Travel with Rick Steves

The essence of ancient Greece is actually an easy drive from the busy city of Athens. We're looking at the pleasures of the Peloponessian Peninsula where historical sites and mythology mix with laid-back small towns and uncrowded beaches. Also, an expert on Michelangelo highlights some of the personal influences that helped define him as the epitome of the Renaissance man. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Another season of spicy, colorful festivals is getting underway in southern Spain. Local guides from Madrid and Seville point out how visitors can take in the traditions, from lively cities to white washed hill towns in the sunny south. They'll explain how Spaniards maintain their traditions in Seville, and why many consider it the most romantic city in the country. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick gets ready for St Patrick's Day with a closer look at the traditional side of Ireland and exploring the customs of a traditional Irish music session in its natural habitat -- a pub. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Around the USA, there are hundreds of affordable, unpretentious, "yum" places serving home cooked meals. Jane and Michael Stern share some of their findings about the best Road Food they've found around the country. They provide a few suggestions for places where you can enjoy authentic regional food specialties. Also, get a view from the cockpit on ways to help reduce the stress factor for your next flight. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Marine wildlife expert Richard Ellis explains how the loss of the ice cap in the Arctic is accelerating, why the wildlife of the region cannot adapt to the effects of global warming, and why this should matter to everyone. Rick also takes listener calls for stories of lessons learned when we are immersed in another culture. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Even if you don't want to climb a mountain, there are many ways to add a deeper sense of purpose to your travels. Dan Austin describes what it takes to be a "Road Trip Pilgrim," and how a tiny travel budget can actually enhance your experience. We'll share pratical ideas on taking take time off to recharge your spirit in another part of the world, no matter what your age or income. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

The persistent problems Haiti endures are just one example of the need to go beyond relief aid to tackle the root causes of poverty around the world. Greg Mortenson, author of the bestselling "Three Cups of Tea" tells us how he's able to build schools in the heart of Taliban country. Also Bread for the World founder Art Simon explains his efforts to change the system that keeps so much of the world poor and hungry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick finds out what's behind the tensions between neighboring countries Greece & Turkey and travel writer Fred Plotkin talks Finland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

The city that defined the word "civilization" 2000 years ago, Rome today boasts an extravagant collection of more history, art, and culture than any other city in the world. Two locals offer Rick insider tips on experiencing the less crowded corners of the city and making the past come alive. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We're taking a look at two parts of Mexico's northern borderlands. Keith Bowden spent the better part of a winter canoeing the length of the Rio Grande from El Paso to the Gulf, and he tell us what surprises he found. Also, the author of guidebooks to Baja and Cabo describes the natural attractions of Baja California, with two coastlines more 800 miles long. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick's guest, Sir Salman Rushdie, explains the motivation for his novel, "The Enchantress of Florence," and offers suggestions on how to confront the cultural clash between "East and West" Also, sailing expert Anthony Sandberg joins Rick with recommendations on how to experience the eastern Mediterranean much like the ancients did -- island-hopping with a boat. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick toasts the end of the train line known as the Orient Express and continues east to hear about filmaker Justine Shapiro's experience living in Tehran over a summer with her six year old son. Plus, we have a new set of listener haiku about Venice. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We're checking in with our listeners for stories of cross-cultural faux pas. We'll share tips for packing light with just a carry-on, and still looking good at dinner after you unpack in your hotel room. We'll also meet a man who developed a new respect for such creatures as bullet ants, vampire bats, hippos, snakes and leeches. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick explores some of the many ways to welcome new year with friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey, and even Australia and Japan. Plus, guests share tips, direct from France, on how to put a little sunshine on our table by eating the French Riviera way. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Some of Rick's European friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia share how different cultures celebrate from Saint Nicholas Day to Epiphany and offer advice for a holiday trip to Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

This week, we'll hear about the sheep and lambs that dot the hills of rural Britain from an accomplished breeder who welcomes tourists to his sheep farm in rural Wales. Rick discovers a few new tricks they use to train the dogs that herd the flocks. We'll also learn about Welsh Christmas traditions, which include a lot of singing and wassailing. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Author Jill Jonnes joins Rick to discuss who was in the crowd 120 years ago to view The Eiffel Tower, and how radio saved it from being demolished. Also, Pauline Frommer offers tips for all kinds of fun in Las Vegas away from the casinos on the Strip and we'll explore some of the distinctive Christmas season traditions of Rome and Santa Fe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick explores practical solutions to addressing world hunger in the 21st century with guests from a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency advocating for the interests of hungry people around the world to a Kenyan agricultural specialist who helps address policies and markets benefiting people in developing nations. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick takes a contemporary look at ancient religious paths in Europe and discovers that 21st century travelers in search of religious-themed journeys can find inspiration crossing paths with ancient religious shrines, including the old pilgrim's trail from England to Rome. And a German comic describes what he learned from a month-long solo trek to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

There's a great deal of history and national pride in a shot of whiskey. Kate Hopkins, "The Accidental Hedonist," joins Rick to share what she learned about The Drink while visiting distilleries across Ireland, Scotland, Canada and Appalachia. Also, Chris Rae investigates more of the British slang that drives the rest of us bonkers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

An architectural photographer shares tips on capturing the spirit of Machu Picchu with a camera, a guidebook author with an appetite for the unusual tells us how her home state of New Mexico has a different aroma from the rest of the American Southwest, and we learn why the Turks stop in their tracks for a few minutes every November tenth. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Patricia Schultz, author of the best-seller "A Thousand Places to See Before you Die" joins Rick to talk about narrowing down some of her favorite places to visit. And, for Halloween, All Souls Day, and Day of the Dead observances, Rick fields calls from listeners who tell us about haunted encounters they experienced on their travels to Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick experiences traditional Japanese culture with help from Lonely Planet author, Andrew Bender and learns from travel writer Don George about the Kindness of Strangers and how interacting with the locals -- regardless of the language barrier -- can make a big difference. Also, ultra-frequent flyer Johnny Jet offers tips for making your next flight more enjoyable. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick explores art found outside museums in the everyday scene of Europe and author Robert Edsel shares stories of the "Monuments Men" who helped rescue masterpieces of Western art from the Nazis during and after World War Two and whose work continues even today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Whether you make it your home base for a few days or for good Provence in southeast France is what most Americans imagine of the French countryside. Two specialists in touring France join Rick and take your calls to unveil what makes Provence a distinctive region of France, and why it's so popular with American and European visitors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

As Berliners prepare to celebrate German Reunification Day Rick chats with three residents about the upcoming 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and hears stories about the Cold War days and current challenges from listeners who have experienced Berlin as both a divided and freshly reunited city. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Celia Lyttelton shares her story of how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for her own perfect personal perfume -- the perfect souvenir for the person who already has everything -- and explains the powerful connection fragrances hold between places, memories, and our emotions. Also, travel writer Don George and callers discuss how the Kindness of Strangers saved the day on more than one overseas occasion and a new set of listener travel haiku takes us sailing in the Caribbean. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Two American travelers reveal the hidden sub-cultures in the Muslim World of the Middle East and North Africa. Looking behind the veil, our guests are an American Muslim who spent a year on her own getting acquainted with the region and a gay travel writer who was surprised by what he encountered in Afghanistan and Iraq. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is often compared to some of Europe's great cities in terms of culture, history, street life, and great food. Yet despite being considered the western hemisphere's equal to many European capitols, it's still not on most Americans' must-see list. Two former New Yorkers, who are inspired to change all that, join Rick to share their story of how they were so charmed by Mexico City they moved there and wrote guides to help other visitors enjoy it, too. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick examines the slang that separates the Brits from their American cousins in an effort to help travelers avoid being "gob-smacked" by what the locals might say, and appearing as a "plonker". Also, Rick discusses how perserving the rags and bones of saints and other relics have changed the world and shares tips for how a travel journal can become a fun and important way to savor vacation memories. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

One of Tangier's local tour guides offers suggestions for visiting the enigmatic gateway city to North Africa that is currently being restored to its former Art Deco glory. Also, for something completely different, photographer Steven Kazlowski shares what he learned from spending years in Alaska's Arctic photographing polar bears, along with the wisdom the land and its people taught him. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Join Rick as he learns about the fascinating relationship between two of North America's most iconic birds -- owls and woodpeckers -- and how they help us better understand the different landscapes on our continent. Listeners also offer budget tips on how using cell phones overseas can actually help travelers save money and highlights Albania as a cultural time warp, recommending a visit before other tourists discover its appeal. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick examines the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city and how, after centuries of being a melting pot of cultures, Budapest continues to be one of the world's truly grand cities, with some of the tastiest food in Europe. Joining Rick, two Hungarian tour guides take listener calls and explore why Budapest remains the economic and cultural centerpiece for much of eastern Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rolf Potts shares his tales and misadventures as a travel writer and Rick shares ideas with listeners on how to eat on a budget while traveling on vacation overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

The busy city of Istanbul is now home to millions of Turks and is emerging as one of the hottest places for visitors. Rick delvs into the backstreets with suggestions for enjoying the city like the locals do -- from corners of the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace to the romantic traffic-free islands just off the coast. We'll also pay tribute to the late writer Bill Holm, who shared his thoughts about "eccentric islands" with Rick. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris tells us how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe. David helps us tackle the gender of French nouns — sort of — and compares notes with Rick on the most irritating things about tourists in Paris, staying in hotels, and a dirty little secret about some flight attendants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Is the current economic downturn taking a toll on you? We'll investigate what makes people from different cultures happy, with NPR's Eric Weiner, as he updates us on the findings from his book "The Geography of Bliss." We'll also consider our options for taking in a classical music concert while vacationing in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

If you haven't seen Paris, you really haven't yet tasted the best of Europe. French tour guide Patrick Vidal joins Rick for an insider's perspective on the style and substance that makes Paris the world capital of culture. We'll also hear from listeners with their own suggestions for what makes Paris one of the world's favorite cities. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick celebrates Independence day, gathering tips for visiting Washington D.C. from Pauline Frommer and Jay Inslee, who represents Rick's home district in Congress. Also, Patricia Schultz inspires listeners with a follow-up to her book "Thousand Places to See Before Your Die" focusing on the USA and Canada. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Whether you studied art history in college, or you just want to be a good sport on your next trip to Europe, we'll see how art can change the way you look at the world. Rick is joined by the co-author of his Europe 101 book on art appreciation, and by certified guides from Rome and Florence, to discover new ways of looking at the masterpieces that surround you in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with Scott Huler about his voyage in the Mediterranean to re-trace the steps of Ulysses and what he learned about himself 3,000 years after "The Odyssey." Also, a writer from Forbes.com shares with listeners the lengths some intrepid travelers are going to in order to reach the far corners of the earth. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick gets advice from a flight attendant on how to enjoy flying in the coach section of the plane, including tips for getting a good seat, and hears from two Hollywood comedy writers who challenged each other to see who could make it around the world first -- without ever using an airplane. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

The beaches of Normandy, France hold the memories of thousands who fought -- and many who died -- to bring an end to Europe's Nazi tyranny in 1944. Rick commemorates the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings with an expert guest on D-Day sites who gives travelers options for a trip that many Americans rate among the most moving of their lives. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italians have always believed in eating locally and in-season, and that's exactly what Italian food expert Fred Plotkin recommends when he joins Rick to talk about chowing well in Italia. Fred gives tips for helping travelers savor the variety of regional Italian cuisine specialties, where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and some of the local traditions Italians have for what -- and when -- to eat and drink. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

For centuries castles were considered the high points of their communities. Join Rick as he talks castles with an expert guide from Wales and offers recommendations for which sites travelers to visit -- from historical ruins to converted B&Bs, all the way to Transylvania. Next, Rick learns about American high school students who travel to Guatemala each summer in order to learn first-hand how connected we really are in our modern world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick brings centuries of Roman history to life as he takes a closer look at some of the sites found on the streets of Rome, checks in on the city's now-trendy Jewish Ghetto, offers practical tips for planning a visit, hears what some of our listeners have discovered in their own travels and chats with a local guide who not only knows her city inside out, but also explains how it teaches us about ourselves today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

After World War Two, European visionaries dreamed of cooperation and peace between countries in the hopes to prevent another devastating war. Today, we celebrate this vision through Europe Day and the European Union with a panel of European citizens who discuss the political and social issues facing the E.U. Out of the rubble of World War Two, European visionaries came up with a way to get their countries to cooperate and to prevent another devastating war. We're commemorating Europe Day with a panel of European citizens. Join us as we discuss how the E-U addresses the political and social issues facing Europe today. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Budget travel guru Arthur Frommer joins Rick to compare notes on recent travel trends, and share ideas for seeing the world in a down economy. Also, Margret Hemmen provides tips on how to research for some of the year's biggest music festivals, since 2009 will include anniversaries of many major classical composers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We explore practical solutions to addressing world hunger. Rick's guests include a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency that advocates for the interests of hungry people around the world. And we'll hear from a Kenyan agricultural specialist who's helping to address policies and markets that will benefit people in developing nations. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

For some parents, fear of flying means wondering how their kid will behave on the plane. Rick shares practical advice and pointers on traveling with children ranging from toddlers to teens. From acclimating kids to the streets of Rome to leaning how to cope with jetlag, Rick's guests discuss what parents need to know and how to turn kids into lifelong travelers. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.