Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

Mark Wolters, the founder of the hugely popular Wolters World YouTube channel, joins Scott to share stories and lessons from nearly 30 years of traveling across Europe. From early backpacking adventures and teaching abroad to both funny & memorable moments on the rails and sipping ales, Mark reflects on how European travel has changed over the decades (both for better and for worse) while offering plenty of practical advice for visiting Europe. Expect a lot of 90s and early 2000s Eurotrip nostalgia along the way, too. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep37 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Ali Dunworth, food & drink writer and author of A Compendium of Irish Pints, joins Scott to talk about Irish pint culture & pubs, and the traditions that make them both so special and beloved. Along the way, she shares her passion for snugs (and why they're so special), suggests what snacks to order with your pint, reveals why beer mats are a big deal and tells us some of her favorite Dublin pubs. Plus much more. Whether you love Ireland or just love great pubs, this episode offers plenty of insider insight into the Emerald Isle and Ireland travel inspiration. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep36 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Christoffer Hansen, founder of BeerWalks, joins Scott to explain how Copenhagen became one of the best cities for craft beer in Europe. From the brewery that sparked the revolution to today’s best craft beer bars and character-filled dives, Christoffer takes us on a stroll through Copenhagen, telling us where to sip and what you can expect on one of his craft beer walks through the city. He also offers tips on where to go to see a unique side of Copenhagen beyond the postcards and recommends a dreamy Danish island you need to visit. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep35 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Travel writer Jules Brown joins Scott to talk about the rail adventure that inspired his book Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave. Jules relives the highlights (and hilarious lowlights) of the adventure that saw him visit Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan in quick succession ... during a sweltering heatwave. Jules also shares how he got into travel writing and gives the lowdown about his other European rail-focused book. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep34 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Wolfgang Gärtner of Saxony Tourism for a special holiday episode about what makes Saxony the true heart of German Christmas. Wolfgang takes us on a merry tour of Dresden and the Ore Mountains, famed for their Christmas markets, festive food, wooden toys, candle arches, nutcrackers, miners' parades and many more seasonal delights. Along the way, you’ll discover a hidden gem town in Gorlitz and find out why the region of Saxony captures the magic of the holiday season like nowhere else in Germany. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep33 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Fresh off his first visit, Scott is joined by travel and food writer Alexis Steinman to explore why Marseille is one of France’s most interesting—and most mouthwatering—cities. Alexis explains what makes the city so unique, from its layered identity and Mediterranean energy to the delicious signature dishes and local aperitif that define its diverse food culture. Along the way, Alexis shares plenty of tips on where to eat, drink and experience the one-of-a-kind spirit of Marseille. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep32 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Paul Gerald, founder of Groundhopper Guides, to talk about the unforgettable experience of watching European soccer. They discuss Paul’s stadium adventures, why attending a match is one of the best ways to get to know a city and Paul’s tips for travelers planning their own soccer-centric European trip. Plus much more. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep31 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Chris Engelsman—co-founder of European Sleeper, Europe's newest night train service—to talk about the special experience that night trains offer, what makes European Sleeper unique, highlights from its routes, and what to expect from the brand in the years ahead—plus a few travel tales from the rails. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep30 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Jack Anderton, the founder of The European Bar Guide, to talk about the magic to be found at 10 of Europe's best bars. From hidden gems to icons, their conversation covers them all and offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip with stories of character-filled bars & pubs that capture the spirit of their cities. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep29 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Gillian Morrison, founder of Glasgow Food & Drink Tour, for a flavorful journey through Scotland’s biggest city. In addition to talking about Glasgow’s buzzing food scene (she covers everything from traditional Scottish fare to incredible Indian food), Gillian fills us in on Glasgow's legendary music culture, iconic pubs and some of its best-kept secrets. Naturally, there's a little rail travel and local beer talk thrown in, too. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep28 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Celina Finger of Interlaken Tourism to talk about this special resort in the heart of Switzerland. Celina talks about the unique history of the town before giving us a lowdown on all the best things to do and see there today, with a few insider tips and hidden gems along the way. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep27 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott welcomes back German beer expert Franz D. Hofer for a tour of the best beer festivals in Germany outside of Oktoberfest in Munich. Franz reveals the fascinating origins of the fests before detailing what to expect at each one, and pouring out some advice on what to drink when you're there. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep26 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

This one’s for the rail travel lovers, as Scott is joined by Nicky Gardner, lead author of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide, to talk about her book, favorite train routes, the advantages of slowing down to savor Europe, and the mystique of Eurail (Interrail) passes. Plus much more. Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep25 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by the founder of Hungry Mary Food Tours to talk about all the delicious reasons why you should visit Brussels ... and to dissect why this great city still flies under the radar. Mary drops some knowledge about Belgian culture and the city's iconic sights while also offering up tons of tips on where to eat and drink in the city. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep24 Support the show by buying me a coffee: Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Michael Kennedy, founder of Paname Brewing Company, to talk about his craft brewery and living in the City of Light. Michael is a long-time resident in Paris and after chatting about Paname, its beers and special location, he pours out some advice on hidden gems in the city and places to enjoy a Paris sunset. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep23 Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by longtime friend Stu Wilson, whom he met while traveling in Europe. Scott and Stu recall the eventful night in Vienna when they became pals before Stu paints a picture of his recent trip to Naples, Italy. Stu dishes out tips on visiting Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius and places where he enjoyed pizza in the city. (The discussion of Naples begins around the 15:00 mark.) Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep22. Support the show by buying me a coffee: Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson, yes, that Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Matt Floret, the founder of Food Lover Tour, to talk about all the great things to eat, drink, and do in Barcelona, Spain. Matt serves up his personal recommendations of restaurants, bars, and places to avoid the crowds and also suggests some lesser-known things to do in the city. Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep21. Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Judy Yorke, author of Crowded Platforms and Window Seats, to discuss the fantastic family Interrail (Eurail) trip that inspired her book. In addition, they chat at length about the all-around magic of European rail travel, and Judy dishes out advice for families looking to follow in her footsteps. Show notes & links to all places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep20. Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.