Travel with Rick Steves

An American memoirist describes what she learned when retracing an epic — and poignant — family road trip all the way from Oregon to the southern tip of South America. Then a film producer recounts some of the exhilarating travels he's turned into spectacular IMAX nature films. And fellow listeners call in to share how their passions and hobbies have provided a framework for memorable overseas travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A Ljubljana-based tour guide and co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook shares the captivating charm of Slovenia’s capital, highlighting its walkability and architectural beauty. A Munich tour guide offers insider tips for Oktoberfest, revealing the region's unique culture and traditions. Meanwhile, a naturalist dives into wildlife stories that spotlight the unappreciated roles of misunderstood creatures, including vampire bats and their medicinal contributions, along with thrilling adventures in the wild.

A historian discusses some of the most salient narratives about themselves that eastern Europeans have been passing down through generations of folklore. Then a Bulgarian tour guide lets us in on why the smaller Balkan countries of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are emerging as "back-door" destinations. And tour guides from Italy share tips for people-watching among the chic and sleek in Milan's fashionable café scene — and the cocktails to enjoy while doing so. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A linguist who studies disappearing languages lets us in on some of Europe's lesser-known lingos and discusses how languages help define cultures. Then travel journalist Oneika Raymond shares some of the insights she's gained as a "serial expat" and why she encourages fellow women of color to explore the world on their own, despite the extra challenges. And listeners offer more strategies for avoiding, or at least managing, crowds when traveling in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A longtime Italophile shares the charms and rich culture of Sicily. Then a popular columnist and avowed train buff recounts tales of his rail travels the world over. And a photojournalist takes a deep dive into the ways we soak, swim, and slow down in hot springs. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Susan Cahill, author of "Sacred Paris," takes listeners on an enlightening tour of the city’s stunning religious architecture, emphasizing its artistic and cultural significance. Mary Campbell Baron shares her hands-on experiences navigating French parenting, highlighting the differences with American styles. Frances Mayes reflects on the essence of home, drawing wisdom from her life in both Tuscany and North Carolina. The conversations blend personal stories, cultural insights, and culinary traditions, creating a rich tapestry of life in France and Italy.

Delve into southern Wales and its evocative landscape of castles, pilgrim trails, and coal mines. Then get a rare glimpse into Central Asia's largest country from a former Peace Corps volunteer. And vicariously explore some of our world's remaining desolate places. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Get recommendations for enjoying scenic hiking trails in the Scottish countryside. Then learn how Oslo's renovated harbor front has become a popular place to enjoy the city's art, culture, scenery, food, and even saunas. And hear how fellow listeners have been coping with crowds at Europe's major sights. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tour guides from Athens recommend easy day trips from the capital into the historic Greek countryside, then let us in on some lesser-known island getaways in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Plus, British actress Dame Joanna Lumley shares her favorite highlights from exploring northern Greece for a TV special she filmed there. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitors in the Spanish capital. And we ponder our place in the planet's history with author Robert Macfarlane, who shares insights gained from a decade of investigating, from a perspective of geologic time, humanity's relationship with our landscape. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.