Hi, I'm Rick Steeves. I've spent a quarter of my adult life traveling living out of a tiny suitcase, sleeping in strange beds, and having my cultural furniture constantly rearranged. Just when I think nodding my head up and down means yes, I go to

Bulgaria and it means no. Just when I think the Japanese Rio Con bed and

breakfast is freezing cold, I sit on the toilet and I'm startled by a heated

seat.

And just when I think our Olympic athletes are doing so great in the medal standings, a Dutch

friend explains that per capita his country is doing seven times as well as mine.

Travel carbonates life, it's accelerated living, it's recess.

I need it, and I've got a feeling I'm not alone. Each week at this time we delve

into our fascinating world, interviewing expert travelers and taking calls

from our frequent-flying listeners. We have an exciting and information-packed hour coming right up as we travel

with Rick Steeves.

Travel with Rick Steeves is brought to you by American Airlines with their new Advantage Award booking tool, it's easier than ever to book to over 800 Advantage Award destinations online at AA.com.

American Airlines knows why you fly. It's easily one of the most

crowded, polluted, and bewildering cities in the world, but you shouldn't

dare miss out on the many charms it offers.

We'll find out why Mexico City is one of the truly great cities of our

hemisphere with guidebook author Chris Humphrey.

And great snorkeling, pre-Columbian wonders, fascinating bird watching, and exotic sinkholes

that you can swim in and see forever the Sanotas.

We're talking about the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula coming right up on travel with

Rick Steeves.

First, your calls and emails.

...