Since 1970 Earth Day has been a reminder that this planet of ours is not only a great place to explore, but a precious gift to respect and care for.

Hi, I'm Rick Steeves. As a global traveler, I'm interested in finding ways we can connect with the unique characteristics

of the places we visit. Today on Travel with Rick Steves, we're doing just that.

Marty Essen is an everyday guy from Montana whose midlife crisis resulted in some great travel adventures.

Despite collecting poisonous stings bites and bumps,

Marty has a contagious enthusiasm for the natural world and will all be exposed in the hour

ahead. There's nothing more nerve-racking than canoeing over hippos for the very first time.

Then we'll learn about some of the cultural and natural treasures that are on the endangered places list,

places you just might want to see before it's too late. And we'll start with

some practical advice on doing a home exchange. It's a proven way to save plenty

while letting you really live like a local on your next vacation. There's enough adventure and wonders on our planet for everyone,

and we'll be exploring some great options with abandon

in the hour ahead on 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.

Marty Essen has taken his wife around the world, but to places most people would shudder to

imagine. We'll find out just what kind of fun is really possible when you get up close and personal with the cool creatures on our hot planet.

Coming up on today's travel with Rick Steeves.

Let's start with a call to one of our listeners who has a great budget tip for your next vacation.

I'm Rick Steves, this is Travel with Rick Steves,

and I want to talk about one of the great budget tricks for travel

and also one of the greatest ways to get intimate with a different

...