Travel with Rick Steves

In what was the beginning of the packaged tour, find out how middle class Victorian-era tourists from England enjoyed the Swiss Alps. Examine the emotional benefits of travel that last well after you return home. Plus, a painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear author Teresa Bruce describe how she retraced a poignant family road trip all the way down the Pan-American highway. Then listen in as we weigh the value of souvenirs with travel writer Rolf Potts, who shares insights on the origins of the travel-gift industry. And reminisce with fellow listeners who’ve called in to share the travel memories evoked by recent episodes of the show. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear how Crete offers travelers a uniquely fascinating Greek island experience. Then travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska in the path of the Harriman Expedition of 1899. And a Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution around the world is happening faster than we used to think. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tim Neville discusses why you'd enjoy vacationing in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Travel writer Stephanie Rosenbloom explores the advantages of traveling solo and how to do it without feeling all alone. And tour guides from the Balkans recommend their favorite places to explore along the coast of Croatia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

British tour guides discuss their favorite overlooked cities to visit, beyond London. Plus, we learn what guides from the Cumbrian Lake District and the Cotswolds love about living in rural England, including recommendations for connecting with the regions' sometimes-eccentric folk culture and its literary giants. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Kathleen Winter tells us what her voyage into the Northwest Passage taught her about the world. Richard Grant left the bustle of Manhattan to buy an old farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta. Plus, listeners share tales of memorable stories from the people they've met overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear about the charms of France's Alsace region from local tour guides. A Parisian guide explains how visitors' expectations lead to misunderstandings and faux pas. Plus, Fred Plotkin shares how you might find the best croissant you've ever tasted in Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tampa Bay Times columnist Craig Pittman explains how Florida's massive tourism industry impacts the state's residents. Plus, the author of a guide to Route 66 tells us about efforts to revitalize the historic 24-hundred mile highway as a national heritage trail. Also, author Sarah Vowell tells us what she learned when she visited sites associated with assassinated American presidents. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Newfoundland actor and musician Alan Doyle recommends sights to best enjoy the rugged beauty of his island home in the Atlantic. And Canadian TV personality Rick Mercer shares his favorite places and things to do across Canada this summer. Plus, culinary historian Elizabeth Pearce raises a glass to New Orleans for its tri-centennial, and unveils tips for enjoying America's most "spirited" city through its distinctive cocktails. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and home to one of Europe's oldest universities. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.