Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

Carolien Krijnen, a passionate Antwerp tour guide, joins Scott to share her love for Antwerp, the city she calls home, and offer a local's take on experiencing the sights, food and drink of this stylish Belgian city. 

On the show, Carolien talks about Antwerp's famous sights, like the gorgeous rail station and cathedral, in addition to some of the city's lesser-known spots and stories. Scott also shares some observations from his recent visit, while Carolien offers her local perspective. They also get into Antwerp's fashion scene, its status as one of the world's diamond capitals and, of course, the chocolate shops, restaurants and beer cafés that make the city such a fun place to visit. You’ll also find out why one of Antwerp’s nicknames is “The Cookie City.”

The conversation includes plenty of specific recommendations for where to eat, grab a Belgian beer, or sip a glass of wine, as well as Carolien's thoughts on why Antwerp might just be one of the best cities in Europe. Plus much more.

Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns

Carolien's website  - Antwerp Connection

Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep44

Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.

Theme music by Stu Wilson.

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

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

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.

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.

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.