The Pilgrimage of Annie Leibovitz; Open Phones: Extraordinary Travels
5/2/2012 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Richard Ellis: Polar Bears on Thin Ice; Open Phones: Travel Reports
29/1/2012 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Offbeat Turkey: Historical Dives and Exploring the East; Richard Grant's Crazy Adventures In East Africa
22/1/2012 external link
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.
Two Sides of Mexico: From the Drug War in the North to the Mundo Maya in the South
15/1/2012 external link
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 in the indigenous culture in the south.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Steve Inskeep's Foreign Intelligence; Vienna a la Fred Plotkin; Open Phones: Travel Resolutions
8/1/2012 external link
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 -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Winter In Paris; International New Years Party
1/1/2012 external link
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.
International Christmas Party
25/12/2011 external link
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 travels.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Christmas Prep 2
18/12/2011 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Listener Feedback; Agriturismos In Italy; Key West
11/12/2011 external link
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 scene. And Rick shares listener comments from recent shows.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Race to the South Pole; Karachi for Travelers; Changing Dutch Society
4/12/2011 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Pilot's Advice to Reduce Travel Stress; Jane & Michael Stern's 'Road Food USA'
27/11/2011 external link
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 related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Food Adventures; Going Casual; Travel Reports from Challenged Places
20/11/2011 external link
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.
Sojourning Further; Being Human; Turkish Nomads
13/11/2011 external link
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 and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Paris Art Scene; Irish Writers; Michelangelo's Florence
6/11/2011 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Saving Paris Art; Malta; Open Phones: Haunted Europe
30/10/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Looking Up Ancestors in Europe; Irish Roots; Highlights of the Low Countries
23/10/2011 external link
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 archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Lunatic Express; Open Phones: Travel Discoveries
16/10/2011 external link
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 descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Visiting France; Regions of Germany; Cappadocia
9/10/2011 external link
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 their favorite parts of France.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Understanding the French
2/10/2011 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
From Tuscany to Tango; Finnish Sauna
25/9/2011 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Western Whitewater Adventures; A Readers Grand Tour; Tapas in Spain
18/9/2011 external link
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 archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Poetry After 9/11; Paul Theroux's Tao of Travel
11/9/2011 external link
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 episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Medieval Castles-Old and New; American Nobleman in Prague
4/9/2011 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Misadventures of Rolf Potts; Open Phones: Budget Eating Tricks
28/8/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Potsdam; Athens; Open Phones: Favorite Cities
21/8/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Building the Berlin Wall; The Mongol Rally; The Darwinian Tourist
14/8/2011 external link
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 can examine the natural world through the eyes of a Darwinian Tourist.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
More Summer Road Food USA; Interstate-75 Road Trip; Richard Bangs' Adventures
7/8/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rome Beneath the Surface
31/7/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Flirtatious France; Walk Across Israel
24/7/2011 external link
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 the Middle East.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Going Beyond: Composer Sites in Europe; Portugal Beyond Lisbon; Food Adventures
17/7/2011 external link
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 Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Off the Grid in Mexico; Baltic Cities; Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari
10/7/2011 external link
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 explains how much the Baltic countries have brightened up in 20 years, since they shook off Soviet Communism.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Running a Summer Crepe Stand in France; Washington DC Insider; National Parks in the USA
3/7/2011 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Fred Plotkin's Finland; Greece & Turkey: Uneasy Cousins?
26/6/2011 external link
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 episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Europe On A Student's Budget
19/6/2011 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Proper English Hour: Home, High Tea, and Jane Austen's England
12/6/2011 external link
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 Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
America's Best Zoos; Dutch Society From the Inside Out
5/6/2011 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mexico City
29/5/2011 external link
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 it, too.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Hungarian Countryside; Scottish Highlands and Islands
22/5/2011 external link
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 from the tourist crowds.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Contemporary EU Issues; Lesser-Known Paris Museums
15/5/2011 external link
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 details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Cross-Cultural Family in Italy; Sicilian Vacation
8/5/2011 external link
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 island is growing in popularity as a vacation destination.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Urge to Preserve: British Banter, Holy Bones, & Inspired Globe-Jotting
1/5/2011 external link
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 memories.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Footsteps of Martin Luther; Orthodox Easter
24/4/2011 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Simon Winchester's Atlantic; Jim Wallis' Travels
17/4/2011 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Ken Burns and the American Civil War; Nancy Pearl's Armchair Travels
10/4/2011 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Changing Face of London; Royal Wedding; Turkish Wedding Traditions
3/4/2011 external link
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 own wedding day, and how they aim to keep everyone happy.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Drying the Blue Nile; Naples and Nearby
27/3/2011 external link
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 and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Polar Witness: The Last Polar Bear; Penguins on the Brink
20/3/2011 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Ireland's County Cork; Rolf Potts: Around the World Luggage-Free
13/3/2011 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Paul Theroux and the Peace Corps; The Frugal Traveler's Latin America
6/3/2011 external link
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 when he spent 13 weeks on a budget to see the sights from Brazil to New York by way of Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jeff Greenwald's Nepal; Open Phones: Spirit-Lifting Travels
27/2/2011 external link
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 also check in with listeners for travel reports about destinations that lift the spirit.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Alps Skiing; The Monuments Men Today
20/2/2011 external link
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 anywhere.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Scent Trail; Open Phones: More Kindness of Strangers
13/2/2011 external link
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 the kindness of strangers saved the day in their overseas travels.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Paris Cafes; Celtic Singing Cultures
6/2/2011 external link
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.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Travel Tricks; Lesser-Known Italy: Fred Plotkin's Friuli-Venezia Giulia; Restoring a Farmhouse in Italy's La Marche
30/1/2011 external link
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 old farmhouses into dream homes in the un-touristed region of Italy called La Marche.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Brazil on a Budget; Croatian Vacation
23/1/2011 external link
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 coast, where Slavic culture meets the Mediterannean.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Eccentric Islands; Backstreet Istanbul
16/1/2011 external link
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 locals do — from corners of the Grand Bazaar that tourists often miss, to the romantic traffic-free islands just off the coast. We'll also pay tribute to the late writer Bill Holm, who shared his thoughts about "eccentric islands" with Rick.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Food Specialties; Eating Saigon
9/1/2011 external link
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 his recent foodie trip to Saigon.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Waltzing Vienna; The Trip that Changed Me; Africa Road Trip
2/1/2011 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Christmas, Part 3 (Greece, Ulster, Umbria); New Year's in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Belgium, Wales, Scotland
26/12/2010 external link
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.
European Christmas Preparations, Part 2
19/12/2010 external link
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 expand your holidays with us on the next Travel with Rick Steves.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Christmas Prep, Part 1: Croatia, Sweden, Belgium, Italian Riviera & The West of Ireland; Enjoying Winter In Paris
12/12/2010 external link
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 and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Bill Bryson at Home; Antiquities and Archeology; Open Phones: Budget Travel Tricks
5/12/2010 external link
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 guides from Greece and Egypt. Listeners offer their tips for saving money on a place to call home on your next vacation to Europe.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Art in Italy
28/11/2010 external link
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.
The Whiskey Trail; More British Slang
21/11/2010 external link
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.
Even More Road Food; Lisbon City Guide
14/11/2010 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Getting Around Europe: Bike Touring; Driving a Tour Bus on the Continent; Walking Across England
7/11/2010 external link
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.
The Lunatic Express; Open Phones: Travel Discoveries
31/10/2010 external link
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.
More Geography of Bliss; Open Phones: Travel Fears and Advice
24/10/2010 external link
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.
British B and Bs; Aegean Turkey; An Ounce of Prevention
17/10/2010 external link
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 archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Seasons of Italy: Fred Plotkin, and Listener Discoveries
10/10/2010 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Walking Across Paris; Hidden Gardens of Paris
3/10/2010 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World; Sailing to Antarctica
26/9/2010 external link
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 hot spot for discovery - Antarctica.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
From Tango to Tuscany: Ferenc Mate in Tuscany; Camille Cusumano in Buenos Aires
19/9/2010 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Lord Alderdice: Road Maps to Peace
12/9/2010 external link
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 designing "road maps to peace." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
More Western Whitewater; More Smithsonian DC; Open Phones
5/9/2010 external link
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 shares tips for getting out into the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Brilliant Teacher; Southern California Sidetrips
29/8/2010 external link
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 more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Barcelona; Michelangelo in Rome
22/8/2010 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed to 'Eat, Pray, Love;' Notorious Royal Marriages; Michelangelo in Florence
15/8/2010 external link
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 with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Sick in Europe; Swedish Vacation; Istanbul By Night
8/8/2010 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Hungary: Beyond Budapest
1/8/2010 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Favorite Road Trips; Summer Roadfood; Whitewater Rafting
25/7/2010 external link
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 -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Italy Faux Pas; Tuscany versus Umbria
18/7/2010 external link
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 learned from their travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Affordable London; Ancient Britain
11/7/2010 external link
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 archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Spirit Of America: Smithsonian DC; America From the Air; The Butterflies of Grand Canyon
4/7/2010 external link
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. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Intrepid Adventurers: Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt; Harry Rutstein & Marco Polo
27/6/2010 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Christopher Baker's Costa Rica
20/6/2010 external link
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 destination. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Touring Portugal; Open Phones: Making Friends
13/6/2010 external link
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 the locals in our travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Stockholm, Sweden; Alexandria, Egypt
6/6/2010 external link
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 Egypt's "second city." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
More Roadfood USA; Brittany and Normandy
30/5/2010 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
An Artist's Safari in Africa; Overseas Travel Medicine
23/5/2010 external link
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 precautions you need to take for visits to lesser developed countries, as well as the plane ride over. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Portugal's Radical Drug Policy; Blissful Bhutan
16/5/2010 external link
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 rules that only allow a small number of escorted tourists in each year. We'll hear how the country that just got TV and the internet in the last decade makes it a priority to promote "gross national happiness." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Frances Mayes: 20 Years Under the Tuscan Sun
9/5/2010 external link
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 related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Exploring the English Countryside; Chopin 200 in Poland
2/5/2010 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Munich and Bavaria; Open Phones: Faux Pas in Germany
25/4/2010 external link
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 episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Earthy Bulgaria; Planet Ice
18/4/2010 external link
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 episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Istanbul City Guide
11/4/2010 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Beer In Europe; An Irreverent Curiosity
4/4/2010 external link
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 talk about. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Peloponnesian Greece; Michelangelo: The Artist and His Times
28/3/2010 external link
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 epitome of the Renaissance man. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Springtime in Southern Spain
21/3/2010 external link
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 romantic city in the country. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The West of Ireland; Field Guide to The Irish Music Session
14/3/2010 external link
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.
Pilots Advice to Reduce Travel Stress; Jane & Michael Stern's 'Road Food USA'
7/3/2010 external link
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 cockpit on ways to help reduce the stress factor for your next flight. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Richard Ellis: Polar Bears on Thin Ice; Open Phones: Travel Reports
28/2/2010 external link
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 culture. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dan Austin: Road Trip Pilgrim; Open Phones: Extended Travels
21/2/2010 external link
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 to recharge your spirit in another part of the world, no matter what your age or income. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Greg Mortenson's Afghanistan; Art Simon's Bread for the World
14/2/2010 external link
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 World founder Art Simon explains his efforts to change the system that keeps so much of the world poor and hungry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Fred Plotkin's Finland; Greece & Turkey: Uneasy Cousins?
7/2/2010 external link
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.
Rome City Guide
31/1/2010 external link
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 with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mexican Borderlands: The Rio Grande and Baja California
24/1/2010 external link
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 Baja California, with two coastlines more 800 miles long. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
End of the Orient Express; A Summer in Tehran
10/1/2010 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Salman Rushdie: "The Enchantress of Florence" & Sailing the Eastern Mediterranean
17/1/2010 external link
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. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones: Wrinkles (Faux Pas and Packing Tips); Marty Essen's "Cool Creatures, Hot Planet"
3/1/2010 external link
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 and leeches. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International New Years Eve
27/12/2009 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International Christmas Traditions
20/12/2009 external link
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.
A Family Christmas in Wales; Sheep in your Travels
13/12/2009 external link
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 a lot of singing and wassailing. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Christmas in Rome and Santa Fe; Eiffel's Tower; Frommer's Las Vegas
6/12/2009 external link
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 Christmas season traditions of Rome and Santa Fe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Smart Help for the Developing World
29/11/2009 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Pilgrim's Italy; Hans Peter's Trek to Santiago de Compostela
22/11/2009 external link
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 de Compostela in Spain.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Whiskey Trail; More British Slang
15/11/2009 external link
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 more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Photographing Machu Picchu; New Mexico; Who is Ataturk?
8/11/2009 external link
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 a few minutes every November tenth. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
1000 Places to See Before You Die; Haunted Europe
1/11/2009 external link
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 travels to Europe.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Flight Tips; Rural Japan; Even More Kindness of Strangers
25/10/2009 external link
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 more enjoyable. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Art Outside the Museum; The Monuments Men
18/10/2009 external link
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 descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Week in Provence
11/10/2009 external link
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 and European visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Berlin Wall: 20 Years Later
4/10/2009 external link
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 with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Scent Trail; More Kindness of Strangers
27/9/2009 external link
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 the Kindness of Strangers saved the day on more than one overseas occasion and a new set of listener travel haiku takes us sailing in the Caribbean. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Outsiders in the Muslim World
20/9/2009 external link
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 Iraq. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mexico City
13/9/2009 external link
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 inspired to change all that, join Rick to share their story of how they were so charmed by Mexico City they moved there and wrote guides to help other visitors enjoy it, too. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Urge to Preserve: British Banter, Holy Bones, and Inspired Globe-Jotting
6/9/2009 external link
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 a travel journal can become a fun and important way to savor vacation memories. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tangier Tourism; Arctic Wisdom
30/8/2009 external link
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 and its people taught him. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Budget Phone Tips; Travel for the Birds; Albania for Tourists
23/8/2009 external link
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 as a cultural time warp, recommending a visit before other tourists discover its appeal. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Budapest
16/8/2009 external link
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 and cultural centerpiece for much of eastern Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Misadventures of Rolf Potts; Open Phones: Budget Eating
9/8/2009 external link
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.
Eccentric Islands; Backstreet Istanbul
2/8/2009 external link
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 the coast. We'll also pay tribute to the late writer Bill Holm, who shared his thoughts about "eccentric islands" with Rick. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
David Sedaris: An American in Paris and Tokyo
26/7/2009 external link
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 flight attendants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
More Geography of Bliss; Finding More Classical Music in Europe
19/7/2009 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Paris City Guide
12/7/2009 external link
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 favorite cities. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Visiting Washington DC; More Places to See in the USA & Canada
5/7/2009 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Art in Italy
28/6/2009 external link
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 and Florence, to discover new ways of looking at the masterpieces that surround you in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Odysseys
21/6/2009 external link
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 more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Flying in Coach; The Ridiculous Race
14/6/2009 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
D-Day Sites; Open Phones: Summer Travel Plans
7/6/2009 external link
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 among the most moving of their lives. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Fred Plotkin's "Chow Italia"
31/5/2009 external link
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 some of the local traditions Italians have for what -- and when -- to eat and drink. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Castles in Europe; High School Visionaries
24/5/2009 external link
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 Guatemala each summer in order to learn first-hand how connected we really are in our modern world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rome: Beneath the Surface
17/5/2009 external link
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 a local guide who not only knows her city inside out, but also explains how it teaches us about ourselves today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The European Union in 2009
10/5/2009 external link
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 War Two, European visionaries came up with a way to get their countries to cooperate and to prevent another devastating war. We're commemorating Europe Day with a panel of European citizens. Join us as we discuss how the E-U addresses the political and social issues facing Europe today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Music Festivals in Europe; Ask Arthur Frommer
3/5/2009 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Smart Help for the Developing World
26/4/2009 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Travel with Kids
19/4/2009 external link
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 how to turn kids into lifelong travelers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Easter in the Holy Land; Footsteps of Saint Paul
12/4/2009 external link
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 episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Spain and the Spring Festivals of Andalucia
5/4/2009 external link
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, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Barging Thru France & Open Phones: Kindness of Strangers
29/3/2009 external link
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. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Brilliant Teacher Around the World; Southern California Sidetrips
22/3/2009 external link
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 the world. In addition, Rick checks in with a Lonely Planet author in Southern California, with tips for family fun and finding cultures from across the world in Los Angeles. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Ireland: 2009
15/3/2009 external link
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 and his experts on Ireland will take listener calls and remind us how the Emerald Isle still provides a genuine welcome, where a good story is just a pint away. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Bill Holm: American in Iceland; Winter in Alaska
8/3/2009 external link
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 enjoy dog sledding and skiing. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Everyday Italian Cuisine
1/3/2009 external link
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 letting low exchange rate get in the way of enjoying authentic Italian cuisine. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Estonia
22/2/2009 external link
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 Baltic Sea. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Romantic Travel Destinations
15/2/2009 external link
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 more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Springtime in The Netherlands; Cycling Across Colombia
8/2/2009 external link
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 of South America's least-understood countries, Colombia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Comfort Food
1/2/2009 external link
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 from listeners about some of their memorable food encounters overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Helen Thayer: Walking the Gobi Desert
25/1/2009 external link
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 desert, the local nomads they met, and the deadly dangers they faced while on foot in the Gobi for three months. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick Steves in Iran, part two: Iran for Tourists
11/1/2009 external link
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 notes on Iranian culture, and what Westerners need to know about it. We will hear how Iran's impressive historical sites and magical cities are matched only by the country's legendary hospitality toward visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rick Steves in Iran: Perplexing Issues
4/1/2009 external link
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 the pressures of globalization help to feed terrorist sympathies among some traditional communities. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Prague and the Czech Countryside
18/1/2009 external link
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 the city's substantial old world charm. We'll also explore day trips into the Bohemian countryside. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International New Years Eve Traditions
28/12/2008 external link
One of the delights of traveling to other countries is finding new ways to celebrate familiar holidays. This week, we explore some of the many ways to welcome in the new year with friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey and even Australia and Japan. And we'll get tips, direct from France, on how to put a little sunshine on our table by eating like they do on the French Riviera.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International Christmas
21/12/2008 external link
Join Rick and some of his friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia join us to explain their holiday traditions. And we'll get advice for a family holiday trip to Paris. Come along for a taste of the many flavors of Christmas celebrations from around the world on Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Last Polar Bear; Christmas in Rome and London
14/12/2008 external link
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, "The Last Polar Bear." And we'll get a head start on Christmas celebrations in London, Rome, and Germany.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Celtic Fringes of Britain: Wales & Scotland
30/11/2008 external link
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 poetry about Winter in Ireland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Johnny Jet's Internet Guide to Travel
7/12/2008 external link
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 -- from travel. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Eric Weiner's 'Geography of Bliss'
23/11/2008 external link
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 Bhutanese happy with their lot in life. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Odysseys
16/11/2008 external link
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 you can discover about yourself in the Mediterranean. 3,000 years after "The Odyssey."
And a writer from Forbes.com tells us the lengths some intrepid travelers are going to in order to reach the far corners of the earth.
When a vacation becomes an Odyssey. . . on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Turkey: Beyond Istanbul
2/11/2008 external link
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 cosmopolitan scene in Istanbul. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rescuing Da Vinci: How the Allies Saved The World's Masterpieces from World War Two
9/11/2008 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
1000 Places to See Before You Die
26/10/2008 external link
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 tips. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tony Wheeler's "Lonely Planet"
19/10/2008 external link
Rick compares notes with Tony Wheeler, founder of what has become the world's largest travel empire -- Lonely Planet. Tony shares some of the tales he chronicles in his book, "Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story" and how his passion for world travel created a vehicle to help independent travelers navigate even the smallest and thorniest of countries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
First Impressions of Iran
5/10/2008 external link
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 world, and Westerners are often surprised by the welcome they find -- from the congested capital, Tehran, to the dusty and magnificent sites of ancient Persia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World, and Sailing to Antarctica
12/10/2008 external link
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 descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Berlin City Guide
28/9/2008 external link
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 -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
David Sedaris: An American in Paris and Tokyo
21/9/2008 external link
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 - 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 flight attendants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Chow Italia: Fred Plotkin's Gourmet Italy
14/9/2008 external link
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 of the local traditions Italians have for what and when they eat and drink.
Join us for a gastronomic pilgrimage with the author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler" on the next Travel with Rick Steves.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Lord Alderdice: Road Maps to Peace
7/9/2008 external link
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 and shares his approach to overcoming terrorism and designing road maps for peace. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Outsiders in the Muslim World
31/8/2008 external link
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 Iraq. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Exploring Sicily & Germany's Black Forest
24/8/2008 external link
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 more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Hungary: Beyond Budapest
17/8/2008 external link
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, and the proud winemaking town of Eger, famous for its strong "bull's blood" wine. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Bulgaria; An Ounce of Prevention
10/8/2008 external link
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 preventive advice for the long plane ride overseas and visiting the third world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
An Art-Lovers Guide to Europe
3/8/2008 external link
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 related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jamaica and Jordan
27/7/2008 external link
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 excursions, modern resorts on the Red Sea, anciet cities and more. From Petra to Bedouin, tourists to Jordan are in for a treat. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Salman Rushdie's "The Enchantress of Florence" & Sailing the Eastern Mediterranean
20/7/2008 external link
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 the ancients did -- by island-hopping with a boat. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Week in Provence
13/7/2008 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
America the Beautiful & Route 66
6/7/2008 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
An Artist's Safari in Africa; Travel Medicine
29/6/2008 external link
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 developed countries, as well as the plane ride over. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Midsommer's Guide to Sweden
22/6/2008 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Costa Rica
15/6/2008 external link
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 nature -- whether by river raft or by zip-line. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Travel with Kids
8/6/2008 external link
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 how to turn kids into lifelong travelers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Travel Budget Tricks
25/5/2008 external link
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 local currencies, we're spending the hour exploring European travel budget tricks on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Exploring D-Day Sites
18/5/2008 external link
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 moving of their lives. Rick also fields listener calls and emails to help plan upcoming travels to Europe, and shares another round of listener travel haiku. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rome City Guide
11/5/2008 external link
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 spend in the Eternal City can put to use. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Istanbul City Guide
4/5/2008 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Eric Weiner and The Geography of Bliss
27/4/2008 external link
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 Bhutanese happy with their lot in life. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Earth Day 2008: Sailing & Endangered Sites
20/4/2008 external link
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 bring people together to let wind power take them near and far. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
An American Travel Guide to China
13/4/2008 external link
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 of a visit to China from three experts on Chinese culture and society and finds out what visitors to today's China can expect. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Paris City Guide
6/4/2008 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Alaska Overview & Road Tripping with Kids
30/3/2008 external link
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 Kenai Peninsula.
Also, Jeff Campbell offers practical tips on how to make a summer road trip with small children memorable for all the right reasons. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Road Trip Pilgrim
23/3/2008 external link
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 time off to recharge your spirit in another part of the world, no matter what your age or income. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dublin City Guide
16/3/2008 external link
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 one of its most expensive for American visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Berlin City Guide
9/3/2008 external link
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 information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
The Celtic Fringes of Britain: Wales & Scotland
2/3/2008 external link
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 poetry about Winter in Ireland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Traveling on your stomach: Everyday Italian Cuisine
24/2/2008 external link
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 letting low exchange rate get in the way of enjoying authentic Italian cuisine. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Thorny Issues: Turkey and Tibet
17/2/2008 external link
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 its traditional Buddhist culture. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Romance and Authenticity
10/2/2008 external link
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 moment, Tuscan-style. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rescuing Da Vinci: How the Allies Saved The World's Masterpieces from World War Two
3/2/2008 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Retiring in Mexico
20/1/2008 external link
Rick and his guests Carl Franz and Lorena Havens, authors of the "People's Guide to Mexico," discuss what it takes to retire in Mexico and reminisce about how they first met in the 1970s and what "following your bliss" entailed back during the early days of Carl and Lorena's adventures in Mexico. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Australia & Mardi Gras in New Orleans
27/1/2008 external link
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 revive the spirit of New Orleans. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
More on London 2008
13/1/2008 external link
We're including material we weren't able to fit into last week's program about London in this podcast and web extra feature. Tour guides Tom Hooper and Gillian Chadwick return with Rick to take calls from a couple of Seattle-area listeners to KUOW. They clear up the meaning of the "Bank Holiday" at the end of May, the significance of Guy Fawkes Day observances in November, and commiserate about the confusing congestion when making connecting flights at Heathrow Airport. (runs 6:11) For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
London 2008
6/1/2008 external link
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 destinations. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International New Year's Traditions
30/12/2007 external link
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 the new year in style. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Christmas in Rome and London
9/12/2007 external link
Have you ever thought about spending Christmas in Rome or London? We'll get you in the right holiday mood with this special podcast extra preview of next week's brand new show on International Christmas traditions. Local Rome tour guides Susanna Perruchinni and Francesca Caruso describe how the holiday is observed in the Eternal City and Blue-Badge London guides Gillian Chadwick and Tom Hooper describe some of the Christmas sites you'll find in their city. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Christmas Traditions
23/12/2007 external link
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 Santa Claus's relatives, back in the "old country." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
International Christmas Traditions
16/12/2007 external link
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 descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Open Phones and Traveler Faux Pas
2/12/2007 external link
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 details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tony Wheeler's "Lonely Planet"
25/11/2007 external link
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 helping independent travelers find their way through even the smallest and thorniest of countries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Conscientious Travel; Oceania to Amsterdam
18/11/2007 external link
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, Moon Handbook South Pacific author David Stanley gives Rick an overview of "Oceania" and Rick compares notes with Lonely Planet author Andy Bender on some of his favorite "Back Door" sites in Amsterdam.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Travel Stories and Today's Republic of Turkey
4/11/2007 external link
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 citizens as the country celebrates its 84th anniversary as a republic. We'll also hear from listeners on how spending time abroad has spiced up their lives. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Podcast Special
14/10/2007 external link
Don George joins Rick to answer listener e-mails about different accommodation options around the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Off the Beaten Track Emails, Amazon Adventures, and Maori Culture
28/10/2007 external link
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 Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Podcast Special: Tibet with Michael Kohn
30/9/2007 external link
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.
Time and Money; Looking Up Relatives in Sicily
21/10/2007 external link
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 Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Southern Exposure: New Zealand & Baja California, Mexico
7/10/2007 external link
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 with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
First Impressions of India
23/9/2007 external link
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 more stories about the unexpected kindness of strangers on the road. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Guide to Back Door Amsterdam
27/8/2007 external link
Rick chats with Lonely Planet author Andrew Bender about some of the lesser-known sites in Amsterdam. Andrew recommends exploring a few off-the-beaten-path attractions that even Rick hasn't visited, such as the DePijp Market in the south of the city, and the Eastern Docklands district. They also compare notes on some of the city's tackier tourist traps, as well as some under-rated, under-visited sites in Amsterdam. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Madrid to Mauritius
16/9/2007 external link
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 magnet for European socialites -- and a potential eco-destination for tracking the remains of the dodo bird. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Look East: Eastern Europe to Eastern Turkey
9/9/2007 external link
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 heart of the ancient world with an overview of the sites of Eastern Turkey. Tour guide Mehlika Seval tells us why she loves the traditional Eastern half of her country, where deeply-rooted cultures carry on with little interruption from tourism. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Tony Wheeler's "Bad Lands"
2/9/2007 external link
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 what he found in Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya, Burma, North Korea, Cuba, and Albania on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Budapest
19/8/2007 external link
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 one of the world's truly grand cities, and has been a meeting place of cultures for centuries. We'll check out everything from hot springs to Hungarian food, and find out why travelers in the know call Budapest the "Paris of Eastern Europe." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Travel Writing with Don George; Cambodia
12/8/2007 external link
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 practice the craft of travel writing and research. And a listener entices us to his home town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
North Meets South: British Ex-Pats on the Continent; Ski, Surf, and Settle in South America
5/8/2007 external link
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 get tips on skiing and surfing options in Latin America. And a listener explains what's it like being an American living in Panama.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Cuba - What's Next?
29/7/2007 external link
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 Americans and Cuba. Rick welcomes Cuba expert Christopher P Baker for a discussion of what's next for Cuba in these days of political limbo, and what it means for American travelers who want to go there. We're going to Cuba -- sort of -- on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
American Desert Road Trips; Bali, Indonesia
22/7/2007 external link
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 call it paradise on earth, and hear how its tourism industry is faring after several scares in recent years.
From a great American road trip, to a beach vacation in Bali, we're taking off for a change of scenery on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Barging Through France
15/7/2007 external link
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. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Edinburgh -- Cultural Heart of Scotland
8/7/2007 external link
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 the fabled summer festivals -- among the most popular in Europe -- and catch a wee dram of Scottish pride and spirit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Emerging Destinations & American Favorites: Route 66, New York City
1/7/2007 external link
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 on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
A Midsummer's Guide to Sweden
17/6/2007 external link
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 Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Shaking off the Soviets in Eastern Europe and the 'Stans of Central Asia
10/6/2007 external link
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 see how they're faring as independent nations. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
European Business Customs
3/6/2007 external link
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 which cheek to kiss (and when). For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Alaska Overview & Road Tripping with the Kids
27/5/2007 external link
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 Kenai Peninsula.
Also, Jeff Campbell offers practical tips on how to make a summer road trip with small children memorable for all the right reasons. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
Rolf Potts: "Vagabonding"
20/5/2007 external link
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 the art of open-ended adventures around the world on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -- including episode descriptions, program archives and related details -- visit www.ricksteves.com.
