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 ... Details

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 slop... Details

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 shar... Details

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 ... Details

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 Pol... Details

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 wit... Details

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 sp... Details

A pair of French tour guides tell us why Lyon is one of their favorite places in France. Then the president of the social-justice nonprofit Sojourners describes how the example set by Martin Luther King, Jr., inspires his work within religious commun... Details

A Greece-based tour guide describes the elevated role of godparents in her adopted country, where godparents become a lifelong part of the child's family. Then TV chef Lidia Bastianich shares the story of her family's flight from Yugoslavia, and the ... Details

British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitor... Details

Tour operator Steve Perillo describes his family's connection to a scenic town near Naples, and why he's so eager to return. Then travel writer Chaney Kwak explains why Seoul is an ideal introduction to traveling in Asia, and recommends a relaxing is... Details

Join Rick on a dip into the deeper end of travel literature as he talks with travel essayist Pico Iyer about writing from the heart, then with author Julian Sanction, who recounts the gripping story of a polar expedition stuck in Antarctic ice over 1... Details

Just in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead, meet some of the famous residents of Buenos Aires' Recoleta Cemetery, then take an armchair expedition to some of the spookiest places in the Atlas Obscura catalog. And hear what an Episcopal deacon has... Details

Roman Mars, host of the podcast "99 Percent Invisible," describes some of his favorite examples of clever design from his home turf in Oakland and Berkeley. Then two tour guides from London team up with Rick to recommend an ideal sightseeing week in ... Details

Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physi... Details

Three tour guides from Berlin suggest sights to see and experiences to enjoy in Germany's vibrant, changing capital. And to celebrate Oktoberfest season, a tour guide from Munich explains why beer gardens are so important to Bavarian culture. Then tw... Details

Find out what makes the small Danish island of Ærø a perfectly charming and cozy getaway, which region Italophile Fred Plotkin considers Italy's greatest source of culinary and cultural achievements, and why the large island of Sicily is such a favor... Details

A writer with Atlas Obscura describes some of the world's most unusual foods — and extraordinary places to eat them. Then the author of Frommer's guide to Orlando shares tips for visiting Disney World, which has introduced big changes to its reservat... Details

Scottish tour guides share their best advice for a spirit-boosting trip to the enchanting isles of Scotland's Inner Hebrides. Then author Lori Erickson invites us to gain a deeper understanding of our own family histories as she describes what she di... Details

Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks, and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what w... Details