Travel with Rick Steves

Rick learns about the history and present-day allure of the Scottish highlands from Arthur Smith, a proprietor and true gentleman of the auld cloth, who ran a bed and breakfast in Glencoe, Scotland until his recent passing. Rick then fields calls from a young woman planning a trip with her sister and mother, and from a listener who gets philosophical on the last trip he'd want to make in his life. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick learns how quickly Poland has modernized in the past ten years in a conversation with Polish tour guide Kasia Derlicka. Kasia offers ideas for travelers investigating genealogical roots and history and explains some of the soul of Poland, as reflected in the music of native-born Frederick Chopin. Also, Cameron Hewitt, co-author of Rick's Eastern European guidebook, found himself in Krakow on the April night word spread that the Pope had died. He describes the scene and its place in modern Polish history. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick learns about the charms of Wales from Welshman Martin DeLandowicz, and attempts to speak some otherwise undecipherable phrases in the Welsh Celtic language; also, Rick chats with Jamie Jensen for the first time, author of an extensive guidebook on road trips in the USA and Canada, and takes listener calls on their recommended back highway trips. Jamie will return in future programs with more road trip ideas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick discusses travel to Cuba, and how and why Americans vacation there despite the official embargo. Christopher P. Baker, author of Moon Handbooks: Cuba, will join Rick in explaining what travelers will discover when visiting this fascinating destination. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick shares some of his delicacy discoveries found in different parts of Europe that make travel a gastronomic treat. Tour guide Jamie Blair Gould discusses different kinds of Italian olives and olive oils, and describes where he lives. Then, he and Rick field listener calls on such topics as white asparagus, porcini mushrooms, in-season tomatoes, paella, truffles, and finding a smoke-free ambiance in European restaurants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick will interview tour guide Colin Clement about the highlights of traveling to Egypt, and travel agent Elizabeth Holmes about recent changes to the travel industry. We'll also take calls from travelers planning their summer vacations, and listen to some of our winning haiku entries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Adventure bicycling enthusiast Willie Weir shares how a bicycle can get you into unexpected places. Moon Handbook author Kerry Moran discusses the magic of trekking the Himalayans in Nepal. Listeners also share their travel plans and Rick Steves answers questions.