WHYY's Summer Vacation

You won't earn another stamp in your passport, but these adventuresome travel programs will make you feel as though you've scaled the Canadian Rockies, strolled through Taiwanese markets and stood at the base of Italy's Mt. Etna (without the annoying jet lag)!

Rick Steves’ Europe

Traveling smoothly and affordably is Rick Steves' forte -- a passion he has honed into a skill, and with the success of his many travel television programs, a profession. In this 16-part series, the engaging host continues his tradition of offering a fresh perspective on the best places to see, stay and eat, and how to get around, when traveling throughout Europe. The behind-the-scenes profiles of tourist hotspots -- Paris' Louvre, St. Peter's Basillica in Rome, and the changing of the guard in London -- and breathtaking views of enchanting villages are worth tuning in even if Portugal, Rome, Eastern Turkey and Croatia aren't on your itinerary this summer!

Weeknights at 7:30 p.m. beginning Monday, July 5

Globe Trekker

No ordinary guidebook could prepare intrepid travelers Justine Shapiro and Megan McCormick for the amazing sights they encounter, food and drinks they try, and local customs they absorb while embarking on magnificent adventures during this travel series. Each episode transports viewers to unforgettable, and often obscure, destinations around the world. Here's where you'll be traveling this month:

“Southwest U.S.A.”

In Gallup, New Mexico, Justine attends a Native American rodeo and is swept away by the rhythm and beauty of tribal dancing. She then travels to Taos to see "Earthships" -- homes constructed entirely out of recycled materials -- before rafting in the Grand Canyon and visiting the annual pagan festival of "The Burning Man" (pictured) in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. At the end of her trip, Justine visits a place that is a far cry from the serenity and natural beauty she has just experienced: Las Vegas. Monday, July 12 at midnight

“Tuscany”

Megan visits the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo in Florence; samples fine wines from Tuscan vineyards and "holds up" the Leaning Tower of Pisa; then parties 'til dawn in the ritzy resort of Viareggio. Monday, July 19 at midnight

“Hong Kong and Taiwan”

Early-morning tai chi, delicious seafood on Repulse Bay and a visit to a songbird market define Megan's Hong Kong adventure. While in Taiwan, the young traveler explores the island's many temples (like the Martyrs' Shine in Taipei, pictured here) and aboriginal villages. Monday, July 26 at midnight

Online Extra: Host Justine Shapiro describes her favorite production shoot, learning to ride a Harley for "Southwest U.S.A." and her complete lack of sea legs.

Great Lodges of the Canadian Rockies

When the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in the late 1800s, sleepy backcountry communities were transformed into tourist getaways -- complete with magnificent lodges that offered travelers respite and unlimited access to the natural wonders of the Rockies. This two-part program visits some of these fantastic chalets, from the luxurious Banff Springs Hotel (aptly dubbed "the castle in the sky"), to the more primitive Plains of Six Glaciers Treehouse, to the ultra-remote Abbott Pass Hut, which is reached by climbing to its perch on the Continental Divide. The history of these fairytale structures is imparted, too, through interviews with their owners, caretakers and frequent visitors. Pictured: Prince of Wales Hotel.

Wednesday, July 14 & 21

-- Edited for Applause Online by Anna Christopher