Travel with Rick Steves

Jake Ducey describes what the world taught him after he dropped out of college and spent half a year wandering far from home, then blogger "Nomadic Matt" shares budget travel tips that allow you to see the world in comfort on $50 a day, whatever your age. Plus listeners share tales from their unforgettable adventures. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

NPR's former Moscow correspondent David Greene joins us to describe his winter ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and share what it taught him about the Russian people. And we'll examine how Europeans are debating immigration issues in light of the recent increase in refugees from Syria and North Africa. Then it’s off to Portugal, where we’ll learn why its colorful traditional ceramic tiles are so central to the culture. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Learn about how the waters of Rome — from its ornate fountains to a shrine for the Venus of the Sewers — can be a refreshing way to explore this ancient capital. We'll also hear from Ferenc Máté how sailing the dangerous waters around Canada's Vancouver Island set the scene for the first of his Dugger mystery novels. And for some serious fresh air and exercise, we explore options for activities in the great French outdoors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Get suggestions for relaxing in Hungary’s countryside, long a favorite for low-stress family vacations. Rick also checks in with listeners planning family trips to the UK and Ireland. Then get tips for exploring the Basque Country of Spain and France, where top-notch food, modern art, and deep-seated traditions make for a colorful trip to this unique region. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Listen in as astronaut Chris Hadfield and writer Pico Iyer describe the life-altering perspectives they’ve gained from their travels. Then Rick compares notes with guidebook publisher Hilary Bradt, and remembers the highlights of his first trip to Europe after high school graduation — the first time he traveled abroad without his parents. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Listen in as Christopher P. Baker, one of America's top experts on travel to Cuba, reports on the reaction in the streets of Havana to President Obama's announcement - and addresses common misconceptions about what the policy change really means for Americans who want to visit Cuba. Then learn about southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances, which fill the streets of Andalucía in the week leading up to Easter. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Get tips for exploring Mexico at your own pace as the experts behind “The People's Guide to Mexico” offer tips for enjoying an independent road trip. Then hear about the frustrations many Italian women face when fighting against some very deep-rooted gender stereotypes, and listen in as listeners share their travel tales from Sicily.   For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Give yourself an authentic Saint Patrick's Day as friends from Ireland demonstrate how traditional folk music continues to play an important role in their lives on a level that everyone can enjoy. Explore the sights of Ireland's second city, Belfast, and hear how Northern Ireland has outgrown its reputation for sectarian violence.  We'll also have pointers on what it really means to be Irish. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Get a peek behind the news to hear first-hand how Spaniards and Greeks are coping with Europe’s economic crisis — then hear the other side of the debate as we turn to look at thriving Berlin, which has continually attracted newcomers ever since it reunited 25 years ago. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

One of America's top experts on European train travel shares her tips for making the most of Europe's extensive train network, and explains how rail passes work — and how to know when they’re a bargain. Then Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern tell us what they look for in hometown "comfort food" restaurants, where everyone feels welcome. And listeners check in with reports on special travel moments from France, Spain, Poland, and Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.