A travel writer shares how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then a reporter focused on climate change and conservation explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive the planet's rising temperatures. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes of northern Italy, where the glamour extends beyond the natural scenery.

• Julian Sancton, author of "Madhouse at the End of the Earth" (Random House)
• Journalist Zach St. George, author of "The Journeys of Trees" (W. W. Norton)
• Tour guide Patricia Fannon, based at Lake Garda, Italy
• Tour guide Donald White, based at Varenna (Lake Como), Italy

• Julian Sancton writes about the journey of the RV Belgica into the Antarctic winter in his book, "Madhouse at the End of the Earth."
• Julian Sancton talks about his trip to Antarctica with fellow Penguin author Maggie Shipstead.
• Julian talks with Rick about the voyage of the RV Belgica on Travel with Rick Steves program #656 from November 2021.
• Zach St. George is the author of "The Journeys of Trees."
• Zach writes for Yale Environment 360 on the impact climate change is having on plant life around the world.
• Rick writes about the romance of Italy's Lake District.
• Donald White talks about why he moved to Varenna, on Lake Como.
• Patricia Fannon Avolio (e-mail: [email protected]) offers private tours in the area around Lake Garda and the Dolomites.