Journalist Paige McClanahan examines recent changes in the travel industry and explains how a more conscientious approach to tourism can make it a force for good. And travel writer Sophy Roberts recounts a curious episode in colonial history when the king of Belgium ordered a group of elephants to be sent from India to Congo — and discusses what her own travels taught her about Africa's past and present.

• Journalist Paige McClanahan, author of "The New Tourist" (Scribner)
• Journalist Sophy Roberts, author of "A Training School for Elephants" (Atlantic Monthly Press)

• Paige McClanahan has written "The New Tourist" to explore "the power and perils of travel."  Paige also hosts the Better Travel podcast to explore the meaning of "thoughtful travel." 
• Rick was a guest on season 3, episode 5 of Paige's podcast, to discuss learning about the art on display in the places we visit.
• Sophy Roberts re-traces a curious episode of European colonial plunder in Africa in her latest book, "A Training School for Elephants."  She also spoke with Rick about the adventures that went into writing her earlier book "The Lost Pianos of Siberia." That interview aired most recently on  Travel with Rick Steves program #740 in January 2024.
• Sophy Roberts hosts a podcast on the art of Travel, called "Gone to Timbuktu."
• Sophy recommends reading Adam Hochschild's 1999 book "King Leopold's Ghost" (reprinted in 2020) to better understand the brutality the Belgian king unleashed in the Congo, and on those who defied his rule.