Travel with Rick Steves

Rick Steves meets French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, a household name in his home country (where they simply call him "BHL"). During the height of recent tensions between political factions in the US and "old Europe," BHL traveled all across America, meeting with average Americans of all types, and wrote a book about our country's cultural identity, patriotism, and the creed that holds the U.S. together as a nation. His assertions may surprise you. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

From the deep green, rocky hills to the evocative smell of a peat log burning in the fireplace, you'll know you're in Ireland. But it's the people that every visitor remembers best, whether you visit the touristy destinations like the Ring of Kerry, or plot your own route on the island's back roads. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick invites back two Irish tour guide friends to offer a little help understanding the modern Ireland, whose newfound affluence has made it one of the more expensive destinations in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Egypt is a land of mysteries -- and the biggest mystery travelers face is what to expect while visiting there. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Colin Clement joins Rick from his home in Alexandria, Egypt to take your calls and discuss how you can get the most out of your vacation in Egypt. Plus listeners add advice for planning vacation trips to Europe, and we announcce our latest round of listener haiku awards. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

After Italy hosts the Winter Olympics, Germany heats up for the championship games of the World Cup soccer tournament in June. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, Rick assembles a panel of European soccer fanatics to explain what the excitement is all about. Whether your summer travel plans include trying to take in some of the action around the games, or trying to avoid it, you'll want to hear what's behind the world's biggest, and most passionate, sporting competition. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

200 years ago, Lewis and Clark charted the rivers of what is now Northwestern America. In the 21st Century, travelers seek the same mountains and rivers to get away from their crowded urban lives. Rick discusses the basics of back-country river rafting with Peter Grub, who runs a river adventure company in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We'll also chat with Julian Smith about the Four Corners area of the US Desert Southwest, talk with listeners about travel plans and challenges, and take a tour of Montreal with a listener who lives there. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Millions of people scratch their travel itch each week by reading their newspaper's travel section. Rick takes us behind the scenes at the San Francisco Chronicle to find out what its senior travel editor is looking for as he assembles the paper's storyboards each week. Whether readers are looking for the latest on exotic destinations, or just want an interesting place to take a Sunday drive, John Flinn knows that his newspaper often plays an important part in shaping their travel dreams -- and the fortunes of the travel industry.   We'll also present our latest round of listener travel haiku awards, and open the phones for listener questions and ideas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

In the past decade and a half, Berlin has re-emerged as one of Europe's major capitals -- it's changing so quickly even tourism officials have difficulty keeping up.  Rick gets the latest on Berlin 's rebirth from EurAide's Lee Evans. Berlin is also one of the major worldwide destinations favored by gay and lesbian travelers.  We'll learn what's happening in this travel market with Ed Salvato, editor of OutandAbout.com, a website run by the largest gay publisher in North America. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Mexico is the perfect destination for North Americans seeking sun, fun, and a colorful, distinctive culture. Rick explores some of the popular Pacific coast destinations of Mexico, from Puerto Vallarta down to Acapulco and Oaxaca (wah-HAH-ka), with guidebook author Bruce Whipperman. We visit with a singer who spends part of the year working to make a living in Seattle, but lives like royalty when she's got a gig in Istanbul. Julie Cascioppo (cass-ee-OH-po) tells us how her career as a singer helps her to travel in style. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

From the newly spruced up capital of Athens , to the sun-drenched villages of the mainland and the islands, it's no myth that Greece is a pleasure to experience. Greece provides countless opportunities for travelers to experience its rich history in the ruins of its ancient past. Yet modern-day Greece carries its own weight as a desirable destination. Visiting ancient sites in Greece is something every seasoned traveler should do at least once, and this week Rick gets an insider's perspective on visiting Greece from tour guide Penny Kolomvatsou. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italy has become one of the hottest destinations for European travel -- and for good reason. Smart travelers know how to avoid crowds and, as a result, enjoy a genuine experience of Italy. Rick chats with a local from Cortona, the hilltown known to Americans as the setting for "Under the Tuscan Sun," and for those afraid to fly, Rick receives tips from Steve Hutchison, who leads a Fear of Flying workshop. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.