Travel with Rick Steves

Travel writer Jeff Greenwald returns to Nepal every year, where ancient Hindu and Buddhist customs are challenged by modern pressures and recent political turmoil. Jeff joins us to describe how much the scene is changing in Nepal, as well as what's timeless about the Himalayan culture, and keeps him going back year after year. We'll also check in with listeners for travel reports about destinations that lift the spirit. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with one of the original "Monuments Men," a German-born Jew whose family escaped to America and now helps repatriate the treasures of Europe from the caves and castles where the plunder was stashed and later gets tips for planning ski trips to the Alps, where the slopes have some of the most impressive vertical drops anywhere. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We're exploring the perfect souvenir for the person who already has everything. Celia Lyttelton describes how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for creating her own perfect personal perfume. She explains the powerful connection fragrances have between places, memories, and our emotions. Also, travel writer Don George and callers share stories of how the kindness of strangers saved the day in their overseas travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Enjoy Paris like a Parisian as two local guides join us to explain how cafes work as a part of daily life for Parisians, and how visitors can enjoy them, too. Also, guides from Ireland and Wales underscore the reason singing is so important in their cultures, and how the music traditions differ among themselves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick discusses basic budget tricks for getting travelers up close to amazing places and people who inhabit them. Also, Italy food expert Fred Plotkin explains why he finds the northeast corner of Italy one of the best places in the world for pairing fine wine with flavorful food, and two tour guides explain how they turn old farmhouses into dream homes in the un-touristed region of Italy called La Marche. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Marian Krzkovic, a Croatian tour guide, shares the enchantment of his homeland, from Dubrovnik's coastal bars to the rich history of its culture. Seth Kugel, the Frugal Traveler columnist, opens the door to Brazil’s vibrant cities like Sao Paulo and Rio, offering savvy tips for enjoying the Amazon on a budget. Discover Croatia's transformation post-independence and delve into budget-friendly culinary options while engaging with locals. This lively discussion paints a picture of adventure, culture, and affordability in two stunning destinations.

The busy city of Istanbul has grown to be the home and cultural centerpiece for millions of Turks. It's also turning into a popular destination for visitors to witness many layers of history on the edge of Europe and Asia. We're detouring into the backstreets of Istanbul, with suggestions for enjoying the city like the locals do — from corners of the Grand Bazaar that tourists often miss, to the romantic traffic-free islands just off the coast.  We'll also pay tribute to the late writer Bill Holm, who shared his thoughts about "eccentric islands" with Rick. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

What appears gross to one person, is sometimes a gourmet delicacy for another. Rick puts our appetites to the test as an entrée to understanding a culture while two guides who specialize in gourmet travels from their home base in Tuscany describe the comfort foods of Western Europe and travel writer David Farley tells us about his recent foodie trip to Saigon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Listeners share memories of trips that made lasting impressions and opened up a world unknown to many Americans, including one man's summer road trip down the length of East Africa. And we'll see how easy it is to celebrate the New Year, waltzing in style at one of the season's elegant balls in Vienna. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick celebrates the holidays by exploring the distinctive ways people observe the Christmas season in Greece, Italy and Ireland and preparing to greet the New Year like locals in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Croatia, Wales and Scotland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.