Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

Guidebook writer and author Cameron Hewitt joins Scott to share stories, advice and memorable moments from more than 25 years of exploring Europe.
Cameron spends around 100 days a year traveling the continent as part of his job with Rick Steves’ Europe, and the conversation covers some of the quintessentially European experiences that have stayed with him, from small, unexpected moments that became lasting memories to the pinch-me experiences that had to be earned.
Scott and Cameron also talk about Cameron's book, The Temporary European: Lessons and Confessions of a Professional Traveler, which Scott thoroughly enjoyed and which offers plenty of laughs, insights and plenty of opportunities for vicarious travel.
Along the way, Cameron also shares a couple of places to stay that deserve a spot on your list, explains why Central Europe has his heart, and offers advice for avoiding the crowds. Plus much more. 
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep43 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Joy Figueroa (@joyofmadrid) joins Scott to share her love for Madrid, the city she's called home for the past 16 years, and offer an insider's take on experiencing the great food and drink of this special city.
 
On the show, Joy goes beyond Madrid's famous sights and into some of the city's coolest neighborhoods, sharing ideas for what to see and do along the way. She also dishes on the food and drink scene that makes Madrid such a delicious place to visit, from tapas, tortilla and calamari sandwiches to beer and the city's beloved vermouth.
 
The conversation includes plenty of specific bar and restaurant recommendations and some ideas for other Spanish destinations that pair perfectly with a trip to the capital.
 
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep42 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
 
Theme music by Stu Wilson.  

Scott is joined by Ksenija Mravlja from Beer Way Slovenia to share her favorite Slovenia travel tips and explain why this small but spectacular country deserves a spot on everybody's Europe travel list, especially if you’re a beer lover.
Ksenija takes Scott on a journey from the charming capital of Ljubljana to the shores of Lake Bled, the stunning Soča Valley, and several small towns that showcase Slovenia's incredible landscapes, local traditions and growing craft beer culture.
The conversation covers everything from a unique Ljubljana street food to centuries-old alpine cheese traditions and Slovenia's breathtaking landscapes, which stretch from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic coast. Ksenija also explains why Kamnik has become a must-visit for beer lovers, introduces a town where beer is served in a one-of-a-kind way, and shares how Beer Way Slovenia combines great beer and the great outdoors into unforgettable travel experiences.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep41 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.
 

Scott is joined by Danielle Oteri to talk about The Before Sunrise Generation, her article exploring what today’s travelers can learn from the more spontaneous, less curated style of European travel many experienced in the ‘90s and early 2000s. 
Also on the show, Danielle reflects on her own early travels around Europe, the inspiration behind the article, and what the film Before Sunrise and its sequels can still teach us about curiosity, connection and embracing the unexpected while traveling.
The conversation also turns to Italy, where Danielle (an art historian, writer, podcaster, and travel advisor with a focus on Italy) shares her advice for experiencing the country in a more meaningful way, including why the best trips sometimes happen when you stop obsessing over checklists and embrace the here and now.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
 
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep40
 
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
 
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
 

Scott is joined by Mark Smith, better known as The Man in Seat 61, to talk all things European rail travel, from how he first fell in love with it to why he still believes rail is the best way to explore the continent.
 
On the show, Mark shares stories from his early rail adventures across Europe (and beyond) before taking us on a tour of some of his favorite European rail stations and cities, including tips on cafes and bars.
 
Along the way, he also offers plenty of practical advice, including insight into one of the biggest questions travelers face: when it makes sense to buy a Eurail Pass, and when it doesn’t. 
 
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
 
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep39
 
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
 
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Kathy McCabe, the host of TV show Dream of Italy and founder of Dream of Italy Magazine, joins Scott for a whirlwind tour of northern Italy’s stunning lake region, from popular destinations like Como, Maggiore and Garda to lesser-known lakes like Orta, Iseo and Annone. 
Along the way, Kathy shares her advice for visiting the Italian Lakes, including where to stay and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Europe.
The episode wraps up with a conversation about her experience helping people turn their dream of moving to Italy into a reality. 
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep38
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Mark Wolters, the founder of the hugely popular Wolters World YouTube channel, joins Scott to share stories and lessons from nearly 30 years of traveling across Europe. From early backpacking adventures and teaching abroad to both funny & memorable moments on the rails and sipping ales, Mark reflects on how European travel has changed over the decades (both for better and for worse) while offering plenty of practical advice for visiting Europe. Expect a lot of 90s and early 2000s Eurotrip nostalgia along the way, too.
 
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
 
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep37
 
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
 
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Ali Dunworth, food & drink writer and author of A Compendium of Irish Pints, joins Scott to talk about Irish pint culture & pubs, and the traditions that make them both so special and beloved. Along the way, she shares her passion for snugs (and why they're so special), suggests what snacks to order with your pint, reveals why beer mats are a big deal and tells us some of her favorite Dublin pubs. Plus much more. Whether you love Ireland or just love great pubs, this episode offers plenty of insider insight into the Emerald Isle and Ireland travel inspiration.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep36
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
 

Christoffer Hansen, founder of BeerWalks, joins Scott to explain how Copenhagen became one of the best cities for craft beer in Europe. From the brewery that sparked the revolution to today’s best craft beer bars and character-filled dives, Christoffer takes us on a stroll through Copenhagen, telling us where to sip and what you can expect on one of his craft beer walks through the city. He also offers tips on where to go to see a unique side of Copenhagen beyond the postcards and recommends a dreamy Danish island you need to visit.  
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep35
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Travel writer Jules Brown joins Scott to talk about the rail adventure that inspired his book Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave. Jules relives the highlights (and hilarious lowlights) of the adventure that saw him visit Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan in quick succession ... during a sweltering heatwave. Jules also shares how he got into travel writing and gives the lowdown about his other European rail-focused book.  
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep34
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.