Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

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.

Scott is joined by Wolfgang Gärtner of Saxony Tourism for a special holiday episode about what makes Saxony the true heart of German Christmas. Wolfgang takes us on a merry tour of Dresden and the Ore Mountains, famed for their Christmas markets, festive food, wooden toys, candle arches, nutcrackers, miners' parades and many more seasonal delights. Along the way, you’ll discover a hidden gem town in Gorlitz and find out why the region of Saxony captures the magic of the holiday season like nowhere else in Germany.  
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep33
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Fresh off his first visit, Scott is joined by travel and food writer Alexis Steinman to explore why Marseille is one of France’s most interesting—and most mouthwatering—cities. Alexis explains what makes the city so unique, from its layered identity and Mediterranean energy to the delicious signature dishes and local aperitif that define its diverse food culture. Along the way, Alexis shares plenty of tips on where to eat, drink and experience the one-of-a-kind spirit of Marseille.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep32
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.