One of the best ways to plan a trip to another country is with some insider pointers from friends who've got years of experience living there.

That way you can approach a culture on its own terms.

Things always go better when you go local with Gusto.

Hi I'm Rick Steeves. Coming up the authors of the People's Guide to Mexico are back

with some more practical insights on getting beyond the security walls of the resorts and tips on fitting

into the real Mexico that awaits.

The Mexican people are amazingly tolerant and accommodating when you try to speak Spanish. You can slaughter the language and they won't

criticize you.

And a panel of American Italian women explained some of the issues they have to tackle day after day living in the macho-dominated

culture of Italy.

If you're watching Italian television at all, the only image of women that you're seeing are

usually scantily clad bimbimbosels who have not a lot to say.

Plus listeners share travel tales of their own as we explore the world together.

It's travel with Rick Steeves.

If you've ever felt your cultural values clash with what you've experienced in another country,

then you'll want to stay with us for the hour ahead on Travel with Rick Steeves.

Three Tour Guide to live in Italy. Tell us what kinds of pressures they face as women in Italy's version of a macho Latin

culture and why it's still the place they choose to call home.

Let's start out with a return visit from the authors of the Classic People's Guide to Mexico.

Carl Franz and Lorena Havens have been updating their cross-cultural guide to the pleasures of authentic

Mexico ever since they first drove their van across the border back in the 1970s.

And there are go-to experts to help you safely and confidently make your way into the heart of

...