This week on the Travel with Rick Steves radio show and podcast: Frosty’s family tree stretches back thousands of years, reports cartoonist and “world’s leading snowman expert” Bob Eckstein, who joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what they have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed into the world’s tiniest country, while sharing tips and s

This week on the Travel with Rick Steves radio show and podcast: A fast, a feast, incense — and of course lots of presents — together evoke the spirit of Christmas in Bulgaria, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites Rick to imagine it with him. A Turkish guide updates us on the latest big news in Istanbul, and a culinary historian inspires us to peruse our spice racks as she discusses the often surprising (even sordid!) origins of the eight essential flavors that unite America’s diverse cuisin

This week on the Travel with Rick Steves radio show and podcast: Hear about how Bristol, just a half-hour from well-touristed Bath, rewards travelers who set aside at least a day to explore this suddenly sassy city. Then get the latest from a local on what’s burgeoning in and around Barcelona. And bone up on the beautifully Belgian delights of Bruges. Find your local station, subscribe to the podcast, or listen online at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio #RickStevesEurope