Travel with Rick Steves
Episodes
149 Chow Italia: Fred Plotkin's Gourmet Italy
14 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Italians have always believed in eating locally and in season. Italian food expert Fred Plotkin joins us on this week's Travel with Rick Steves to h...
148 Lord Alderdice: Road Maps to Peace
07 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Lord Alderdice, one of the key political figures who helped resolve Northern Ireland's long-standing "troubles" between its Catholic and Protestant ci...
147 Outsiders in the Muslim World
31 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
68a Exploring Sicily & Germany's Black Forest
24 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
If you like the people and rhythm of Italy you'll love Sicily. Tour guide Alfio di Mauro offers insider tips on getting the most out of a vacation to ...
146 Hungary: Beyond Budapest
17 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Filled with a proud Imperial history, friendly formality, hundreds of hot springs, and some of Europe's spicier home cooking, Hungary is a cultural go...
145 Bulgaria; An Ounce of Prevention
10 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Caught in the cultural crosshairs of Europe, Bulgaria is emerging as one of Eastern Europe's bargains. Travelers to Bulgaris can expect Ancient Byzant...
144 An Art-Lovers Guide to Europe
03 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Art history specialist, co-author of "Europe 101" and original "Europe Through the Gutter" travel partner Gene Openshaw joins Rick to inspire us with ...
143 Jamaica and Jordan
27 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Home of rasta and reggae, the small island of Jamaica offers big personality, a distinctive accent, waterfall zip lines, and snorkeling with dolphins....
142 Salman Rushdie's "The Enchantress of Florence" & Sailing the Eastern Mediterranean
20 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Salman Rushdie joins Rick to discuss how to confront the cultural clash between East and West and explain the motivation for his latest novel, "The En...
141 A Week in Provence
13 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you make it your home base for a few days, or for good, Provence charms any traveler hoping to expeirence traditional French countryside. Two ...
140 America the Beautiful & Route 66
06 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Rick talks with the editor at Life Books about their new photo essay on one hundred of the most compelling places to visit in the USA. And we'll get r...
139 An Artist's Safari in Africa; Travel Medicine
29 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Fred Krakowiak, a wildlife painter who shares his love for Africa with us through his vivid descriptions of a safari, shows Rick what Africa looks lik...
98a A Midsommer's Guide to Sweden
22 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Stockholm-based tour guide Marita Bergman provides a glimpse into the attractions of her home city and takes listener calls on suggestions for explori...
138 Costa Rica
15 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
With seaside resorts on two coasts, volcano, rainforest, jungle, and more species of birds and butterflies than almost anywhere else on earth, Costa R...
137 Travel with Kids
08 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
136 European Travel Budget Tricks
25 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The weaker value of the US dollar doesn't have to bust your budget and get in the way of enjoying the European vacation you've always dreamed of. From...
135 Exploring D-Day Sites
18 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The beaches of Normandy hold the memories of the thousands who fought -- and the many who died -- to bring an end to Europe's Nazi tyranny in 1944. On...
134 Rome City Guide
11 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
With an extravagant collection of more history, art, and culture than any other city in the world, Rome defined the word "civilization" two thousand y...
133 Istanbul City Guide
04 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Now one of the world's largest cities, Istanbul retains its intimate character with the echoes of generations still evident in its narrow streets and ...
132 Eric Weiner and The Geography of Bliss
27 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
When self-described grump Eric Weiner took a year off from being an NPR correspondent to search for the happiest countries in the world he found some ...
131 Earth Day 2008: Sailing & Endangered Sites
20 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Rick reviews the World Monuments Fund list of the "100 Most Endangered Sites" and finds out what's putting them at risk, and what we can do to help. A...
130 An American Travel Guide to China
13 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The old China travelers once knew is undergoing radical changes, mixing some of the world's oldest cultural heritage with futuristic city sklines and ...
129 Paris City Guide
06 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't seen Paris you haven't tasted the best of Europe. French tour guide Patrick Vidal joins Rick for an insider's perspective on the style ...
95a Alaska Overview & Road Tripping with Kids
30 Mar 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska is a dream destination for many, but the cost and logistics of traveling to America's last frontier can seem almost as imposing as the spectacu...
128 Road Trip Pilgrim
23 Mar 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Rick's guest Dan Austin describes what it takes to be a "Road Trip Pilgrim," and how a tiny travel budget can actually enhance your experience. Even i...
127 Dublin City Guide
16 Mar 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Irish tour guide Stephen McPhilmey takes listener calls to explain how the high-tech boom and pop-culture scene have skyrocketed Dublin's stature in r...
126 Berlin City Guide
09 Mar 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Berlin is re-asserting itself as one of the world's powerhouse cities, and one of Europe's more-affordable cities for newcomers. Rick gets an update o...
125 The Celtic Fringes of Britain: Wales & Scotland
02 Mar 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Two of Rick's favorite tour guides from Scotland and Wales join Rick to contrast the charms of Wales and Scotland and discuss the distinctions travele...
124 Traveling on your stomach: Everyday Italian Cuisine
24 Feb 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Italy's distinctive regional cuisines are a high point for many travelers, but the disinctive customs Italians have for their food and drink sometimes...
123 Thorny Issues: Turkey and Tibet
17 Feb 2008
Contributed by Lukas
With the help of two politically-savvy Turks from Istanbul, we'll discuss some of the trickier political issues facing both Turkey and Tibet today and...
122 Romance and Authenticity
10 Feb 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Rick and travel guru Don George share advice with listeners about romantic getaways, B&Bs, and connecting with the locals. We'll also hear Jennifer Co...
121 Rescuing Da Vinci: How the Allies Saved The World's Masterpieces from World War Two
03 Feb 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Edsel, author of "Rescuing DaVinci" and producer of the documentary film "The Rape of Europa" joins Rick to describe Hitler's obsession with ar...
120 Australia & Mardi Gras in New Orleans
27 Jan 2008
Contributed by Lukas
From kangaroos to Carnival, Rick focuses on the attractions of Australia, and the celebrations surrounding Mardi Gras parties and parades in New Orlea...
119 London 2008
06 Jan 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Two of Rick's favorite London guides clue us in on what's new for 2008 and offer tips on how to navigate the city sprawl while finding characteristic ...
118 International New Year's Traditions
30 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the many ways our friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey and even Australia welcome in the new year and get a report f...
34b European Christmas Traditions
23 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick takes listener calls about travel during the holidays, and phones a few of his friends in Europe to find out how they're celebrating Christmas. W...
117 International Christmas Traditions
16 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick's friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia explain how they observe the holidays including what happens on Saint Nic...
116 Open Phones and Traveler Faux Pas
02 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick fields listener calls and emails dealing with stories of travel adventures -- and a few misadventures. From faux pas to favorite food overseas, R...
115 Tony Wheeler's "Lonely Planet"
25 Nov 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Wheeler, founder of what has become the world's largest travel empire, Lonely Planet, shares some of the tales that he chronicles in his new book...
114 Conscientious Travel; Oceania to Amsterdam
18 Nov 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the best souvenirs from a trip overseas are making connections with people and cultures on local terms. Rick takes a closer look at how we can...
113 Travel Stories and Today's Republic of Turkey
04 Nov 2007
Contributed by Lukas
With recent concerns about how Turkey deals with Kurdish separatists inside and across its borders, it's a good time to get a local's take on how the ...
112 Off the Beaten Track Emails, Amazon Adventures, and Maori Culture
28 Oct 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Travel writer Don George joins Rick to field listener emails about travel to the developing world. We'll also get pointers for touring the massive Ama...
111 Time and Money; Looking Up Relatives in Sicily
21 Oct 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners share secrets on traveling on a budget, and learn the price of being an over-worked American. Also, we'll get tips on researching family tre...
110 Southern Exposure: New Zealand & Baja California, Mexico
07 Oct 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Lonely Planet author Errol Hunt paints a vivid picture of his homeland, New Zealand, and its distinct social mix including the Polynesian Maori cultur...
67 Podcast Special: Tibet with Michael Kohn
30 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Lonely Planet author Michael Kohn updates us on the scene in Tibet, from the influence of the Chinese government over the indigenous Tibetan culture, ...
109 First Impressions of India
23 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick exchanges stories and tips on encountering India for the first time with Lonely Planet author Sarina Singh. From conquering India's train system,...
108 Madrid to Mauritius
16 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rick for an insider's guide to the Castille region of central Spain, and to the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius. Sampling the sites of Toledo an...
107 Look East: Eastern Europe to Eastern Turkey
09 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
If you're looking to travel where the old has become new again you'll do well to look East. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, three of Rick's fr...
106 Tony Wheeler's "Bad Lands"
02 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Wheeler's company writes guidebooks for practically every country on the planet -- including some that get very few visitors. On top of that, he'...
105 Budapest
19 Aug 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time to celebrate Saint Stephen's Day with the Hungarians, we look at the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city of Budapest. On this week...
104 Travel Writing with Don George; Cambodia
12 Aug 2007
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear about Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh from a travel author on assignment in Southeast Asia. A...
103 North Meets South: British Ex-Pats on the Continent; Ski, Surf, and Settle in South America
05 Aug 2007
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we hear from three of Rick's friends who left Great Britain to make new homes in Spain, Italy and France. They...
85a Cuba - What's Next?
29 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its...
102 American Desert Road Trips; Bali, Indonesia
22 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Travel with Rick Steves we investigate vacation options -- near and far. We'll explore the American tradition of taking a road trip to th...
101 Barging Through France
15 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
The captain of a passenger barge based in Burgundy joins Rick to explain the fine art of cruising France's intimate network of canals and how this dim...
100 Edinburgh -- Cultural Heart of Scotland
08 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
One of Europe's most entertaining cities is also a great place for a civilized stroll around town. Join us for an insider's guide to Edinburgh with gu...
99 Emerging Destinations & American Favorites: Route 66, New York City
01 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick's friends from Lonely Planet publications join us to discuss exotic, emerging destinations around the world, and a fresh take on two American fav...
98 A Midsummer's Guide to Sweden
17 Jun 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Stockholm-based tour guide Marita Bergman provides a glimpse into her home city, explaining how Swedish society is organized to provide for raising a ...
97 Shaking off the Soviets in Eastern Europe and the 'Stans of Central Asia
10 Jun 2007
Contributed by Lukas
After 40 years of Communism, the countries of Eastern Europe are coming into their own as the newest members of the European Union. We'll examine the ...
96 European Business Customs
03 Jun 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick explores how some of the little things travelers do, or neglect to do, affect the way Americans are perceived in Europe. Author Mary Murray Bosro...
95 Alaska Overview & Road Tripping with the Kids
27 May 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska is a dream destination for many, but the cost and logistics of traveling to America's last frontier can seem almost as imposing as the spectacu...
94 Rolf Potts: "Vagabonding"
20 May 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick spends the hour with Rolf Potts, one of the sharpest minds among the new generation of travel writers and bloggers. Rick and Rolf take listener c...
93 Italy - North vs. South
13 May 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Two of Rick's liveliest friends from Italy explain the regional differences between North and South, compare the loyalties, cuisine, accents, and atti...
92 Prague
06 May 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Prague has recently become one of Europe's most popular cities. Two tour guides based in Prague offer tips on avoiding the summer flood of tourists an...
91 Dutch Tolerance and The Overworked American
29 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick chats with tour guide Ton Van Garderen from The Netherlands about how Amsterdam makes its "live and let live" libertine policies work and what's ...
90 Earth Day 2007: Home Exchange; Hot Planet; Vanishing Places
22 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
For this year's Earth Day observance, we're getting close to some of the cool creatures on our hot planet. Rick meets Marty Essen, whose adventures to...
89 Sicily: The Island of Organized Chaos
08 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
As a crossroads of cultulres for millenia, Sicily is emerging as one of the most vivid islands travelers can visit in Europe. Rick interviews two tour...
88 Pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago in Spain, Tourism in Iran
01 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
We learn about the Camino de Santiago de Compostela from a man who takes tourists on updated versions of this mideaval pilgrimage route and catch up w...
87 Spiritual Discoveries in your Travels: Hinduism 101 and Rumi 800
25 Mar 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick discusses Hinduism with a travel writer who learned lessons in the land of her ancestors and delves into the enduring appeal of an Islamic mystic...
86 Celtic colors, from Ulster to France
18 Mar 2007
Contributed by Lukas
We're looking at different angles of Irish culture for St Patrick's Day. Rick practices the "gift of gab" with Stephen McPhilemy, a friend from the No...
85 Cuba: What's Next?
11 Mar 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its...
84 Afghanistan for Travelers and Adventure Cycling to Laos
05 Mar 2007
Contributed by Lukas
You can't get much further off the beaten path than travelling to Afghanistan or Laos. We'll hear from Central Asia expert Paul Clammer who will give ...
83 Canadian Arctic and Mardi Gras in New Orleans
18 Feb 2007
Contributed by Lukas
We'll travel to opposite ends of our continent to learn about the appeal of the Canadian Arctic from a guidebook author who's made a home in Yellowkni...
82 Marrying Into Spain and a Glance at Greece
11 Feb 2007
Contributed by Lukas
When travel leads to romance, a whole new life may be the result. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we meet an American woman who married a Span...
81 People's Guide to Mexico
04 Feb 2007
Contributed by Lukas
During the "hippy days" of the 1970s, Carl Franz and Lorena Havens made a habit of driving from Washington state to Mexico in a VW van. The couple, wh...
80 Travel Calls with Don George & This Year in New Orleans
21 Jan 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick chats with Don George from Lonely Planet publications about how Americans are being received overseas and investigates how interacting with the l...
79 Hawaii for "malihinis" and a Cancun Update
14 Jan 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Rick gets the latest info on what to look for while island-hopping in Hawaii from Lonely Planet's Sara Benson, and checks in with Gary Chandler who is...
78 Eastern Europe - Then and Now
07 Jan 2007
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't seen Eastern Europe lately, you probably won't recognize it -- and that's just how the European Union wants it. Now that most of Easte...
77 Sri Lanka
17 Dec 2006
Contributed by Lukas
In 2004, Sri Lanka became one of the countries hardest hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami as it suffered damage along much of its coastline. Two years la...
76 Encountering Sheep in your Travels
10 Dec 2006
Contributed by Lukas
One of the delights of driving through the countryside is spotting sheep grazing in the fields. We'll learn about the sheep and lambs that dot the hil...
75 Adventures in the Southern Hemisphere: Peru and Fiji
03 Dec 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We're looking high and low for adventures in the Southern Hemisphere on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Adventure travel specialist Kurt Kuta...
74 Visiting Vienna
26 Nov 2006
Contributed by Lukas
If there's one city that knows how to enjoy the everyday pleasures of life, it's Vienna. From experiencing its café culture to getting an affordabl...
73 European Comfort Food
19 Nov 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the best souvenirs you can gather from your travels reside on your taste buds. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, Rick explores some of t...
72 Bernard-Henri Levy, Part Deux
12 Nov 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Could Americans and Europeans benefit from an honest conversation with each other about their different ways of viewing society and the world? On thi...
71 Touring South Africa
05 Nov 2006
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, South Africa has awakened from its Apartheid-induced embargo to become one of the continent's most popular destinations. There's plen...
70 Nicaragua
29 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Because it had a tense relationship with the United States for many years, Nicaragua remains a rather mysterious destination for many Norte Americanos...
69 Architecture in your European Travels
15 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing what's behind the walls, as well as what goes into them, can be quite the illuminating experience. Rick invites architecture professor Kathryn...
68 Sicily & Germany's Black Forest
08 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
If you like the people, tempo, and joy of living you find in Italy then you'll love Sicily. But for some Americans, the frenzied yet laid-back style o...
66 Armenia
17 Sep 2006
Contributed by Lukas
(note: Sept 21 is Armenian Independence Day) It's one of the newest nations in the world, and one of its oldest civilizations. And this week, Armenia ...
65 Spain
10 Sep 2006
Contributed by Lukas
You probably already know that the flamenco, Sunday evening bullfights, tapas, and sangria are some of the flavors of Spain. Now, as part of the Eur...
64 Sabbaticals
27 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
It's long been a tradition in academia and many religious institutions. But it turns out anyone can benefit from a little time off the regular rou...
63 Hungary
20 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
(note: Aug 20 is Hungary's Constitution Day national holiday) Whether you're up for a night at the opera, or a day "taking the curative waters" at a h...
62 Ken Hanley's Scotland
13 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick updates our itineraries on Scotland with native-born tour guide Ken Hanley. They discuss the tensions S...
61 RV Travel & Adventure Bicycling in Laos & Northern Thailand
06 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We're exploring both ends of the transportation spectrum on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Rick learns about the R-V subculture from Chuck Woo...
60 Naples and the Amalfi Coast
23 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
You really haven't seen Italy until you travel south to Naples. It's one of the most intense and chaotic urban scenes in all of Europe. So...
59 French Culture 201 for the American Traveler
16 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
(note: Bastille Day, the major French national holiday, is July 14) When you examine the tensions that sometimes arise between Americans ...
58 Small Wonders: Belgium & Belize
09 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Good things often come in small packages. This week on Travel with Rick Steves, we'll investigate two small countries in Europe and Latin America tha...
57 Las Vegas & Yosemite
02 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We're looking at two of America's most popular getaways on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. We'll get the latest on one of the world's ...
56 Two "Wild and Crazy" Countries: Slovenia & Croatia
25 Jun 2006
Contributed by Lukas
(note: June 25 is National Day in Slovenia; and it is also statehood day in Croatia - they each declared independence from Yugoslavia 15 years ago -- ...
55 Meeting the Maasai in East Africa
18 Jun 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Get up close to African wildlife and forge an emotional connection with an ancient indigenous culture as we explore what it takes to go on an eco-frie...