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.

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.

Scott is joined by Paul Gerald, founder of Groundhopper Guides, to talk about the unforgettable experience of watching European soccer. They discuss Paul’s stadium adventures, why attending a match is one of the best ways to get to know a city and Paul’s tips for travelers planning their own soccer-centric European trip. Plus much more. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep31 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Chris Engelsman—co-founder of European Sleeper, Europe's newest night train service—to talk about the special experience that night trains offer, what makes European Sleeper unique, highlights from its routes, and what to expect from the brand in the years ahead—plus a few travel tales from the rails. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep30 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Jack Anderton, the founder of The European Bar Guide, to talk about the magic to be found at 10 of Europe's best bars. From hidden gems to icons, their conversation covers them all and offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip with stories of character-filled bars & pubs that capture the spirit of their cities. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep29 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Gillian Morrison, founder of Glasgow Food & Drink Tour, for a flavorful journey through Scotland’s biggest city. In addition to talking about Glasgow’s buzzing food scene (she covers everything from traditional Scottish fare to incredible Indian food), Gillian fills us in on Glasgow's legendary music culture, iconic pubs and some of its best-kept secrets. Naturally, there's a little rail travel and local beer talk thrown in, too. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep28 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by Celina Finger of Interlaken Tourism to talk about this special resort in the heart of Switzerland. Celina talks about the unique history of the town before giving us a lowdown on all the best things to do and see there today, with a few insider tips and hidden gems along the way. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep27 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott welcomes back German beer expert Franz D. Hofer for a tour of the best beer festivals in Germany outside of Oktoberfest in Munich. Franz reveals the fascinating origins of the fests before detailing what to expect at each one, and pouring out some advice on what to drink when you're there. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep26 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

This one’s for the rail travel lovers, as Scott is joined by Nicky Gardner, lead author of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide, to talk about her book, favorite train routes, the advantages of slowing down to savor Europe, and the mystique of Eurail (Interrail) passes. Plus much more. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep25 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Scott is joined by the founder of Hungry Mary Food Tours to talk about all the delicious reasons why you should visit Brussels ... and to dissect why this great city still flies under the radar. Mary drops some knowledge about Belgian culture and the city's iconic sights while also offering up tons of tips on where to eat and drink in the city. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep24 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.