Travel with Rick Steves

Author and This American Life contributor Sarah Vowell tells us what she's recently learned about the Americanization of the Hawaiian islands. Then say "Happy 150th birthday" to Canada with one of its top TV personalities, Rick Mercer. Plus, a tour guide from Siena tells us how her adopted neighborhood won last year's Palio horse race — twice. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tune in as Rick gets tips from frequent traveler Wendy on how to actually enjoy a long-distance flight in coach. Then we'll hear expert advice from Lisbon-based tour guides for enjoying the intimate neighborhoods of Portugal's historic capital. And learn about the mix of European elegance and Latin culture that led architecture critic James Gardner to buy an apartment in Argentina's fascinating capital city. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear how the summer solstice is celebrated in Scandinavia, where the official start of summer is a big deal. Then listen in as Italian friends discuss the effects of their country's high unemployment rate — and how Italians are meeting the challenge — before taking listener calls to share tips for a "dolce vita" vacation. And come along as we visit with some Tuscan craftsmen keeping traditions alive in their hill town home. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We start with a close look at how World War I upended the roles of Europe's monarchies, then hear about Agatha Christie's 1922 Grand Tour to promote the British Empire, as told to her grandson. And, just in time for "Bloomsday," a Dublin tour guide takes us on an audio walk past the city's must-see sights for fans of James Joyce's "Ulysses." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear what's new at the two most popular destinations in the US as the author of the Frommer's guidebook to Disney World shares tips for making the most of your time there, and Pauline Frommer updates us on the best things to do and see in New York City. Plus, a tour guide from Greece tells us how to enjoy an authentic taste of Hellenic culture while out for a night on the town in Greece. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Join us to get a German perspective on Deutschland's recent emergence as the leading nation of the European Union, and stay tuned as our tour-guide guests take calls to help listeners plan memorable German getaways. Then get ready for your summer road trip with recommendations from Patricia Schultz, author of "1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the regional dessert specialties of Italy — and divulges the whereabouts of the best gelato in the entire country. Then a tour guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating pasta. Plus, we'll get an overview of Paris's enticing array of open-air neighborhood food markets. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

"Senior nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell discuss their travels among home shares around the world — and why, after three years, they plan to keep on globe-trotting full time. And we'll hear what makes the republic of Macedonia, in the southern Balkans, one of tour guide David Willett's favorite destinations anywhere. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Author Lisa Dickey describes her recurring travels around Russia, where she explores how life keeps changing for the average local citizen. Then we'll get up to date on the newest and not-to-be-missed sights in London as a tour guide highlights the special exhibits and events luring visitors to the city this year. Plus, tour guides from Hungary, Germany, and Greece discuss how US pop culture has influenced their lives…and their views of Americans. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Genuinely "down to earth" astronaut Cady Coleman joins us to describe what it's like living and working — for months at a time — on the International Space Station, where the zero-gravity environment affects everything you do...and how circling planet Earth every 90 minutes changes your outlook on life. Plus, listeners share tales of their own unforgettable treks and travels back on mother Earth. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.