Travel with Rick Steves

Rick's guest Dan Austin describes what it takes to be a "Road Trip Pilgrim," and how a tiny travel budget can actually enhance your experience. Even if you don't want to climb a mountain, there are many ways to add a deeper sense of purpose to your travels. We'll share pratical ideas on taking take time off to recharge your spirit in another part of the world, no matter what your age or income.

Irish tour guide Stephen McPhilmey takes listener calls to explain how the high-tech boom and pop-culture scene have skyrocketed Dublin's stature in recent years and how that's changing the character of the Irish capital. Find out why people across the country are calling Dublin one of their favorite cities -- even though it has become one of its most expensive for American visitors.

Berlin is re-asserting itself as one of the world's powerhouse cities, and one of Europe's more-affordable cities for newcomers. Rick gets an update on the city's attractions and energy from an American who now calls Berlin his home and discovers how Berlin's intense re-construction project promises to reveal a re-invented German capital soon.

Two of Rick's favorite tour guides from Scotland and Wales join Rick to contrast the charms of Wales and Scotland and discuss the distinctions travelers can find in the United Kingdom, including a far more interesting taste of the authentic culture than you'll find from the standard romanticized tourists cliches. And another round of listener poetry about Winter in Ireland.

Italy's distinctive regional cuisines are a high point for many travelers, but the disinctive customs Italians have for their food and drink sometimes baffles American visitors. Two Italian food guides chat with Rick to lay out the tenents of good everyday food -- Italian style. And, we'll help you enjoy eating like an Italian, without letting low exchange rate get in the way of enjoying authentic Italian cuisine.

With the help of two politically-savvy Turks from Istanbul, we'll discuss some of the trickier political issues facing both Turkey and Tibet today and hear how Turkey is preparing for a formal relationship with the European Union. And, a Lonely Planet author explains how China's political control is changing Tibet, and offers tips for finding its traditional Buddhist culture.

Rick and travel guru Don George share advice with listeners about romantic getaways, B&Bs, and connecting with the locals. We'll also hear Jennifer Cox's story of traveling the world to find a soulmate -- and where she found him -- and get a first-hand report from Siena in central Italy about how to savor the moment, Tuscan-style.

Robert Edsel, author of "Rescuing DaVinci" and producer of the documentary film "The Rape of Europa" joins Rick to describe Hitler's obsession with art, and how a special unit of Allies, known as the Monuments Men, re-patriated Europe's treasures after the war -- and the work that remains to be done today.

From kangaroos to Carnival, Rick focuses on the attractions of Australia, and the celebrations surrounding Mardi Gras parties and parades in New Orleans. Rick explores Aussie culture and New Orleans with Lonely Planet experts. We'll also hear how Mardi Gras is a series of celebrations for all ages, and why it's so important in helping revive the spirit of New Orleans.

Two of Rick's favorite London guides clue us in on what's new for 2008 and offer tips on how to navigate the city sprawl while finding characteristic neighborhoods without getting lost in the Underground. And we'll compare notes with listeners on budget tricks and free attractions that make London one of the world's top travel destinations.

Explore the many ways our friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey and even Australia welcome in the new year and get a report from one of our traveling listeners about his recent trip-of-a-lifetime to Ecuador. We've all got to share one planet, so come along as we explore our world, and welcome in the new year in style.

Rick takes listener calls about travel during the holidays, and phones a few of his friends in Europe to find out how they're celebrating Christmas. We'll also hear about guarding traditions in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Ireland and Portugal, and how some traditionas are changing with modern times. And we'll even find out about some of Santa Claus's relatives, back in the "old country."

Rick's friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia explain how they observe the holidays including what happens on Saint Nicholas Day and Epiphany as part of their Christmas festivities. And we'll also get some advice for a family holiday trip to Paris.

Rick fields listener calls and emails dealing with stories of travel adventures -- and a few misadventures. From faux pas to favorite food overseas, Rick spends a full hour on the lessons learned from "travelers' school of hard knocks."

Tony Wheeler, founder of what has become the world's largest travel empire, Lonely Planet, shares some of the tales that he chronicles in his new book, "Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story." Rick compares notes with Tony as he recalls the early travel adventures that formed the foundation of a pre-eminent publishing house known for helping independent travelers find their way through even the smallest and thorniest of countries.

Some of the best souvenirs from a trip overseas are making connections with people and cultures on local terms. Rick takes a closer look at how we can have a positive impact on the places we visit, and Jeff Greenwald of EthicalTraveler.org shares his tips for being a first-class ambassador to the third world. Plus, Moon Handbook South Pacific author David Stanley gives Rick an overview of "Oceania" and Rick compares notes with Lonely Planet author Andy Bender on some of his favorite "Back Door" sites in Amsterdam.

With recent concerns about how Turkey deals with Kurdish separatists inside and across its borders, it's a good time to get a local's take on how the country functions in a rough and tumble corner of the world. Meli Seval returns to explain how nationalism helps shape Turkish democracy and what it means to Turkish citizens as the country celebrates its 84th anniversary as a republic. We'll also hear from listeners on how spending time abroad has spiced up their lives.

Travel writer Don George joins Rick to field listener emails about travel to the developing world. We'll also get pointers for touring the massive Amazon River region of Brazil, where river transportation is like a non-stop party boat, and learn about the indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand.

Listeners share secrets on traveling on a budget, and learn the price of being an over-worked American. Also, we'll get tips on researching family trees in Europe from two of our Sicilian friends, and look at the influence of Sicilian culture as an alternative to the frantic American pace of life.

Lonely Planet author Errol Hunt paints a vivid picture of his homeland, New Zealand, and its distinct social mix including the Polynesian Maori culture. And, for a sunny getaway closer to home, Rick explores Mexico's Baja California peninsula from its gritty border towns to land's end at Cabo San Lucas.

Lonely Planet author Michael Kohn updates us on the scene in Tibet, from the influence of the Chinese government over the indigenous Tibetan culture, to practical tips that will help travelers plan a trip there.

Rick exchanges stories and tips on encountering India for the first time with Lonely Planet author Sarina Singh. From conquering India's train system, to enjoying Bollywood films, and learning to eat without utensils, they discuss issues that push travelers outside their comfort zone in order to find the best travel souvenir: memories. We'll also hear more stories about the unexpected kindness of strangers on the road.

Join Rick for an insider's guide to the Castille region of central Spain, and to the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius. Sampling the sites of Toledo and Madrid, we get an understanding of what gives the heart of Spain its vibrant character. We'll bask in the mélange of cultures that makes Mauritius a delicious tropical magnet for European socialites -- and a potential eco-destination for tracking the remains of the dodo bird.

If you're looking to travel where the old has become new again you'll do well to look East. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, three of Rick's friends discuss their home countries of Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic and how to get the most there for your dollar. We'll also venture into the heart of the ancient world with an overview of the sites of Eastern Turkey. Tour guide Mehlika Seval tells us why she loves the traditional Eastern half of her country, where deeply-rooted cultures carry on with little interruption from tourism.

Tony Wheeler's company writes guidebooks for practically every country on the planet -- including some that get very few visitors. On top of that, he's written up his latest adventures to some of the most dubious destinations in "Bad Lands: A Tourist on the Axis of Evil." The head of Lonely Planet publications tells us what he found in Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya, Burma, North Korea, Cuba, and Albania on this week's Travel with Rick Steves.

Just in time to celebrate Saint Stephen's Day with the Hungarians, we look at the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city of Budapest. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, two Hungarian tour guides join Rick to take listener calls and explore why Budapest remains the economic and cultural centerpiece for Eastern Europe. Budapest is one of the world's truly grand cities, and has been a meeting place of cultures for centuries. We'll check out everything from hot springs to Hungarian food, and find out why travelers in the know call Budapest the "Paris of Eastern Europe."

On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear about Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh from a travel author on assignment in Southeast Asia. And we'll learnr how to plan a visit to the misty Cambodian jungle and it's magnificent temples at Angkor Wat. Also, travel editor Don George joins Rick to help listeners practice the craft of travel writing and research. And a listener entices us to his home town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, we hear from three of Rick's friends who left Great Britain to make new homes in Spain, Italy and France. They'll tell us what it's like living as an 'ex-pat' on the Continent, and offer advice for Americans thinking of moving to Europe on a budget. We'll also get tips on skiing and surfing options in Latin America. And a listener explains what's it like being an American living in Panama.

Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its society, and how soon the US government might rescind its economic embargo on Cuba. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we examine some of the anxieties, possibilities and realities regarding Americans and Cuba. Rick welcomes Cuba expert Christopher P Baker for a discussion of what's next for Cuba in these days of political limbo, and what it means for American travelers who want to go there. We're going to Cuba -- sort of -- on the next Travel with Rick Steves.

This week on Travel with Rick Steves we investigate vacation options -- near and far. We'll explore the American tradition of taking a road trip to the desert -- whether it's at a national park in Utah or among the lava fields of Hawaii's Big Island. And we'll see why visitors to Bali in Indonesia call it paradise on earth, and hear how its tourism industry is faring after several scares in recent years. From a great American road trip, to a beach vacation in Bali, we're taking off for a change of scenery on the next Travel with Rick Steves.

The captain of a passenger barge based in Burgundy joins Rick to explain the fine art of cruising France's intimate network of canals and how this dimension of traveling through the French countryside brings with it new pleasures. And we'll hear stories from listeners who experienced simple acts of kidness by strangers in their travels.

One of Europe's most entertaining cities is also a great place for a civilized stroll around town. Join us for an insider's guide to Edinburgh with guides Anne Doig and Ken Hanley. Each year, they lead hundreds of Americans around Edinburgh, sharing the ins and outs of their city. We'll hear how to best enjoy the fabled summer festivals -- among the most popular in Europe -- and catch a wee dram of Scottish pride and spirit.

Rick's friends from Lonely Planet publications join us to discuss exotic, emerging destinations around the world, and a fresh take on two American favorites. We'll look at maintaining the 20th century magic of the open road along U-S Route 66 and go uptown for a budget traveler's guide to New York City.

Stockholm-based tour guide Marita Bergman provides a glimpse into her home city, explaining how Swedish society is organized to provide for raising a familiy, and telling us how the Swedes celebrate the longest day of the year. We'll take listener calls with suggestions for exploring the Swedish countryside, too.

After 40 years of Communism, the countries of Eastern Europe are coming into their own as the newest members of the European Union. We'll examine the dramatic changes to everyday life for the people of the former Soviet bloc countries and get an overview of tourism to the former Soviet "Stans" of Central Asia to see how they're faring as independent nations.

Rick explores how some of the little things travelers do, or neglect to do, affect the way Americans are perceived in Europe. Author Mary Murray Bosrock, a specialist in intercultural communication and behavior, joins Rick to examine what's considered appropriate behavior when conducting business in Europe, how formal travelers should be in different cultures, and which cheek to kiss (and when).

Alaska is a dream destination for many, but the cost and logistics of traveling to America's last frontier can seem almost as imposing as the spectacular scenery. Lonely Planet author Aaron Spitzer joins Rick to discuss travel options for first-timers to Alaska and compare crusing the Southeast to road tripping through Mount Denali and the Kenai Peninsula. Also, Jeff Campbell offers practical tips on how to make a summer road trip with small children memorable for all the right reasons.

Rick spends the hour with Rolf Potts, one of the sharpest minds among the new generation of travel writers and bloggers. Rick and Rolf take listener calls and compare notes on how to see the world "through the back door," and then stay a while; an approach Rolf calls "Vagabonding." Join us as we explore the art of open-ended adventures around the world on the next Travel with Rick Steves.

Two of Rick's liveliest friends from Italy explain the regional differences between North and South, compare the loyalties, cuisine, accents, and attitudes of Italy's regions and show us how a common love of good food and soccer unites them. From aristocratic northern business types, to southern families that almost smother travelers with their hospitality, we're contrasting the character you'll find in Italy -- from North to South -- on the next Travel with Rick Steves.

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 and finding the city's substantial old world charm - and bargains. They'll recommend day trips into the Bohemian countryside which are now easier than ever thanks to improved rail service in the Czech Republic.

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 behind the Dutch reputation for being "tolerant." We'll also assess the state of the overworked American with author and documentary producer John DeGraff to see how we can reclaim some of the time we never seem to have enough of.

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 the far corners of the planet with his wife and love of sometimes-frightening critters were enough to fill a very engaging book. Rick also learns how to conduct a home exchange, and discusses the World Monuments Fund list of "Vanishing Places" with author Michael Shapiro.

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 guide friends from Sicily on what makes their island home so distinctive from the rest of Italy and what the island offers to keep visitors content for weeks.

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 with a Lonely Planet Iran researcher who finds that, despite the country's heavy-handed rulers, the Iranian people are some of the most welcoming you'll find anywhere. Plus we have a new round of listeners' travel haiku to share.

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 known in the west as Rumi who is commemorating his 800th birthday. Listeners also share their experience with 'the kindness of strangers' as a godsend in their travels to Europe.

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 North of Ireland who spins a few yarns about Ulster, and explains how the long-boiled animosities among Northern Ireland's residents are starting to fade away. And Patrick Noel, a Franco-Celtic tour guide from Cork, highlights the connections between Ireland and France.

Now that Fidel Castro no longer heads the Cuban government, questions are emerging about whether Cuban authorities might start to relax control of its society, and how soon the U.S. government might rescind its economic embargo on Cuba. On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we examine some of the anxieties, possibilities and realities regarding Americans and Cuba. Rick welcomes Cuba expert Christopher P. Baker for a discussion of what's next for Cuba in these days of political limbo, and what it means for American travelers who want to go there.

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 us a reality check on what travelers can expect from Afghanistan. Also, Willie Weir returns with more tales from his recent bike adventures thru Northern Thailand into Laos.

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 Yellowknife and get a detailed guide to celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including how one French Quarter merchant is faring as tourism slowly rebounds. We'll also hear listeners' tales of heroic acts of kindness experienced on the road, and a fresh batch of traveler's haiku.

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 Spaniard and is now raising a family in the heart of Madrid. We'll also hear from an Australian tour guide who spends much of the year showing off the sites of Greece. He'll advise us on how to find the real Greece beyond the sites of Athens. And we'll hear from listeners who stared down scam artists face to face in their travels in Europe.