Welcome news has come our way. American Forces Network will now be airing the popular “Rick Steves’ Europe” series.

According to a press release, Steves believes that all Americans deserve the know-how to make their overseas adventures fun, affordable and culturally broadening. Because of this, he has donated the use of his popular series to AFN as a public service. Stateside, the program airs on public television and is underwritten by American Airlines.

The series consists of 70 shows, each a half-hour in length. It debuted on AFN-Spectrum on Dec. 2, and will air Sundays. A quick check of AFN’s Web site indicated that it would be broadcast at 1 p.m. Central Europe Time. You might want to set your recorder so as not to miss a precious show while you’re out and about exploring!

The programs encourage us to delve deep into Europe and become “temporary locals,” enriching our stays here by visiting not only the major cities but those smaller, “back door” villages far from the most trodden tourist routes. If you think about it, that sounds just like the kind of places many of us call home here and now.

Thanks so much, Rick! What a wonderful gift for the holidays and throughout the year.

If you’re interested in learning more about Rick Steves, see www.ricksteves.com.