Travel with Rick Steves

A Sicilian tour guide lays out the essentials for exploring his distinctive sun-drenched island. Then a prominent Italian archaeologist discusses Venice's population decline, which continues even as crowds of tourists and cruise-ship passengers overwhelm Italy's most beloved city. And we'll get all the gritty details on the side of 18th-century Venice described so vividly by that infamous libertine, Casanova. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Discover the rewards of being a "road-trip pilgrim," as explained by author Dan Austin. Then journalist Elizabeth Becker describes how China's mandatory Golden Week holidays have boosted the worldwide travel industry, and how China's investments in tourism are paying off. And a panel of Europeans discuss how the recent rise of populist politics is playing out across the European Union. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

British author Tim Parks explains why the Italian rail system, which he depends on daily, means more to him than a mere means of transportation. Then a pair of tour guides from opposite ends of Italy highlight the regional differences that make travel in Italy such an enjoyable study in contrasts. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Travel writer Dave Fox discusses everyday life as an American in Saigon, then British actor David Suchet explains why this year's 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is so important — and why London is the world's best city for theater. Plus, listeners get Rick's advice for making the most of their European travel plans for 2017. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Two Americans who've made their living in Cuba shed light on the influence Americans have there, then author Ken Ilgunas describes the 1700-mile trek he made on foot from Alberta to Texas in hopes of getting a local perspective on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Learn how eating like a Greek could be an ideal way to improve your diet in the new year. Then listen in as consumer-travel advocate Christopher Elliott explains why travel insurance isn't always a good deal, and author Patricia Schultz recommends a thousand places you should plan to see in the US, plus her top picks for places to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Authors David Sedaris and Patricia Schultz encourage making travel plans in the new year. Chris Santella recommends getting outdoors for an adrenaline kick heli-skiing in Alaska or a civilized game of golf on the coast of Ireland. Plus, Nate Johnson stirs up our curiosity about urban wildlife from the birds we take for granted to the plants we never noticed. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Friends from Madrid, Rome, London, and Lisbon tell us how they celebrate the yuletide holidays. We'll also hear about small-town festivities in Holland, Austria, Northern Ireland, and Bulgaria. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort food served in America's roadside restaurants, then food and culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus we'll hear how locals get into the Christmas spirit in Prague. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Montreal-based authors of "The Bonjour Effect" discuss the unwritten rules of conversation in France, and the communication hurdles visitors face — even those who speak perfect French. Then reporter Peter Costantini shares updates from Nicaragua, where he's been investigating problems behind the country's bid to build a canal to rival Panama's. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.