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.

Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like home.

Hear about the slower pace of life on Bowen Island, just offshore from bustling Vancouver, British Columbia. Then get tips for exploring Alaska beyond its cruise ship ports. And vicariously experience a summer hike across Iceland's dramatic backcountry.

Find out why Germany's "second city," the industrial northern port of Hamburg, is a favorite getaway among Germans. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's new TV series, which explores the backstories of Europe's greatest artworks. And consider what drives some death-defying athletes to go all-in for "extreme sports."

The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest — which is back on after a two-year pandemic hiatus. And an adventure traveler explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.

Diplomat and former ambassador Eric Rubin gives us a look at how the foreign service works on behalf of American interests in Bulgaria. Then "Senior Nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell update us on their pandemic-era global travels. And artist and author Sylvia Verange reflects on her hiking journey across the Himalaya Mountains and how it's affected her life in the decades since.

Humorist Maeve Higgins recommends places to visit in her home turf of Ireland's County Cork. Then tour guides from southwest England share their expert advice on where best to enjoy the coastal beauty of Cornwall and Devon — and the tourist traps to avoid. And guides from Scotland describe what makes Glasgow such a cool city to explore.

Travel writer Chris Baker returns with more ideas for fun day trips from LA and San Francisco, including his home base of Palm Springs. Then historian Laurence Cotton joins us to celebrate the 200th birthday of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose parks and civic projects have given so many American cities a lasting natural legacy. And a Rick Steves guidebook co-author describes the colorful variety travelers can enjoy among the countries of central and eastern Europe.

British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful perspective on our civic and social territory, as well as our physical. And photographer and guidebook writer Becky Lomax shares more of her favorite experiences in America's national parks.

Tour guides from New Orleans examine the historical, musical, and culinary elements that make their city one of the most exceptional places anywhere in North America. They also share their top recommendations for exploring the city and discuss the merits of a pay-what-you-like model for city walking tours. And an associate conductor with the Seattle Symphony gives us a view from the conductor's podium while describing some of his favorite US venues for reveling in live classical-music performances.

Actress Joanna Lumley details her 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River to the river's fabled source in Rwanda. Joanna shares what she learned from people she met while filming a documentary about the trip, and describes her ride to the pyramids on one very fine camel. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she keeps herself from stressing out over what could go wrong in her frequent travels.

Rick checks in with Dylan Thuras from Atlas Obscura to discuss a few of their favorite small, sometimes eccentric museums around the world. Then author Peter Fiennes describes some of the real sites where Greek myths were set, and how they can speak to us today. And two historian tour guides share some of their top reasons to visit the Peloponnese, the giant peninsula just an hour's drive south of Athens.

English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstructured time every day just for goofing off.

Hear from a scuba diving enthusiast how the scenery beneath the surface can be breathtaking in unexpected ways. Then get tips from a tour guide for enjoying Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast in spite of the crowds. And discover how you can enjoy a ramble on one of England's most popular hiking trails, the South West Coast Path.

Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu. Then author Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries.

Enjoy some of the best-ever writing on life in far-away places with a recommended reading list from a Harvard professor of comparative literature. Then get tips on the historic towns and royal retreats that are easily enjoyed as day trips from Berlin. And hear about daily life in Mexico City in 2022 from an American expat — and why he considers his new home the "capital of the 21st century."

Celebrate Bastille Day with French guides. They'll explain the impressionist techniques perfected in the early 20th century, provide insider advice for designing the perfect Parisian itinerary, and help tackle the immense collection at the Louvre.

New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Chris Baker recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. Plus, Jack Davis pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction is an environmental success story that can inspire everyone.

Explore what Canada has to offer! Newfoundland's Alan Doyle recommends sights to enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Comedian and author Rick Mercer shares some of his favorite places to enjoy across Canada. Plus, raise a glass to New Orleans as Elizabeth Pearce unveils how to appreciate the history of America's most "spirited city" through the kinds of cocktails it serves.

Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, one rural homestay at a time.

Get tips from an American-Japanese author for experiencing the rugged allure of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Then hear from a nature photographer what it's like to spend a summer boating up Hudson Bay in search of polar bears. And learn all about how Dubliners celebrate Bloomsday — good fun even if you still haven't finished Ulysses.

Two English tour guides discuss a time-honored way to enjoy the British countryside: "rambling" along Britain's well-marked system of hiking trails. Then author Peter Fiennes describes his cross-country journeys in the footsteps of great British writers, and what his travels revealed about how much the UK has changed in recent years. And Rick learns about the rightfully revered tradition of afternoon tea — and the best places to make it an occasion in London.

Get in a festive mood as Rick invites a few of his friends to compare the beer styles of Europe, and the cultures that go with them. Also, writer David Farley tells us about an eccentric hill town not far from Rome. It's home to a generation of bohemian residents, and one of the strangest mysteries in Italy — a centuries-old relic the Vatican would rather not talk about.

Author Graham Robb describes a few of the extraordinary historical characters of Paris. Then vintner and tour guide Cecilia Bottai shares tips for planning a getaway to the relaxed "green heart" of central Italy. And author Celia Lyttelton tells us how she traveled the world to find the ingredients for making her very own custom perfume.

The Iberian Peninsula takes center stage as tour guides tell us what they like best about the scenic Algarve region of Portugal, and recommend where to find the charming parts of Spain's crowded and touristy Costa del Sol. Plus, futurist Kevin Kelly tells us what traditional aspects of Asia have impressed him the most over fifty years of photo journeys across the continent.

Journalist Euny Hong explains how South Korea has made itself not only an economic powerhouse but a pop-culture superpower. And tour guides from Portugal join Rick to share recommendations for planning a week's getaway to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the colorful, historic towns in between.

British travel writer Will Hide recounts his journeys along the back roads of Appalachia, where country music first arose from the melodies and instruments of immigrants from the British Isles. Then tour guides from France share tips on exploring the Loire Valley's many magnificent châteaux. And author Sara Zaske reveals what she learned from the German style of parenting while raising her young American children in Berlin.

Guidebook co-author Pat O'Connor delves into the details of driving in Ireland, where renting a car can be worth the extra expense when it gives you the flexibility to explore the countryside on your own schedule. Then author Mary Morris explains why she prefers to go solo to connect with other people in her travels, and how she ensures her safety. And tour guides from Prague offer tips for enjoying the beauty of the Czech capital.

Travel writer Julian Sancton tells us how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then science reporter Zach St. George explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive a warming climate. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes of northern Italy, where outdoor sports and celebrities compete with the scenery for visitors' attention.

Get acquainted with some of the most popular French and Italian saints, and learn why they remain important to their countrymen. Plus, actor David Suchet shares what he discovered while making a documentary about the life and times of St. Peter, and the first-century world he inhabited in Galilee.

Kayaker Dave Ellingson tells us how he learned to savor the unexpected on a paddling adventure in Minnesota. Then German comedian Hape Kerkeling relives his hike on the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain, where he learned something new every day. And adventurer Christina Nealson recommends places in New Mexico to get in touch with both the indigenous and Spanish colonial heritage of the desert Southwest.

Get an expert's tips for enjoying the best of the Louvre's gigantic trove of treasures on a short visit. Then hear about what you can expect from US embassy and consulate staff, should you need their assistance while traveling, from the President of the American Foreign Service Association. And listen in as Rick recalls his first unchaperoned backpacking trip to Europe, right out of high school, in the summer of 1973.

A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as long-term locals — including Maine's Acadia National Park and the art museums of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Irish-born comedian and writer Maeve Higgins shares what she's observed about the US after a decade of living in New York City, and Irish tour guide Barry Moloney explains why his hometown of Kinsale, on the scenic south coast of County Cork, is so popular among visitors.

Hear how the Irish language, once banned by English colonial rulers, has re-assumed its place at the heart of Irish identity. Then listen in as musician Kieran O'Hare explains why he finds Irish bagpipes more pleasing than the better-known Scottish ones, and plays a few traditional tunes on the Irish tin whistle. And eavesdrop on a pair of Irishmen from opposite ends of the island as they share a beer and a little banter with Rick.

A self-described "Rome nerd" helps us picture what it was like to live in the Roman Empire and explains how much we can learn about the era from its now 2,000-year-old rubble. Then a tour guide from Bulgaria sings the praises of its cultural capital, Plovdiv — one of the oldest cities in Europe, possibly in the whole world. And listeners share serendipitous stories from their European travels.

Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian "mound builder" cultures. Then find out which cultural treasures — architecture, landscapes, townscapes — have been added to the World Monuments Fund's most recent list of endangered sites. And hear about some of the more curious places and things held dear by people around the world.

Author J. Maarten Troost recounts his journeys sailing the South Pacific in the wake of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the contentment and sobriety he found along the way. Then Harvard professor David Damrosch describes the globe-spanning route he charted during the pandemic...via some of the world's most eye-opening works of literature, both classic and contemporary — and recommends some of his favorites. Plus a Welsh historian and guide gives us a good peek at the magical landscapes and attractions of his homeland.

An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernista architect had envisioned for Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Família church, and shares updates on the work to complete what Gaudí started 135 years ago. And travel writer Seth Kugel makes the case for letting serendipity play a role in your trip's itinerary.

A pair of German tour guides take us on a vicarious stroll down Unter den Linden, the famed tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of Berlin, and describe what it reveals about their country's history. A British writer and avid "mudlarker" explains why low tide on the River Thames often brings pieces of that city's past to the surface. And an artist with a passion for street art tells us how she helped brighten up a couple of working-class neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

We consider how visiting second- and third-tier destinations — places some might dismiss as "boring" — can lead to the most rewarding travel experiences. And two New York Times journalists take us on a pair of journeys: first to the world of offbeat — and often mortally dangerous — athletic achievements, and then to the Atlantic-seaside attractions of Dakar, Senegal's lively capital.

A young "digital nomad" tells us why Tblisi, in the Republic of Georgia, makes an ideal home base for working abroad. Then a Belgian tour guide describes what visitors enjoy most when exploring the medieval town center of Bruges. And tour guides from Italy share tips for people-watching among the high-fashion café society of Milan — and the cocktails to enjoy while doing so.

Historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century, then journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world's greatest rodeo championship. And writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the rest of the world.

The president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners joins Rick to discuss places you can visit to better appreciate the life and civil-rights accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. Travel writer Tim Neville describes how a homegrown ski slope had brought a bit of joy — at least for a few years — to the young people of Bamyan, Afghanistan. And listeners share their favorite travel memories as they anticipate embarking on new adventures before too long.

We hear from a young traveler who, having graduated from college amid the pandemic, used the opportunity to set out on an epic hike from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Then Rick and the author of the "Frommer's London" guidebook share what makes them eager to return to London, and what post-pandemic changes they expect to see there. And a pair of British tour guides recommend important historical sites to explore in the south of England.

Two Scottish friends explain the Scots-dialect lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne," and a Parisian sommelier shares his expert tips for selecting — and enjoying — French wines. Then an author with Atlas Obscura describes some of the unusual things people eat and drink to ring in the New Year in different parts of the world. And two experts on Roman history discuss the ornate fountains sprinkled around the Eternal City.

Historian, novelist, and legendary editor Michael Korda invites us to look back on World War I through the eyes of its soldier poets, whose works — often composed in the trenches — offer an unusually personal and uncensored perspective on the horrors of "the war to end all wars." And a Turkish tour guide takes listener calls while offering advice for finding a friendly welcome in the rural villages of Turkey, where the main attraction might just be…you.

Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond.

Hear about what Europeans are looking forward to at this time of year, from Saint Nicholas Day through Boxing Day, in Germany, England, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — perhaps it's some of grandma's special potato salad to go with the fish stew and figgy pudding!

Rick talks with author Paul Theroux about the advantages of traveling solo, and swaps some travel-writing tricks, then TV host Samantha Brown joins us to describe how the pandemic has affected her love of exploratory travel. We'll also hear what's special about Paris in winter, and how the people of Dingle celebrate the Irish tradition of Wren's Day on December 26.