Program 452a: Slow Train to Switzerland; Artists Safari; Joys of Travel

In what was the beginning of the packaged tour, find out how middle class Victorian-era tourists from England enjoyed the Swiss Alps. Examine the emotional benefits of travel that last well after you return home. Plus, a painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife.

• Diccon Bewes, author of "Slow Train to Switzerland" (Nicholas Brealey Publishing) and "How to Be Swiss" (Schwabe)
• Wildlife artist Fred Krakowiak, author of "The Artist's Safari: Capturing Africa with Pen, Lens, and Paintbrush" and "Tracking Your Inner Maverick" (self-published)
• Travel writer Thomas Swick, author of "The Joys of Travel"  (Skyhorse Publishing)

• Diccon Bewes moved to Switzerland from his English homeland, to operate an English-language bookstore in Berne.  He's the author of "Slow Train to Switzerland" and "Swiss Watching: Inside the Land of Milk and Honey" (a 2010 Financial Times "book of the year").  Diccon's latest title is  "How to Be Swiss: An Instruction Manual."  
• Information for visiting Mt. Rigi, home of the oldest mountain steam railroad in Europe.
• Fred Krakowiak's website features photos of his artwork, with links to his latest book, "Tracking Your Inner Maverick," and his earlier titles, including "The Artist's Safari: Capturing Africa with Pen, Lens, and Paintbrush."
• Thomas Swick's website includes links to articles he's written, and frequent blog postings.   
• The Joys of Travel is published by Skyhorse Publishing. A short interview with Tom was included in the New York Times travel section.