Travel with Rick Steves cover image

Travel with Rick Steves

696a For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art in Europe

Mar 29, 2025
In this lively discussion, Peter Fiennes, former Time Out publisher and author, shares insights on the evolution of guidebooks, highlighting their enduring charm amidst digital trends. Jack E. Davis, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, explores the Gulf of Mexico's ecological significance and its influence on American identity. Gene Openshaw delves into the rich tapestry of European art, emphasizing often-overlooked periods like the Dark Ages and the profound connections between art and travel. Together, they celebrate the stories that enrich our journeys.
52:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Printed guidebooks, despite digital alternatives, retain immense value by offering curated, trustworthy insights that enhance the travel experience.
  • The Gulf of Mexico is not just a geographical feature but a vital resource that requires appreciation and protection for its ecological heritage.

Deep dives

The Legacy of Guidebooks

Travel guides have a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece, and even old guidebooks retain immense value today. They serve as an entryway into past landscapes, filled with unique cultural insights and geographical details. For example, Peter Fiennes emphasizes the nostalgic thrill of using a 1923 Blue Guide map of London, which showcases locations that have since changed drastically. This highlights how guidebooks, despite their age, can connect travelers to the history and evolution of the places they visit.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode