Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa Season 5

A trip to the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawai'i (commonly known as the Big Island), hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

A trip to the Hawaiian islands of O'ahu and Kaua'i, hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

The port city of San Francisco revels in art, diversity and food. Chinatown is a feast for the senses, and the city's new Asian Art Museum is a must-see. We also get savvy on sourdough and tour notorious Alcatraz Island. Enjoy the warm days and cool nights of San Francisco.

A hip, happening urban center surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle combines city life with the great outdoors. Rudy explores the vibrant downtown, samples micro brews and lattes, noses around Seattle's neighborhoods and hops aboard a ferry.

As Canada's door to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is a vibrant mix of European heritage and Asian cultures. In this vital, young and dynamic city Rudy explores the mix of cultures that inspires world-class cuisine, a spirited night life and modern Asian shopping centers.

China's new powerhouse, Shanghai dazzles with fantastic skyscrapers, non-stop shopping and delicious dining. From traditional Tai Chi in the parks and tea houses to market madness and tumbling acrobats, Rudy explores tradition and modernity in this burgeoning city.

We get a Pacific Rim rush when we visit energetic, ever-changing Hong Kong. On a famous Star Ferry, Rudy savors one of the most majestic skylines on earth. This thrilling destination performs a magnificent balancing act, juggling East and West, past and present, commerce and mysticism.

Australia's stunning metropolis, Sydney seduces with its glorious harbor, carefree attitude, and sunny beaches. From the Opera house to the Harbor Bridge to Circular Quay Rudy basks in the sights along the harbor. Local "Sydneysiders" say "there's no better address in the world."

Sun-washed beaches, chic beach side towns, the Blue Mountains, rain-forests and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the ultimate outdoor adventure. Also, explore the Featherdale Wildlife Park preserves that allows visitors to interact with that which is distinctly wild about Australia.

The South Island of New Zealand weaves Kiwi culture with scenic splendor. The vast vineyards of Marlborough helped bring this country's wines to the world stage. New Zealand's South Island is also a mecca for extreme sports and outdoor adventures, but it is also a haven for laid-back wine country tours and rapturously beautiful scenery.

With spectacular seismic activity, fascinating plant and animal life, and to-die-for natural beauty, New Zealand is a traveler's dream. Rudy Maxa veers off the tourist track to find New Zealand's most resplendent scenic beauty and awe-inspiring wonders.

Guadalajara is alive with the music of mariachis, flowers, colonial architecture, and passionate artists. Rudy unveils the rich history and culture of "The Most Mexican of Cities." Rudy also tours a tequila factory, and then it is an easy hop to the coast where Puerto Vallarta's traditional charm makes it a popular getaway.

Mexico City, the world's largest metropolis, is modern, crowded, cosmopolitan, and steeped in tradition. Rudy begins with Mexico's ancient roots just outside the city at pre-Aztec Teotihuacán, and the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology. For a change of pace, Rudy trades city life for the soothing waters of the Pacific coast, and the palm-fringed resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.