the nation's capitol, a novelist reveals how the overwhelming beauty of Grand Canyon inspires her writing, and a geologist explains what really comes into view through the window of domestic flights.[...]
Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt's assignment to chart a strange river in the jungles of Venezuela turned into an adventure complete with poisoned arrows and guerilla kidnappers that almost did them in. Also, Harry Rutstein shares his three expeditions retracing Marco Polo's legendary trade route to China. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Christopher Baker, one of today's top travel writers, describes the "pura vida" that makes Costa Rica, with seaside resorts on two coasts, an active volcano travlers can safely watch while sipping a nightcap, rainforest and jungle expeditions, and more species of birds and butterflies than almost anywhere else on earth is Central America's most popular[...]
Two guides from Lisbon describe what makes Portugal distinctive today, and share itinerary suggestions for a country that used to be a colonial powerhouse but is now a bargain "backdoor" destination for travelers wanting to enjoy a Mediterranean-style climate without the crowds. Also, Rick opens the phones to share stories of how to connect with[...]
Marita Bergman explains the rituals Swedes enjoy to accompany the long days marking the start of summer. Also, tour guide Colin Clement describes what drew him to make Alexandria, Egypt his home. He'll tell us what remains visible from the city's prominent role in the ancient world, and how it contrasts with Cairo today as[...]
Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern discuss the best places to find good ol' American breakfasts, hamburgers, or pie a la mode and tour guides from Brittany share tips for a road trip through the villages and battle sites in Northwestern France. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
We're looking at African wildlife eye to eye, through the perspective of Fred Krakowiak, a wildlife painter who shares his love for Africa with us in his vivid descriptions of a safari. Rick will also interview Doctor Edward Chapnick, the head of travel medicine at a major hospital in Brooklyn. Dr. Chapnick answers questions about[...]
The policies of Portugal and Bhutan are on the agenda. We'll talk to the man who authored Portugal's law that dropped criminal penalties against all narcotics users. He'll explain what the intention of the revamped policy was, and how it's actually working out after nearly ten years. And the Himalayan country of Bhutan has strict[...]
Frances Mayes joins Rick to reflect on 20 years of living "Under the Tuscan Sun" -- and how getting in tune with living in Italy can change your sense of time and even help prioritize what matters most in life. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
From stately gardens and picturesque villages to pre-historic stone circles and hillsides haunted by wild ponies, Rick explores the small towns and shires of England and options for touring the enchanting countryside. And, the people of Poland prepare to celebrate the 200th birthday of native son Frydryk Chopin. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
A local Munich guide describes how laid-back, traditional Bavaria, where pretzels and beer combine with legendary castles and fairy tale scenery, plays host to some important anniversaries this year including Oktoberfest and Passion Play. Plus, listeners describe some of their memorable faux-pas experiences in Germany. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
A native-born guide describes how ancient traditions cross paths with post-Soviet capitalist energy, and the stuffed pepper is king in Bulgaria. Also, nature photographer James Martin shares what he discovered about the world's icy environments -- from the North and South Poles to the Himalayas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
After many centuries, Istanbul still one of the world's greatest and largest cities where neighborhoods retain an intimate character and echoes of past generations remain evident in its narrow streets and ornate monuments. Tan and Lale Aran join Rick and take listener calls for a full hour devoted to Turkey's capital. For more information on[...]
Appreciate beer like a European along with Rick in a session comparing the beers and cultures of Europe. Travel writer David Farley also tells us about an eccentric hill town, not far from Rome. It's where a generation of Bohemian residents share space with a centuries-old mystery about a relic the Vatican would rather not[...]
The essence of ancient Greece is actually an easy drive from the busy city of Athens. We're looking at the pleasures of the Peloponessian Peninsula where historical sites and mythology mix with laid-back small towns and uncrowded beaches. Also, an expert on Michelangelo highlights some of the personal influences that helped define him as the[...]
Another season of spicy, colorful festivals is getting underway in southern Spain. Local guides from Madrid and Seville point out how visitors can take in the traditions, from lively cities to white washed hill towns in the sunny south. They'll explain how Spaniards maintain their traditions in Seville, and why many consider it the most[...]
Rick gets ready for St Patrick's Day with a closer look at the traditional side of Ireland and exploring the customs of a traditional Irish music session in its natural habitat -- a pub. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Around the USA, there are hundreds of affordable, unpretentious, "yum" places serving home cooked meals. Jane and Michael Stern share some of their findings about the best Road Food they've found around the country. They provide a few suggestions for places where you can enjoy authentic regional food specialties. Also, get a view from the[...]
Marine wildlife expert Richard Ellis explains how the loss of the ice cap in the Arctic is accelerating, why the wildlife of the region cannot adapt to the effects of global warming, and why this should matter to everyone. Rick also takes listener calls for stories of lessons learned when we are immersed in another[...]
Even if you don't want to climb a mountain, there are many ways to add a deeper sense of purpose to your travels. Dan Austin describes what it takes to be a "Road Trip Pilgrim," and how a tiny travel budget can actually enhance your experience. We'll share pratical ideas on taking take time off[...]
The persistent problems Haiti endures are just one example of the need to go beyond relief aid to tackle the root causes of poverty around the world. Greg Mortenson, author of the bestselling "Three Cups of Tea" tells us how he's able to build schools in the heart of Taliban country. Also Bread for the[...]
Rick finds out what's behind the tensions between neighboring countries Greece & Turkey and travel writer Fred Plotkin talks Finland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
The city that defined the word "civilization" 2000 years ago, Rome today boasts an extravagant collection of more history, art, and culture than any other city in the world. Two locals offer Rick insider tips on experiencing the less crowded corners of the city and making the past come alive. For more information on Travel[...]
We're taking a look at two parts of Mexico's northern borderlands. Keith Bowden spent the better part of a winter canoeing the length of the Rio Grande from El Paso to the Gulf, and he tell us what surprises he found. Also, the author of guidebooks to Baja and Cabo describes the natural attractions of[...]
Rick's guest, Sir Salman Rushdie, explains the motivation for his novel, "The Enchantress of Florence," and offers suggestions on how to confront the cultural clash between "East and West" Also, sailing expert Anthony Sandberg joins Rick with recommendations on how to experience the eastern Mediterranean much like the ancients did -- island-hopping with a boat.[...]
Rick toasts the end of the train line known as the Orient Express and continues east to hear about filmaker Justine Shapiro's experience living in Tehran over a summer with her six year old son. Plus, we have a new set of listener haiku about Venice. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -[...]
We're checking in with our listeners for stories of cross-cultural faux pas. We'll share tips for packing light with just a carry-on, and still looking good at dinner after you unpack in your hotel room. We'll also meet a man who developed a new respect for such creatures as bullet ants, vampire bats, hippos, snakes[...]
Rick explores some of the many ways to welcome new year with friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey, and even Australia and Japan. Plus, guests share tips, direct from France, on how to put a little sunshine on our table by eating the French Riviera way. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Some of Rick's European friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia share how different cultures celebrate from Saint Nicholas Day to Epiphany and offer advice for a holiday trip to Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
This week, we'll hear about the sheep and lambs that dot the hills of rural Britain from an accomplished breeder who welcomes tourists to his sheep farm in rural Wales. Rick discovers a few new tricks they use to train the dogs that herd the flocks. We'll also learn about Welsh Christmas traditions, which include[...]
Author Jill Jonnes joins Rick to discuss who was in the crowd 120 years ago to view The Eiffel Tower, and how radio saved it from being demolished. Also, Pauline Frommer offers tips for all kinds of fun in Las Vegas away from the casinos on the Strip and we'll explore some of the distinctive[...]
Rick explores practical solutions to addressing world hunger in the 21st century with guests from a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency advocating for the interests of hungry people around the world to a Kenyan agricultural specialist who helps address policies and markets benefiting people in developing nations. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Rick takes a contemporary look at ancient religious paths in Europe and discovers that 21st century travelers in search of religious-themed journeys can find inspiration crossing paths with ancient religious shrines, including the old pilgrim's trail from England to Rome. And a German comic describes what he learned from a month-long solo trek to Santiago[...]
There's a great deal of history and national pride in a shot of whiskey. Kate Hopkins, "The Accidental Hedonist," joins Rick to share what she learned about The Drink while visiting distilleries across Ireland, Scotland, Canada and Appalachia. Also, Chris Rae investigates more of the British slang that drives the rest of us bonkers. For[...]
An architectural photographer shares tips on capturing the spirit of Machu Picchu with a camera, a guidebook author with an appetite for the unusual tells us how her home state of New Mexico has a different aroma from the rest of the American Southwest, and we learn why the Turks stop in their tracks for[...]
Patricia Schultz, author of the best-seller "A Thousand Places to See Before you Die" joins Rick to talk about narrowing down some of her favorite places to visit. And, for Halloween, All Souls Day, and Day of the Dead observances, Rick fields calls from listeners who tell us about haunted encounters they experienced on their[...]
Rick experiences traditional Japanese culture with help from Lonely Planet author, Andrew Bender and learns from travel writer Don George about the Kindness of Strangers and how interacting with the locals -- regardless of the language barrier -- can make a big difference. Also, ultra-frequent flyer Johnny Jet offers tips for making your next flight[...]
Rick explores art found outside museums in the everyday scene of Europe and author Robert Edsel shares stories of the "Monuments Men" who helped rescue masterpieces of Western art from the Nazis during and after World War Two and whose work continues even today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Whether you make it your home base for a few days or for good Provence in southeast France is what most Americans imagine of the French countryside. Two specialists in touring France join Rick and take your calls to unveil what makes Provence a distinctive region of France, and why it's so popular with American[...]
As Berliners prepare to celebrate German Reunification Day Rick chats with three residents about the upcoming 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and hears stories about the Cold War days and current challenges from listeners who have experienced Berlin as both a divided and freshly reunited city. For more information on Travel[...]
Celia Lyttelton shares her story of how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for her own perfect personal perfume -- the perfect souvenir for the person who already has everything -- and explains the powerful connection fragrances hold between places, memories, and our emotions. Also, travel writer Don George and callers discuss how[...]
Two American travelers reveal the hidden sub-cultures in the Muslim World of the Middle East and North Africa. Looking behind the veil, our guests are an American Muslim who spent a year on her own getting acquainted with the region and a gay travel writer who was surprised by what he encountered in Afghanistan and[...]
One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is often compared to some of Europe's great cities in terms of culture, history, street life, and great food. Yet despite being considered the western hemisphere's equal to many European capitols, it's still not on most Americans' must-see list. Two former New Yorkers, who are[...]
Rick examines the slang that separates the Brits from their American cousins in an effort to help travelers avoid being "gob-smacked" by what the locals might say, and appearing as a "plonker". Also, Rick discusses how perserving the rags and bones of saints and other relics have changed the world and shares tips for how[...]
One of Tangier's local tour guides offers suggestions for visiting the enigmatic gateway city to North Africa that is currently being restored to its former Art Deco glory. Also, for something completely different, photographer Steven Kazlowski shares what he learned from spending years in Alaska's Arctic photographing polar bears, along with the wisdom the land[...]
Join Rick as he learns about the fascinating relationship between two of North America's most iconic birds -- owls and woodpeckers -- and how they help us better understand the different landscapes on our continent. Listeners also offer budget tips on how using cell phones overseas can actually help travelers save money and highlights Albania[...]
Rick examines the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city and how, after centuries of being a melting pot of cultures, Budapest continues to be one of the world's truly grand cities, with some of the tastiest food in Europe. Joining Rick, two Hungarian tour guides take listener calls and explore why Budapest remains the economic[...]
Rolf Potts shares his tales and misadventures as a travel writer and Rick shares ideas with listeners on how to eat on a budget while traveling on vacation overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
The busy city of Istanbul is now home to millions of Turks and is emerging as one of the hottest places for visitors. Rick delvs into the backstreets with suggestions for enjoying the city like the locals do -- from corners of the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace to the romantic traffic-free islands just off[...]
Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris tells us how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe. David helps us tackle the gender of French nouns — sort of — and compares notes with Rick on the most irritating things about tourists in Paris, staying in hotels, and a dirty little secret about some[...]
Is the current economic downturn taking a toll on you? We'll investigate what makes people from different cultures happy, with NPR's Eric Weiner, as he updates us on the findings from his book "The Geography of Bliss." We'll also consider our options for taking in a classical music concert while vacationing in Europe. For more[...]
If you haven't seen Paris, you really haven't yet tasted the best of Europe. French tour guide Patrick Vidal joins Rick for an insider's perspective on the style and substance that makes Paris the world capital of culture. We'll also hear from listeners with their own suggestions for what makes Paris one of the world's[...]
Rick celebrates Independence day, gathering tips for visiting Washington D.C. from Pauline Frommer and Jay Inslee, who represents Rick's home district in Congress. Also, Patricia Schultz inspires listeners with a follow-up to her book "Thousand Places to See Before Your Die" focusing on the USA and Canada. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Whether you studied art history in college, or you just want to be a good sport on your next trip to Europe, we'll see how art can change the way you look at the world. Rick is joined by the co-author of his Europe 101 book on art appreciation, and by certified guides from Rome[...]
Rick chats with Scott Huler about his voyage in the Mediterranean to re-trace the steps of Ulysses and what he learned about himself 3,000 years after "The Odyssey." Also, a writer from Forbes.com shares with listeners the lengths some intrepid travelers are going to in order to reach the far corners of the earth. For[...]
Rick gets advice from a flight attendant on how to enjoy flying in the coach section of the plane, including tips for getting a good seat, and hears from two Hollywood comedy writers who challenged each other to see who could make it around the world first -- without ever using an airplane. For more[...]
The beaches of Normandy, France hold the memories of thousands who fought -- and many who died -- to bring an end to Europe's Nazi tyranny in 1944. Rick commemorates the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings with an expert guest on D-Day sites who gives travelers options for a trip that many Americans rate[...]
Italians have always believed in eating locally and in-season, and that's exactly what Italian food expert Fred Plotkin recommends when he joins Rick to talk about chowing well in Italia. Fred gives tips for helping travelers savor the variety of regional Italian cuisine specialties, where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and[...]
For centuries castles were considered the high points of their communities. Join Rick as he talks castles with an expert guide from Wales and offers recommendations for which sites travelers to visit -- from historical ruins to converted B&Bs, all the way to Transylvania. Next, Rick learns about American high school students who travel to[...]
Rick brings centuries of Roman history to life as he takes a closer look at some of the sites found on the streets of Rome, checks in on the city's now-trendy Jewish Ghetto, offers practical tips for planning a visit, hears what some of our listeners have discovered in their own travels and chats with[...]
After World War Two, European visionaries dreamed of cooperation and peace between countries in the hopes to prevent another devastating war. Today, we celebrate this vision through Europe Day and the European Union with a panel of European citizens who discuss the political and social issues facing the E.U. Out of the rubble of World[...]
Budget travel guru Arthur Frommer joins Rick to compare notes on recent travel trends, and share ideas for seeing the world in a down economy. Also, Margret Hemmen provides tips on how to research for some of the year's biggest music festivals, since 2009 will include anniversaries of many major classical composers. For more information[...]
We explore practical solutions to addressing world hunger. Rick's guests include a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency that advocates for the interests of hungry people around the world. And we'll hear from a Kenyan agricultural specialist who's helping to address policies and markets that will benefit people in developing nations. For more information on[...]
For some parents, fear of flying means wondering how their kid will behave on the plane. Rick shares practical advice and pointers on traveling with children ranging from toddlers to teens. From acclimating kids to the streets of Rome to leaning how to cope with jetlag, Rick's guests discuss what parents need to know and[...]
Rick celebrates Easter by learning about Christian pilgrimages to Israel and the Mediterranean region, where Saint Paul traveled, calling one of our listeners to hear about her year spent volunteering at non-profit projects around the world, and exploring inspirational religious sites in the Middle East. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
Local guides from Madrid and Seville share tips on how to experience Spain's colorful southern festivals, from lively cities to white-washed hill towns, explain how Spaniards maintain traditions in Seville, and discuss why many consider it the most romantic city in the country. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions,[...]
If travel is the best education - imagine what you could learn when you take a year off to take your family around the world? We'll hear how an average family of five engaged in "world schooling," and how it brought them closer together as they spent time in a variety of cultures all over[...]
Recent changes in the global economy are showing up now in Ireland -- which the European Union used to call one of its best examples of investing in small countries. We'll get an update on the downturn of the "Celtic Tiger," which promises to keep prices in check for visitors to Ireland this year. Rick[...]
Writer Bill Holm explains how the view from his cottage on the coast of Iceland illumanates the view of his home in small town Minnesota, and contrasts American culture with that of economically-strapped Iceland. Also, from Homer, Alaska, Geo Beach inspires travelers to enjoy wintertime fun in his home state while there's still time to[...]
Italy's distinctive regional cuisines are a high point for many travelers, but the disinctive customs Italians have for their food and drink sometimes baffles American visitors. Two Italian food guides chat with Rick to lay out the tenents of good everyday food -- Italian style. And, we'll help you enjoy eating like an Italian, without[...]
Estonia is emerging from years under Soviet domination and turning into a popular destination for travelers looking to mix old world charm with the energy of the "new Europe." Join Rick as he uncovers Estonia, one of Europe's little surpises, from the medievel capital of Tallinn, to rusting ex-military bases on quiet islands in the[...]
Rick chats with listeners about finding time for a little romance in our travels and takes calls and emails about the most romantic destinations, including the perfect place for a proposal or honeymoon. Join us for a Valentine's theme with your suggestions of favorite romantic travel destinations on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For[...]
Bicycles are a popular way to get around town in the Netherlands as part of the efficient Dutch culture. We're checking in on one of Europe's most well-ordered countries, including suggestions for taking in the extraordinary spring flower festivals in the Netherlands. In addition, adventure cyclist Willie Weir tells us about his ride across one[...]
Rick explores some of the comfort foods his European friends enjoy in Paris, Madrid, and Tuscany, and shares how travelers can enjoy them during a visit to these regions. We'll get advice on preparing and eating escargot and steak tartare, get a recipe on how to mix up your own batch of sangria, and hear[...]
Helen Thayer, one of the most remarkable adventure travelers of our time, dreamed of trekking across Mongolia since she was a schoolgirl. At the age of 63, she and her husband became the first people to walk the entire length of the Gobi desert -- the long way. Find out what they learned about the[...]
Prague has become a contender as one of Europe's most popular cities for visitors. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, two tour guides based in Prague join Rick and our listeners to describe the scene in the Czech capital. They'll offer tips on avoiding the summer flood of tourists, and how to best experience[...]
We conclude our two-part series about Iran on the next Travel with Rick Steves... with an exploration of what the country offers as a tourist destination. Rick is joined by the Lonely Planet's "Iran" guidebook author, and by a tour organizer who specializes in the ins and outs of taking Americans thru Iran. They'll compare[...]
We start a two-part series about one of the most perplexing countries in the Middle East on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Rick learns about the culture, politics, and people of Iran from two Iranian-American experts, a journalist and a professor. Their recent books deal with the conflicts within Iranian culture, and on how[...]
Polar bears may be the top of the food chain, but they're taking a serious hit from climate change at the top of the world. This week, we meet wilderness photographer Steven Kazlowski. He's spent years getting acquainted with the Arctic, and tells us what he's witnessed, learned, and documented in his latest photo-essay book,[...]
Johnny Jet is the ultimate frequent flyer. He turned a fear of flying into a travel career that takes him overseas more than he stays at home. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Johnny updates us on trends in air travel, and shares his tips for cutting the cost -- and the headaches --[...]
Have you ever found yourself between a rock and a hard place, or heard the tempting call of the sirens to forget about your plans? These are some of the experiences Scott Huler had on a six month voyage to re-trace the steps of Ulysses. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear what[...]
Turkey has become a favorite haunt of travelers who look for a distinct and welcoming culture -- living on top of layers of history from the civilizations of long ago. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, tour guide Meli Seval introduces us to the appeal of Turkey deep within the country -- beyond the[...]
Patricia Schultz, author of the best-seller "A Thousand Places to See Before you Die", brings focus to your travel dreams by narrowing down some of her favorite places to visit. Later, Rick takes listener calls and emails sharing travel plans and inspiring travelers to get out and see the world, armed with confidence and useful[...]
Travel writer Tony Horwitz retraces the North American routes of 16th century explorers, and examines how they changed America before the big wave of European settlers arrived. Also, sailing expert Anthony Sandberg reveals what we'll find in today's hot spot for discovery -- Antarctica. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Rick shares notes with his Iranian-American filmmaking consultant about their recent trip to Iran to film a special for public television. We'll hear what "family values" means to the average Iranian, and how some of them circumnavigate the taboos of their fundamentalist religious government. It could be one of the least understood cultures in the[...]
Berlin is asserting itself as one of the world's powerhouse cities, and one of Europe's more affordable destinations for newcomers. Rick chats with an American who calls Berlin home, and gets an update on the city's attractions including the intense re-construction projects revealing a re-invented German capital. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris tells us how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe on the next Travel with Rick Steves. And he shares a few surprises about what he found in Japan - where he went to learn to quit smoking. David helps us tackle the gender of French nouns[...]
Italians have always believed in eating locally and in season. Italian food expert Fred Plotkin joins us on this week's Travel with Rick Steves to help us travel with an informed palate to savor the variety of regional Italian cuisine specialties. We'll learn where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and some[...]
Lord Alderdice, one of the key political figures who helped resolve Northern Ireland's long-standing "troubles" between its Catholic and Protestant citizens, joins Rick as a special guest to discuss the tensions facing the United States and its allies. The Belfast native provides a look at the personal reasons fueling political conflict and provoking terrorist acts[...]
Two American travelers reveal the hidden sub-cultures in the Muslim World of the Middle East and North Africa. Looking behind the veil, our guests are an American Muslim who spent a year on her own getting acquainted with the region and a gay travel writer who was surprised by what he encountered in Afghanistan and[...]
If you like the people and rhythm of Italy you'll love Sicily. Tour guide Alfio di Mauro offers insider tips on getting the most out of a vacation to the frenzied-yet-laid-back island. Also, German tour guide Christoph Dressler tempts Rick with ideas for visiting Germany's Black Forest region, including mineral spas and power hikes. For[...]
Filled with a proud Imperial history, friendly formality, hundreds of hot springs, and some of Europe's spicier home cooking, Hungary is a cultural goulash. Rick explores options for getting beyond the busy capital of Budapest into the heart of Hungary's countryside. Tour guide Peter Polczman takes travelers' calls highlighting the scenic Danube Bend, Lake Balaton,[...]
Caught in the cultural crosshairs of Europe, Bulgaria is emerging as one of Eastern Europe's bargains. Travelers to Bulgaris can expect Ancient Byzantine and Ottoman influences and experience Mummers and midwives keeping traditions dating back to the ancient Thracians and Romans times alive. Rick also takes a house call from the travel doctor, who offers[...]
Art history specialist, co-author of "Europe 101" and original "Europe Through the Gutter" travel partner Gene Openshaw joins Rick to inspire us with a close-up view of masterpieces including paintings, sculptures and architecture travelers can't afford to miss in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and[...]
Home of rasta and reggae, the small island of Jamaica offers big personality, a distinctive accent, waterfall zip lines, and snorkeling with dolphins. Thanks to all this and more, Jamaica is one of the most popular getaways in the Caribbean. And, for something completely different, the Middle Eastern kingdom of Jordan delights travelers with desert[...]
Salman Rushdie joins Rick to discuss how to confront the cultural clash between East and West and explain the motivation for his latest novel, "The Enchantress of Florence," which revolves around the earliest contacts between Europeans and 16th century moghul India. Later, sailing expert Anthony Sandberg recommends how to experience the eastern Mediterranean, much like[...]
Whether you make it your home base for a few days, or for good, Provence charms any traveler hoping to expeirence traditional French countryside. Two France experts join Rick to take listener calls and unveil what makes Provence such a distinctive region, and why it's so popular among American and European visitors. For more information[...]
Rick talks with the editor at Life Books about their new photo essay on one hundred of the most compelling places to visit in the USA. And we'll get re-acquainted with Route 66 and the appeal it still holds for a classic road trip thru the heart of middle America and the southwest. For more[...]
Fred Krakowiak, a wildlife painter who shares his love for Africa with us through his vivid descriptions of a safari, shows Rick what Africa looks like through the eyes of a painter, and Doctor Edward Chapnick, the head of travel medicine at a major hospital in Brooklyn answers questions about precautions for visits to lesser[...]
Stockholm-based tour guide Marita Bergman provides a glimpse into the attractions of her home city and takes listener calls on suggestions for exploring the Swedish countryside. Marita also explains how Swedish society provides for raising a familiy, and how the Swedes celebrate the longest day of the year. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
With seaside resorts on two coasts, volcano, rainforest, jungle, and more species of birds and butterflies than almost anywhere else on earth, Costa Rica is a naturalist's eco-dream. Travel writer Christopher Baker gives us a taste of Costa Rica's "pura vida" and tips on when to visit the country and how to get close to[...]
For some parents, fear of flying means wondering how their kid will behave on the plane. Rick shares practical advice and pointers on traveling with children ranging from toddlers to teens. From acclimating kids to the streets of Rome to leaning how to cope with jetlag, Rick's guests discuss what parents need to know and[...]
The weaker value of the US dollar doesn't have to bust your budget and get in the way of enjoying the European vacation you've always dreamed of. From finding affordable accommodations in hot spots such as London, Madrid and Paris to exploring emerging destinations in Eastern Europe where the dollar still holds up against the[...]
The beaches of Normandy hold the memories of the thousands who fought -- and the many who died -- to bring an end to Europe's Nazi tyranny in 1944. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll explore options for visiting the sites connected with D-Day -- a trip many Americans rate among the most[...]
With an extravagant collection of more history, art, and culture than any other city in the world, Rome defined the word "civilization" two thousand years ago. Today, two of Rome's best tour guides join Rick to take listener calls, point out the city's high points, and offer tips travelers with any amount of time to[...]
Now one of the world's largest cities, Istanbul retains its intimate character with the echoes of generations still evident in its narrow streets and ornate monuments. Rick's friends Tan and Lale Aran join us for a guide to their rapidly growing city and take calls to help listeners plan their visits to Istanbul. For more[...]
When self-described grump Eric Weiner took a year off from being an NPR correspondent to search for the happiest countries in the world he found some surprising reasons why people are content with the places they call home. Eric joins Rick to discuss what makes the Dutch, Swiss, Icelanders, East Indians, Thais, and even the[...]
Rick reviews the World Monuments Fund list of the "100 Most Endangered Sites" and finds out what's putting them at risk, and what we can do to help. Also, Rick is joined by the founder of the Olympic Circle Sailing Club in Berkeley, California, and looks at the role sailing clubs are playing as they[...]
The old China travelers once knew is undergoing radical changes, mixing some of the world's oldest cultural heritage with futuristic city sklines and making way for the next generation of tourists. In fact, it's changing so rapidly, travelers need more than a good guidebook to get around. Rick learns how to get the most out[...]
If you haven't seen Paris you haven't tasted the best of Europe. French tour guide Patrick Vidal joins Rick for an insider's perspective on the style and substance that make Paris a cultural capital. We'll also hear from listeners with their own suggestions for what makes Paris one of the world's favorite cities. For more[...]
Alaska is a dream destination for many, but the cost and logistics of traveling to America's last frontier can seem almost as imposing as the spectacular scenery. Lonely Planet author Aaron Spitzer joins Rick to discuss travel options for first-timers to Alaska and compare crusing the Southeast to road tripping through Mount Denali and the[...]
Rick's guest Dan Austin describes what it takes to be a "Road Trip Pilgrim," and how a tiny travel budget can actually enhance your experience. Even if you don't want to climb a mountain, there are many ways to add a deeper sense of purpose to your travels. We'll share pratical ideas on taking take[...]
Irish tour guide Stephen McPhilmey takes listener calls to explain how the high-tech boom and pop-culture scene have skyrocketed Dublin's stature in recent years and how that's changing the character of the Irish capital. Find out why people across the country are calling Dublin one of their favorite cities -- even though it has become[...]
Berlin is re-asserting itself as one of the world's powerhouse cities, and one of Europe's more-affordable cities for newcomers. Rick gets an update on the city's attractions and energy from an American who now calls Berlin his home and discovers how Berlin's intense re-construction project promises to reveal a re-invented German capital soon. For more[...]
Two of Rick's favorite tour guides from Scotland and Wales join Rick to contrast the charms of Wales and Scotland and discuss the distinctions travelers can find in the United Kingdom, including a far more interesting taste of the authentic culture than you'll find from the standard romanticized tourists cliches. And another round of listener[...]
Italy's distinctive regional cuisines are a high point for many travelers, but the disinctive customs Italians have for their food and drink sometimes baffles American visitors. Two Italian food guides chat with Rick to lay out the tenents of good everyday food -- Italian style. And, we'll help you enjoy eating like an Italian, without[...]
With the help of two politically-savvy Turks from Istanbul, we'll discuss some of the trickier political issues facing both Turkey and Tibet today and hear how Turkey is preparing for a formal relationship with the European Union. And, a Lonely Planet author explains how China's political control is changing Tibet, and offers tips for finding[...]
Rick and travel guru Don George share advice with listeners about romantic getaways, B&Bs, and connecting with the locals. We'll also hear Jennifer Cox's story of traveling the world to find a soulmate -- and where she found him -- and get a first-hand report from Siena in central Italy about how to savor the[...]
Robert Edsel, author of "Rescuing DaVinci" and producer of the documentary film "The Rape of Europa" joins Rick to describe Hitler's obsession with art, and how a special unit of Allies, known as the Monuments Men, re-patriated Europe's treasures after the war -- and the work that remains to be done today. For more information[...]
From kangaroos to Carnival, Rick focuses on the attractions of Australia, and the celebrations surrounding Mardi Gras parties and parades in New Orleans. Rick explores Aussie culture and New Orleans with Lonely Planet experts. We'll also hear how Mardi Gras is a series of celebrations for all ages, and why it's so important in helping[...]
Two of Rick's favorite London guides clue us in on what's new for 2008 and offer tips on how to navigate the city sprawl while finding characteristic neighborhoods without getting lost in the Underground. And we'll compare notes with listeners on budget tricks and free attractions that make London one of the world's top travel[...]
Explore the many ways our friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey and even Australia welcome in the new year and get a report from one of our traveling listeners about his recent trip-of-a-lifetime to Ecuador. We've all got to share one planet, so come along as we explore our world, and welcome in[...]
Rick takes listener calls about travel during the holidays, and phones a few of his friends in Europe to find out how they're celebrating Christmas. We'll also hear about guarding traditions in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Ireland and Portugal, and how some traditionas are changing with modern times. And we'll even find out about some of[...]
Rick's friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia explain how they observe the holidays including what happens on Saint Nicholas Day and Epiphany as part of their Christmas festivities. And we'll also get some advice for a family holiday trip to Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode[...]
Rick fields listener calls and emails dealing with stories of travel adventures -- and a few misadventures. From faux pas to favorite food overseas, Rick spends a full hour on the lessons learned from "travelers' school of hard knocks." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
Tony Wheeler, founder of what has become the world's largest travel empire, Lonely Planet, shares some of the tales that he chronicles in his new book, "Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story." Rick compares notes with Tony as he recalls the early travel adventures that formed the foundation of a pre-eminent publishing house known for[...]
Some of the best souvenirs from a trip overseas are making connections with people and cultures on local terms. Rick takes a closer look at how we can have a positive impact on the places we visit, and Jeff Greenwald of EthicalTraveler.org shares his tips for being a first-class ambassador to the third world. Plus,[...]
With recent concerns about how Turkey deals with Kurdish separatists inside and across its borders, it's a good time to get a local's take on how the country functions in a rough and tumble corner of the world. Meli Seval returns to explain how nationalism helps shape Turkish democracy and what it means to Turkish[...]
Travel writer Don George joins Rick to field listener emails about travel to the developing world. We'll also get pointers for touring the massive Amazon River region of Brazil, where river transportation is like a non-stop party boat, and learn about the indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand. For more information on Travel with Rick[...]
Listeners share secrets on traveling on a budget, and learn the price of being an over-worked American. Also, we'll get tips on researching family trees in Europe from two of our Sicilian friends, and look at the influence of Sicilian culture as an alternative to the frantic American pace of life. For more information on[...]
Lonely Planet author Errol Hunt paints a vivid picture of his homeland, New Zealand, and its distinct social mix including the Polynesian Maori culture. And, for a sunny getaway closer to home, Rick explores Mexico's Baja California peninsula from its gritty border towns to land's end at Cabo San Lucas. For more information on Travel[...]
Lonely Planet author Michael Kohn updates us on the scene in Tibet, from the influence of the Chinese government over the indigenous Tibetan culture, to practical tips that will help travelers plan a trip there. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick exchanges stories and tips on encountering India for the first time with Lonely Planet author Sarina Singh. From conquering India's train system, to enjoying Bollywood films, and learning to eat without utensils, they discuss issues that push travelers outside their comfort zone in order to find the best travel souvenir: memories. We'll also hear[...]
Join Rick for an insider's guide to the Castille region of central Spain, and to the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius. Sampling the sites of Toledo and Madrid, we get an understanding of what gives the heart of Spain its vibrant character. We'll bask in the mélange of cultures that makes Mauritius a delicious tropical[...]
If you're looking to travel where the old has become new again you'll do well to look East. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, three of Rick's friends discuss their home countries of Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic and how to get the most there for your dollar. We'll also venture into the[...]
Tony Wheeler's company writes guidebooks for practically every country on the planet -- including some that get very few visitors. On top of that, he's written up his latest adventures to some of the most dubious destinations in "Bad Lands: A Tourist on the Axis of Evil." The head of Lonely Planet publications tells us[...]
Just in time to celebrate Saint Stephen's Day with the Hungarians, we look at the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city of Budapest. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, two Hungarian tour guides join Rick to take listener calls and explore why Budapest remains the economic and cultural centerpiece for Eastern Europe. Budapest is[...]
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear about Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh from a travel author on assignment in Southeast Asia. And we'll learnr how to plan a visit to the misty Cambodian jungle and it's magnificent temples at Angkor Wat. Also, travel editor Don George joins Rick to help listeners[...]
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we hear from three of Rick's friends who left Great Britain to make new homes in Spain, Italy and France. They'll tell us what it's like living as an 'ex-pat' on the Continent, and offer advice for Americans thinking of moving to Europe on a budget. We'll also[...]
Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its society, and how soon the US government might rescind its economic embargo on Cuba. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we examine some of the anxieties, possibilities and realities regarding[...]
This week on Travel with Rick Steves we investigate vacation options -- near and far. We'll explore the American tradition of taking a road trip to the desert -- whether it's at a national park in Utah or among the lava fields of Hawaii's Big Island. And we'll see why visitors to Bali in Indonesia[...]
The captain of a passenger barge based in Burgundy joins Rick to explain the fine art of cruising France's intimate network of canals and how this dimension of traveling through the French countryside brings with it new pleasures. And we'll hear stories from listeners who experienced simple acts of kidness by strangers in their travels.[...]
One of Europe's most entertaining cities is also a great place for a civilized stroll around town. Join us for an insider's guide to Edinburgh with guides Anne Doig and Ken Hanley. Each year, they lead hundreds of Americans around Edinburgh, sharing the ins and outs of their city. We'll hear how to best enjoy[...]
Rick's friends from Lonely Planet publications join us to discuss exotic, emerging destinations around the world, and a fresh take on two American favorites. We'll look at maintaining the 20th century magic of the open road along U-S Route 66 and go uptown for a budget traveler's guide to New York City. For more information[...]
Stockholm-based tour guide Marita Bergman provides a glimpse into her home city, explaining how Swedish society is organized to provide for raising a familiy, and telling us how the Swedes celebrate the longest day of the year. We'll take listener calls with suggestions for exploring the Swedish countryside, too. For more information on Travel with[...]
After 40 years of Communism, the countries of Eastern Europe are coming into their own as the newest members of the European Union. We'll examine the dramatic changes to everyday life for the people of the former Soviet bloc countries and get an overview of tourism to the former Soviet "Stans" of Central Asia to[...]
Rick explores how some of the little things travelers do, or neglect to do, affect the way Americans are perceived in Europe. Author Mary Murray Bosrock, a specialist in intercultural communication and behavior, joins Rick to examine what's considered appropriate behavior when conducting business in Europe, how formal travelers should be in different cultures, and[...]
Alaska is a dream destination for many, but the cost and logistics of traveling to America's last frontier can seem almost as imposing as the spectacular scenery. Lonely Planet author Aaron Spitzer joins Rick to discuss travel options for first-timers to Alaska and compare crusing the Southeast to road tripping through Mount Denali and the[...]
Rick spends the hour with Rolf Potts, one of the sharpest minds among the new generation of travel writers and bloggers. Rick and Rolf take listener calls and compare notes on how to see the world "through the back door," and then stay a while; an approach Rolf calls "Vagabonding." Join us as we explore[...]
Two of Rick's liveliest friends from Italy explain the regional differences between North and South, compare the loyalties, cuisine, accents, and attitudes of Italy's regions and show us how a common love of good food and soccer unites them. From aristocratic northern business types, to southern families that almost smother travelers with their hospitality, we're[...]
Prague has recently become one of Europe's most popular cities. Two tour guides based in Prague offer tips on avoiding the summer flood of tourists and finding the city's substantial old world charm - and bargains. They'll recommend day trips into the Bohemian countryside which are now easier than ever thanks to improved rail service[...]
Rick chats with tour guide Ton Van Garderen from The Netherlands about how Amsterdam makes its "live and let live" libertine policies work and what's behind the Dutch reputation for being "tolerant." We'll also assess the state of the overworked American with author and documentary producer John DeGraff to see how we can reclaim some[...]
For this year's Earth Day observance, we're getting close to some of the cool creatures on our hot planet. Rick meets Marty Essen, whose adventures to the far corners of the planet with his wife and love of sometimes-frightening critters were enough to fill a very engaging book. Rick also learns how to conduct a[...]
As a crossroads of cultulres for millenia, Sicily is emerging as one of the most vivid islands travelers can visit in Europe. Rick interviews two tour guide friends from Sicily on what makes their island home so distinctive from the rest of Italy and what the island offers to keep visitors content for weeks. For[...]
We learn about the Camino de Santiago de Compostela from a man who takes tourists on updated versions of this mideaval pilgrimage route and catch up with a Lonely Planet Iran researcher who finds that, despite the country's heavy-handed rulers, the Iranian people are some of the most welcoming you'll find anywhere. Plus we have[...]
Rick discusses Hinduism with a travel writer who learned lessons in the land of her ancestors and delves into the enduring appeal of an Islamic mystic known in the west as Rumi who is commemorating his 800th birthday. Listeners also share their experience with 'the kindness of strangers' as a godsend in their travels to[...]
We're looking at different angles of Irish culture for St Patrick's Day. Rick practices the "gift of gab" with Stephen McPhilemy, a friend from the North of Ireland who spins a few yarns about Ulster, and explains how the long-boiled animosities among Northern Ireland's residents are starting to fade away. And Patrick Noel, a Franco-Celtic[...]
Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its society, and how soon the U.S. government might rescind its economic embargo on Cuba. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we examine some of the anxieties, possibilities and realities regarding[...]
You can't get much further off the beaten path than travelling to Afghanistan or Laos. We'll hear from Central Asia expert Paul Clammer who will give us a reality check on what travelers can expect from Afghanistan. Also, Willie Weir returns with more tales from his recent bike adventures thru Northern Thailand into Laos. For[...]
We'll travel to opposite ends of our continent to learn about the appeal of the Canadian Arctic from a guidebook author who's made a home in Yellowknife and get a detailed guide to celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including how one French Quarter merchant is faring as tourism slowly rebounds. We'll also hear listeners'[...]
When travel leads to romance, a whole new life may be the result. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we meet an American woman who married a Spaniard and is now raising a family in the heart of Madrid. We'll also hear from an Australian tour guide who spends much of the year showing[...]
During the "hippy days" of the 1970s, Carl Franz and Lorena Havens made a habit of driving from Washington state to Mexico in a VW van. The couple, who still spends the better part of each year exploring the back roads and magnetic appeal of Mexico, join Rick to help explain the appealing Mexican culture.[...]
Rick chats with Don George from Lonely Planet publications about how Americans are being received overseas and investigates how interacting with the locals in our travels sometime means depending on the kindness of strangers. We'll also find out if New Orleans still has its 'soul' since being battered by Hurricane Katrina and learn from guidebook[...]
Rick gets the latest info on what to look for while island-hopping in Hawaii from Lonely Planet's Sara Benson, and checks in with Gary Chandler who is in Mexico updating the Moon guidebook to Cancun and Cozumel. He'll report on how well the area is recovering from Hurricane Wilma, and what visitors can expect from[...]
If you haven't seen Eastern Europe lately, you probably won't recognize it -- and that's just how the European Union wants it. Now that most of Eastern Europe is part of the E.U., the region is enjoying an extreme make-over. Looking at Eastern Europe then and now, Rick gets updates from a few of his[...]
In 2004, Sri Lanka became one of the countries hardest hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami as it suffered damage along much of its coastline. Two years later, Sri Lanka still has some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the world, plus colorful temples, tea plantations, and festivals where visitors are welcome. On this week's[...]
One of the delights of driving through the countryside is spotting sheep grazing in the fields. We'll learn about the sheep and lambs that dot the hills of rural Britain from an accomplished breeder who has created a popular tourist attraction on his farm in Wales. We'll learn how travelers can interact with spring lambs,[...]
We're looking high and low for adventures in the Southern Hemisphere on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Adventure travel specialist Kurt Kutay (koo-TYE) fills us in on Peru's attractions, such as trekking to Machu Picchu in the Andes, and interacting with indigenous cultures and spotting wildlife in the Amazon. And, Rick calls travel writer[...]
If there's one city that knows how to enjoy the everyday pleasures of life, it's Vienna. From experiencing its café culture to getting an affordable ticket to the Opera, we'll find out what makes Vienna shine as one of the world's most graceful and elegant capitols with tour guide Ursula Klaus. For more information on[...]
Some of the best souvenirs you can gather from your travels reside on your taste buds. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, Rick explores some of the comfort foods that his European friends enjoy in Paris, Madrid, and Tuscany, and how you can enjoy them when you visit their regions. We'll get advice on[...]
Could Americans and Europeans benefit from an honest conversation with each other about their different ways of viewing society and the world? On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll do just that, as Rick invites a best-selling French author and philosopher into the studio. Rick discusses some of the French stereotypes that fuel American[...]
In recent years, South Africa has awakened from its Apartheid-induced embargo to become one of the continent's most popular destinations. There's plenty to experience with its local cultures and spectacular natural beauty, but it's not really the kind of place the backdoor traveler can confidently experience without doing some homework first. Rick learns about the[...]
Because it had a tense relationship with the United States for many years, Nicaragua remains a rather mysterious destination for many Norte Americanos. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick chats with Randall Wood, who married into the culture, and has authored two guidebooks to Nicaragua. He'll take listener calls and provide an overview[...]
Knowing what's behind the walls, as well as what goes into them, can be quite the illuminating experience. Rick invites architecture professor Kathryn Rogers Merlino from the University of Washington to help make sense of flying buttresses and Roman ruins. And for something exotic, we'll also get a snapshot of what it's like to visit[...]
If you like the people, tempo, and joy of living you find in Italy then you'll love Sicily. But for some Americans, the frenzied yet laid-back style of Italy's big southern island can be a bit overwhelming. So on this week's Travel with Rick Steves local tour guide Alfio di Mauro AHL-fee-oh dee MOW-ro) joins[...]
(note: Sept 21 is Armenian Independence Day) It's one of the newest nations in the world, and one of its oldest civilizations. And this week, Armenia is celebrating 15 years as an independent republic. We'll find out why it's a classic "back door" destination, on the next edition of Travel with Rick Steves. Rick's guest[...]
You probably already know that the flamenco, Sunday evening bullfights, tapas, and sangria are some of the flavors of Spain. Now, as part of the European Union, Spain is a re-energized democracy that might also provide us examples for coping with the threats of terrorism. Carlos Galvin (gal-VEEN), a travel specialist from Madrid, joins Rick[...]
It's long been a tradition in academia and many religious institutions. But it turns out anyone can benefit from a little time off the regular routine for a "sabbatical." On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we examine the practicalities and benefits of taking a sabbatical. Whether it involves months away from the job, or[...]
(note: Aug 20 is Hungary's Constitution Day national holiday) Whether you're up for a night at the opera, or a day "taking the curative waters" at a hot spring, Hungary has a classy way of making you feel welcome. And its hearty wine and cuisine will keep you satisfied for hours. On this week's Travel[...]
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick updates our itineraries on Scotland with native-born tour guide Ken Hanley. They discuss the tensions Scotland has had over the years with England, and take listener calls about visiting the trendy cities and lonely outer islands that make Scotland so special. And while the food's improved in[...]
We're exploring both ends of the transportation spectrum on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Rick learns about the R-V subculture from Chuck Woodbury, who runs an online site for R-V travel. Chuck says that R-V camping has become a popular way to take the great American roadtrip -- even if the roads are overseas.[...]
You really haven't seen Italy until you travel south to Naples. It's one of the most intense and chaotic urban scenes in all of Europe. So American-born tour guide Nina Bernardo, who now lives there, joins us to help clear the misconceptions about Napoli. She'll also clue us in to the attractions of the nearby[...]
(note: Bastille Day, the major French national holiday, is July 14) When you examine the tensions that sometimes arise between Americans and the French, many of them come from the different ways our two cultures operate. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick takes a deeper look at the cultural faux pas some travelers[...]
Good things often come in small packages. This week on Travel with Rick Steves, we'll investigate two small countries in Europe and Latin America that are often overlooked as destinations in their own right. Belgium has been in the center of much of Europe's action for centuries, and it now hosts the political capital of[...]
We're looking at two of America's most popular getaways on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. We'll get the latest on one of the world's hottest destinations -- Las Vegas, Nevada, where high stakes entertainment has replaced the ultra-cheap deals for which the Las Vegas Strip was famous. Rick Garman has a new guidebook to[...]
(note: June 25 is National Day in Slovenia; and it is also statehood day in Croatia - they each declared independence from Yugoslavia 15 years ago -- in 1991. ) They're celebrating 15 years of independence in Slovenia and Croatia, and we're joining in the party on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Rick's tour[...]
Get up close to African wildlife and forge an emotional connection with an ancient indigenous culture as we explore what it takes to go on an eco-friendly safari. A representative of the Maasai (mah-SIGH) people and the head of an adventure travel company join Rick in the studio to take your calls about visiting Maasai[...]
Adventurous travelers know that Turkey is the welcoming entree to a secularized Muslim society. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, tour guide Lale Surman Aran (LAH-lay SOOR-man ah-RAHN) joins Rick to help plan listeners' sight seeing itineraries to Turkey's significant ancient sites, by land and by sea... And, travel writer David Stanley reports on[...]
Take a holiday to Mona Lisa's backyard on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. We'll examine the enormous appeal of Italy's Tuscany region, and its quieter neighbor Umbria. Rick chats with Cecelia Bottai (cha-CHEE-lia bo-TYE), a winemaker from Orvieto (or-vee-AY-to), about how visitors can experience authentic local culture in central Italy's hilltowns and estates. We'll[...]
It's been almost 50 years since Arthur Frommer (FROE-mer) first published his groundbreaking travel guidebook "Europe on Five Dollars a Day." In the 1970s, Frommer's books helped instruct a young Rick Steves how to travel light, on a tight budget, and "through the back door" to interact with the people and authentic cultures overseas. Arthur[...]
Is an organized tour right for you? This week, Rick explores the advantages of, and some potential problems with, "big bus tourism," with industry consultant Rick Hazen. He offers tips on safeguarding against potential rip-offs, and explains how the tour industry works. Find out how bus tours and cruise ship operators make money, and how[...]
This week, Rick discusses the appeal of our neighbors in Mexico, from the frenzy of its must-see capital to the deep blue waters and nightlife around Cancun, and the Mayan artifacts of the Yucatan Peninsula. Plus, we'll take listener calls from people planning trips to Europe...on Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel[...]
Rick removes some of the mystery, but not the glamour, of European Royalty with help from guests Roy Nichols and Norway's Princess Martha Louise. Tour guide Roy Nichols gives Rick an overview of the British royal family and discusses why they remain an important instituion to the average Briton. Princess Martha Louise of Norway, who[...]
Does travel have to be bad for the environment? Does eco-tourism really help the planet -- or just hurt it less? What's an ethical traveler to do? On this week's Travel with Rick Steves we'll discuss the goals and impacts of eco-tourism with Jeff Greenwald of of Ethical Traveler dot org, and ponder the future[...]
2006 is being celebrated as Mozart's 250th birthday, reminding us that your next destination's music scene can provide a theme (pun intended) for your trip. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, our guest is Margaret Hemmen, a professional musician who leads music-oriented tours through Europe. Whether your next trip includes visits to concert halls,[...]
When Ella Fitzgerald sang "April in Paris," she knew the perfect place to combine fresh flowers, spring showers, and romance. Half a century later, no other city comes close. Whether you're dreaming of your first trip to Paris, or planning a return, you'll enjoy Parisian tour guide Arnaud Servignant's inside look at his home town.[...]
What better way to enjoy the world in bloom than to wander through an English country garden? Rick Steves asks British tour guide Roy Nichols about the English passion for elaborate gardens. Then Rick and Roy take listener calls and share tips to help you to experience the wide variety of gardens in Great Britain.[...]
Rick Steves meets French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, a household name in his home country (where they simply call him "BHL"). During the height of recent tensions between political factions in the US and "old Europe," BHL traveled all across America, meeting with average Americans of all types, and wrote a book about our country's cultural[...]
From the deep green, rocky hills to the evocative smell of a peat log burning in the fireplace, you'll know you're in Ireland. But it's the people that every visitor remembers best, whether you visit the touristy destinations like the Ring of Kerry, or plot your own route on the island's back roads. On this[...]
Egypt is a land of mysteries -- and the biggest mystery travelers face is what to expect while visiting there. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Colin Clement joins Rick from his home in Alexandria, Egypt to take your calls and discuss how you can get the most out of your vacation in Egypt.[...]
After Italy hosts the Winter Olympics, Germany heats up for the championship games of the World Cup soccer tournament in June. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick assembles a panel of European soccer fanatics to explain what the excitement is all about. Whether your summer travel plans include trying to take in some[...]
200 years ago, Lewis and Clark charted the rivers of what is now Northwestern America. In the 21st Century, travelers seek the same mountains and rivers to get away from their crowded urban lives. Rick discusses the basics of back-country river rafting with Peter Grub, who runs a river adventure company in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.[...]
Millions of people scratch their travel itch each week by reading their newspaper's travel section. Rick takes us behind the scenes at the San Francisco Chronicle to find out what its senior travel editor is looking for as he assembles the paper's storyboards each week. Whether readers are looking for the latest on exotic destinations, or[...]
In the past decade and a half, Berlin has re-emerged as one of Europe's major capitals -- it's changing so quickly even tourism officials have difficulty keeping up. Rick gets the latest on Berlin 's rebirth from EurAide's Lee Evans. Berlin is also one of the major worldwide destinations favored by gay and lesbian travelers. [...]
Mexico is the perfect destination for North Americans seeking sun, fun, and a colorful, distinctive culture. Rick explores some of the popular Pacific coast destinations of Mexico, from Puerto Vallarta down to Acapulco and Oaxaca (wah-HAH-ka), with guidebook author Bruce Whipperman. We visit with a singer who spends part of the year working to make[...]
From the newly spruced up capital of Athens , to the sun-drenched villages of the mainland and the islands, it's no myth that Greece is a pleasure to experience. Greece provides countless opportunities for travelers to experience its rich history in the ruins of its ancient past. Yet modern-day Greece carries its own weight as[...]
Italy has become one of the hottest destinations for European travel -- and for good reason. Smart travelers know how to avoid crowds and, as a result, enjoy a genuine experience of Italy. Rick chats with a local from Cortona, the hilltown known to Americans as the setting for "Under the Tuscan Sun," and for[...]
We'll visit with three of Rick Steves' tour guide friends from Eastern Europe. We'll find out what it was like being raised in different types of Communist countries, and how their lives have changed since capitalism was introduced to Poland and the republics of the former Yugoslavia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves[...]
Join us this holiday season for Travel with Rick Steves Christmas in Europe radio special! During the program, Rick hears how his European friends prepare for and celebrate Christmas. Listeners learn the common threads of religious tradition and family, get acquainted with some of Santa's cousins in the old country, as well as experience extended[...]
Travel journalist Michael Shapiro set out on a literary project to interview 18 travel authors to see what makes their work such a pleasure. He turned his interviews into a book called "A Sense of Place." This week, Rick turns the tables on Michael to find out what he discovered about his favorite travel authors[...]
If you like to travel off the beaten track, and want to get the most out of your travel dollar, Honduras might be just the ticket. This week, Rick learns from guidebook author Chris Humphrey about Honduras -- a laid back part of Central America with endless beaches, a huge undeveloped roadless jungle and cloud[...]
This week we will talk about Ireland with two of Rick's tour guide friends from the North and South. We'll find out how much Ireland has changed in recent years due to its impressive economic surge. The cost of travel has skyrocketed for Americans, but as guests Declan Field and Stephen McPhilemy and our callers[...]
This week, we'll learn some of the basics of eating out in France and how to enjoy such foods as crèpes, escargot, truffles and steak tartare. But the culture of everyday life in France is different enough for travelers that it sometimes causes misunderstandings and embarrassment. We'll touch on some of the faux pas visitors[...]
afety This week, we will "Ask the Pilot" about how an over-active imagination can create a fear of flying. Commercial pilot, author, and salon.com columnist Patrick Smith joins Rick to explain what's going on from the cockpit to the runway. And Holly Morris, author of "Adventure Divas," will discuss her exploration of the planet in[...]
Mention the French Riviera, and images of glamorous celebrities may come to mind. But the Mediterranean coast of France was also the inspiration for some of the great impressionist and modern artists, and has plenty of charm to spare year-round for all kinds of travelers. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, tour guide Pascale[...]
Rick learns about Islam -- where it's commonly practiced in Turkey from friends who live in Istanbul. He then places a call to Rome to chat with a resident of that city's little-known Jewish Ghetto, whose family emigrated there from Jerusalem two thousand years ago. We'll also hear from a listener who recently returned from[...]
This week, Rick Steves learns about Belize, Central America's relatively new country, from guidebook author Joshua Berman. It's a little bit Caribbean, a little bit Latin American, and all with a British heritage. Then, European tour guide Donald White stops in to describ his home in Northern Italy, with suggestions for lake and ski resorts[...]
This week, Rick discusses the appeal of our neighbors in Mexico, from the frenzy of its must-see capital to the deep blue waters and nightlife around Cancun, and the Mayan artifacts of the Yucatan Peninsula. Plus, we'll take listener calls from people planning trips to Europe...on Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel[...]
A traveler can experience a true sense of discovery by venturing "off the beaten path" into places not often visited by the average vacationer. And that's what we're doing on the next Travel with Rick Steves. This week, Rick takes us around the world in an hour, to find out what special arrangements are needed[...]
Guidebook Author William Friar spent his childhood in Panama, and lets us know about post-Noriega Panama...where one U.S. dollar will buy you dinner. He'll also discuss how travelers can easily find a tropical landscape shared more by birds and butterflies than with other tourists. We'll then learn more about the 'gite' ("jheet") system of renting[...]
Prague is so popular with western visitors, and we'll find out why from Tour Guide Honza Vihan, a native of the golden city of a hundred spires. Rick also makes time for listener calls, including one report about their month in Egypt. Rick calls a youth hostel high in the Swiss Alps to see how[...]
A trip to the cobblestoned streets of Europe can be a nightmare for anyone in a wheelchair or who has difficulty walking. This week, Rick Steves talks to Ken Plattner, an activist for disabled persons. Ken recently teamed with Rick to create a guidebook for persons with accessibility issues. We'll also get suggestions from Jamie[...]
Rick will get an insider's view of London from Gillian Chadwick, a certified blue badge guide. She and Rick share pointers on what's new and how to get the most out of this crowded, expensive, and amazing city. Then Rick heads west to Bermuda with guidebook author Rosemary Jones. For more information on Travel with[...]
One place Americans can find European-style charm at bargain prices is by flying south -- to Argentina. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, Rick learns why tour guide Robert Wright found Buenos Aires so irresistible that he ended up moving there from Spain. We'll also get the inside story among travel writers as Rick[...]
Suggestions for renting a car and finding mom and pop inns in Scotland? (Carolyn in Oregon) What's the right etiquette for meeting distant relatives in Europe? (Stephanie, Salt Lake City) Looking for info on visiting Luxembourg (Nicole, Oakland CA) For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related[...]
It's hard to beat Italy as a romantic destination, unless you actually fall in love and make it your home. Rick chats with two American women who have married Italian men and settled in Italy. Former Seattleite Lisa Anderson describes her experience moving to Italy and eventually starting a family in a small town in[...]
Yearning for some of the lesser-explored adventures at home and overseas? Today we will learn about the country of Slovenia, where the slow food movement and the polka are popular. And, we get ideas for exploring the back roads of the American desert southwest, its national parks and Indian Country, from Road Trip USA author[...]
Costa Rica stands out from its neighbors in Central America due to its relatively stable government and high standard of living. It's a favorite destination for North Americans because of its dedication to preservation. Erin Van Rheenen spent enough time there that she wrote the guidebook, Living Abroad in Costa Rica. For more information on[...]
This week, Rick learns the fine points of sampling fine wine with vintner Cecelia Bottai (che-CHEE_lya bo-TYE) and Ruth Arista (ar-REES-ta). Cecelia's vineyards have been growing grapes for 2000 years in Italy's Umbria region, and Ruth operates a wine shop in Rick's hometown in the Seattle suburbs. They discuss the difference in reputation between red,[...]
The sea helps define two destinations Rick discusses with his guests on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Netherlands is one of the real powerhouses of Europe, despite its small geography. You'll find industrial innovation, Spring flowers on a massive scale, and a role model for how to live together in a crowded modern society.[...]
What kind of reaction do you get when you mention France? During the program, Rick and his guest Steve Smith, an American who divides his time between Seattle and Burgundy, will look at how Americans can understand France on its own terms, and become comfortable with its rich civilization without being frustrated by the inevitable[...]
Travelers to both Turkey and Dixie have one thing in common: they come back from their trips full of stories and enthusiasm for the people they met. This week we will meet a married tour guide couple from Istanbul, Turkey who are here to dispel some American misconceptions about their country. They will then give[...]
From the newly-beautified old town district of Quito two miles high in the Andes to the ecological marvels of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is one of South America's must-experience treats for any world traveler. So how can you make contact with the native Quechua people and what safety precautions should you take? Rick finds out[...]
Japan has long held a fascination for travelers from around the world. But its culture and language have often proved impenetrable for outsiders. This week we'll get an insider's perspective on having a rich experience when traveling to Japan. Ruth Kanagy has written a Living Abroad in Japan guidebook based on her years of experience[...]
How can you travel for ten weeks with one suitcase? Rick says it is important to travel light, and to pack only one carry-on's worth of clothes and accessories. He shares packing tips for different climates, and learns about packing light for women from Joan Robinson, who leads frequent workshops on the topic. Also, Rick[...]
Rick learns about the history and present-day allure of the Scottish highlands from Arthur Smith, a proprietor and true gentleman of the auld cloth, who ran a bed and breakfast in Glencoe, Scotland until his recent passing. Rick then fields calls from a young woman planning a trip with her sister and mother, and from[...]
Rick learns how quickly Poland has modernized in the past ten years in a conversation with Polish tour guide Kasia Derlicka. Kasia offers ideas for travelers investigating genealogical roots and history and explains some of the soul of Poland, as reflected in the music of native-born Frederick Chopin. Also, Cameron Hewitt, co-author of Rick's Eastern[...]
Rick learns about the charms of Wales from Welshman Martin DeLandowicz, and attempts to speak some otherwise undecipherable phrases in the Welsh Celtic language; also, Rick chats with Jamie Jensen for the first time, author of an extensive guidebook on road trips in the USA and Canada, and takes listener calls on their recommended back[...]
Rick discusses travel to Cuba, and how and why Americans vacation there despite the official embargo. Christopher P. Baker, author of Moon Handbooks: Cuba, will join Rick in explaining what travelers will discover when visiting this fascinating destination. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details[...]
Rick shares some of his delicacy discoveries found in different parts of Europe that make travel a gastronomic treat. Tour guide Jamie Blair Gould discusses different kinds of Italian olives and olive oils, and describes where he lives. Then, he and Rick field listener calls on such topics as white asparagus, porcini mushrooms, in-season tomatoes,[...]
Rick will interview tour guide Colin Clement about the highlights of traveling to Egypt, and travel agent Elizabeth Holmes about recent changes to the travel industry. We'll also take calls from travelers planning their summer vacations, and listen to some of our winning haiku entries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including[...]
On the debut broadcast of Travel with Rick Steves, Rick learns how a bicycle can get you into more places than you'd ever expect from adventure bicycling enthusiast Willie Weir, and explores the magic of trekking the Himalayans in Nepal with Moon Handbook author, Kerry Moran. Enjoy these guests, as well as phone calls and[...]

A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America’s leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, Rick now brings his passion for exploring and understanding our world to public radio. Related travel information and message boards on www.ricksteves.com

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