Rick Steves Over Brunch

In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Amsterdam.” We discuss Dutch cuisine, the ethics of AirBnB, and why Stephanie ended up running through the streets of Amsterdam fleeing an imaginary Jason Bourne-style killer. Plus Rick gets candid about marijuana.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl    

In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Israel.” We discuss the similarities between Arabic and Israeli cuisine (hint: indistinguishable to the layman), chat about the political impact Rick makes with even having episodes like these, and why travel to Israel is a good idea no matter what your religion or political views are.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch     Stephanie Craig History Fangirl    

In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Budapest: The Best of Hungary.” We discuss why the Terror House Museum is one of the best in the world, the delicious Hungarian cuisine, and whether or not you should go on a Danube river cruise.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch A Triple Crown of Elegance (for Dreamscapes Magazine)    Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Traveling to Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage Site   

In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode "European Travel Skills: Part I .” We discuss tricks and tips for renting cars, why we avoid trains at times, and we enjoy Rick Steves' without his shirt on.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The 26 Most Beautiful Cities in Germany: A Germany Itinerary Meaningful Travel for Seniors: International Opportunities and Courses Ten Poetic Postcards   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips& Advice for First-Timers What to Pack for Germany 10 Reasons to Travel to Germany in Autumn Exploring Wartime Berlin (Podcast Episode) 13 Perfect Berlin Souvenirs & Gifts Plus Berlin Shopping Tips  

In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Berlin.” We discuss why Berlin is a great place to get Turkish food, why Berlin is one of the best cities to visit museums, and how it might be the best world-class city for the budget-minded traveler.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The 26 Most Beautiful Cities in Germany: A Germany Itinerary Meaningful Travel for Seniors: International Opportunities and Courses Ten Poetic Postcards   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips& Advice for First-Timers What to Pack for Germany 10 Reasons to Travel to Germany in Autumn Exploring Wartime Berlin (Podcast Episode) 13 Perfect Berlin Souvenirs & Gifts Plus Berlin Shopping Tips        

In this episode, we chat about the 2000 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “London: Royal and Rambunctious.” For this episode, we're joined by friend and special guest Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast. We'll chat about what has changed (and what hasn't) in the twenty years since this episode was filmed, London's much-improved cuisine, and what exactly is going on during that theater scene.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The Best Literature Study Abroad Programs (for Go Overseas) How to Study Abroad as a Literature Major (for Go Overseas)   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl London Packing List: What to Pack for London for All Seasons Visiting the Tower of London Visiting Stonehenge The History of Windsor Castle (podcast episode) London's Banqueting House: the Place to Kill a King (podcast episode)     Guest: Chris Christensen Amateur Traveler Travel to London (podcast episode) Travel to London, part 2 (podcast episode) Weird and Wonderful: Alternative Options for a Nigh

In this episode, we chat about the 2002 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands.” We'll chat about how whether or not you should visit the Aran Islands, what it's like driving through the Burren, and how much time is too much time to spend in a high school gym. Plus, we get to meet Rick's kids!   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch Visiting the "EPIC Museum" - Dublin's Irish Emigration Museum 8 Must-Try Foods and Drinks While Studying Abroad in Ireland (for Go Overseas)    Stephanie Craig History Fangirl The Literary Pubs of Dublin (podcast episode) The Storied History of the Guinness Storehouse (podcast episode) How to Visit a Traditional Irish Farm  

In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Ancient Glory.” We'll chat about how this episode is different than Rick's typical style, whether "Italy at night" qualifies as an emotion, and how much gelato is too much gelato. Plus, we have a long chat about Chris's "Canadian laugh."   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch 101 Travel Tips Touring the Towns of Tuscany    Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 101 Epic History Travel Ideas The Roman Forum (podcast episode)      

In this episode, we chat about the 2010 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Slovenia.” We'll chat about Ljubljana's charming architecture, discuss how many days are the right amount to spend at Lake Bled, and Stephanie will dish about her Slovenian beef tartare horror store. Spoiler alert:  Slovenia might be the most fairy-tale-esque country in Europe.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The Streets of Piran 5 Reasons Going to Salzburg from Lake Bled was the Perfect Spontaneous Decision     Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Reinventing the Dragon City of Ljubljana The Best Balkan Cuisine You Need to Try 25 Reasons You Need to Take a Trip to the Balkans    

In this episode, we chat about the 2016 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Bulgaria.” We'll debate whether Sofia or Plovdiv is the best city in the country, talk about what it's like to visit Budludzha today, and swoon at Rick's updated interpretation of Dad jeans. Plus, shopska salads!   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The Rila Deal The Candlelight Cathedral - Saint Alexander Nevsky's Cathedral Looking Back on a Remarkable 2017   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Sofia Adventures (Stephanie & Allison's Balkan Travel Blog with tons of Sofia travel tips) 30 Photos of Sofia that Will Make You Fall in Love 101 Incredible Things to Do in Sofia 13 Bulgarian Castles for Fairytale Lovers and History Buffs Proof that the Monasteries in Bulgaria are the Most Beautiful in the World Sofia Taxi Guide (A must for first-time visitors!) Rila Monastery (Podcast Episode) Red Tourism: The Ethics and Etiquette of Visiting Communist Sites Visiting Rila Monastery Visiting Boyana Church in Sofia  Discover the Be

In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Highlights of Paris, Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brûlée.” We’ll talk about the number one mistake first-time tourists make in the city, the do's and don'ts of riding the metro without getting your pockets picked, and whether Rick should have worn that mustard yellow shirt. Plus, we'll theorize what happened to knock the most famous museum in Paris off of Rick's itinerary.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch Basking in the French Countryside with Château Les Carrasses 10 Things I've Learned from Traveling to 75 Countries   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 10 Historic Churches in Paris that Belong on Your Paris Itinerary How Bordeaux Got Its Wine The Beaches of Normandy  

In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Venice: City of Dreams." We'll talk about bad Italian pronunciations, debate whether overtourism or climate change poses a bigger threat to Venice's future, and marvel at Rick's ability to stand up in a gondola. Plus, Rick's Italy sweater makes its first appearance on the podcast.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch Touring the Towns of Tuscany Expo Milan 2015 (Video)     Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 5 Books to Read on Your Vacation to Italy History of the Roman Forum 5 Historic Churches in Milan Hiding the Weird and Wonderful  

In this episode, we chat about the 2016 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Romania." We'll talk about Romania beyond Dracula and castles, the difference between hornica and tuica, and how much polenta is too much polenta. Plus, we're still awestruck at how well Rick rides around in a horse-drawn cart.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch The One Food You Must Try in Romania The Most Epic Castle I've Ever Seen   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Traveling to Ciocanesti, Bucovina's Painted Village  10 Romanian Souvenirs You Have to Make Room for in Your Suitcase Romania's Painted Churches of Moldavia  

In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Poland Rediscovered: Krakow, Auschwitz, and Warsaw." We'll talk about Stephanie's love of Salt Mines, Chris's love of Polish vodka, and whether or not Krakow is the best surviving medieval city in Europe today. Plus we'll talk about the importance for travelers to come here to learn about the legacy of the Holocaust while acknowledging that this is an emotional and personal journey that takes time to process and contextualize.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch 10 Things I've Learned from Traveling to 75 Countries   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl The 50 Most Beautiful Castles in the World and the Pictures to Prove It  

Chris got married! Congratulations!!!   Weddings are hectic! Chris needed to take a week off to deal with all of the wonderful errands that weddings require during their lead-up.   Therefore, instead of bringing you a brand new episode of Rick Steves Over Brunch, here's a throwback to the time when Chris was a guest on Stephanie's other show, "The History Fangirl Podcast," where we talk all about Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Think of it as a companion to the RSOB episode "Istanbul."   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch What to do in Istanbul, From Must-Dos to Lesser-Known Gems (for Intrepid) Istanbul through Instagram (2014-2017) Kötü the Istanbul Kitty   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 33 of the Most Beautiful Mosques in the World & the Pictures to Prove it Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (the show notes for this episode) The Walls of Constantinople

In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Istanbul."  We'll talk about how much Istanbul has changed in the past ten years, ponder if Turkish breakfast is the best meal on earth, and give Rick his due for nearly baring it all in the Turkish baths.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch What to do in Istanbul, From Must-Dos to Lesser-Known Gems (for Intrepid) Istanbul through Instagram (2014-2017) Kötü the Istanbul Kitty   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl 33 of the Most Beautiful Mosques in the World & the Pictures to Prove it Istanbul's Grand Bazaar The Walls of Constantinople

In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Copenhagen."  We'll talk about how Rick throws shade on the Swedes, whether or not drinking Aqua vitae qualifies as an action shot, and why neither Stephanie nor Chris longs for Danish food.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch 10 Photos that Capture Copenhagen   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Roskilde: The Vikings Go to Denmark

In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland."  We'll talk about how amazing a full Irish breakfast is, discuss the changes Belfast has undergone in the fifteen years since this episode was shot, and marvel at Rick's solid jacket choices.    For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch Visiting the "Epic Museum" Dublin's Irish Emigration Museum  Clyde Hall: Ontario Bed and Breakfast Done Right   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Belfast and the Troubles Moonshine and Breadmaking: Visiting a Traditional Irish Farm    

In this episode, we chat about the 2006 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Vienna." We discuss the highs and lows of the Austrian food scene, how to rock a Vienna Christmas market, and get meta about the definition of museums. Plus we have some harsh things to say about the cold open on this one.   For more, find us: Chris Mitchell travelingmitch 5 Reasons Going to Salzburg was the Perfect Spontaneous Decision A Triple Crown of Classic Elegance: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest    Stephanie Craig History Fangirl Palace and Garden of Schoenbrunn  Austria's Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape

In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Athens and Side-Trips." No one holds a gyro or rocks green-on-green quite like Rick Steves. We break down the episode's cold open, best stunts, and fabulous guests while throwing in our own take on Athens travel and discussing how travel in Greece has changed in the past ten years with new museums while keeping the food scene classic.   For more, find us:   Chris Mitchell travelingmitch How to Have a Luxury Mykonos Holiday while on a Budget Atlantis Books: The Amazing Santorini Bookshop of Your Dreams Ancient Travel Quotes Worth Remembering   Stephanie Craig History Fangirl The Acropolis and the Golden Age of Athens The Oracle at Delphi Greek Island Hopping: The Best Islands to Visit Crete's Seitan Limania