An Easter Island-based travel writer and lecturer lets us in on what life is like on the cruise-ship circuit. Then journalist Lyse Doucet recounts her career as the BBC's chief international correspondent and delves into the issues her profession grapples with today.

• James Grant-Peterkin, author of "A Companion to Easter Island" and "The Travel Enrichment Series: South Pacific" (self-published)
• BBC journalist Lyse Doucet, author of "The Finest Hotel in Kabul" (Penguin - Allen Lane)
• Gene Openshaw, author of "Michelangelo at Midlife" (self-published)

• James Grant-Peterkin writes about Easter Island in his guide, "A Companion to Easter Island." He lists dozens of topics he can speak to, and his current cruise ship speaking schedule, on his website. James lists the different tours he offers on the island at his Easter Island Spirit website, and reminds us that visitors to cultural sites in the Easter Island National Park are required to be accompanied by a local guide.
• James also lists his many lecture topics and his cruise line appearance schedule on his website, and posts from his travels on Facebook.
• James spoke with Rick about Easter Island on Travel with Rick Steves program #807 in October 2025.
• Lyse Doucet reports from conflict zones around the world as the Chief international correspondent for BBC News. She's written "The Finest Hotel in Kabul" to profile the people she got to know on the many occasions she stayed at the Kabul InterContinental Hotel while reporting in Afghanistan.
• Lyse spoke further with Rick about her work over the years in Afghanistan on Travel with Rick Steves program #813 in November 2025.
• Gene Openshaw is the author of "Michelangelo at Midlife: Chasing the Tomb of Julius II," and co-wrote with Rick "Europe’s Top 100 Masterpieces: Art for the Traveler."
• Rick's TV miniseries "Art of Europe," premiered in 2022 on public TV stations across the US. It is also available to view on demand on the Rick Steves website.