Bill Bryson found the ultimate bargain travel destination by staying home to get acquainted with the 19th-century English parsonage he lives in. He joins Rick for a glimpse into just how much the comforts of home have changed in just a few generations' time.

Bill Bryson joins Rick for a second interview about his book, "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," in which he explores the histories behind the everyday objects in our homes.

Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris explains how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe. He also shares a few surprises about what he found in Japan — where he went to learn to quit smoking.

Elizabeth Gilbert shares what she's learned about life's most important relationships since she took a year off to "Eat, Pray, Love."

Frances Mayes reflects on 20 years of living "Under the Tuscan Sun" — and how getting in tune with living in Italy can even change your sense of time and help you to prioritize what matters most in life.

NPR's Steve Inskeep explains what Karachi, Pakistan showed him about the mega cities that are mushrooming around the world.

Reverend Jim Wallis describes how venturing to war zones and even to the "other side of the tracks" can change your perspective on the world.

Filmmaker Ken Burns joins Rick to discuss the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Burns explains what his research for his Civil War documentary series taught him, and makes suggestions for visiting important Civil War sites.

Filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his life-long passion for America's national parks and the early memories that inspired his documentary series, "America's Best Idea."

"Rock star librarian" Nancy Pearl recommends favorite armchair travel books, and authors with a gift for conveying the real atmosphere of a foreign place.