Program 723: Fragile Countries; Hiking with Children; Exploring Romania

A journalist explains why she travels to countries that most people would have a good reason to avoid. Then an alpine guide discusses why she enjoys exploring Europe's historic hiking trails with her young children in tow. And a tour guide discusses what he enjoys most about Romania's less-traveled Old World scene.

• Journalist Sophy Roberts, author of "The Lost Pianos of Siberia" (Grove Press)
• Cassandra Overby, author of "Explore Europe on Foot" (Mountaineers Press)
• Tour guide Tim Tendick

• Sophy Roberts is a freelance journalist, whose articles appear in the Financial Times and other international publications.
• Sophy describes her search for a decent piano to give to a Mongolian pianist in her book "The Lost Pianos of Siberia."
• Cassandra Overby is the author of "Explore Europe on Foot," which includes mile by mile information for 15 long distance walking trails.
• The Wilderness Society offers tips for hiking with children.
• Cassandra spoke with Rick about hiking the historic trails of Europe on Travel with Rick Steves program #709 in April 2023.  She also talked about long-distance hiking in Europe on programs #562 and #575 in 2019, and program #598 in 2020, which you can find in the show archives.
• Tour guide Tim Tendick leads a 13-day tour of Romania. He posts photos from his excursions in Romania on his Vagabond Urges website.