Travel with Rick Steves

By Rick Steves

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 Jan 31, 2023
the greatest travel podcast there is.

Description

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

Episode Date
607a Bridges and Little Museums of Paris; Burgundy
52:00

We'll take an up-close look at some of Paris' most beautiful bridges as well as its most intriguing specialty museums and galleries, where you can escape the crowds — and are sure to discover something new in this always-surprising city. Then we'll head south to savor the relaxingly rural, yet assuredly sophisticated charms of Burgundy.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 25, 2023
708 Favorite Tours in Ireland; Celtic Middle Earth; Ireland’s South Coast
52:00

Hear about how a locally operated tour can add depth and conviviality to your next trip to the Emerald Isle, then learn about the sophisticated ways ancient Celts mapped out their pre-Roman world. And get tips for exploring scenic West Cork — an untamed alternative to the tourist-trodden Ring of Kerry — and other highlights of Ireland's south coast.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 18, 2023
707 Islands of Britain; Italy for Food Lovers; Flavors of Florence
52:00

English actor Martin Clunes recommends some of his favorite smaller British isles among the many he visited while filming a travel documentary. Then Rick checks in with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin to celebrate the completion of their new guide to Italy's regional cuisine. And a Florence-based tour guide lets us in on her favorite food and wine shops for showing off her city's culinary delights.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 11, 2023
706 Budapest Riverwalk; Megalithic Orkney; Travel Kindness
52:00

We'll take an audio stroll along the Danube waterfront in elegant, Old World Budapest, then contemplate the prehistoric stones that stand amid the stark beauty of Scotland's remote Orkney Islands. And listeners share their most memorable instances of a stranger's kindness changing an overseas trip for the better.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 04, 2023
515a Artists of Spain; Being Welsh; Being Bosnian
52:00

We look at the top sites where you can experience firsthand the groundbreaking contributions of Spain's greatest artists. Then tour guides from Wales and Bosnia share the facets of their nationalities that mean most to them — such as the Welsh fortitude for enduring the blustery climate that produces such beautiful landscapes, and Bosnians' knack for using humor to defuse the thornier aspects of life in the Balkans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 25, 2023
705 Basque and Balkan Carnival; Sicilians; World Lit
52:00

Hear how ancient pagan traditions spice up carnival season in the Basque Country and the Balkans — two regions that celebrate the days preceding Ash Wednesday with raucous festivals. Then get two Sicilians' take on what sets Sicily's island culture apart from the rest of Italy. And consider your next armchair journey as Harvard professor David Damrosch recommends authors whose works can transport you to China, Japan, Iran, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 18, 2023
704 Casanova's Venice; China 2023
52:00

Historian Laurence Bergreen takes us to 18th-century Venice — the time of Casanova, when this "Most Serene Republic" had become the Sin City of Europe. And the head of the Young China Group think tank lets us in on what he wishes Americans knew about today's China and what he expects to see as it emerges from the pandemic, and explains the key challenges it's facing in our changing world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 11, 2023
703 Yucatan Holiday; Ambassador to Switzerland; Finding Atlantis
52:00

Author Mark Adams reveals four possible Mediterranean locations where the legendary lost city of Atlantis could have been. The former U-S Ambassador to Switzerland tells us what it's like representing American interests in a country known for its neutrality. Plus, a longtime resident of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula describes what to look for when you venture out beyond Cancun.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 04, 2023
582a Istria; Wee County Louth; Tides
52:00

Explore two of Europe's less-crowded scenic peninsulas! Rick visits with local tour guides from Pula, on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, and from Ireland's Cooley Peninsula, an hour north of Dublin in County Louth. Plus marine conservationist Jonathan White explains what he's discovered about the power of the tides around the world — and how they affect you, even if you don't live near the shore.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 28, 2023
702 Touring Bath; Joy of Travel Writing; Ghost Dance in Berlin
52:00

Soak in the history and the splendor of Bath, where Georgian architecture and mineral waters make it one of England's most attractive cities. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a travel writer researches guidebooks. And hear how Peter Wortsman's Jewish heritage forces him to grapple with some powerful ghosts from the past in Berlin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 21, 2023
701 The US Civil Rights Trail; Wild Arctic Svalbard
52:00

Hear how the US Civil Rights Trail, with 100 stops across 14 states, was organized to help all Americans get an up-close look at the movement to dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South. And listen in as ecologist Chris Morgan describes changes he's observed on Norway's Svalbard archipelago — halfway between the mainland and the North Pole — which indicate how our warming climate is a threat to life in the Arctic.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 14, 2023
700 Pleasures of Mexico City; Why We Travel; Classical Music in Europe
52:00

A tour guide from Mexico City describes some of the most pleasant surprises he enjoys sharing about his adopted home. Then the author of the "Thousand Places to See Before You Die" series explains why culture shock can be the highlight of your next overseas vacation. And a young orchestra conductor describes some of his favorite European venues for enjoying a classical-music concert.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 07, 2023
699 New Year's Traditions; New Orleans Originals; David McCullough Tribute
52:00

Consider new ideas for greeting the new year by learning about some of the unusual traditions — and a few superstitions — with which Swedes, Croats, Scots, and the Welsh celebrate this time of year. Then hear about the multicultural food and music that enliven the streets of New Orleans' neighborhoods. And join us as we remember the late historian David McCullough with a look back at his examination of how the Wright Brothers changed the way we see the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 31, 2022
548b German Christmas Markets; Christmas in Madrid, Sicily, Ireland, Hebrides
52:00

We'll hear how the traditional Christmas markets of Germanic Europe set the mood for the season. And we'll learn about Christmastime events that bring everybody out on the streets of Madrid and Dingle, and cozy holiday celebrations in homes on Sicily and Scotland's Hebrides.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 24, 2022
698 Ready for Christmas Near and Far; Wassailing
52:00

In the first of two holiday-themed shows, Rick's guests recall their childhood Christmases in the Netherlands, Italy, and New Mexico. Then more friends join us to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan...and Antarctica. Plus, we'll hear about how the English tradition of "wassailing" developed as a way to guarantee a good apple harvest — or at least an occasion to enjoy a warm drink with neighbors.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 17, 2022
697 Sacred Paris; Raising a Family in France; A Place in the World
52:00

Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like home.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 10, 2022
696 For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art In Europe
52:00

We look at the must-see paintings, sculptures and historic edifices across Europe. University of Florida professor Jack E. Davis notes the many roles the Gulf of Mexico has played over the years, and why it's important to understand its ecology. And we'll look at the role of guidebooks, and what can make one worth reading, a hundred years after it's been published.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 03, 2022
695 Belgium Pride; Favorite Gardens; Arctic Trails
52:00

A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then author Catie Marron recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And author Seth Kantner, who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska, alerts us to the increasing threats to the people and wildlife of the Alaskan Arctic.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 26, 2022
584a My Town; Lidia's Flavors of Italy; Wine Educator
52:00

Listeners tell us what makes their hometowns feel special, then the host of the TV show Lidia's Italy describes the remarkable diversity among the regional cuisines of Italy — and how each naturally features whatever's particularly delicious from a given area. Then a Madrid-based wine expert shares tips for food pairings and fully enjoying what you're drinking.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 19, 2022
694 Highlands of Scotland; Art of Spain; Sweet Home Alabama
52:00

Get expert advice for planning a trip to the majestic Scottish Highlands. Then hear about some of Spain's most influential artists, from El Greco to the modern day. And discover what's making Alabama an increasingly popular destination for international visitors.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 12, 2022
453a Rome Neighborhoods; Crazy Rides; Ex-Yugoslavia
52:00

Get tips for how to "do as the Romans do" in Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. Hear about the travel writer Will Hide's latest crazy rides, from cycling across the hills of Rwanda to driving what might be the world's "most dangerous road" up from Delhi into the Himalayas. Plus listen in as guides from Slovenia and Bosnia take listener calls to help plan fun trips to the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 05, 2022
693 Dracula’s Romania; Spooky New Orleans; Mary Morris in India
52:00

Uncover the truth behind Count Dracula in Romania. Find out where the most haunted house is located in New Orleans, and what's behind local customs such as voodoo and jazz funerals. Plus, hear how the cities of India surprised author Mary Morris when she traveled there to view tigers in the wild.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 29, 2022
586a Travel Writers Travels; Autumn Light in Japan; Swedish Values
52:00

Pico Iyer explains why autumn is the perfect season for understanding the soul of Japan. Robert Reid recommends how to amp up your next vacation, by traveling like a travel writer does. And guides from Sweden tell us how to keep expenses in check, to enjoy Scandinavia the way the locals do.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 22, 2022
692 Making the Art of Europe; 20 Years of Ireland; Experiencing Austria
52:00

Get a taste of Austria beyond the usual tourist sites in Vienna and Salzburg, where farmstays and festivals can make you want to wear lederhosen for a day. Rick's right-hand man on all things Ireland shares what he's liked most about researching guidebooks and leading tours in the Emerald Isle for the last 20 years. And Rick's TV producer shares tales from behind the scenes on their two-year-long filming project on the greatest art in Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 15, 2022
691 Climate Change Watch; The Art of Rome; Seeing the Ancient World
52:00

Learn to see Rome — the way the ancient Romans did — as the opulent and innovative city that gave Europe a common culture. Look closer at the even more-ancient worlds of the Greeks and Egyptians, and what their antiquities can tell us about their lives. And find out what's being done to protect important cultural sites today from the ravages of the world's changing climate.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 08, 2022
690 Hamburg; The Art of Europe; Extreme Sports
52:00

Find out why Germany's "second city," the industrial northern port of Hamburg, is a favorite getaway among Germans. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's new TV series, which explores the backstories of Europe's greatest artworks. And consider what drives some death-defying athletes to go all-in for "extreme sports."

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 01, 2022
578a Walking Ljubljana; Munich and Bavaria; Wild Animals
52:00

The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest — which is back on after a two-year pandemic hiatus. And an adventure traveler explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 24, 2022
689 Ambassador to Bulgaria; Senior Nomads 2022; Himalaya Hike
52:00

Diplomat and former ambassador Eric Rubin gives us a look at how the foreign service works on behalf of American interests in Bulgaria. Then "Senior Nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell update us on their pandemic-era global travels. And artist and author Sylvia Verange reflects on her hiking journey across the Himalaya Mountains and how it's affected her life in the decades since.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 17, 2022
688 Maeve Higgins’ County Cork; Southwest England; Glasgow Cool
52:00

Humorist Maeve Higgins recommends places to visit in her home turf of Ireland's County Cork. Then tour guides from southwest England share their expert advice on where best to enjoy the coastal beauty of Cornwall and Devon — and the tourist traps to avoid. And guides from Scotland describe what makes Glasgow such a cool city to explore.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 10, 2022
687 More California Day Trips; Olmsted Bicentennial; Celebrating Eastern Europe
52:00

Travel writer Chris Baker returns with more ideas for fun day trips from LA and San Francisco, including his home base of Palm Springs. Then historian Laurence Cotton joins us to celebrate the 200th birthday of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose parks and civic projects have given so many American cities a lasting natural legacy. And a Rick Steves guidebook co-author describes the colorful variety travelers can enjoy among the countries of central and eastern Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 03, 2022
579a Kerouac’s Firewatch; Erosion; USA National Parks
52:00

British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful perspective on our civic and social territory, as well as our physical. And photographer and guidebook writer Becky Lomax shares more of her favorite experiences in America's national parks.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 27, 2022
686 New Orleans by Foot; The Orchestra Conductor
52:00

Tour guides from New Orleans examine the historical, musical, and culinary elements that make their city one of the most exceptional places anywhere in North America. They also share their top recommendations for exploring the city and discuss the merits of a pay-what-you-like model for city walking tours. And an associate conductor with the Seattle Symphony gives us a view from the conductor's podium while describing some of his favorite US venues for reveling in live classical-music performances.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 20, 2022
685 Joanna Lumley’s Nile Adventure; Samantha Brown’s Happy Travels
52:00

Actress Joanna Lumley details her 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River to the river's fabled source in Rwanda. Joanna shares what she learned from people she met while filming a documentary about the trip, and describes her ride to the pyramids on one very fine camel. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she keeps herself from stressing out over what could go wrong in her frequent travels.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 13, 2022
684 Obscure Museums; Peloponnesian and Mythical Greece
52:00

Rick checks in with Dylan Thuras from Atlas Obscura to discuss a few of their favorite small, sometimes eccentric museums around the world. Then author Peter Fiennes describes some of the real sites where Greek myths were set, and how they can speak to us today. And two historian tour guides share some of their top reasons to visit the Peloponnese, the giant peninsula just an hour's drive south of Athens.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 06, 2022
683 English Country Gardens; On Becoming a Gardener; In Praise of Wasting Time
52:00

English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstructured time every day just for goofing off.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 30, 2022
480b Turn Right at Machu Picchu; Lafayette in the USA; Scotch
52:00

Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu. Then author Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 23, 2022
682 Europe by the Book; Berlin Day Trips; Mexico City 2022
52:00

Enjoy some of the best-ever writing on life in far-away places with a recommended reading list from a Harvard professor of comparative literature. Then get tips on the historic towns and royal retreats that are easily enjoyed as day trips from Berlin. And hear about daily life in Mexico City in 2022 from an American expat — and why he considers his new home the "capital of the 21st century."

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 16, 2022
681 French Impressionism; Perfect Week in Paris; First Timer’s Louvre
52:00

Celebrate Bastille Day with French guides. They'll explain the impressionist techniques perfected in the early 20th century, provide insider advice for designing the perfect Parisian itinerary, and help tackle the immense collection at the Louvre.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 09, 2022
680 The Last Cowboys; Perfect Day California; American Bald Eagle
52:00

New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Chris Baker recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. Plus, Jack Davis pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction is an environmental success story that can inspire everyone.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 02, 2022
529a Newfoundland Tour; Canada Day; Drink Dat New Orleans
52:00

Explore what Canada has to offer! Newfoundland's Alan Doyle recommends sights to enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Comedian and author Rick Mercer shares some of his favorite places to enjoy across Canada. Plus, raise a glass to New Orleans as Elizabeth Pearce unveils how to appreciate the history of America's most "spirited city" through the kinds of cocktails it serves.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 25, 2022
679 Nordic Roots; Dutch Towns; Bridge to Nicaragua
52:00

Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, one rural homestay at a time.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 18, 2022
567a Hokkaido; Arctic Solitaire; Bloomsday in Dublin
52:00

Get tips from an American-Japanese author for experiencing the rugged allure of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Then hear from a nature photographer what it's like to spend a summer boating up Hudson Bay in search of polar bears. And learn all about how Dubliners celebrate Bloomsday — good fun even if you still haven't finished Ulysses.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 11, 2022
678 Hiking in England; British Footnotes; High Tea in London
52:00

Two English tour guides discuss a time-honored way to enjoy the British countryside: "rambling" along Britain's well-marked system of hiking trails. Then author Peter Fiennes describes his cross-country journeys in the footsteps of great British writers, and what his travels revealed about how much the UK has changed in recent years. And Rick learns about the rightfully revered tradition of afternoon tea — and the best places to make it an occasion in London.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 04, 2022
201b Beer In Europe, Irreverent Curiosity
52:00

Get in a festive mood as Rick invites a few of his friends to compare the beer styles of Europe, and the cultures that go with them. Also, writer David Farley tells us about an eccentric hill town not far from Rome. It's home to a generation of bohemian residents, and one of the strangest mysteries in Italy — a centuries-old 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.
May 28, 2022
677 Parisians; Heart of Italy; The Scent Trail
52:00

Author Graham Robb describes a few of the extraordinary historical characters of Paris. Then vintner and tour guide Cecilia Bottai shares tips for planning a getaway to the relaxed "green heart" of central Italy. And author Celia Lyttelton tells us how she traveled the world to find the ingredients for making her very own custom perfume.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 21, 2022
676 Birth of Korean Cool; Perfect Week in Portugal
52:00

Journalist Euny Hong explains how South Korea has made itself not only an economic powerhouse but a pop-culture superpower. And tour guides from Portugal join Rick to share recommendations for planning a week's getaway to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the colorful, historic towns in between.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 14, 2022
675 Appalachian Music Trails; Loire Valley Chateaux; Achtung Baby
52:00

British travel writer Will Hide recounts his journeys along the back roads of Appalachia, where country music first arose from the melodies and instruments of immigrants from the British Isles. Then tour guides from France share tips on exploring the Loire Valley's many magnificent châteaux. And author Sara Zaske reveals what she learned from the German style of parenting while raising her young American children in Berlin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 07, 2022
674 Driving in Ireland; Women Who Wander; Primed for Prague
52:00

Guidebook co-author Pat O'Connor delves into the details of driving in Ireland, where renting a car can be worth the extra expense when it gives you the flexibility to explore the countryside on your own schedule. Then author Mary Morris explains why she prefers to go solo to connect with other people in her travels, and how she ensures her safety. And tour guides from Prague offer tips for enjoying the beauty of the Czech capital.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 30, 2022
673 Visiting Antarctica; Journeys of Trees; Italy's Northern Lakes
52:00

Travel writer Julian Sancton tells us how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then science reporter Zach St. George explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive a warming climate. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes of northern Italy, where outdoor sports and celebrities compete with the scenery for visitors' attention.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 23, 2022
519a Saints of Ireland and France; David Suchet Steps of St. Peter
52:00

Get acquainted with some of the most popular French and Italian saints, and learn why they remain important to their countrymen. Plus, actor David Suchet shares what he discovered while making a documentary about the life and times of St. Peter, and the first-century world he inhabited in Galilee.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 16, 2022
672 Paddle Boldly; Hape Kerkeling's Camino; Sacred New Mexico
52:00

Kayaker Dave Ellingson tells us how he learned to savor the unexpected on a paddling adventure in Minnesota. Then German comedian Hape Kerkeling relives his hike on the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain, where he learned something new every day. And adventurer Christina Nealson recommends places in New Mexico to get in touch with both the indigenous and Spanish colonial heritage of the desert Southwest.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 09, 2022
671 Three-Hour Louvre; Friend in Foreign Service; Summer of '73
52:00

Get an expert's tips for enjoying the best of the Louvre's gigantic trove of treasures on a short visit. Then hear about what you can expect from US embassy and consulate staff, should you need their assistance while traveling, from the President of the American Foreign Service Association. And listen in as Rick recalls his first unchaperoned backpacking trip to Europe, right out of high school, in the summer of 1973.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 02, 2022
670 Weekend in Brussels; The Temporary European; My Town
52:00

A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as long-term locals — including Maine's Acadia National Park and the art museums of St. Petersburg, Florida.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 26, 2022
669 Maeve Higgins Loves You; Kinsale Ireland
52:00

Irish-born comedian and writer Maeve Higgins shares what she's observed about the US after a decade of living in New York City, and Irish tour guide Barry Moloney explains why his hometown of Kinsale, on the scenic south coast of County Cork, is so popular among visitors.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 19, 2022
557a Speaking in Irish; On the Wind; Irish Craic
52:00

Hear how the Irish language, once banned by English colonial rulers, has re-assumed its place at the heart of Irish identity. Then listen in as musician Kieran O'Hare explains why he finds Irish bagpipes more pleasing than the better-known Scottish ones, and plays a few traditional tunes on the Irish tin whistle. And eavesdrop on a pair of Irishmen from opposite ends of the island as they share a beer and a little banter with Rick.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 12, 2022
668 Ancient Ohio Trail; Endangered Places 2022; Atlas Obscura Curiosities
52:00

Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian "mound builder" cultures. Then find out which cultural treasures — architecture, landscapes, townscapes — have been added to the World Monuments Fund's most recent list of endangered sites. And hear about some of the more curious places and things held dear by people around the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 05, 2022
667 R. L. Stevenson South Seas; Around the World in 80 Books; Why Wales
52:00

Author J. Maarten Troost recounts his journeys sailing the South Pacific in the wake of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the contentment and sobriety he found along the way. Then Harvard professor David Damrosch describes the globe-spanning route he charted during the pandemic...via some of the world's most eye-opening works of literature, both classic and contemporary — and recommends some of his favorites. Plus a Welsh historian and guide gives us a good peek at the magical landscapes and attractions of his homeland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 26, 2022
547a Gaudí's Sagrada Família; Globally Curious
52:00

An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernista architect had envisioned for Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Família church, and shares updates on the work to complete what Gaudí started 135 years ago. And travel writer Seth Kugel makes the case for letting serendipity play a role in your trip's itinerary.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 19, 2022
666 Unter den Linden; Touring the Thames; A Heart for Public Art
52:00

A pair of German tour guides take us on a vicarious stroll down Unter den Linden, the famed tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of Berlin, and describe what it reveals about their country's history. A British writer and avid "mudlarker" explains why low tide on the River Thames often brings pieces of that city's past to the surface. And an artist with a passion for street art tells us how she helped brighten up a couple of working-class neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 12, 2022
665 Surprises from Boring Places; Sidecountry; Dakar, Senegal
52:00

We consider how visiting second- and third-tier destinations — places some might dismiss as "boring" — can lead to the most rewarding travel experiences. And two New York Times journalists take us on a pair of journeys: first to the world of offbeat — and often mortally dangerous — athletic achievements, and then to the Atlantic-seaside attractions of Dakar, Senegal's lively capital.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 05, 2022
664 Tblisi; Bruges; Milan
52:00

A young "digital nomad" tells us why Tblisi, in the Republic of Georgia, makes an ideal home base for working abroad. Then a Belgian tour guide describes what visitors enjoy most when exploring the medieval town center of Bruges. And tour guides from Italy share tips for people-watching among the high-fashion café society of Milan — and the cocktails to enjoy while doing so.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 29, 2022
574a American Hawaii; Aloha Rodeo; Surfing Groundswell
52:00

Historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century, then journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world's greatest rodeo championship. And writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the rest of the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 22, 2022
663 The MLK Trail; Afghanistan Ski Challenge; Favorite Travel Memories
52:00

The president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners joins Rick to discuss places you can visit to better appreciate the life and civil-rights accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. Travel writer Tim Neville describes how a homegrown ski slope had brought a bit of joy — at least for a few years — to the young people of Bamyan, Afghanistan. And listeners share their favorite travel memories as they anticipate embarking on new adventures before too long.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 15, 2022
662 Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail; When I Return to London; South of England
52:00

We hear from a young traveler who, having graduated from college amid the pandemic, used the opportunity to set out on an epic hike from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Then Rick and the author of the "Frommer's London" guidebook share what makes them eager to return to London, and what post-pandemic changes they expect to see there. And a pair of British tour guides recommend important historical sites to explore in the south of England.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 08, 2022
661 Auld Lang Syne; Paris Sommelier; Gastro Obscura New Year's; Waters of Rome
52:00

Two Scottish friends explain the Scots-dialect lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne," and a Parisian sommelier shares his expert tips for selecting — and enjoying — French wines. Then an author with Atlas Obscura describes some of the unusual things people eat and drink to ring in the New Year in different parts of the world. And two experts on Roman history discuss the ornate fountains sprinkled around the Eternal City.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 01, 2022
427b Even More European Christmas Traditions
52:00

Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 25, 2021
508b Another European Christmas
52:00

Hear about what Europeans are looking forward to at this time of year, from Saint Nicholas Day through Boxing Day, in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — perhaps it's some of grandma's special potato salad to go with the fish stew and figgy pudding!

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 18, 2021
660 A Theroux Traveler; Why We Travel; Winter in Paris; Dingle Bells
52:00

Rick talks with author Paul Theroux about the advantages of traveling solo, and swaps some travel-writing tricks, then TV host Samantha Brown joins us to describe how the pandemic has affected her love of exploratory travel. We'll also hear what's special about Paris in winter, and how the people of Dingle celebrate the Irish tradition of Wren's Day on December 26.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 11, 2021
659 Lyon; Building a Beloved Community; Influential Iceland
52:00

A pair of French tour guides tell us why Lyon is one of their favorite places in France. Then the president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners describes how the example set by Martin Luther King, Jr., inspires his work within religious communities in America. And a journalist from Iceland points out his country's surprising degree of influence on the world stage.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 04, 2021
546a Greek Godmother; Lidia's American Dream; Promised Land
52:00

A Greece-based tour guide describes the elevated role of godparents in her adopted country, where godparents become a lifelong part of the child's family. Then TV chef Lidia Bastianich shares the story of her family's flight from Yugoslavia, and the successful family business they were able to start in America. And former NBC Middle East correspondent Martin Fletcher explains how his latest novel, set in Israel during its early years as a modern state, evokes the extraordinary drama of Israeli life in that era.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 27, 2021
658 Humble American Bragging; Why I Love Madrid; Deep Time Journey
52:00

British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitors in the Spanish capital. And we ponder our place in the planet's history with author Robert Macfarlane, who shares insights gained from a decade of investigating, from a perspective of geologic time, humanity's relationship with our landscape.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 20, 2021
657 Perillo Family Italy; Soul of South Korea; Visiting Europe Now
52:00

Tour operator Steve Perillo describes his family's connection to a scenic town near Naples, and why he's so eager to return. Then travel writer Chaney Kwak explains why Seoul is an ideal introduction to traveling in Asia, and recommends a relaxing island counterpoint to the bustling Korean capital. And Rick and his frequent collaborator Cameron Hewitt fill us in on what they encountered on their first European trips since the pandemic began.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 13, 2021
656 On Travel Writing; Antarctic Madhouse; Enchantress of Florence
52:00

Join Rick on a dip into the deeper end of travel literature as he talks with travel essayist Pico Iyer about writing from the heart, then with author Julian Sanction, who recounts the gripping story of a polar expedition stuck in Antarctic ice over 100 years ago. And Salman Rushdie takes us back 500 years to describe some of the key figures of Renaissance Italy and Moghul India.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 06, 2021
581a Recoleta Cemetery; Spooky Atlas Obscura; Near the Exit
52:00

Just in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead, meet some of the famous residents of Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery, then take an armchair expedition to some of the spookiest places in the Atlas Obscura catalog. And hear what an Episcopal deacon has learned about how people around the world deal with death.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 30, 2021
655 SF East Bay; A Week in London; Climate Crucible
52:00

Roman Mars, host of the podcast "99 Percent Invisible," describes some of his favorite examples of clever design from his home turf in Oakland and Berkeley. Then two tour guides from London team up with Rick to recommend an ideal sightseeing week in the British capital. And poet and essayist Lisa Wells shares the insights — and optimism — she gained from interviewing a geographically and ideologically wide range of people battling climate change by improving their own communities.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 23, 2021
654 Best of Bulgaria; Traveling with Disabilities; Chasing the Sun
52:00

Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physical disability. And author Richard Cohen describes the varied ways human cultures have long celebrated — and feared — our life-giving nearby star.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 16, 2021
538a Why I Love Berlin; Italian Coffee Bars
52:00

Three tour guides from Berlin suggest sights to see and experiences to enjoy in Germany's vibrant, changing capital. And to celebrate Oktoberfest season, a tour guide from Munich explains why beer gardens are so important to Bavarian culture. Then two guides from Italy walk us through the typical Italian's daily visit to a coffee bar, and share tips on how to order your espresso like a true Italian.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 09, 2021
653 Ærø Island Denmark; Emilia-Romagna; Italian View of Sicily
52:00

Find out what makes the small Danish island of Ærø a perfectly charming and cozy getaway, which region Italophile Fred Plotkin considers Italy's greatest source of culinary and cultural achievements, and why the large island of Sicily is such a favorite with visitors, whether from elsewhere in Italy or abroad.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 02, 2021
652 Gastro Obscura; Disney World Update; Memory Lane
52:00

A writer with Atlas Obscura describes some of the world's most unusual foods — and extraordinary places to eat them. Then the author of Frommer's guide to Orlando shares tips for visiting Disney World, which has introduced big changes to its reservations system just in time for its 50th anniversary. And listeners share some of the travel memories that have helped keep their spirits up amid pandemic-delayed travel plans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 25, 2021
651 Inner Hebrides; Soul of the Family Tree; Ancient Ireland
52:00

Scottish tour guides share their best advice for a spirit-boosting trip to the enchanting isles of Scotland's Inner Hebrides. Then author Lori Erickson invites us to gain a deeper understanding of our own family histories as she describes what she discovered about her Norwegian ancestors — and the realization that her day-to-day life remains influenced by a certain Viking energy. And tour guides from Ireland let us in on their favorite places to connect with the culture of the ancient Celts.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 18, 2021
495a National Parks Dinner Party; The Great Southwest; Crazy Utah Bike Ride
52:00

Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks, and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on a mountain-bike tour across southern Utah.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 11, 2021
650 Silver Linings; Basque Cities; English Villages
52:00

Travel writer Don George shares the reflections that have helped him get through the pandemic with a positive outlook. Then tour guides from the border-straddling Basque Country of Spain and France lend insights on their home turf, plus advice for enjoying it. And a pair of British guides describe a few of their favorite historic villages in the west of England, where the traditions of its scenic countryside are alive and well.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 04, 2021
649 Bowen Island, BC; Arctic Wisdom; Warsaw
52:00

Listen in as a University of British Columbia professor describes the woodsy charm of Bowen Island, just offshore from Vancouver, and a nature photographer shares what he's learned from decades of working amid the often-surprising light of the Alaskan Arctic. Then hear how Poland's capital city has shaken off its difficult 20th-century history to become a vibrant 21st-century metropolis that's well worth exploring.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 28, 2021
580a Villages of Tuscany; Megafauna
52:00

American-born tour guides who've settled in Tuscany explain why it's an ideal region for experiencing the essence of Italy. And the curator of mammalogy at the American Museum of Natural History tells us what scientists are learning about the fantastic beasts that used to roam the Earth — as they investigate why they went extinct.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 21, 2021
648 Becoming a Digital Nomad; Window Seat; Spirit of the Grand Canyon
52:00

Get tips on becoming a "digital nomad" from an American who relocated to the Republic of Georgia. Then consider ideas for taking a deeper look at the US as a geologist shares advice on making the most of the view from your next domestic flight, and an Arizona novelist describes how the overwhelming beauty of the Grand Canyon inspires her writing.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 14, 2021
647 Algarve Coast; Fijian Customs; What Pandemic Showed Me
52:00

Find out what makes the coastline of southern Portugal's Algarve region an ideal destination for family vacations. And learn about some of Fiji's most interesting customs as a guidebook author describes how the indigenous population of this South Pacific island nation has maintained its cultural identity. Plus listeners share tales of how the pandemic has impacted their lives and travels.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 07, 2021
646 Daughter of Peru; Married to Bhutan; Barcelona Guide
52:00

Journalist and author Marie Arana describes her cross-cultural experience of growing up in both Peru and the US, and another author, Linda Leaming — one of very few Americans to ever live in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan — shares her experiences of teaching in and marrying into Bhutanese culture. Plus Spanish tour guide Jorge Román joins Rick to discuss what made Barcelona a booming tourism destination before the pandemic, and offers suggestions for visiting the city's less touristy attractions.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 31, 2021
645 Romantic Rhine; Indian Ocean Journeys; Where I'm Going
52:00

A pair of seasoned tour guides discuss the romantic allure of Germany's Rhine Valley, and author David Mould recounts his journeys in the Indian Ocean region while sharing what he's loved most from his time in India, Bangladesh, and Madagascar. Plus, with some restrictions on international travel winding down, listeners tell us where they're most eager to venture next.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 24, 2021
556a Flamenco Fan; Four Seasons in Lesotho; Faux Pas
52:00

A flamenco enthusiast from Sweden explains her lifelong passion for the fiery dance traditions of southern Spain. Then writer Will McGrath tells us what he learned from his neighbors while living in southern Africa's small mountainous nation of Lesotho. And Rick checks in with listeners to hear how the mistakes they've made as travelers became openings to connect with local culture.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 17, 2021
644 Underappreciated Paris Museums; Many Lives of the Louvre; Cote D'Azur
52:00

Get ideas for visiting some of Paris' unique, under-appreciated small museums, as well as tips for tackling its massive grande dame, the Louvre — and an author's insights into the former palace's remarkable history. And French tour guides tell us what they love best about the cities along the Mediterranean's sparkling Cote d'Azur.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 10, 2021
643 Pandemic Road Trip; Corona Wanderlust; American Surprises
52:00

Esteemed travel writer Paul Theroux recounts his cross-country adventure driving from Cape Cod to southern California amid a pandemic, and Don George of National Geographic Traveler describes how he's dealt with wanderlust while staying close to home. Then Laurence Brown of YouTube series Lost in the Pond shares a few of the surprises he's found since moving to America from England.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 03, 2021
569a Best National Park Experiences; Northland; San Francisco Day Trips
52:00

Writer Porter Fox tells us what he discovered when he followed the US-Canada border from Maine to Washington State. Then writer and photographer Becky Lomax shares her favorite national park experiences. And guidebook author Kimberley Lovato recommends day trip options for enjoying beaches, redwood groves, and wineries within easy reach of San Francisco.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 26, 2021
642 Turkish Market; Tour Industry; Inclusivity
52:00

After learning why a midday stop at the public market is always a good idea in Turkey, get an insider's look at how the tour industry is rebuilding itself as Rick and the head of Perillo Tours compare notes on what the road to normalcy looks like for their companies. And New York Times travel writer Tariro Mzezewa examines what "inclusivity" really means for African-American travelers.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 19, 2021
641 Finding Europe in America; Cruise Ship Nightmare; Iceland Backcountry
52:00

Get ideas and tips from TV host Samantha Brown for finding little corners of Europe in the New World, then hear an author's dramatic firsthand account of a near catastrophe on a cruise ship caught powerless in a freak winter storm off the coast of Norway. And a tour guide takes us to the wild, windy, and wonder-inspiring backcountry of Iceland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 12, 2021
640 Invisible City; Under the Wave at Waimea
52:00

There's an invisible layer to the city where you live. It's meant to make your life easier, but is easy to overlook. Roman Mars of the podcast "99% Invisible" helps us examine how our urban environments are designed. And author Paul Theroux tells us how he explores getting older and the surfing culture near his home on Oahu's North Shore in his latest novel, "Under the Wave at Waimea." 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 05, 2021
554a Why I Love Rome; Garden Lust; Mountain Switzerland
52:00

There's something about the city of Rome that lets you know you get to be part of its incredible history. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear how the locals love their city, even with all its flaws. The author of "Garden Lust" tells us about his favorite contemporary botanical gardens around the world. And we get advice for hiking and touring in the Swiss Alps.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 29, 2021
639 Mid-American Feast; All the Way to the Tigers; Feedback
52:00

Enjoy a picnic of comfort foods from the American Midwest, as Matthew Gavin Frank describes a few of his favorites. Author Mary Morris tells us what she discovered on a challenging winter trip to central India, when she decided to travel "All the Way to the Tigers." And listeners share recommendations and feedback with Rick from what they've heard on recent episodes of the show.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 22, 2021
638 Sailing in Oslo; Underland; Beyond Amsterdam
52:00

There's a largely unknown world to explore, right beneath your feet. Author Robert Macfarlane tells us what he finds intriguing about the "Underland." Plus, hop aboard for a sail to Oslo. And Dutch tour guides help us plan a trip to the Netherlands, where they recommend Haarlem, cycling to the sea, and other attractions beyond the usual sights in Amsterdam.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 15, 2021
286b Mother's Day: Sweet Home Croatia; An American Mother in Paris
52:00

On our Mother's Day edition, we hear what it was like to relocate a Midwestern family to the Croatian village their great-grandparents came from. An American who married a Frenchman tells us what it’s like raising a child in Paris. We go on a sentimental family trip to San Francisco, and hear how mamma is center stage in Sicily. Plus Rick pays tribute to his late mother, who influenced him to become a traveler.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 08, 2021
637 Versailles; Reporting from West Africa; Orthodox Easter Traditions
52:00

New York Times correspondent Dionne Searcey tells us about her work as the paper's West Africa bureau chief, where her team's reporting on the women kidnapped by Boko Haram won them a Pulitzer. Learn how the palace of Versailles was built to impress — and still does so for visitors today. And hear about the elaborate traditions of Bulgaria and Greece for Orthodox Easter.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 01, 2021
636 Athens Neighborhoods; Digital Nomads; Venice Lagoon
52:00

An American "digital nomad" tells us how he's figured out how to work from home, overseas in the Republic of Georgia. Guides from Athens tell us how their city became a cleaner, more attractive metropolis for exploring ancient and modern Greece after they spiffed up for the 2004 Olympics. And we wade into the issues behind the flooding that often threatens Venice.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 24, 2021
635 The Habsburgs; Lost in the Pond; Arabic Friends
52:00

Laurence Brown explores a few of the memos that must have gotten "lost in the pond" between the US and Britain. Zora O'Neill tells us how studying the Arabic language might not prepare you for talking to everyday people in today's Arab world. And hear how the most important royal family in Europe earned their titles the old fashioned way — by marrying into them.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 17, 2021
482a Sevilla April Fair; Walking England; City Squares
52:00

A tour guide from Sevilla explains how the annual April Fair will animate her city again when the pandemic is finished. Guides from England share their favorite places to enjoy your own piece of the English countryside, on any of the hundreds of walking trails in Britain. And we explore how public squares can make all the difference in how a great city defines itself.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 10, 2021
634 Holy Land Easter; Mudlarking; Higher Tides
52:00

A London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian era, and even as far back as Roman times. Plus, hear what high tides threaten to bring to coastal communities around the world, and celebrate Easter at sites mentioned in the Bible.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 03, 2021
633 Granada; Mount Ararat; Colombia's Rio Magdalena
52:00

Guides from Spain highlight the historical treasures you can find in Granada today, including the impressive Islamic art of its Alhambra palace. Rick Antonson tells us how he climbed to the top of Mount Ararat in Turkey and about its significance to nearby Armenians. And anthropologist Wade Davis explains how the flow of the Rio Magdalena helps define today's nation of Colombia.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 27, 2021
318a Springtime in Basque Country; Irish Song
52:00

You'll find one of the oldest cultures in Europe along the Atlantic coast of Spain and France. We'll explore Basque Country with two guides who have deep family roots in the region. We'll also visit the island of Innishmore in Ireland's Aran Islands. And we'll extend our St. Patrick's Day observance by hearing how nearly every town in Ireland comes with its own special song.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 20, 2021
632 Galway; A Week in Ireland; Brittany
52:00

We'll help you start your travel plans for when the pandemic is behind us with an all-Celtic hour. Tour guides from Ireland offer insider advice for visiting Galway and the west of Ireland, and for planning a week's itinerary to the Emerald Isle. We'll also pop over to the Celtic corner of France to hear what makes Brittany a special destination to visit.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 13, 2021
631 The Ravenmaster; Future Travel; Tour Business in 2021
52:00

A Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London explains why a British legend about ravens is being put to the test. A New York Times reporter tells us how people are hoping to travel safely again. The head of Perillo Tours describes how his company dealt with the loss of business over the past year. And Rick reveals how he got the notion to become a travel writer more than 40 years ago on the moors of England.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 06, 2021
630 Portugal's Art and Architecture; Breakfast With Polygamists; Jack London's Yukon
52:00

Travel writer Dave Seminara tells us how curiosity led him to meet with healers in the jungles of Nicaragua and Belize. Plus, Richard Grant tells us how a Yukon winter in Dawson City inspired Jack London to become a writer; tour guides from Lisbon point out the art that colors the streets of Portugal; and we get a close-up appreciation of Leonardo's Mona Lisa.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 27, 2021
534a Crete; Alaska's Tip of the Iceberg; Darwin Comes to Town
52:00

A Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution is happening faster than we used to think all over the world. Plus, travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska to follow what the Harriman Expedition saw in 1899. And we'll hear how the Greek island of Crete offers a natural experience unlike any other.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 20, 2021
629 Loving French Cheese; More Cities of China; Carnival in Venice & Rhineland
52:00

While this year's Mardi Gras parties were called off because of the pandemic, we'll bring you a virtual celebration of Carnival — a social safety valve for letting off steam since the Middle Ages in Venice and Cologne. We'll also explore more of China's booming megacities with the head of the Young China Group and enjoy the local artisan cheeses you can find all over France.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 13, 2021
628 Amtrakistan; Astronaut's View; Renaissance Florence
52:00

Find out what taking high-definition photos of Earth through the windows of the International Space Station revealed to astronaut Chris Hadfield. Hear why writer Eric Weiner prefers spending four days on Amtrak over a cross-country flight. And get inspired to view the Renaissance treasures of Florence.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 06, 2021
627 Guanajuato & Querétaro; Patricia Schultz Places to See; Where I Really Want to Go
52:00

With a global pandemic playing havoc with travel plans, we can take refuge in our fondest travel memories and look at places to go next. We'll explore what the picturesque cities of central Mexico have to offer. And the author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die recommends some of her favorite destinations. Plus, listeners share where they hope to visit once it's safe to travel overseas again.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 30, 2021
626 Unraveling America; Spanish Civil War Sites; Photogenic Scotland
52:00

A Canadian observer of America's malaise offers what he calls an "intervention" to his friends in the USA. Plus, we'll explore Spain's civil war with a pair of Spanish tour guides whose families still feel the after-effects of the Franco era decades later. And we make time to find beauty in the Gothic stained-glass marvel of Saint-Chappelle in Paris and the photogenic landscapes of Scotland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 23, 2021
550a Expats in Italy; Maeve in America
52:00

American ex-pats tell us why they chose to make a new home for themselves in Italy — and how they make it work. And Irish comedian Maeve Higgins explains what it's been like moving to New York from a small town in County Cork and getting accustomed to American ways. She also tells us about the stories of fellow immigrants that she has gotten to know.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 16, 2021
625 Snowdonia; Outposts; Natural Slovenia
52:00

British travel writer Dan Richards explores the historic outposts and refuges you can visit that are scattered among some of the most dramatic scenery on earth. Plus, local guides tell us about the outdoor possibilities in their home turf, from Wales' highest views at Snowdonia National Park to the surprises you'll find in the elaborate underground caves of Slovenia. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 09, 2021
624 Greek Mythology Sites; National Parks Year; Travel Memories
52:00

Guides from Greece tell us about the significant places you can visit to better understand the world of the ancient Greeks. Journalist Conor Knighton describes how he made an epic New Year's resolution happen by visiting all of America's National Parks in 12 months. And listeners share their standout travel memories, as we await the chance to explore the world again.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 02, 2021
549a Searching for Stars; Stoked My Spirit; Champagne
52:00

MIT Professor Alan Lightman tells us how a little time alone with the night sky in Maine illuminated his awareness of the universe, and his place in it. Also, listeners share travel experiences that really "stoked their spirit." And we get ready to welcome in the new year with a toast to Champagne, and the region in France where the bubbly comes from.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 26, 2020
548a German Christmas Markets; Christmas Memories Madrid, Sicily, Ireland, Hebrides
52:00

Brighten your socially distanced holidays by looking at the extra observances our friends in Europe normally celebrate this time of year. Listen in as Rick's friends from Germany, Spain, Sicily, Ireland, and Scotland tell us how they have traditionally enjoyed the holidays where they live.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 19, 2020
623 Christmas in Holland, Santa Fe, Venice; Wassailing; Holiday Travels
52:00

Take a virtual vacation to spice up this year's stay-at-home holidays: We'll hear about the festive customs people in Holland, Venice, Santa Fe, and England have for celebrating the Christmas season, and listeners tell us where they'd like to travel again in December.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 12, 2020
622 UK Royals; Lost Pianos of Siberia; Action in the Piazza
52:00

"Have you got a piano?" Sophy Roberts tells us how that simple question warmed her up to the people of Siberia on a search for historic pianos in the Russian Far East. Plus, find out how you can get close to the sites and treasures of the British royal family. And author Frances Mayes explains how piazzas play a vital role in the life of Italian towns and cities — and shares her personal favorites. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 05, 2020
621 Italian Wine and Music; Nomadland USA
52:00

Jessica Bruder, author of the book that the new movie "Nomadland" is based on, tells us how she learned firsthand how thousands of older Americans survive on seasonal temp work while living in RVs. We'll also hear about the wines Italians prefer and the songs that get requested the most in Italy. Plus, Rick describes the "bella chaos" he's enjoyed when strolling the streets of Naples.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 28, 2020
544a Bulgarian Feast; Gascony Gastronomy; Italian Olive Oil
52:00

Find out how living in the crosshairs of cultural battlelines in the Balkans has made Bulgaria one of Europe's most interesting places to eat. Food writer David McAninch reveals what makes the food traditions of Gascony different from the rest of France. And tour guides from southern Italy tell us what Italians expect in a good olive oil.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 21, 2020
620 Frankfurt; Ghostways; Where I Really Want to Go
52:00

We look beyond the dazzling skyscrapers of Frankfurt to find the city's street-level charms, with the help of a friendly pair of German tour guides. Author Robert Macfarlane tells us about two of England's most mysterious landscapes, in Dorset and Suffolk, which he finds himself drawn to. And Rick checks with more listeners on how they're coping with this year's canceled travel plans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 14, 2020
619 Paprika; Silver Sword and Stone; Galicia
52:00

Tour guides from Hungary set us straight on their country's love of paprika and what a good goulash is supposed to be. Author Marie Arana looks at how a thousand years of history can help explain the differences between the countries of Latin America and the US. And we'll explore why Galicia — a lesser-known corner of Spain — is where Spaniards like to escape from the heat and the crowds.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 07, 2020
382b Pirates of the Carolinas; Faeries of Ireland; Ghosts of San Francisco
52:00

Just in time for Halloween and All Souls Day, we'll explore the legacy of the real-life pirates who operated off the Carolina coast of colonial America. A pair of Irishmen clue us in to their country's traditions about the different orders of faery people that some believe inhabit Ireland. And we'll learn about ghost sightings in San Francisco and the stories that come with them.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 31, 2020
618 Medellin; Traveling with Gloria Steinem and David McCullough
52:00

Rick compares notes with travel writer Dave Seminara on Medellín, Colombia, as the "City of Eternal Spring" tries to shake off its former reputation for cartel violence and promote itself as a safe and family-friendly destination. Plus, we relive two of our favorite interviews, hearing how important travel has been to the work of writer and activist Gloria Steinem and historian David McCullough.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 24, 2020
617 Dutch Masters; Where I Want to Go; Bird Brains
52:00

Find out what the art of the Dutch Masters can reveal about the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, and why Holland and Belgium were so different from the rest of Europe. Learn about the intelligence and personalities of different bird species around the world, and what they might teach us about what it means to be human. Plus listeners share where they want to go next, after their travel plans have been postponed by this year's global shutdowns.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 17, 2020
542a Wild West Ghost Towns; Heroes of Ireland; Savage Harvest
52:00

Author Jim Hinckley recommends Old West ghost towns you can still visit, before they fade away. Irish singer Cathie Ryan shares how Ireland remembers its heroes in the lyrics of traditional songs. And journalist Carl Hoffman tells us what he learned about the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller, who vanished in 1961 while on an art-buying expedition in the jungles of New Guinea.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 10, 2020
616 Zagreb; Natchez; Leave Only Footprints
52:00

Learn why Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is a hidden gem for visitors to eastern central Europe, where tourist crowds have never been a problem. Author Richard Grant tells us why Natchez is called the quirkiest town in Mississippi, and what its slave-owning history can teach America today. And reporter Conor Knighton tells us what he learned after spending a year exploring every US national park.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 03, 2020
615 Places to Fly Fish; Monsoon Postcards; Copenhagen
52:00

Get inspired to fly-fish in some of the world's most beautiful waters; hear what challenges people overcome every day in the countries that border the Indian Ocean; and get ready to enjoy yourself in convivial Copenhagen.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 26, 2020
614 Bulgarian Festivals; Paul Theroux Travels; Checking In
52:00

Travel writer Paul Theroux shares what he looks for when he travels — experiences that turn into best-selling books and take readers on adventures around the world. We'll also hear how festivals in Bulgaria celebrate the nation's history, folk culture, and the changing seasons. And listeners tell us where they hope to be able to travel next, when the pandemic is under control.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 19, 2020
523a Language Vacations; Ex-Pat Mexico City; YOLO Los Angeles
52:00

An American ex-pat tells us why he's made Mexico City his home for the past 25 years and how the Mexican capital is becoming a magnet for people from around the Americas. We'll also look at the fun things you can do only in Los Angeles, when the city gets back to its own version of normal again. And a language buff recommends the benefits of studying a new language overseas.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 12, 2020
613 Lockdown in Honolulu and Edmonds; Santorini; Blue Mind
52:00

Rick tells us what it's like to spend his first summer at home in decades. We get an update on how Honolulu is faring without tourist crowds. We'll hear what the Greeks like best about their most popular vacation island, Santorini. And a marine biologist explains how being near the water — even if it's just in a bowl on the table — can help reduce stress and ease your state of mind.  

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 05, 2020
612 Inland West Coast Roadtrips; Making Scottish Music; Oddball English Festivals
52:00

Explore the traditions of Scotland in a special studio concert with folk musicians Jim and Susie Malcolm. We'll also look at some of the quirkier festivals you can find in England. And we'll get you ready to cruise the inland back roads of California and the Pacific Northwest, in search of farm stands, scenic parks, and gentle touches of Americana.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 29, 2020
444a Urban Australia; Epic Family Road Trip; Nordic Cousins
52:00

Get an inside look at the mostly friendly rivalry between Sweden and Norway (naturally, it comes with a few old jokes). We'll also meet the traveling Elliott family, who visited Rick in the middle of a pre-Covid, cross-country road trip; they have tips for making a long road trip work for the whole family. And we'll explore Australia's urbanized east coast, from Melbourne to Brisbane.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 22, 2020
611 Pico in Lockdown; Socrates Express; Fiji
52:00

Writer Pico Iyer looks for silver linings to the pandemic lockdowns. Eric Weiner explores the life lessons he gained by visiting the home turf of the world's great thinkers and philosophers. And the author of a guidebook to Fiji shares the tourism highlights of the South Pacific nation where her family has lived for generations.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 15, 2020
610 London Layover; Tower of London; Day Trips
52:00

Join us for a jolly good "Hour of London": Once we can fly to Europe again, hear how you can plan a quick visit to the city when you have a long layover at Heathrow. Get inspired by nearby day trips that are easy to arrange when you're staying in London. And discover why there's a Ravenmaster who guards a thousand years of history at the Tower of London.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 08, 2020
609 Locked Down in Switzerland and Belgium; Reykjavík Day Trips; Mongol Derby
52:00

Meet the first woman — and youngest contestant — to win the world's longest endurance horse race across the wilds of Mongolia. Explore the beauty of Iceland on a day trip from the capital, Reykjavík. And hear what the pandemic lockdown has been like for Rick's friends in Belgium and Switzerland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 01, 2020
511a Open Phones: Travel Plans; Buffy Sainte-Marie; The Yellow Envelope
52:00

Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie tells us how her activist album "Medicine Songs" raises awareness about our place in today's world. Author Kim Dinan tells us how a yellow envelope a friend gave her set the tone for a three-year, round-the-world adventure. And listeners share concerns they have as they plan their next overseas travels.    

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 25, 2020
608 Checking on Friends in New York and Italy; Lessons From Nature
52:00

As a summer close-to-home unfolds, Rick checks in with friends in New York and Italy: Cultural maven Fred Plotkin tells us how he's used the downtime to start new projects, and tour guides from Rome, Venice, and Siena describe what their cities' gradual re-openings have meant to them. Plus, nature writer Gary Ferguson shares eight master lessons Mother Nature wants to teach us.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 18, 2020
607 Romantic Bridges and Little Museums of Paris; Burgundy
52:00

There's always something new to discover and enjoy when you visit Paris. We'll take a closer look at the beautiful bridges that set the stage for a romantic walk along the Seine as well as the marvels and delights you can find in the city's many specialty museums and galleries. And for the pleasure of slowing down to savor the moment, we'll explore Burgundy, a couple hours south of the capital.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 11, 2020
606 Aniakchak; Here Lies America; Ballpark Boys
52:00

After visiting battlefield monuments and memorials, Jason Cochran saw how American history has been written and re-written. He tells us how the Civil War still factors into how his native South views itself. We'll also look at the ultimate summer adventure in social distancing on the Alaska Peninsula and hear how a group of high-school buddies road-tripped to every Major League Baseball stadium.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 04, 2020
605 Vancouver Tourism; Buffalo Hometown Pride; Bosnia
52:00

Eager for the Canada-US border to reopen? Whet your appetite to visit Vancouver and Buffalo: A former tourism exec explains issues the industry faces in Canada's West Coast metropolis, and a travel writer from Buffalo rediscovers his hometown's resilience and the fun you can find on either side of the Niagara River. We'll also hear what Bosnia offers as a diamond-in-the-rough destination. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 27, 2020
510a Megalopolis; Copenhagen's Christiania; Teenagers in Europe
52:00

An architecture professor from Italy compares the scope of today's mega-cities with the more human scale of Venice. A pair of documentary producers tell us what they found when they got to know the residents of a legendary commune in the middle of Copenhagen. And we get mom-tested advice for making everyone happy on an overseas trip with teenagers.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 20, 2020
604 West Coast Roadtrip; Southern Eats; Travel Kindness
52:00

Chandler O'Leary recommends highlights for a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Diego to the Olympic Peninsula. Matthew Gavin Frank describes some of the quintessential local dishes you can enjoy across the South. And listeners remember people they encountered in their travels, where a simple act of kindness became a lifelong memory.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 13, 2020
603 Millennial Netherlands; Walking Edinburgh; Week in Andalucía
52:00

A pair of millennial tour guides from the Netherlands describe the fun their generation looks forward to having again when their country returns to normal. Scottish guides recommend stops to explore when you walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Hear what you shouldn't miss when you visit the Andalucía region of southern Spain. And Rick develops a case of "Venus envy" in the museums of Europe. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 06, 2020
488a Enjoy Your Seat; Lisbon Neighborhoods; Buenos Aires Bio
52:00

Get stoked for when we can travel again with expert advice on enjoying Lisbon's intimate and historic neighborhoods. Architecture critic James Gardner tells us why he bought an apartment in Buenos Aires, where European elegance and Latin culture combine. And frequent traveler Wendy Simmons shares tips for enjoying your time in the air the next time you take a long-distance flight.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 30, 2020
602 How Berlin Remembers; Turkish Delights; Travel to Bhutan
52:00

Learn about the traditional Turkish comfort foods and desserts that you can enjoy from the shops and street vendors of Istanbul. An American who's married to an artist in Bhutan explains what's required for visitors to tour the Himalayan kingdom. And guides from Germany describe the monuments to their country's turbulent history that you'll find in Berlin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 23, 2020
601 Looking for Rome; The End of Ice; Earth Day
52:00

Is it really too late? A mountain-climbing journalist explains why he says the accelerating effects of global warming have put the earth in hospice — and what it requires to turn it around. We'll also hear what the original Earth Day accomplished 50 years ago, and we'll take a closer look at Rome, where viewing more than 2,000 years of history can teach us a few things about our own civilization.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 16, 2020
598 Europe Day Hikes; Orlando 2020; Swiss Cities
52:00

Find out how the Disney and Universal theme parks compete for your time and money, and what other things you can plan to enjoy when attractions open up again in Orlando and central Florida. And get inspired to build a day hike into your travel plans or explore the attractions of Switzerland's most interesting cities the next time you're in Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 09, 2020
600 Notre Dame Fire; Pilgrim Trails; Holy Rover
52:00

On our 15th-anniversary edition of Travel with Rick Steves, Rick explores designing your own spiritual pilgrimage: Tim Egan shares what the trail from Canterbury to Rome showed him about his own religious skepticism; Lori Erickson explains how spiritual travels informed her view of the world as a clergywoman; and Elaine Sciolino remembers how the world responded to the fire at Notre-Dame.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 02, 2020
505a Gili Islands; All-Season Australia; Unforgettable Travels
52:00

We revisit interviews from 2017 about the motor-free Gili Islands of Indonesia as alternatives to the crowded tourist scene on nearby Bali. A guide from Australia shares all-season recommendations for getting away from it all Down Under. And listeners tell us about their most memorable travel adventures.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 25, 2020
575a Europe Hiking; Exploring Athens; Grooviest Gardens
52:00

Get inspired to rediscover the world when it's safe to travel again with an episode that takes us to a number of special outdoor venues. We'll get more ideas for exploring the long-distance hiking trails of Europe, find out about improvements to the neighborhoods of Athens, and discover the world's most interesting contemporary gardens.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 18, 2020
481a Saints of Spain; David Suchet — Footsteps of St. Paul; Michelangelo In Florence
52:00

Tour guides from Spain explain the importance of saints to the Spanish national identity — and as a reason for holding a festival. Actor David Suchet tells us what he discovered about his faith when he filmed a documentary about the first-century travels of St. Paul. And Rick chats with art historian Miles J. Unger about the masterpieces Michelangelo created in Florence.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 11, 2020
599 Weekend in Eger; China 2020; Open Phones
52:00

Find out why the Old-World town of Eger, in northern Hungary, is such a popular weekend getaway from Budapest. The head of the Young China Group updates us on how the millennial generation has been coping lately in China. And listeners remind Rick that you're never too old to travel.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 04, 2020
521a Berner Oberland; T.T. Williams' Utah; The Philippines
52:00

Author Terry Tempest Williams explains why she purchased oil leases near her home in the Utah desert to protest removing protections in a national monument. Travel writer Kiki Deere tells us why the Philippines is one of her favorite countries to visit. And a tour guide who mapped hiking trails in Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley talks about the area's Alpine thrills.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 28, 2020
451a Lighthouses; Being Welsh; Stanway House
52:00

Learn about the important role lighthouses played in the 19th century, and find out where you can visit interesting ones in the US and France. We'll also hear from a Welsh tour guide on the pride that comes from belonging to a distinctive corner of Great Britain, with its own language and traditions. And Rick visits England's Stanway House, a slightly eccentric version of Downton Abbey.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 21, 2020
597 Dublin Walk; Immortal Irishman; Aran Islands
52:00

It's an all-Irish hour, as tour guides from Dublin and the West point out what you can find on a walking tour of the Irish capital and share why the rugged Aran Islands are one of the top sites to explore Ireland's traditions. And author Timothy Egan explains the legacy of the most famous Irish American immigrant of the 19th century.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 14, 2020
596 San Miguel de Allende; Frances Mayes A Tavola; Scottish Nationalism; Olympic Flame
52:00

Discover why the city of San Miguel de Allende is attracting artists and retirees to Mexico, and why food in Italy is reliably good — even in restaurants you might find on a road trip. We'll also hear from a pair of pro-independence Scots on how Scottish nationalism is different by being left-of-center, and a Greek tour guide explains the origins of the Olympic Flame Lighting ceremony.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 07, 2020
595 The Story of Spanish; First Timer's Spain
52:00

Learn how Spanish became one of the world's most important languages, and get tips for enjoying your first trip to Spain and for tackling the massive art collection at the Prado in Madrid.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 29, 2020
594 Basque Carnaval; Venice Sinking; Ghosts in Papua New Guinea
52:00

Learn why acqua alta episodes are flooding Venice more frequently — and what it was like to live through a week of near-record floods last November. Hear what it takes to hike across Papua New Guinea on the notorious Kokoda Trail. And discover the traditions behind the February "Carnaval" celebrations in the Basque Country of France and Spain.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 22, 2020
395a Monet's Passion; The French House; Marrying Into Italy
52:00

Learn why Monet created colorful gardens at his house near Paris from an artist who helped restore them. Hear how renovating a house on an island off the coast of Brittany can feed your wild side. Three Americans explain the expectations of being married to an Italian (and living next to the in-laws). And an adventure cyclist shares the story of a timely romantic surprise.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 15, 2020
593 Low Country Showdown; The Seine; German Style
52:00

Writer Elaine Sciolino explains how the legendary Seine River made Paris into the vital, romantic city you find today. We'll also hear from German tour guides on how their country views its important social issues, and we'll learn the differences between the Belgians and the Dutch.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 08, 2020
592 Insider's Amalfi; Korean Nunchi; Feedback
52:00

Writer Euny Hong explains how a Korean system of non-verbal social skills works, and how it can help in your travels and your life. We also get insider information on enjoying Italy's scenic Amalfi Coast without getting stuck in tourist crowds or traffic. And listeners check in with Rick about travel concerns for shoulder season and where you may need to look over your shoulder.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 01, 2020
506a World of Atlas Obscura; Scottish Hebrides; Saudade in Portugal
52:00

The folks from Atlas Obscura tell us about many of the remarkable traditions they've encountered, including a few of the creepiest. We'll also discover the timeless character of Scotland's Hebrides islands — where you're more likely to overhear conversations in Scots Gaelic than English — and learn how to turn the blues into songs that make you feel better with the fado music of Portugal.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 25, 2020
591 Polynesian Explorers; Northern Greece; Greek To Me
52:00

Tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in Northern Greece, and "Comma Queen" Mary Norris explains what a love of Greek language and mythology can add to your own Greece odyssey. We'll also admire the seafaring skills of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with the Hawaiians.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 18, 2020
590 Heart of Haiti; Arctic Refuge
52:00

On the 10th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, journalist Catherine Porter tells Rick how the rescue of a 2-year-old girl brought hope to a desperate country — and changed her life, too. Plus, adventure traveler Christopher Solomon tells us what a recent trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge showed him about the forces battling over the largest wilderness refuge in the US.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 11, 2020
589 Paul Theroux's Mexico Journey; Ukraine for Tourists
52:00

One of the top American travel writers of our time, Paul Theroux, tells us about his recent road trip across Mexico to see for himself what the situation was like on the other side of the border. We'll also look at Ukraine as an up-and-coming Eastern European tourism destination with a lot to offer, at bargain prices.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 04, 2020
588 Travel Mode; Amsterdam Manners; Family Travel Plans
52:00

Make it your New Year's resolution to travel well. Writer Seth Kugel recommends a few rules for a "travel mode" that helps us focus on the world around us, and not on our phones. A Dutch tour guide helps us avoid the lines in Amsterdam to better enjoy and appreciate the city. And listeners share their upcoming family travel plans to Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 28, 2019
508a Another European Christmas
52:00

Warm up your holidays by including time-tested traditions from the Old World, as Rick learns how friends in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic celebrate Christmas. Potato salad and fish stew, anyone?

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 21, 2019
587 Cod in Portugal; Eating in Naples; Christmas Travels
52:00

Find out why cod is an important comfort food in Portugal, and get a taste of the treats found in Naples and the Campania region of Italy. We'll also hear from listeners on what they enjoy about traveling overseas during the Christmas season, and Rick checks in with an innkeeper in Dingle to learn how the west coast of Ireland gears up for the holidays.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 14, 2019
586 Travel Writers Travels; Autumn Light in Japan; Swedish Values
52:00

Pico Iyer explains why autumn is the perfect season for understanding the soul of Japan, Robert Reid recommends how to amp up your next vacation by traveling like a travel writer, and tour guides from Sweden share tips on keeping expenses in check and enjoying Scandinavia like a local.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 07, 2019
585 Pilgrim Trails of Italy; Wayfinding
52:00

What is relying on GPS doing to your brain? We'll explore our innate "Wayfinding" abilities with a science reporter who's investigated how some people are able to navigate with only natural features as their guide. Plus, enthusiasts of hiking Europe's medieval footpaths share what it's like to walk Italy's pilgrim trails to Rome.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 30, 2019
584 My Town; Lidia's Flavors of Italy; Wine Expert
52:00

The host of the TV show Lidia's Italy describes how the special of the day varies from region to region in the homes and restaurants of Italy. We'll also hear from a Madrid-based wine expert on tips to better enjoy what you're drinking, and listeners tell us what makes their hometowns feel special.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 23, 2019
503a The Nez Perce War; American Nomads
52:00

How much are we a product of our nation's history? Learn about the struggles between Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and US General Oliver Otis Howard in the years following the Civil War. We'll also hear about the growing number of older, "houseless" Americans living full time in RVs and camper vans: For some, it's the ultimate freedom; for others, it's all they have left.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 16, 2019
583 Provence; Germany This Year; Gdańsk
52:00

We commemorate the big anniversaries in Germany for the fall of the Berlin Wall and the birth of the Bauhaus art movement. We'll also hear how Poland's port city of Gdańsk is an important historical center, and comes recommended as an up-and-coming visitor destination. And hear how the French like to relax in Provence, in the sunny south of France.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 09, 2019
582 Istria; Wee County Louth; Tides
52:00

Tour guides discuss two of Europe's scenic and less-crowded peninsulas: Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and Ireland's Cooley Peninsula. Then a marine conservationist shares what he's discovered about the power of tides around the world — and how they affect you, even if you don't live near the shore.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 02, 2019
581 Recoleta Cemetery; Spooky Atlas Obscura; Near the Exit
52:00

Just in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead, meet some of the famous residents of Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery. Then take an armchair expedition to some of the spookiest places in the Atlas Obscura catalog. And hear what an Episcopal deacon has learned about how people around the world deal with death.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 26, 2019
461a Dracula's Romania; Discriminating London Guide; Travel Kindnesses
52:00

Find out about the ruthless 15th-century prince behind the Dracula legend, still a major source of tourism for Romania. Then get introduced to some of London's more sophisticated establishments, where you can dine and dress like a real gentleman or lady. And enjoy a taste of Diwali, India's "festival of lights" — plus hear from other listeners about unforgettable people they've met in their travels.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 19, 2019
580 Villages of Tuscany; Megafauna
52:00

American-born tour guides who've settled in Tuscany tell us why it's an ideal region for experiencing the essence of Italy. And the curator of mammalogy at the American Museum of Natural History tells us what scientists are learning about the fantastic beasts that used to roam the Earth — as they investigate why they went extinct.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 12, 2019
579 Kerouac's Firewatch; Erosion; USA National Parks
52:00

British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful perspective on our civic and social territory, as well as our physical. And photographer and guidebook writer Becky Lomax shares more of her favorite experiences in America's national parks.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 05, 2019
490a Travel Tech; Story of China; Take Your Child to Europe
52:00

Historian Michael Wood discusses how Westerners might better understand China, the world's new superpower, by learning more about its monumental achievements over the past 4,000 years. We'll also get time-tested advice from author Ashley Steel for taking the kids to Europe. Plus, Rick's son, Andy Steves, shares his favorite phone apps and other tech tips for travel.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 28, 2019
578 Walking Ljubljana; Munich and Bavaria; Wild Animals
52:00

The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich explains how to become a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest. And an adventure traveler shares why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 21, 2019
577 Magellan 500; Mexico City Neighborhoods; Ask Rick
52:00

Find out why Portugal isn't jumping on the Magellan 500th-anniversary bandwagon like their neighbors in Spain are. Then, guidebook author Julie Meade tells Rick which neighborhoods of Mexico City are the most fun to visit.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 14, 2019
576 Budget Travelers; Beginner's Guide to Japan; Ireland Today
52:00

Travel writer Seth Kugel offers eight tips for enjoying global travels with minimal expense. Then author Pico Iyer tells Rick how he keeps discovering new things about Japan and its people, even after living there for more than 30 years. And tour guides from Ireland share what's new in Dublin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 07, 2019
493a Rolling Blackouts; Language to Lend; Czech Beer
52:00

Cartoonist Sarah Glidden shares the insights she gained while getting to know the Kurdish people of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Then a Dutch "language spotter" recommends interesting foreign words we English speakers might want to borrow. And tour guides from Prague explain how sharing a beer is an important part of the social fabric in the Czech Republic.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 31, 2019
575 Europe Hiking; Exploring Athens; Grooviest Gardens
52:00

Author Cassandra Overby relays expert tips for exploring Europe's long-distance hiking trails. Then Greek tour guides discuss what's new in Athens' neighborhoods. And botanist Christopher Wood digs into the world's most interesting contemporary gardens.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 24, 2019
574 American Hawaii; Aloha Rodeo; Surfing Groundswell
52:00

Historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century, then journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world's greatest rodeo championship. And writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the rest of the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 17, 2019
494a Liechtenstein Day; Gelato; The English Moors
52:00

Hear about what it's like to celebrate National Day in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest — and wealthiest — countries. (Hint: Free beer at the palace!) Then learn the secret to gelato's distinctive smooth texture and get tips for picking the best gelato shop in any Italian town. And tour guides from Britain tell us why a hike in the wild and windy English moors can be a delightfully uncrowded way to escape into nature.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 10, 2019
573 Taste of Sicily; Cycling the Silk Road; Turkey 2019
52:00

Discover what makes the food in Sicily arguably the tastiest and most interesting in all of Italy. Then hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet. And Turkish tour guides give an update on tourism in Istanbul.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 03, 2019
572 Swiss Differences; EU Challenges; Elegant Hungary
52:00

Tour guides from across Europe discuss the European Union — and why Switzerland stands apart from its neighbors by not being an EU member. Plus, tour guides from Budapest recommend what to look for when you visit Hungary.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 27, 2019
571 Pluto; One Giant Leap; Astronaut's View
52:00

Space journalist Charles Fishman tells us how the Apollo 11 moonwalk became reality. Then Alan Stern, the head of NASA's New Horizons mission, tells us about their probe's fly-by of Pluto earlier this year. And astronaut Chris Hadfield describes the views of Earth from the International Space Station.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 20, 2019
570 The French; Paris Nightlife
52:00

The authors of "The Bonjour Effect" noticed that many problems foreigners encounter in France aren't due to not knowing the language, but rather not knowing how the French expect you to communicate with them. Now that their book has been translated into French, they tell us how their work has been received in France. And Rick shares tips for enjoying the Paris nightlife with two younger-generation tour guides, including his son, Andy!

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 13, 2019
476a American Women's History Sites; Diana Nyad; Wilderness Healing
52:00

Brent Glass, former director of the National Museum of American History, recommends places you can visit to commemorate the women who changed American history. Then endurance swimmer Diana Nyad tells us how she set a world record when she swam from Havana to Key West. And naturalist Gary Ferguson describes how the fierce nature of the wilderness can be a setting for both tragedy and healing.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 06, 2019
569 National Park Experiences; Northland; San Francisco Day Trips
52:00

Writer Porter Fox tells us what he discovered when he followed the US-Canada border from Maine to Washington State. Then, writer and photographer Becky Lomax shares her favorite National Park experiences. And guidebook author Kimberley Lovato recommends day trip options for enjoying beaches, redwood groves, and wineries within easy reach of San Francisco.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 29, 2019
568 Italy 2019; Today's Israel
52:00

Tour guides from Rome and Sorrento help listeners plan Italian adventures and let us in on how some things work — or don't work — in Italy. Then journalist Martin Fletcher tells us about living in Israel as well as the political pressures that will prevent a resolution to Israeli-Palestinian tensions from happening anytime soon.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 22, 2019
567 Hokkaido; Arctic Solitaire; Bloomsday in Dublin
52:00

Get tips from an American-Japanese author for experiencing the rugged allure of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Then hear from a nature photographer what it's like to spend a summer boating up Hudson Bay in search of polar bears. And learn all about how Dubliners celebrate Bloomsday — good fun even if you still haven't finished Ulysses.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 15, 2019
480a Turn Right at Machu Picchu; Sarah Vowell-Lafayette; Scotch
52:00

Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu, just a century after it was revealed to the outside world. Then author and radio commentator Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 08, 2019
566 Atlas Obscura for Kids; D-Day Sites; Lisbon 2019
52:00

The co-founder of Atlas Obscura, the online almanac of unusual places, recommends destinations sure to fascinate curious kids. Then a military historian from Normandy offers insights and advice for visiting the beaches where, 75 years ago this week, D-Day turned the tide of World War II. And tour guides from Lisbon share tips for enjoying Portugal's vibrant capital city.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 01, 2019
565 'Greatest Treasure Hunt'; 100 Things to Do in San Francisco
52:00

The founder of the Monuments Men Foundation joins us to consider what the world would be like had the Mona Lisa or Michelangelo's David been destroyed in World War II, and describes the work of the team who took heroic steps to protect Europe's art treasures from wartime damage and Nazi theft. Then a guidebook author shares tips for enjoying the rainbow of attractions, flavors, and summer festivals that make San Francisco a perpetually exciting place to visit.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 25, 2019
564 Paddle Pilgrim Norway; Spain 2019; In Praise of Wasting Time
52:00

A memoirist describes the challenges and delights of kayaking Norway's spectacular fjords, then tour guides from Madrid share tips for planning a memorable trip to Spain. And author Alan Lightman discusses the value of unplugging as a way of better understanding and appreciating the world around us.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 18, 2019
325b Desert Wisdom of Terry Tempest Williams; Sahara by Motorbike
52:00

Naturalist Terry Tempest Williams reflects on a mystery left behind by her late mother, and explains her drive to speak out on behalf of the rugged Utah wilderness she calls home. Then a tour guide from Italy describes how he likes to get away from it all: on a motorbike across the vast Sahara desert.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 11, 2019
563 Tides; New Horizons Beyond Pluto; London Gardens
52:00

Extend your vicarious travels beyond the solar system by listening in as the head of NASA's New Horizons project describes his mission to explore beyond Pluto. Then learn about the world's craziest tidal action, and the "celestial dance" that causes it, from a marine conservationist. And hear from English tour guides about their favorite experiences in London’s many inviting parks and gardens.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 04, 2019
562 Walking Amsterdam; European Hiking Trails; Ask Rick
52:00

To celebrate King's Day in the Netherlands, tour guides for Amsterdam join us to recommend strategies for enjoying this scenic city on foot. Then the author of "Explore Europe on Foot" makes the case for exploring Europe via its long-distance hiking trails — at your own pace and away from the crowds. And listeners get Rick's advice on their summer vacation plans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 27, 2019
561 Green Oslo; English Cathedrals; Slovenian Cuisine
52:00

Find out why Oslo has proudly been declared 2019's "European Green Capital." Then hear all about England's most beautiful and historically important cathedrals, from Canterbury's to the York Minster. And get a taste of the comfort foods you can savor in Slovenia, where the culinary influences of neighboring countries add variety to the menu.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 20, 2019
560 Enjoying National Parks; France 2019; Puzzle of Polynesia
52:00

As National Parks Week approaches, a guidebook author joins us to share ideas for exploring America’s 59 national parks. Then tour guides to France help listeners plan their summer voyages, with advice for marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, and enjoying a "babymoon" in Paris. Plus, the author of "Sea People" tells the fascinating story of how Polynesians came to populate the most far-flung islands on earth. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 13, 2019
559 Dutch Climate Change Strategies; Nina Khrushcheva In Putin's Footsteps
52:00

We'll hear some of the ways the Netherlands — a country that can’t afford time to argue about climate change — is protecting its citizens from steadily rising seas. Then international-affairs professor Nina Khrushcheva, great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, tells us what she learned about her motherland when she traveled to towns in all eleven of its time zones, with a focus on understanding the Russian heartland’s strong support for Vladimir Putin. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 06, 2019
413a Folk Music of Italy; Swiss Watching; Weekend in Wales
52:00

A musician from Orvieto provides examples of the different styles of folk music you can enjoy across Italy, then a British ex-pat tells us what it's like to live in Switzerland — and explains why the Swiss are deliberately different from the rest of their European neighbors. And one of the top Welsh tour guides shares pointers for fun things to explore on a weekend in Wales.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 30, 2019
558 See You in the Piazza; Populism in My Country
52:00

Best-selling author Frances Mayes tells us about her favorite uncrowded corners of Italy, away from the crush of Italy's top tourist destinations. And we'll get a personal take on the current political scene in Hungary, Poland, and Turkey, where conservative populism has changed and challenged these countries' democratic structures.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 23, 2019
557 Speaking in Irish; On the Wind; Irish Craic
52:00

Hear how the Irish language, once banned by English colonial rulers, has re-assumed its place at the heart of Irish identity. Then listen in as musician Kieran O'Hare explains why he finds Irish bagpipes more pleasing than the better-known Scottish ones, and plays a few traditional tunes on the Irish tin whistle. And eavesdrop on a pair of Irishmen from opposite ends of the island as they share a beer and a little banter with Rick.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 16, 2019
556 Flamenco Fan; Four Seasons in Lesotho; Faux Pas
52:00

A flamenco enthusiast from Sweden explains her lifelong passion for the fiery dance traditions of southern Spain. Then writer Will McGrath tells us what he learned from his neighbors while living in southern Africa's small mountainous nation of Lesotho. And Rick checks in with listeners to hear how the mistakes they've made as travelers became openings to connect with local culture.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 09, 2019
555 First Timer's Brazil; What Brexit Means to Me; Guatemala Solutions
52:00

Travel writer Seth Kugel offers tips for first-time visitors to Brazil, then a team of European tour guides share their personal — and diverging — takes on the Brexit conundrum. And two leaders of an anti-poverty nonprofit explain their innovative approach for combating systemic poverty among farmers in Guatemala.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 02, 2019
360a Joanna Lumley's Travels; Holy Toledo; Good Night and God Bless
52:00

British actress and global traveler Joanna Lumley tells Rick why her family is revered in Bhutan, then Spanish tour guides describe the highlights of their country's spiritual capital, Toledo. Plus, guidebook author Trish Clark shares tips for finding an affordable room and a good breakfast in Europe's convents and monasteries.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 23, 2019
458a Adventure Divas; Norse Mythology; Acropolis
52:00

Get a taste of Norse mythology and a glimpse of the Vikings' complex view of the cosmos. Plus, hear how Athens' Acropolis remains a powerful symbol of civilized democracy 2,500 years since it was built, and learn about the courageous subjects of filmmaker Holly Morris' "Adventure Divas" documentary series.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 16, 2019
554 Why I Love Rome; Garden Lust; Mountain Switzerland
52:00

Hear why Romans love their city, even with all its flaws. Then take a deep breath of fresh audio air as author and garden designer/director Christopher Woods tells us about his favorite contemporary botanical gardens around the world. And listen in for advice on visiting Switzerland and hiking in the Alps.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 09, 2019
553 Curry Nation; Young China
52:00

Actress and cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey explains why clichés about British food are out of date — thanks mainly to the influence from immigrants. And the founder of the Young China Global Group explains what he's discovered about China's millennials — and about how their expectations for the future are changing China, and the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 02, 2019
552 London on a Budget; Why Not Russia; Somali Pirates
52:00

Michael Scott Moore tells us what it was like to spend nearly three years as a captive of Somali pirates. Travel writer Robert Reid thinks American media have a blind spot about travel to Russia. He tells us why he finds it an affordable and friendly country. Plus, guides from London share budget travel tips to help you enjoy their expensive city.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 26, 2019
551 Cappadocia; Scottish Troubadour; Northern Ireland Identity
52:00

Two Turkish tour guides paint an audio picture of the otherworldly region of Cappadocia, where you can get face-to-face with early Christian history. Then, just ahead of Burns Night, Scottish folk singer Jim Malcolm shares some of the poetry that adds depth to the traditional music of Scotland. And tour guides from Northern Ireland describe how their fellow countrymen have largely overcome sectarian strife, and discuss the questions that linger as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 19, 2019
417a Scandinavian Smackdown; Green Book Road Trips
52:00

Have you heard the one about the Swede, the Norwegian, and the Dane? Find out what Scandinavians tend to think about their Nordic neighbors, and the sometimes not-so-subtle differences that help give each country its distinct identity. Then listen in for the story of the US travel guide from the mid-20th century that helped African Americans find a welcome on the road.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 12, 2019
550 Expats in Italy; Maeve in America
52:00

Americans who've made a new home for themselves in Italy explain what took them to the land of "bella chaos," and how they make it work. Then Irish comedian Maeve Higgins describes her adjustment to American ways after moving to New York from a small town in County Cork.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 05, 2019
549 Searching for Stars; Stoked My Spirit; Champagne
52:00

Novelist and MIT physics professor Alan Lightman describes how a little time alone with Maine's night sky illuminated his awareness of the universe, and his place in it. Then listeners share stories of inspiring travel experiences, before we welcome the new year with a toast to Champagne — both the bubbly and its French region of origin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 29, 2018
548 German Christmas Markets; Christmas in Madrid, Sicily, Ireland, Hebrides
52:00

We'll look at what makes the cozy Christmas markets of Germanic Europe so treasured. Then we'll hear about special Christmastime traditions from around Europe, including Spain, Sicily, Ireland, and Scotland's Hebrides Islands.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 22, 2018
467a Holiday Roadfood; Best Chocolate in Europe; Holiday Travels; Prague Christmas
52:00

Food writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort grub served in America's roadside restaurants, then culinary-culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus a tour guide from Prague describes the traditions that at the heart of a cozy Czech Christmas.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 15, 2018
547 Gaudí's Sagrada Família; Globally Curious
52:00

An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernista architect had envisioned for Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Família church, and shares updates on the work to complete what Gaudí started 135 years ago. And travel writer Seth Kugel makes the case for letting serendipity play a role in your trip's itinerary.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 08, 2018
546 Greek Godmother; Lidia's American Dream; Promised Land
52:00

A Greece-based tour guide describes the elevated role of godparents in her adopted country, where godparents become a lifelong part of the child's family. Then TV chef Lidia Bastianich shares the story of her family's flight from Yugoslavia, and the successful family business they were able to start in America. And former NBC Middle East correspondent Martin Fletcher explains how his latest novel, set in Israel during its early years as a modern state, evokes the extraordinary drama of Israeli life in that era.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 01, 2018
545 Optimism in Armenia; Finding Chopin's Piano
52:00

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Peter Balakian describes the new positive spirit he encountered during his recent travels in Armenia, whose citizens have earned good reason to feel upbeat about their future. And composer Paul Kildea explains how Frederic Chopin's sublime 24 Preludes — written on a clunky mini-piano in an abandoned monastery in the middle of the Mediterranean — changed how the world hears music.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 24, 2018
544 Bulgarian Feast; Gascony Gastronomy; Italian Olive Oil
52:00

Find out what made Bulgaria one of Europe's most interesting places to eat. Food writer David McAninch reveals what makes the culinary traditions of Gascony tastier than in the rest of France. Plus, discover what Italians expect in a good olive oil.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 17, 2018
423a Back Door Balkans; World War I Sites; Kraków
52:00

Get insider advice for enjoying the less-visited corners of the Balkan Peninsula, from Bosnia's atmospheric mosques to Montenegro's scenic coast. And as we mark the centennial of the "Great War," hear about the most compelling places in Europe to learn about American soldiers' contributions to World War I. Plus, listen in as tour guides share their tips for enjoying Kraków, the cultural and spiritual capital of Poland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 10, 2018
543 Cities for Solo Travelers; Achtung Baby; Open Phones
52:00

A New York Times travel writer recommends four great cities for solo travelers, and the best time of year to visit them. Then the author of "Achtung Baby" tells us of her family's relocation to Berlin, and what she learned about Germans' hands-off approach to child rearing. And listeners share their travel plans and experiences for trips to Turkey, Hungary, and Sicily.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 03, 2018
542 Ghost Towns of the West; Heroes of Ireland; Savage Harvest
52:00

Author Jim Hinckley joins us to recommend Old West ghost towns that you can still visit. Then Irish singer Cathie Ryan describes how Ireland remembers its heroes through the lyrics of traditional songs. And journalist Carl Hoffman shares his deeply researched take on the mysterious disappearance of banking scion Michael Rockefeller in the jungles of New Guinea.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 27, 2018
541 Greek Theatre; Shakespeare in Swahililand; Iceland Airwaves
52:00

An Athenian theater director discusses drama's role as a building block of civil society since ancient times, and recommends some Greek destinations that are especially fascinating for the theatrically inclined. Then an English lit expert from Cambridge explains how the works of Shakespeare have been embraced in East Africa. And a radio DJ tells us about an Icelandic music festival that features an amazing amount of home-grown talent.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 20, 2018
460a More Skyfaring; Marta Dusseldorp's Australia; Wieners
52:00

A transcontinental pilot discusses the marvels of jet travel, then Australian actor Marta Dusseldorp describes her favorite Down Under destinations, and shares insights she's gained from starring in a TV series about the postwar 1950s. Plus, tour guides from Berlin explain the German love of a good sausage, at any time of year…and any time of day.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 13, 2018
540 Living Abroad in Japan; TV Fan's Britain
52:00

The author of "Living Abroad in Japan" offers tips for making yourself feel at home in Japan, no matter how long your visit. Then Rick talks to tour guides from England about scenic filming locations you can visit in Britain.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 06, 2018
539 Travel Portraits — Phil Borges, Annie Leibovitz; Photogenic Sicily
52:00

Filmmaker and documentary photographer Phil Borges explains what's behind his remarkable photos of people in different traditional societies of central Asia. Then portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz lets us in on how she documents the worlds of her famous subjects, and shares stories of the road trips that've brought her closer to great American artists. And tour guides to Sicily take listener calls to swap tips on enjoying the traditions of Italy's liveliest island.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 29, 2018
421a Monet's Garden Passion; Ireland's Ring of Kerry; The Carry Home
52:00

Author and artist Elizabeth Murray tells how her life was changed by working in painter Claude Monet's gardens outside Paris. Then Irish tour guides take us to the scenic highlights of the popular Ring of Kerry peninsula. And nature writer Gary Ferguson reveals how cultivating a relationship with the natural world helps us better understand life's mystery and beauty.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 22, 2018
538 Why I Love Berlin; Italian Coffee Bars
52:00

Three tour guides from Berlin suggest sights to see and experiences to enjoy in Germany's vibrant, changing capital. And as Bavarians prepare to host this year's Oktoberfest, a tour guide from Munich joins us to explain why beer gardens are so important to their culture. Then two guides from Italy walk us through the typical Italian's daily visit to a coffee bar, and share tips on how to order your espresso like a true Italian.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 15, 2018
537 Caesar Shuffle; More Michael Wood's China; Pleasure Activist
52:00

Roman tour guide Francesca Caruso recommends places to explore in the Eternal City that give you a particularly vivid feel for its centuries of history. Then historian Michael Wood describes how China's updated infrastructure makes it easy to reach his favorite sights in this fascinating country. And author Fred Plotkin discusses how you can eat and travel well when you engage your surroundings with an eye toward pure enjoyment.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 08, 2018
536 Isle of Skye; Cross-Country Kayak; Van Morrison's Belfast
52:00

Listen in as tour guides from Scotland let us in on their favorite experiences on the magical Isle of Skye. Then hear what it's like to kayak the length of both the Mississippi River and New York's waterways, from Buffalo to the Statue of Liberty. And join in on an audio Moondance along Belfast's "Van Morrison Trail," which connects the spots made famous by the music of the city's beloved hometown boy.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 01, 2018
452a Slow Train to Switzerland; Artists Safari; Joys of Travel
52:00

In what was the beginning of the packaged tour, find out how middle class Victorian-era tourists from England enjoyed the Swiss Alps. Examine the emotional benefits of travel that last well after you return home. Plus, a painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 25, 2018
535 Pan-American Road Trip; Souvenirs; Open Phones
52:00

Hear author Teresa Bruce describe how she retraced a poignant family road trip all the way down the Pan-American highway. Then listen in as we weigh the value of souvenirs with travel writer Rolf Potts, who shares insights on the origins of the travel-gift industry. And reminisce with fellow listeners who’ve called in to share the travel memories evoked by recent episodes of the show.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 18, 2018
534 Crete; Alaska's Tip of the Iceberg; Darwin Comes to Town
52:00

Hear how Crete offers travelers a uniquely fascinating Greek island experience. Then travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska in the path of the Harriman Expedition of 1899. And a Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution around the world is happening faster than we used to think.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 11, 2018
533 Holiday in Iraqi Kurdistan; Traveling Solo; Croatia's Greatest Hits
52:00

Tim Neville discusses why you'd enjoy vacationing in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Travel writer Stephanie Rosenbloom explores the advantages of traveling solo and how to do it without feeling all alone. And tour guides from the Balkans recommend their favorite places to explore along the coast of Croatia.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 04, 2018
532 England's Overlooked Cities; Lake District; Cozy Cotswolds
52:00

British tour guides discuss their favorite overlooked cities to visit, beyond London. Plus, we learn what guides from the Cumbrian Lake District and the Cotswolds love about living in rural England, including recommendations for connecting with the regions' sometimes-eccentric folk culture and its literary giants.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 28, 2018
434a New Northwest Passage; Dispatches from Mississippi; Serendipity
52:00

Kathleen Winter tells us what her voyage into the Northwest Passage taught her about the world. Richard Grant left the bustle of Manhattan to buy an old farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta. Plus, listeners share tales of memorable stories from the people they've met overseas.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 21, 2018
531 Flaneur in Paris; Misunderstood Parisian; Alsace
52:00

Hear about the charms of France's Alsace region from local tour guides. A Parisian guide explains how visitors' expectations lead to misunderstandings and faux pas. Plus, Fred Plotkin shares how you might find the best croissant you've ever tasted in Paris.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 14, 2018
530 More Florida; Rediscovering Route 66; Sarah Vowell Assassination Vacation
52:00

Tampa Bay Times columnist Craig Pittman explains how Florida's massive tourism industry impacts the state's residents. Plus, the author of a guide to Route 66 tells us about efforts to revitalize the historic 24-hundred mile highway as a national heritage trail. Also, author Sarah Vowell tells us what she learned when she visited sites associated with assassinated American presidents.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 07, 2018
529 Touring Newfoundland; Rick Mercer's Canada Day; Drink Dat New Orleans
52:00

Newfoundland actor and musician Alan Doyle recommends sights to best enjoy the rugged beauty of his island home in the Atlantic. And Canadian TV personality Rick Mercer shares his favorite places and things to do across Canada this summer. Plus, culinary historian Elizabeth Pearce raises a glass to New Orleans for its tri-centennial, and unveils tips for enjoying America's most "spirited" city through its distinctive cocktails.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 30, 2018
447a Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padua
52:00

Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and home to one of Europe's oldest universities.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 23, 2018
528 Basque Country Surprises; Prague Art and Architecture; Open Phones
52:00

Journalist and former diplomat Dave Seminara vividly describes the unusual sports and traditions you might encounter in the Basque Country. Then a Czech tour guide and a guidebook writer join us to share insights and tips for appreciating Prague's innovative and fascinating art and architecture — and we enjoy a mini-concert from the Prague Castle Orchestra, a popular trio of street musicians. Plus, listeners share their travel plans and favorite memories.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 16, 2018
527 Modern Vikings; Belgians; Bulgarians
52:00

Join us as tour guides from Norway, Belgium, and Bulgaria share insider perspectives on their countries. Listen in as they describe the hot-button issues that animate their countrymen's conversations, and explain what makes their countries so special — and why so many residents of smaller nations often feel such big national pride.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 09, 2018
526 Travel Tech Tips; DJ in Iceland; Dingle in Ireland
52:00

A New York Times travel writer shares tips for apps that can help you make the most of your next overseas trip, then a Seattle DJ describes how Iceland has exploded as a hotbed of creativity — and why he makes a point of visiting once a year. And a lifelong resident of the Dingle Peninsula makes a persuasive case that his home turf is the most beautiful corner of Ireland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 02, 2018
525 Day in New York; NYC High Line; Germany 2018
52:00

Get tips from guidebook author Pauline Frommer on how to make the most of a New York City stopover, and hear how the city's High Line greenway has become one of its best places to stroll and people-watch. Then listen in as tour guides from Berlin share their recommendations for the most enjoyable special events taking place across Germany this year.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 26, 2018
462a Indigenous Arctic and Andes; Overbooked
52:00

A bestselling author of a book on the Northwest Passage describes how the Inuit of Canada and Greenland are responding to modern challenges posed by changes to the Arctic environment. Then we delve with a filmmaker into the pre-Columbian world of the Incas, and ponder what untold stories the Andes Mountains may still hold. Plus, a well-traveled journalist joins us to consider the impact of recent growth in the global travel industry, wherein a billion people a year now cross international borders in search of something new.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 19, 2018
524 First Timers Italy; Duck Season in Gascony
52:00

Hear from two Roman tour guides about what to expect on a first-time trip to Italy, and how to make it the adventure of a lifetime. Then get a taste of life in France’s rural southwest as author David McAninch explains how spending the better part of a year in Gascony taught his American family to slow down and savor their time together.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 12, 2018
523 Language Vacations; Expat Mexico City; YOLO Los Angeles
52:00

Get recommendations from a language buff for learning a new tongue overseas, then listen in as an American expat explains why he's called Mexico City home for the past 25 years — and why the Mexican capital is becoming a magnet for many others from around the Americas. Plus, hear from the author of a new guidebook about fun ways to experience the creative spirit of Los Angeles.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 05, 2018
522 Scotland Itineraries; Nafplio
52:00

Tour guides from Scotland recommend their favorite Caledonian experiences, from elegant Edinburgh to clan castles in the Highlands, and even budget getaways for backpackers. Then a pair of world travelers explain why they’ve settled down in Greece’s Nafplio, the picturesque Peloponnesian town that’s a getaway for big-city Athenians, a jumping-off point for history-rich sights nearby, and delightful in its own right.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 28, 2018
521 Berner Oberland; T.T. Williams' Utah; The Philippines
52:00

Hear about the variety of spectacular Alpine views any visitor can enjoy in and above Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, as described by a tour guide who's mapped the region's hiking trails. Then listen in as author Terry Tempest Williams explains how she purchased oil leases near her home in the Utah desert — not to drill, but in hopes of combatting the recent rollback of protections for US national monuments. And learn why travel writer Kiki Deere counts the Philippines among her favorite countries to visit.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 21, 2018
426a American Lighthouses; Skyfaring; Favorite Travels; Longbow
52:00

Learn about some of America's most interesting lighthouses to visit — or even slumber in. Then hear from an experienced pilot about why the view from a 747 never gets old. And listen in as we consider the longbow's influence on the balance of power in medieval Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 14, 2018
520 Saigon's Bui Vien Street; Spain 2018
52:00

An expat living in Saigon describes the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous Bui Vien Street, and explains why this backpacker district has recently become a weekend destination for local families. Then tour guides from Spain share updates and travel tips for the land of tapas and toreadors.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 07, 2018
519 Saints of France and Ireland; David Suchet in the Footsteps of St. Peter
52:00

Get acquainted with some of the most popular French and Italian saints, and learn why they remain important to their countrymen. Plus, actor David Suchet shares what he discovered while making a documentary about the life and times of St. Peter, and the first-century world he inhabited in Galilee.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 31, 2018
351a Italy On and Off the Rails; Romantic Amalfi Coast
52:00

Author Tim Parks, a long-time resident of Verona, shares his observations about Italy’s railway system, and what it can tell us about the Italian mindset. And two tour guides from the Amalfi Coast take listener calls while exploring the highlights of their scenic southern corner of Italy, from Positano to the isle of Capri.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 24, 2018
518 First Timer's Ireland; Alan Doyle's Newfoundland
52:00

Three tour guides from Ireland share their recommendations for the sights and experiences travelers shouldn’t miss on a first-time visit to their home turf — from fun things to see and do in busy Dublin, to tips for exploring the windswept byways of the Kerry coast. And musician and actor Alan Doyle helps us to understand his native Newfoundland by discussing how his perspective continues to be shaped by his Irish Catholic childhood in a small fishing town.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 17, 2018
517 The EU from Brussels; Solo Women Travelers; Teresa Bruce
52:00

Rick gets a perspective on current issues the European Union is facing, from a geo-political friend in Brussels. Three women travel guides to Europe describe what it requires for women to feel comfortable traveling solo. Plus, author Teresa Bruce describes retracing a road trip from Oregon to Bolivia down the Pan American Highway.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 10, 2018
516 London 2018; Last Wild Men of Borneo
52:00

Hear from Londoners about what's afoot in their city right now, and the don't-miss experiences for anyone looking to make the most of a visit to the British capital this year. Then author Carl Hoffman tells what he discovered about two modern-day adventurers who befriended an indigenous tribe in Borneo: One of them got rich selling tribal art — and the other disappeared.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 03, 2018
515 Artists of Spain; Being Welsh; Being Bosnian
52:00

We look at the top sites where you can experience firsthand the groundbreaking contributions of Spain's greatest artists. Then tour guides from Wales and Bosnia share the facets of their nationalities that mean most to them — such as the Welsh fortitude for enduring the blustery climate that produces such beautiful landscapes, and Bosnians' knack for using humor to defuse the thornier aspects of life in the Balkans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 24, 2018
420a Music of Spain; Space Station Living; Canine-American Road Trip
52:00

Tune into the traditional music of Spain and find out where to catch the best flamenco shows in Madrid. Then listen in as astronaut Chris Hadfield describes daily life aboard the International Space Station, and lets us in on how you get used to doing everything — and we mean everything — in zero gravity. And hear what a cross-country road trip showed a man and his dog about America's canine culture, and what they learned about each other.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 17, 2018
514 Casanova's Venice; Florida This Year; Caribbean Island People
52:00

Historian Laurence Bergreen takes us to 18th-century Venice, at a time when Casanova called it home. Then journalist Craig Pittman updates us on what Florida is like for vacationers in 2018, and lets us in on local scuttlebutt. And geographer Joshua Jelly-Schapiro reminds us that the Caribbean’s cultural influence extends far beyond hosting cruise ships and beach vacations.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 10, 2018
513 Fred Plotkin's Culinary Capitals; The New Koreans
52:00

Find out what six cities food maven Fred Plotkin considers to be the world's best places to experience edible ecstasy. Then get an update on today's "New Koreans" from journalist Michael Breen, whose recent book describes the rapid changes afoot in South Korea since its emergence as a worldwide economic and cultural force.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 03, 2018
512 Shakespeare in South Sudan; Africa 54; Normandy
52:00

We check in with author and long-distance walker Francis Tapon after his five-year journey to all 54 countries in Africa. And we hear how a widespread love of Shakespeare played a key role in shaping Africa's newest nation, South Sudan. Plus, tour guides from France offer tips for exploring the countryside of Normandy, including the monuments to WWII battles fought there.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 27, 2018
392a Ireland's W. B. Yeats; Scotland's Robert Burns; Agatha Christie's England
52:00

We consider the importance of poet W.B. Yeats to the Irish soul, and discuss real-life English destinations that let you experience the world of Agatha Christie's mysteries. And just in time for Burns Night, Scottish troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns' poetry means to the Scots, and sings some favorite Burns tunes.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 20, 2018
511 Travel Plans; Buffy Sainte-Marie; The Yellow Envelope
52:00

Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie discusses her new album of activist "Medicine Songs" and what they have to say about our place in today's world. Then author Kim Dinan tells the story of how she quit her job, sold her stuff, and set off on a three-year round-the-world adventure — inspired, in part, by a certain yellow envelope. And listeners converse with Rick about the special concerns involved in traveling to politically sensitive countries.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 13, 2018
510 Megalopolis; Copenhagen's Christiania; Teenagers in Europe
52:00

An Italian scholar of architecture compares the scope of today's mega-cities with the more human scale of Venice. And we'll hear what a pair of documentary producers noticed when they interviewed residents of Christiania, a communal society tucked into the middle of downtown Copenhagen. Plus, we get mom-tested advice for making everyone happy on an overseas trip with teenagers.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 06, 2018
509 Slavic Firewater; “Bears in the Streets”; Places to Drink Beer; Edinburgh New Year’s Eve
52:00

Pour a festive glass as we learn about the strong, often homemade liquors that lend zest to celebrations across central and eastern Europe. Then hear where to find some of the world's best beer, from the author of "50 Places to Drink Beer Before You Die." And join the party as friends from Edinburgh offer a wee taste of the Scottish capital's year-end Hogmanay festivities. Plus, author and former Moscow resident Lisa Dickey tells us how the people of Russia are coping with a changing world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 30, 2017
427a More European Christmas Traditions
52:00

Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 23, 2017
508 Another European Christmas
52:00

Hear about what Europeans are looking forward to at this time of year, from Saint Nicholas Day through Boxing Day, in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — perhaps it's some of grandma's special potato salad to go with the fish stew and figgy pudding!

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 16, 2017
507 American Eclipse; Newgrange Solstice; The Hour of Land
52:00

We hear of the true awesomeness of experiencing a total solar eclipse, from the one that swept across the American West in 1878 to the one that drew crowds to the totality's path in the US in August 2017. And we'll also learn what it's like to take part in a winter solstice ritual from inside Ireland's ancient tomb at Newgrange. Plus, author and conservationist Terry Tempest Williams describes breathtaking moments in America's national parks, and why it's critical to protect them from the forces that divide Americans today.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 09, 2017
506 Atlas Obscura; Scottish Hebrides; Saudade in Portugal
52:00

Hear about some of the world's most remarkable — and creepiest — traditions. Then discover the timeless character of the Hebrides — an island group off Scotland's northwest coast where you're more likely to overhear Gaelic than English. And enjoy a sampling of Portugal's beloved fado music: sad songs that make everyone feel better.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 02, 2017
425a Jamón; Scandinavian Cuisine; A Tavola in Italy; 'Life from Scratch'
52:00

Hear what makes Spain's jamon the best ham in the world, then learn about the traditional comfort foods of Scandinavia, and the after-dinner customs that keep Italians lingering at restaurant tables. And find out why a Tulsa mom embarked on a four-year project to prepare meals from every country in the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 25, 2017
505 Gili Islands; All-Season Australia; Open Phones: Memorable Travels
52:00

Travel writer Dave Seminara explains why Indonesia's motor-free Gili Islands are a good alternative to the crowded tourist scene on nearby Bali, then a tour guide from Australia shares all-season recommendations for getting away from it all Down Under. And listeners share their most memorable travel adventures.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 18, 2017
504 Twentieth Century Berlin; Exploring Romania
52:00

Tour guides from Berlin recommend sites you can visit to better appreciate their city's tumultuous past century, from the Nazi years to the Cold War, and the wall that split Berlin in half. And travel writer Leif Pettersen describes what he enjoyed about living in Romania, and why it's become one of today's best bargain destinations in Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 11, 2017
503 The Nez Perce War; American Nomads
52:00

Learn about the post-Civil War struggles between Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and US General Oliver Otis Howard, then hear about the growing number of older "houseless" Americans living full time in RVs and camper vans: For some, it's the ultimate freedom; for others, it's all they have left.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 04, 2017
502 Haunted America; Markets of Provence; Belgian Treats
52:00

Hear about America's spookiest spots, then take a virtual stroll past the colorful, fragrant stalls of a Provencal farmers market with author Marjorie R. Williams. And listen in as some Belgians get nostalgic discussing the hearty comfort foods of their homeland.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 28, 2017
445a Paul Theroux Deep South; More World War I Sites
52:00

Author Paul Theroux shares the insights he gleaned about America from the people he met in the small towns and backroads of the Deep South. Then history professor Mark D. Van Ells returns with more suggestions for visiting places that honor the sacrifices of Allied troops in World War I.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 21, 2017
501 Cardiff; Atlantis; Mostar
52:00

We hear how Mostar — after suffering intense damage in the Bosnian war — has become an attractive tourist destination on the Adriatic cruise circuit, and get an update on its ongoing efforts to bridge old conflicts. And author Mark Adams divulges the four spots most likely to have inspired the legend of Atlantis. Plus, a Welsh tour guide describes the highlights of convivial, rejuvenated Cardiff.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 14, 2017
500 Favorite Moments; Night Out in London; German Pop and Rock
52:00

Get a taste of the elegant life in London as the author of the "Discriminating Guide to London" recommends spots around town where commoners can feel like royalty. Then hear how Germany's pop music continues to reflect the intense cultural changes experienced by the last two generations. And celebrate 500 editions of Travel with Rick Steves with a fond look back at a few of Rick's most memorable guest interviews from the past 12 years.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 07, 2017
499 Fly Fishing; Spain 2017; Destination Earth
52:00

The author of a guidebook series on fly fishing explains why it's such a popular sport worldwide. Then tour guides from Spain take listener calls to share up-to-date-advice for planning a great Spanish getaway. And a seasoned world explorer shares lessons learned on the road that could well transform your own daily life back at home.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 30, 2017
327a Paris Street Markets, Beer in Belgium, Underground Slovenia
52:00

Listen in to an exploration of the open-air markets of Paris, where souvenir shopping can be memorable in itself. Then hear why Belgian beer is so good that it's worth planning a trip around. And learn about the mysteries and history found in Slovenia's vast network of caves.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 23, 2017
498 Slavic View of EU; Undocumented
52:00

Friends of Rick's from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Bosnia share a Slavic perspective on what it means to participate in the European Union. Then novelist David Lida describes what poverty in rural Mexico looks like, and its role in the lives of many who enter the US illegally in search of work. Plus, Rick shares an audio snapshot from a restoration project in the heart of Warsaw.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 16, 2017
497 Naples; Human Trafficking; What's New in Oslo
52:00

Get insider advice for enjoying Naples — home to what has to be the liveliest street scene in Italy — without feeling put off by its in-your-face energy. Then listen in as a leading expert on international terrorism explains how and why groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda have turned to human trafficking and kidnapping. Plus, hear a tour guide from Oslo's freshest tips for visiting Norway's nature-loving, eco-friendly, and expensive capital city.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 09, 2017
496 Orlando Beyond Disney; Oh Florida; American Right to Roam
52:00

The author of Frommer's Orlando guidebook returns with ideas for enjoying central Florida beyond the big theme parks. Then Tampa Bay Times reporter Craig Pittman discusses what makes his home state one of a kind — and much more than the target of punch lines. Plus, writer and trespasser extraordinaire Ken Ilgunas describes his hike from the tar sands of Alberta to the Gulf Coast of Texas.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 02, 2017
419a Porto and the Douro Valley; Midnight in Siberia; Scottish Pub Talk
52:00

Guides from Portugal describe the delights of Porto, and the winemaking traditions of the nearby Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. Then NPR's David Greene shares what he learned about everyday working-class Russians from his trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway. And friends from Scotland explain the cultural importance of their neighborhood pubs, and share tips for making yourself feel right at home on your next pub visit.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 26, 2017
495 National Parks Dinner Party; The Great Southwest; Utah's Craziest Bike Ride
52:00

Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks, and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as The Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on a mountain-bike tour across southern Utah.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 19, 2017
494 Liechtenstein Day; Gelato; The English Moors
52:00

Hear about what it's like to celebrate National Day in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest — and wealthiest — countries. (Hint: Free beer at the palace!) Then learn the secret to gelato's distinctive smooth texture, and get tips for picking the best gelato shop in any Italian town. And tour guides from Britain tell us why a hike in the wild and windy English moors can be a delightfully uncrowded way to escape into nature.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 12, 2017
493 Rolling Blackouts; Language to Lend; Czech Beer
52:00

Cartoonist Sarah Glidden shares the insights she gained while getting to know the Kurdish people of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Then a Dutch "language spotter" recommends interesting foreign words we English speakers might want to borrow. And tour guides from Prague explain how sharing a beer is an important part of the social fabric in the Czech Republic.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 05, 2017
492 Scotland 2017; Atlas Obscura Europe
52:00

Two Scottish tour guides discuss share tips for planning a great Scottish getaway, with specifics on tracking down scenes from the "Outlander" and "Harry Potter" series and where best to explore the ancient haunts of the Celts and Vikings. Then folks from Atlas Obscura, the fascinating online almanac of unusual places, chat with Rick about their favorite quirky spots in Europe.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 29, 2017
491 35 Miles from North Korea; Detroit Sightseeing; Being Slovenian
52:00

Author and Seoul-based foreign correspondent Michael Breen discusses how his fellow South Koreans regard their cousins to the north. Then a tour guide from Detroit shares some of the joys of exploring her lively city as it recovers its status as a cultural hub for the Midwest. And hear how peace-loving Slovenians compare themselves to their various, better-known neighbors.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 22, 2017
371a French Riviera; The Discovery of France; Paris Day Trips
52:00

French tour guides share tips for enjoying the highlights of the glittering Côte d'Azur, as well as recommendations for elegant day trips from Paris. Plus, author Graham Robb tells us what his bicycle adventure across the French countryside taught him about France's provincial character and history.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 15, 2017
490 Travel Tech; The Story of China; Take Your Child to Europe
52:00

Historian Michael Wood discusses how Westerners might better understand China, the world's new superpower, by learning more about its monumental achievements over the past 4,000 years. We'll also get time-tested advice from author Ashley Steel for taking the kids to Europe. Plus, Rick's son Andy Steves shares his favorite phone apps and other tech tips for travel.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 08, 2017
489 Sarah Vowell American Hawaii; Rick Mercer Canada 150; Winning the Palio
52:00

Author and This American Life contributor Sarah Vowell tells us what she's recently learned about the Americanization of the Hawaiian islands. Then say "Happy 150th birthday" to Canada with one of its top TV personalities, Rick Mercer. Plus, a tour guide from Siena tells us how her adopted neighborhood won last year's Palio horse race — twice.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 01, 2017
488 Enjoy Your Seat; Lisbon Neighborhoods; Buenos Aires Bio
52:00

Tune in as Rick gets tips from frequent traveler Wendy on how to actually enjoy a long-distance flight in coach. Then we'll hear expert advice from Lisbon-based tour guides for enjoying the intimate neighborhoods of Portugal's historic capital. And learn about the mix of European elegance and Latin culture that led architecture critic James Gardner to buy an apartment in Argentina's fascinating capital city.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 24, 2017
487 Scandinavian Solstice; Italy 2017
52:00

Hear how the summer solstice is celebrated in Scandinavia, where the official start of summer is a big deal. Then listen in as Italian friends discuss the effects of their country's high unemployment rate — and how Italians are meeting the challenge — before taking listener calls to share tips for a "dolce vita" vacation. And come along as we visit with some Tuscan craftsmen keeping traditions alive in their hill town home.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 17, 2017
408a Europe's Royal Families; Agatha Christie's Grand Tour; Bloomsday In Dublin
52:00

We start with a close look at how World War I upended the roles of Europe's monarchies, then hear about Agatha Christie's 1922 Grand Tour to promote the British Empire, as told to her grandson. And, just in time for "Bloomsday," a Dublin tour guide takes us on an audio walk past the city's must-see sights for fans of James Joyce's "Ulysses."

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 10, 2017
486 Greek Fun; Frommer's Guide to Disney World; Frommer's NYC
52:00

Hear what's new at the two most popular destinations in the US as the author of the Frommer's guidebook to Disney World shares tips for making the most of your time there, and Pauline Frommer updates us on the best things to do and see in New York City. Plus, a tour guide from Greece tells us how to enjoy an authentic taste of Hellenic culture while out for a night on the town in Greece.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 03, 2017
485 Germany Open Phones; 1,000 Places to See in the US
52:00

Join us to get a German perspective on Deutschland's recent emergence as the leading nation of the European Union, and stay tuned as our tour-guide guests take calls to help listeners plan memorable German getaways. Then get ready for your summer road trip with recommendations from Patricia Schultz, author of "1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die."

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 27, 2017
345a Italy's Decadent Desserts; Pasta Respect; Paris Food Markets
52:00

Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the regional dessert specialties of Italy — and divulges the whereabouts of the best gelato in the entire country. Then a tour guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating pasta. Plus, we'll get an overview of Paris's enticing array of open-air neighborhood food markets.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 20, 2017
484 Macedonia; Senior Nomads
52:00

"Senior nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell discuss their travels among home shares around the world — and why, after three years, they plan to keep on globe-trotting full time. And we'll hear what makes the republic of Macedonia, in the southern Balkans, one of tour guide David Willett's favorite destinations anywhere.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 13, 2017
483 Russia Grand Tour; London This Year; What Europeans Think of Americans
52:00

Author Lisa Dickey describes her recurring travels around Russia, where she explores how life keeps changing for the average local citizen. Then we'll get up to date on the newest and not-to-be-missed sights in London as a tour guide highlights the special exhibits and events luring visitors to the city this year. Plus, tour guides from Hungary, Germany, and Greece discuss how US pop culture has influenced their lives…and their views of Americans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 06, 2017
343a Destination Space Station; Open Phones: Trip of a Lifetime
52:00

Genuinely "down to earth" astronaut Cady Coleman joins us to describe what it's like living and working — for months at a time — on the International Space Station, where the zero-gravity environment affects everything you do...and how circling planet Earth every 90 minutes changes your outlook on life. Plus, listeners share tales of their own unforgettable treks and travels back on mother Earth.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 29, 2017
482 Andalucía April Fair; Walking England; City Squares
52:00

A tour guide from Seville explains how its annual April Fair animates her city, and anchors a season of outdoor festivals in southern Spain. Then tour guides from Britain share their favorite places to go walking in the countryside — rain or shine. And we consider how public squares can give their cities a sense of identity.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 22, 2017
481 Saints of Spain; Footsteps of St. Paul; Michelangelo in Florence
52:00

Tour guides from Spain explain the importance of local saints to this festive country's national identity. Then actor David Suchet shares what he discovered about his own religious faith while retracing the first-century travels of St. Paul. And Rick chats with art historian Miles J. Unger about the masterpieces by Michelangelo that travelers can enjoy on a visit to the artist's hometown of Florence.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 15, 2017
480 Turn Right at Machu Picchu; Sarah Vowell: Lafayette in the USA; Scotch
52:00

Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu, just a century after it was revealed to the outside world. Then author and radio commentator Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 08, 2017
479 Atlas Obscura America; The Not-Quite States; North Korea Holiday
52:00

Folks from online magazine Atlas Obscura share some of their favorite American roadside attractions. Then author Doug Mack explains the unique status of the United States' far-flung territories, where American citizenship is "complicated." And writer, photographer, and businesswoman Wendy Simmons describes her remarkable tour of North Korea.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 01, 2017
478 Versailles; Being French; Understanding Israel in 60 Days or Less
52:00

Rick and two French guides offer tips for planning a visit to the royal palace of Versailles and discuss contemporary issues facing France. Graphic Novelist Sarah Glidden discusses her first trip to Israel on a Birthright tour.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 25, 2017
398a Traditional Irish Music; Being Irish; Belfast
52:00

Give yourself an authentic Saint Patrick's Day as friends from Ireland demonstrate how traditional folk music continues to play an important role in their lives on a level that everyone can enjoy. Explore the sights of Ireland's second city, Belfast, and hear how Northern Ireland has outgrown its reputation for sectarian violence.  We'll also have pointers on what it really means to be Irish.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 18, 2017
477 Marty Essen’s Favorite Wild Animals; Ireland 2017
52:00

Photographer Marty Essen talks to Rick about his close encounters with animals in their native environments. And guides from Ireland recommend their favorite parts of Ireland to explore for people visiting this year.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 11, 2017
476 American Women's History Sites; Diana Nyad; Wilderness Healing
52:00

Celebrate 30 years of Women's History Month in the USA by visiting sites where women changed the nation's history, recommended by a former director of the National Museum of American History. Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad tells us how she set a world record swimming from Havana to Key West. And naturalist Gary Ferguson describes the fierce nature of the wilderness.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 04, 2017
433a Food Regions of Spain; Carnival in Venice and Rhineland; Alt for Norge
52:00

We'll hear about the local delicacies found on the various tapa menus across Spain. Then we'll learn more about the centuries-long traditions behind Carnival celebrations in Venice and Cologne, the scene of some of Europe's biggest wintertime parties. Plus we'll listen in on the Norwegian TV show that's helped many Americans discover their old-country ancestry.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 25, 2017
475 Budapest Riverwalk; Understanding the Brexit Vote
52:00

We'll take an audio stroll along the bustling banks of the Danube as it flows through the scenic heart of Budapest. Then we'll hear from some Brits about what motivated them to vote for or against leaving the European Union, and about what makes them fearful — or optimistic — for the years ahead.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 18, 2017
474 Essential Sicily; If Venice Dies; Casanova
52:00

A Sicilian tour guide lays out the essentials for exploring his distinctive sun-drenched island. Then a prominent Italian archaeologist discusses Venice's population decline, which continues even as crowds of tourists and cruise-ship passengers overwhelm Italy's most beloved city. And we'll get all the gritty details on the side of 18th-century Venice described so vividly by that infamous libertine, Casanova.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 11, 2017
473 Becoming a Road-Trip Pilgrim; China Tourism; Nationalism in Europe
52:00

Discover the rewards of being a "road-trip pilgrim," as explained by author Dan Austin. Then journalist Elizabeth Becker describes how China's mandatory Golden Week holidays have boosted the worldwide travel industry, and how China's investments in tourism are paying off. And a panel of Europeans discuss how the recent rise of populist politics is playing out across the European Union.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 04, 2017
381a Italy by Train; Italy: North Versus South
52:00

British author Tim Parks explains why the Italian rail system, which he depends on daily, means more to him than a mere means of transportation. Then a pair of tour guides from opposite ends of Italy highlight the regional differences that make travel in Italy such an enjoyable study in contrasts.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 28, 2017
472 Saigon; David Suchet; Open Phones: Travel Plans
52:00

Travel writer Dave Fox discusses everyday life as an American in Saigon, then British actor David Suchet explains why this year's 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is so important — and why London is the world's best city for theater. Plus, listeners get Rick's advice for making the most of their European travel plans for 2017.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 21, 2017
471 Cuba on the Line; Trespassing Across America
52:00

Two Americans who've made their living in Cuba shed light on the influence Americans have there, then author Ken Ilgunas describes the 1700-mile trek he made on foot from Alberta to Texas in hopes of getting a local perspective on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 14, 2017
470 Greek Food; World's Smartest Travelers; 1,000 Places USA and Canada
52:00

Learn how eating like a Greek could be an ideal way to improve your diet in the new year. Then listen in as consumer-travel advocate Christopher Elliott explains why travel insurance isn't always a good deal, and author Patricia Schultz recommends a thousand places you should plan to see in the US, plus her top picks for places to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 07, 2017
469 Fresh Starts: Schultz and Sedaris; Outdoor Adventures; Unseen City
52:00

Authors David Sedaris and Patricia Schultz encourage making travel plans in the new year. Chris Santella recommends getting outdoors for an adrenaline kick heli-skiing in Alaska or a civilized game of golf on the coast of Ireland. Plus, Nate Johnson stirs up our curiosity about urban wildlife from the birds we take for granted to the plants we never noticed.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 31, 2016
468 European Christmas
52:00

Friends from Madrid, Rome, London, and Lisbon tell us how they celebrate the yuletide holidays. We'll also hear about small-town festivities in Holland, Austria, Northern Ireland, and Bulgaria.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 24, 2016
467 Holiday Roadfood; Best Chocolates in Europe; Holiday Travels; Prague Christmas
52:00

Writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort food served in America's roadside restaurants, then food and culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus we'll hear how locals get into the Christmas spirit in Prague.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 17, 2016
466 The Bonjour Effect; Reporting From Nicaragua
52:00

Montreal-based authors of "The Bonjour Effect" discuss the unwritten rules of conversation in France, and the communication hurdles visitors face — even those who speak perfect French. Then reporter Peter Costantini shares updates from Nicaragua, where he's been investigating problems behind the country's bid to build a canal to rival Panama's.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 10, 2016
465 German Christmas Markets; Andy Steves' Europe; Seoul
52:00

Get into the holiday spirit by hearing about Germany's many outdoor Christmas markets, then listen in as Rick's son Andy Steves describes what kind of low-cost weekend adventures young travelers are looking for in Europe. Plus, find out why Seoul's nightlife and pop culture are attracting a worldwide crowd to South Korea, and experience the "hard sell" at a street market in Cairo.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 03, 2016
388a Digging Up England; Astronaut's View of Earth; Holy Land Travels
52:00

Learn about how Roman and prehistoric worlds are within reach just beneath Britain's surface. Then hear Commander Chris Hadfield describe what he's captured in his photos of our planet, taken from 250 miles away. And listeners share highlights of their travels in Israel and Palestine.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 26, 2016
464 Hungarian Food; Harvest Time in Provence; Reproach of Hunger
52:00

Two tour guides from Budapest tell us about Hungary's spicy culinary traditions, then author Marjorie R. Williams shares tips for finding exceptional seasonal produce — and great souvenirs — in the south of France. And policy analyst David Rieff joins Rick to discuss which efforts are proving the most effective in the push to reduce hunger and malnutrition around the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 19, 2016
463 Understanding ISIS; The War Reporter
52:00

A leading international expert on terrorism, Loretta Napoleoni, tells us what she's learned about ISIS and their battlegrounds in the Middle East. Also, retired war reporter Martin Fletcher discusses his novel about what might have happened differently in Bosnia in the 1990s.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 12, 2016
462 Indigenous Arctic and Andes; Overbooked
52:00

A bestselling author of a book on the Northwest Passage describes how the Inuit of Canada and Greenland are responding to modern challenges posed by changes to the Arctic environment. Then we delve with a filmmaker into the pre-Columbian world of the Incas, and ponder what untold stories the Andes Mountains may still hold. Plus, a well-traveled journalist joins us to consider the impact of recent growth in the global travel industry, wherein a billion people a year now cross international borders in search of something new.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 05, 2016
382a Pirates of the Carolinas; Faeries of Ireland; Ghosts of San Francisco
52:00

Just in time for Halloween and All Souls' Day, we'll explore the legacy of the real-life pirates who operated off the Carolina coast of colonial America. Then a pair of Irishmen clue us in to the lore of the "faery people," who some still believe inhabit the Emerald Isle. And we'll learn about ghost sightings in San Francisco, and the stories that come with them.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 29, 2016
460 More Skyfaring; Marta Dusseldorp's Australia Home; Wieners
52:00

One of Australia's leading actors tells us what it means to explore the post-war 1950s and what she loves best about living in Sydney today. Also, a transcontinental pilot returns to further explore the marvels of jet travel. Plus, tour guides from Berlin explain why Germans love a good sausage no matter the time of day.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 15, 2016
459 Getting Around Spain; Madrid Side Trips; Andalucian Style
52:00

Celebrate Spain's National Day with us as we learn about recent improvements to the country's high-speed passenger trains and freeways, then listen in as tour guides from Madrid, Sevilla, and Navarre answer questions and recommend memorable side trips from the capital. And hear why, in the south of Spain, it always feels like there's a party breaking out just around the corner.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 08, 2016
452 Slow Train to Switzerland; Artist Safari; Joys of Travel
52:00

Learn how tourism as we know it was invented by middle-class, Victorian-era English travelers seeking a pleasure trip in the Swiss Alps. Then listen in as a painter describes how peering into the eyes of savanna wildlife on an "artist's safari" deepened his appreciation for Africa's creatures. And join us as we examine the emotional benefits of travel, which start even before you've left home — and last well after you return.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Oct 01, 2016
458 Adventure Divas; Norse Mythology; Acropolis
52:00

Get a taste of Norse mythology and a glimpse of the Vikings' complex view of the cosmos. Plus, hear how Athens' Acropolis remains a powerful symbol of civilized democracy 2,500 years after it was built, and learn about the courageous subjects of filmmaker Holly Morris' "Adventure Divas" documentary series.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 24, 2016
457 Visiting Bulgaria; European Coffees; Persian Mirrors; Saints of Italy
52:00

A tour guide from Sofia discusses how Bulgaria's changed since it joined the EU, professional foodie Fred Plotkin explains why coffee varies across Europe, and writer Elaine Sciolino reveals what she learned about the public and private sides of Iran since living in Tehran as a New York Times correspondent. Plus, hear why patron saints are so important to Italian culture.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 17, 2016
337a Indigenous Plight; Beauty in a Broken World; Ever-Evolving Berlin
52:00

Hear how author Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in a broken world through the people she's met in her travels to Italy and Rwanda. Also, Phil Borges reveals what he's learned from photographing indigenous people around the world, and playwright Peter Wortsman tells us why he loves the ever-evolving nature of Berlin.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 10, 2016
456 Bear Trekking; Wilderness Edens; Juan Villoro's Mexico City Insider
52:00

Rick interviews ecologist Chris Morgan who says that saving the habitat for bears can save the planet for the rest of us. Get a taste of what wildlife photographer Marty Essen encountered from the Arctic Refuge to the Florida Everglades. Author Juan Villoro explains why soccer is as important as religion and shares an insider's perspective on life in today's Mexico City.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Sep 03, 2016
380a The Great Barrier Reef; Kiribati and Vanuatu
52:00

Learn why the Great Barrier Reef — one of Earth's greatest natural wonders — is facing serious threats to its survival. Then author J. Maarten Troost introduces us to the remote Pacific island nations of Kiribati and Vanuatu, whose people have lived for centuries on a series of coral atolls and rugged volcanic islands. And we'll get a first-hand report on traditional life in Papua New Guinea.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 27, 2016
455 Havana; Ken Burns National Parks; Great American Places
52:00

Rick shares notes on visiting Havana with Cuban travel expert Christopher P. Baker, then filmmaker Ken Burns discusses his documentary series celebrating the National Park Service's centennial. And Smithsonian historian Brent D. Glass recommends places to visit that make American history really come alive. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 20, 2016
454 Gaelic Sport; An Ex-Pat's Vietnam; Open Phones-European Travels
52:00

As Ireland gears up for another All-Ireland Championship, find out how Gaelic sports reflect a distinctly Irish identity. Hear what it's like for an American travel writer to live in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Also, listeners recall some of their favorite travel memories from Ireland, Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 13, 2016
453 Rome Neighborhoods; Will Hide's Crazy Rides; Former-Yugoslavia Today
52:00

Get tips for how to "do as the Romans do" in Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. Hear about the travel writer Will Hide's latest crazy rides, from cycling across the hills of Rwanda to driving what might be the world's "most dangerous road" up from Delhi into the Himalayas. Plus listen in as guides from Slovenia and Bosnia take listener calls to help plan fun trips to the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Aug 06, 2016
410a Marrying an American; Flatlands; Sightseeing Communist History
52:00

Learn about the best places to visit in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic to get a feel for what Communist-era life was like behind the Iron Curtain, now a quarter century in the past. Join us as we explore the allure of a flatlands road trip, where the unobstructed view makes the sky seem closer. And hear what kind of cross-cultural issues emerge when Europeans marry Americans.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 30, 2016
340a Joanna Lumley's Nile; Open Phones: Fantastic Travels
52:00

Actress Joanna Lumley details her trip of a lifetime: a 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River all the way to its source, the swampy highlands of Rwanda. We'll hear how the river's personality varies over its course — past Cairo and Luxor, through Sudan and Lake Victoria — and about the sights she saw and people she met along the way. Plus, listeners share surprises they encountered on their own memorable adventures around the world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 23, 2016
451 Lighthouses; Being Welsh; Working for the Earl at Stanway House
52:00

Learn about the important role lighthouses played in the 19th century, and which are the most interesting to visit in the US and France. Then hear a tour guide from Wales explain the pride that comes from belonging to this distinctive corner of Great Britain, with its own language and traditions. And listen in as Rick visits England's Stanway House estate, a somewhat eccentric version of Downton Abbey that opens for visitors in the summer. 

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 16, 2016
450 Bastille Day in France; The Only Street in Paris; Americans in Paris
52:00

Historian David McCullough introduces us to some of the most influential "Americans in Paris" of the 19th century, who returned home to apply the lessons they’d learned in the City of Light — thereby helping transform a young United States. Also, tour guides from France celebrate Bastille Day with us, and New York Times correspondent Elaine Sciolino tells us what makes her own neighborhood in Paris feel like home.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 09, 2016
449 Siena Palio; Mississippi Delta; Asian-American Immigration Stories
52:00

Art-history scholar and tour guide Anna Piperato tells us how Siena’s high-spirited Palio horse race is a high point of the Tuscan summertime. Then author Richard Grant shares road-trip recommendations for a blues-inspired pilgrimage to the Mississippi Delta, and historian Erika Lee discusses how newcomers from Asia are making an impact on the US.  

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jul 02, 2016
448 Those Friendly Canadians; Pacific Conflicts; Summer in Slovenia
53:30

NPR correspondent Eric Weiner tells us why Canada's one of his favorite summer road-trip destinations. Then author Simon Winchester discusses the growing importance of the Pacific Rim nations, and why the Chinese navy is making some of its neighbors nervous. And tour guides from Slovenia share tips for planning a relaxing getaway to their small country "on the sunny side of the Alps."

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 25, 2016
391a Lake Titicaca; Latino America; South Carolina Low Country
53:30

Explore the heritage of the South Carolina Low Country, home to resorts, historical centers, and plenty of rice and seafood. Discover how you can stay high in the Andes with an indigenous family, right on the lake where Incas believe life began. Learn how Latinos in the United States are gaining influence — and what politicians need to understand to earn their vote.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 18, 2016
447 Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova
53:30

Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian of Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padova, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and home to one of Europe's oldest universities.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 11, 2016
446 Wild Europe; Greece 2016; France 2016
53:30

The producer of "Bear Trek" talks about the bears and wolves that still live in Romania, Scotland, and the Alps, and discusses efforts to "re-wild" the open spaces of Europe. Then tour guides take calls to help listeners plan summer vacations to far-flung corners of Greece and France.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jun 04, 2016
445 Paul Theroux Deep South; More World War I Sites
53:30

Author Paul Theroux shares the insights he gleaned about America from the people he met in the small towns and backroads of the Deep South. Then history professor Mark D. Van Ells returns with more suggestions for visiting places that honor the sacrifices of Allied troops in World War I.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 28, 2016
338a Tastes of Italy, Paris, and Basque Country
53:30

Tour guides from Paris and the Spanish Basque Country share recommendations for enjoying their local cuisine, and food writer Fred Plotkin helps us appreciate the culinary traditions of Italy, where every bite can be a celebration.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 21, 2016
444 Urban Australia; Epic Family Road Trip; Nordic Cousins
53:30

Get an inside look at the mostly friendly rivalries between Sweden and Norway. Then hear from a family midway through their epic drive across North America, who stop by to share tips for making a long road trip fun for everyone. And listen in as we explore Australia's urbanized east coast and venture into the rural heart of the country-music scene Down Under.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 14, 2016
443 How Berlin Remembers; Visiting Spain 2016; Sagre Festivals of Italy
53:30

Find out how Berlin uses its monuments to teach new generations to remember the city's turbulent history. Then get insider tips for planning a getaway to Spain, and learn about the rural "sagre" festivals celebrated in the Italian countryside.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
May 07, 2016
442 Greek Easter; England North and East; Juan Villoro's Mexican Confessional
53:30

Hear about some of the customs that Greeks observe in the days leading up to Orthodox Easter. Then British tour guides recommend places to visit in the north and east of England that do well to lift travelers' spirits. And meet Juan Villoro, one of Mexico's most respected writers, who tells us how Mexicans view their country's current issues, and their relationship with the US.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 30, 2016
441 Armenian Odyssey; Babushkas of Chernobyl; Greening Up India
53:30

Find out about a group of grandmothers who are defying the odds by living in Chernobyl. Then learn how environmental problems in India are making us rethink how we tackle the challenges of climate change while feeding a growing population. And hear how one woman retraced the journey her grandfather once took in order to survive the Armenian genocide.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 23, 2016
375a Prague's Coronation Way; Portugal's Algarve; Drive Me Wild
53:30

Hear how you can view 10 centuries of architecture when you walk along the Coronation Way in Old Town Prague. Then learn about Portugal's sunny Algarve coast, once believed to be the end of the world. And perhaps get inspired to try life on the road by author Christina Nealson, who describes her RV-fueled explorations of the back roads of the American West.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 16, 2016
440 Changing Cuba 2016; Life and Death in the Andes
53:30

An expert updates Rick Steves on the practicalities of American travel to Cuba and how increased demand is affecting tourism there. Also, screenwriter Kim MacQuarrie tells us about the notorious bandits and revolutionaries whose lives he researched in South America and whose larger-than-life legacies still resonate in the Andes.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 09, 2016
439 Madagascar; Edinburgh 2016; David McCullough's Favorites
53:30

Adventure traveler Hilary Bradt tells us why Madagascar is her favorite place in the world to explore. Then guides from Scotland share sightseeing advice for Edinburgh, with tips for day trips into the Scottish countryside. And historian David McCullough tells us how in-person visits to America's historical sites has influenced his writing and enriched his life.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 02, 2016
438 Saints of Italy; Jubilee Year in Rome; Michelangelo's Masterpieces
53:30

Hear why patron saints are so important to Siena, then get tips from guides in Rome for navigating the crowds during the Vatican's 2016 Jubilee Year observance. And listen in as author Miles J. Unger explains how the masterpieces of Michelangelo can take us into his Renaissance world.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 26, 2016
335a Family Croatia; Bumpy Balkans; Exploring Northern Italy
53:30

Hear what two Americans learned about a different way of life after immersing themselves in everyday life in the Balkans, including Croatia. Then listen in as we explore the highlights of northern Italy, from Milan and Lake Como to small Alpine towns where Germanic influences add an intriguingly un-Italian touch.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 19, 2016
437 Speaking in Irish; Ireland 2016; Lingo of Europe
53:30

Linguist Gaston Dorren tells us how languages reveal the personalities and history of the lands in which we travel. We'll also learn how the once-banned Irish language has reclaimed its role at the heart of Irish identity, then listen in as guides from Ireland help travelers prepare for their next trips to the Emerald Isle.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 12, 2016
436 Wandering Indonesia; Refugees in Europe Part 2; Issues in Spain
53:30

Journalist and epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani tells us how easy it is to connect with people while traveling in Indonesia — a surprising, engaging nation of more than 13,000 islands. We'll also hear about how Europe's refugee situation is being viewed in France, Germany, and Italy. And we'll catch up on current issues for debate among Spaniards, who continue to grapple with immigration demand while trying to rebuild a struggling economy.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 05, 2016
386a Globetrotting with Kids; Off-Season Travels
53:30

Two moms share their tips, and enthusiasm, for globetrotting and "world-schooling" with younger children. Then listeners describe how they've enjoyed wintertime adventures in places like Iceland and Austria.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 27, 2016
435 Lessons from Europe; Refugee Crisis, Part 1
53:30

Fred Plotkin, author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," shares ideas he gleaned from the recent Milan Expo on how the world is tackling the challenges we face in feeding a growing planet. Then guests from Greece, Turkey, and Sweden share how their countries are dealing with an overwhelming number of immigrants, including those fleeing war in Syria.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 20, 2016
434 New Northwest Passage; Dispatches from Pluto, Mississippi; More Serendipity
53:30

Novelist Kathleen Winter describes how her Northwest Passage voyage through the Canadian Arctic taught her to view the world in a new light. Then journalist Richard Grant tells of what happened to his world view (and dinner menus) when he left the bustle of Manhattan to buy an old farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta. And listeners share memorable tales of the people they've met on overseas travels.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 13, 2016
433 Food Regions of Spain; Carnival in Venice & Rhineland; Alt for Norge
53:30

Learn about the Norwegian TV show that's helped many Americans discover their old-country ancestry, then get to know the centuries of traditions behind Carnival celebrations in Venice and Cologne, the scene of some of Europe's biggest wintertime parties. Plus, hear about the local delicacies you'll find on the various tapa menus across Spain.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 06, 2016
432 Global Hunger; Gloria Steinem's Travels; Money on the Road
53:30

Writer and international-development expert David Rieff describes what seems to be working — and what isn't — in the quest to end hunger in developing nations. Then author and activist Gloria Steinem reflects on her decades of frequent travels, and how they gave her a sense of adventure from a young age. And budget-travel blogger “Nomadic Matt” shares his tips for managing your money overseas.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
Jan 30, 2016
431 Delft; the Pacific; Survivors
53:30

A Dutch tour guide shares the charms of her historic hometown of Delft, then author Simon Winchester tells us why he believes the Pacific