Disappointed yet Undaunted, We Shall Keep on Travelin’!

results-and-hope-2

OK, the forces of Trump have taken the White House. For people who love our world and celebrate diversity, it’s a setback…a big setback. We internationalists, progressives, and people who want to build bridges rather than walls lost. But by our nature, we don’t scream “rigged system”…we’ll be thankful we have a peaceful transition in our country, and we will soldier on. As for our mission of keeping America traveling and engaged in our world: It is stronger than ever. We will keep on travelin’ — and hope our country will, too.

While our Rick Steves’ Europe management team was out on our annual retreat, my staff put on their “Keep on Travelin’” T-shirts and surprised me with these photos. Thanks to my wonderful staff for affirming our more-important-than-ever mission.

Comments

52 Replies to “Disappointed yet Undaunted, We Shall Keep on Travelin’!”

  1. I’m reminded of the parable of the Chinese farmer. Is this good or bad? Maybe yes, maybe no……

  2. We internationalists, progressives, and people who want to build bridges rather than walls lost.

    Well, not really. We had already lost – we lost on the day that the DNC gerrymandered things to ensure that Hillary Clinton beat Bernie Sanders to the Democratic nomination. The victory for Trump was really only the chickens coming home to roost.

    We will never know what would have happened with a fair Democratic primary – but I remain convinced that Sanders, untainted by all the baggage which Clinton brought with her (lucrative speeches to Wall Street, use of insecure servers, Bill’s infidelities – not that they should have been remotely relevant, of course) could have beaten Trump by a margin.

    Debbie Wasserman Schultz was re-elected to the House. If there had been any justice in the world, she would have lost her seat – that would have been one loss that Democrats could and should have viewed as a gain.

  3. “For people who love our world and celebrate diversity”

    Yep. People who disagree with your political views hate the world and diversity. Not. Quit insulting people for political reasons, Rick.

    “We internationalists, progressives, and people who want to build bridges rather than walls”

    People who disagree with your political views love international travel and new cultures. They build bridges to people of other cultures. Many of them are called conservatives, while others are called libertarians. You might want to get to know them and why they believe what they believe.

    “we don’t scream “rigged system”

    Yes, you did. See Bernie Sanders’ campaign for 2016, Al Gore’s campaign in 2000, etc. And, when progressives are not screaming “rigged system,” they are screaming “not my President,” smashing windows in police cars and buildings, looting other people’s property, and burning the American flag.

    “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5

    Rick, you are a wonderful person, I am sure. But, like so many, you lose all credibility when you delve into politics. Perhaps you ought to build a bridge to those who oppose your political views instead of continuing to create walls based on misunderstanding and insults. That is why cost the democrats this election.

  4. What bothers me the most is for all the people who voted for Donald Trump and they have their president, are still angry unhappy people. It is sad because in the last two posts from Rick Steves he has been much more positive and generous than I would ever be at this point and all I see from these people is more negativity.Please try traveling it may help.

  5. Dear Mr. Deplorable,
    I believe you are not just a troll, and clearly you hold your ethics and ideals resolutely. Certainly that is something to be admired, even if your perspective is at the opposite end of the continuum from one.
    It is true that many Rickniks appear on the surface to be a homogeneous group, but you don’t know their personal stories. I am sure they represent common ethics and ideals, and that is a critical distinction. For many of them they realize how lucky it is to be born a second-or-beyond generation American who appears to others as “white: For others they are keenly aware that despite being somehow “different”, they will not be denied service at Lowes , have rocks thrown their windows or their very lives threatened because of how they look. If they work for Rick Steves they embrace being consciously engaged in getting to know and appreciate the diversity of our global community. I am guessing that each and every one of the people pictured above are cognizant of the “white privilege” they have. What has happened in this recent US election is not about political parties, nor can it be demeaned by comments about the perceived lack of diversity in the people who feel shocked, sad or disappointed by the results.
    I spent 38 years teaching immigrant children, and despite looking “all-American”, I am actually a second-generation Eastern European. I aasure you that every day of my teaching career I heard the stories of discrimination and prejudice directed at my students. I have not experienced that even once, despite the fact that some of my students’ families had actually been in the US longer than I have. Those are the realities that have distressed and devastated so many during the past few years.
    And that was before Donald Trump opened Pandora’s box. To so many that feel disenfranchised and unheard he represented what they felt was their only choice. They don’t agree with his sexual dalliances or hurtful comments about the less fortunate. But there is a certain element that does. He has also unleashed and empowered the evils of the world, and now the constraints of human decency have been suspended for them. . In the end, I personally believe that his “positions” were just manifestations of his narcissistic personality disorder, and he loved the reflection of Champion that his supporters provided him. In pervious iterations of his persona he was a liberal, supporting abortion and denying God.
    Look at the hate crimes that have ensued in just two days since the election, and realize it is only the beginning. Rick Steves has proven consistent in his position that travel is a political act, and in his optimism in encouraging ALL of us to be more inclusive. I applaud his determined and resolute ethics. He will not be dissuaded, and will voice his constitutional opinions regardless of whether they are “good business”. In fact, for many of us it is good business. I will continue to support his business model because of who he is and the ideals he bravely represents.
    I am sorry for those who feel disenfranchised, scared or simply confused by how rapidly our country and world are changing. I truly believe that this election represent the death rales of those who feel that THEIR homogeneous country is disappearing. They feel threatened and cannot understand the changes. It is exactly why they need to travel and realize the common human condition that unites us.
    Study the maps of how people ages 18-25 voted in this election. Look at their peaceful protest going on. Read about the suicides that have already occurred out of fear of the evil that has been aroused. Verify that the Canadian immigration website crashed because of how many Americans feel they will not be safe to live their constitutionally-guaranteed life in the US now that a new president has been elected based on hatred and xenophobia.
    I say to you and to them. It will be OK. Reasonable people will prevail. Justice will be preserved. This is the United States of America and our constitution protects all of us. Not just those in power or with the loudest voice.

  6. Rick’s statement is full of pretentious & false humility. By their nature, people like Rick presume an eclectic superiority of reason. They say, “For people who love our world and celebrate diversity, it’s a setback… We internationalists, progressives, and people who want to build bridges rather than walls lost.”

    Such a statement sweeps people into categories of favorable and unfavorable – so much for celebrating diversity.

    Such a statement sets up a mutual exclusivity between “us” and “them” – so much for building bridges.

    And observe: Rick’s traveling companions are well-to-do white folks who are as exclusive as it gets. (Rick is hardly an approachable guy in casual reality, if you’ve ever [tried to] meet him. Aloof and pretentious, yes.)

    I am an artist who loves our world, celebrates diversity (I am African-American married to a French woman), am as internationally-aware and traveled as Rick (we own a home in France, travel through Europe, as well as the U.S.), and am very progressive. But as a US citizen I voted for Donald Trump. Why? Because as a person born in the mid-60’s, my anger rests with the status quo establishment. All I’ve heard throughout my life is “we must act for our children and grandchildren.” Well, I used to be one of those children. Now I am grown, and have nieces and nephews: and not much has improved in the very areas Rick argues for.

    Establishment Democrats, Establishment Republicans, Establishment Media and Establishment Hollywood fled Donald Trump for their lives. And that’s a very positive indicator for me.

    Trump is correct that African-Americans have supported Democrats for decades, with very little change – we’re still having the same racial wars! Democrats & Republicans have been in power sufficiently long to have established good, secure immigration, good, cost-effective healthcare, and a reasonable, effective tax system. But all three things are undeniably convoluted, broken and wasteful – mired down under their own weight, year after year.

    Hillary Clinton did not “deserve” to be President simply because she was a woman, or former first lady, or former Secretary of State, or former Senator, or life-long public “servant”. Hillary Clinton is well-known, first and foremost, as a vitriolic, angling, politician. And I believe we’ve had enough of that.

    Rick Steves presumes, as most of his kind, to categorically define, label, and cast aside those who don’t fit his ideology. THAT is what is dangerous in the United States. The very thing he and his kind pretend to abhor is the very thing they are.

    It will be interesting one, two, three and four years later to see whether the sky-is-falling prophets of hate and doom were anywhere close to correct.

  7. Rick, I have admired you for years for your travel guides and now I am even more impressed that you’re openly sharing your political views. Thank you so much for sharing this!! It means the world to younger liberals to know people we admire are with us.

  8. Rick, thank you for your post. You have always been a political hero of mine… and yes, you have always been political, though some are shocked by it now. As an African American man who has been told by my president that I’m living in hell and have nothing to lose, that my neighbors down the street are rapists and criminals, that my Muslim friends will not get back in the country should they travel overseas, that the military that my father served is a disaster, that my sister is unworthy on a 1-10 scale, etc, etc, this has been a difficult week. It’s hard to come together and unite when we feel that we are not all welcome at the table. The new president’s supporters have told me to go back to Africa if I have a problem with it. My family has been here since the 1700s. So, no, this was not just another election and the wounds he so intentionally created will not heal quickly, if they ever heal at all.

  9. two things, i did not vote for either Trump or Clinton, as I considered them both to be the worst that America can offer.

    Second, I read your blog and visit your site for your travel tips and insights. If you want your personal agenda aired, why don’t you start a different blog. I have watched your shows and used your guidebooks for years, but am becoming disenchanted with have to wade through your personal politics to get to your usually sound travel advice.

  10. Is it a requirement that all Rick Steve employees be democrats? As a political conservative would I be welcomed on a RS tour? How can I be assured that a tour guide wouldn’t either simply ignore me or on the other extreme treat me cruelly for my political differences. I have values, morals, and beliefs that typically align with one particular political party but the party doesn’t define me as a person. My belief, trust and allegiance first and foremost is with God. I don’t feel that I’m ignorant of the world in which I live. I love to travel, immerse myself in new cultures, walk away with new understandings and see new and beautiful sights. I would think all these feelings would align with anyone taking or leading a RS tour but am I willing to risk $5000 to find out? I feel saddened that we are moving into a time where in order to belong we have belong to the same political party. And now it’s invaded my first love, travel. This is a very sad day for me.

  11. If you are thinking in running for office you sound very good to your future political base, but if you continue with your present job you’ll keep loosing potential business since people realize very fast where they are not welcome. Companies that have done what you continue to do always alienate some percentage of customers.
    So good luck Steve you are a good person and believe what you say, even if you upset the people who do not agree with your views and are disappointed you turned your company into a voice to promote a particular political cause or point of view instead of a traveling one.
    Me, I’ll vote on the ballot and use my money to travel in the future with a company that works hard to give all of us a good vacation time and nothing else.

  12. Good message Rick. If you are disappointed by the election don’t go down the rabbit hole – stay curious – you don’t have to agree just stay open to looking for positives. Remember that Trump is not a conservative, he is a populist. The biggest mistake President Obama made was he pushed his agenda because he perceived his election wins as a mandate. That brought significant backlash and his party has been reeling since 2010. Trump has to know he doesn’t have a mandate. Would anyone think the anti-communist Nixon would open China? Maybe Trump can take a page from that playbook and get an immigration policy that actually is very open because his side will not perceive him as “selling them down the road”. Maybe he can do something about all the kids getting killed in Chicago because the current approach is not working. If it doesn’t work, 4 years goes by very fast and we are turning the page on this generation of leaders.

  13. To quote our exiting President Obama, who had the opportunity to build bridges ‘those who lost can get in the back of the bus’.

    I’m not espousing that, but I am trying to expose the balance of the hypocracy on on both sides of the Establishment.

    And to quote CATeacher, who said it so well ‘I say to you and to them. It will be OK. Reasonable people will prevail. Justice will be preserved. This is the United States of America and our Constitution protects all of us. Not just those in power or with the loudest (or shrillest, added for effect) voice.’

  14. Malinda’s questions were interesting. I have never been on a Rick Steves tour and, though I fully support Rick’s right to write whatever he wants on his blog, I wonder if there’s a lot of political talk on his tours. Looking at the photos of his team, it’s obvious that their politics skew left, which is their right. But would a Rick Steves tour guide in Germany, for example, be constantly drawing comparisons between Hitler and Trump? Would a tour guide’s personal politics infringe on a conservative tour member’s ability to feel comfortable and have a good time on the tour? I have worked in both very conservative and very liberal companies and no matter how much the majority claims to respect everyone’s right to their own opinions, being in the minority is no fun. I’d love to get Rick’s take, or the perspective of one of his tour guides, on this.

  15. It is also interesting that “draining the swamp” really did not accomplish bringing lots of Washington outsiders into Congress – in most, but not all cases, the career-politician incumbents were re-elected. So, the only real change has been in the presidency. The swamp is still full of the same snakes and gators! Also, in the near future, will President-elect will go from his current humble/respectful mode back to his tweeting dark side as soon as he gets comfortable in his new home? Can Kellyanne Conway keep him in check? Will Melania really go after cyber-bullies, beginning at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Or maybe will Trump realize just what he has gotten himself into and will now have to actually learn a lot of “stuff” about the world, how our government works, the responsibility of having the nuclear code, and that he will not really be able to wipe out ISIS “like that” (that he really doesn’t know more than the Generals), while – most importantly – trying to a President for ALL Americans. We can only hope!

  16. Us actual travelers will have to deal with the fallout and the shame of having voted Trump.
    Even though I did not, everyone I have to tell I am American is going to give m,e that look they always did when Bush was in office.
    It will be worse with Trump in office.
    I’m getting my Canadian t-shirt and “Roots: backpack back out of storage.
    Its easier that way

  17. You and your travelin’ folks are cause for hope, inspiration and for hanging tight to values of diversity, curiosity, compassion and hospitality… here and wherever we may wander or envision. Thanks!

  18. All these what if’s and questions about Donald Trump, he has faithfully showed us all for almost two years exactly over and over what he is, what he does, and what he is going to do. Why would you hope or think anything will change from that. Please quite with all the insults on this travel website, it doesn’t do anyone any good and please lets not be immature and ridiculous to think that Rick Steve’s requires his staff to be Democratic or any particular religion. Hey actually may require them to love travel!

  19. I’m not shocked at these comments against Rick, because on my one and only RS tour we looked like an ad for white bread. Rick, you need to go after the diverse group of Americans. Ok, your tour segments are on PBS, but that isn’t even a bearing on the political beliefs of your followers. Sad. but I like to meet an interesting group of travelers, just not closed minded folks.

  20. Rick, I got that look when Obama was in office too. I am proud to be an American regardless of whether Clinton, Bush, Obama, or Trump is in office. Many of the Europeans I have met did not like their governments, and most hated the European Union bureaucracy. So wear your Canadian T-shirt if you wish. I will proudly tell all the Europeans who ask that I am an American!

  21. Rick… your smug elitism is so obvious! You live in your little bubble of ‘superiority’ and have absolutely no awareness or compassion for those who have been left behind, and their desires for a better life; which by the way, might someday include a booking one of your tours! Though you profess to have an ‘open mind’, it is clearly shut to those who don’t think like you!

  22. When you troll sites of people you don’t like … you’re an internet troll.
    Instead of spreading your hate and fear here, go back to your bookmarks and visit the KKK Facebook page or something.
    Leave this blog for the good people of the world.

  23. Totally agree with the observation that Rick Steves wears a smug elitism. 53,000,000 people voted for Donald Trump – not a mere few thousand that happened to sway the electoral college. The margin was insignificant. Rick Steves pretends to lecture us in a way that defies a true belief in diversity. He says:

    “But by our nature, we don’t scream ‘rigged system'” – And yet, those with whom he laments are burning their towns down and protesting in the most bohemian ways. They are what they deplore.

    “We internationalists, progressives, and people who want to build bridges” – There is that smugness, with the “we”. But the fact is, Benjamin Netanyahu couldn’t be happier – and that’s a good thing. Russia claims this pulls back from a critical conditions (how did it get critical under Obama ?Clinton? The world leaders are not reacting unfavorably, when it is all said and done – and neither did the financial markets, as CNBC predicted.

    BUT WORST OF ALL: “For people who love our world and celebrate diversity, it’s a setback…a big setback.” – That is an utterly myopic view of the 53,000,000 people who voted for Trump, including Muslims, African-Americans, coal miners, autoworkers, steelworkers…

    Obama won two elections, the first on “Hope & Change”. Well, Obamacare is not hopeful and where’s the change? The people who voted Obama into the Oval Office obviously didn’t show up to help Clinton. And that speaks louder than Rick Steves Lutheranesque self-righteousness. The American people are finally realizing that the Democrats and the media do not live and work in the real world.

    Just as the media and political establishment were saying Donald Trump won’t win, now they are condemning his Presidency before he even acts. Wait until progressive things actually happen, judge him by the results, listen to international opinion, and then let us replay all of commentaries like Rick Steves’ to totally silence them as the same inept, culturally-destructive, group-thinking experimentalists they were in the 1960’s.

  24. For Malinda and Sara who wonder if maybe the guides and or the tours were political, I can’t speak for all of them, but on the two I’ve been on, one just a few weeks ago, no…there’s not a lot of political talk. If there is, it’s about the politics of the countries were were visiting…not about the US. Both times, the guides were local. That’s why I go…to learn about other countries. I don’t agree with everything Rick says, but it’s his blog..he can do what he wants. I’ll still go on his tours.

  25. Seen from Italy this is quite a disaster! We are taking so much time to recover from Berlusconi’s terrible 20 years: sad that that wasn’t a lesson learned by our American friends who love Italy.
    But, as St. Paul says, OMNIA IN BONUM- everything is for good, so there must be a way you (we!) will get through this, I’m sure. In Europe we were very much inspired by Obama when he was elected, I recall my deep joy and admiration for you all that chose him as you President. Now that he is free, shall we hire him?

  26. Thanks for your input Rr! I think it would be both appropriate and interesting to, say, learn about French politics while visiting France, especially from the perspective of a French guide. I’m glad you had that kind of experience.

    On a totally different note, I highly doubt that American tourist will be treated any differently in Europe after the inauguration. Like someone else mentioned, I traveled throughout Europe during the Bush years and the Obama years and didn’t notice a difference. Why would I? The average European is smart enough to know that not all Americans vote the same way. And, by the way, the European population is large and diverse. Some people are very liberal, others very conservative. Some are very tolerant of all religions, sexual orientations, etc. Others are not. Let’s not pretend that all Americans, nor all Europeans, think the same way.

  27. If some of you people,like Tom Verdes,Sean dislike Rick Steves so much why do you follow his blog?.Too much free time have we?.

  28. Clinton lost because 6 million less Democrats voted than 4 years ago. And less Republicans also voted compared to 2012. Trump’s interview last night on “60 Minutes” was insightful. He seemed much more humble and serious. His willingness to keep some of the better aspects of Obamacare was a welcome surprise. He waivered on appointing a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton. This is a positive change in his public persona compared to pre-election Trump. I think his meeting with Obama last week awakened him to the enormity of the responsibilities of the POTUS. This will be the ultimate reality show. Hopefully, it will end well when it is over in 4 or 8 years!

  29. Alan, who said they did not like Rick Steves? If Rick Steves said, “do not travel to Italy because Italians are racists!”, some of us would tell him he was wrong. It is the same when Rick makes obviously wrong political statements. So don’t be critical of Tom Verdes for speaking up. Apparently, you have to much free time. Perhaps you should spend it contemplating why incorrect political views should be corrected just like incorrect travel advice should be.

  30. Tom Verdes,I may not agree with you politically and I may not agree that Rick Steves is an elitist,but you have a right to your opinion and I respect that so I apologize to you for my post really no insult intended just poorly worded on my part.God bless America!.Yes I was going for Clinton.

  31. Thank you Rr for your information. Your last tour was before the election. I’ll read up coming reviews to see how or if the tours were affected. I agree that Rick Steves has the right to any opinion as we all do. He can also publish his opinion as he wishes. He’s reached an age and level of success where I’m sure he doesn’t care what people think. I give him credit for following his passion and building a very successful career. I still hope to one day take a tour.

  32. I think I’m echoing Ken’s thoughts when I say that I am thirsting for some travel posts, too! Wondering where Rick is…

  33. I agree with Ken and Sara! I need a vacation from the silly name calling so common in political discussions.

  34. It’s sad that the media is so upset that America did not choose the candidate that they promoted and refuses to except the results directed by our constitution. They are behind the curve in excepting want America wants and should catch up with Obama in wishing the best for our country’s new president.

  35. Personal opinions are one thing, but take some time and read more closely how this president will affect travel and the economy. We spend so much time buying into how bad the media is, but no one really sits down and studies the facts. We just want to believe what is in front of our face or what some entertainer thinks we should believe. Please do some personal study, instead of being hand fed what you should think.

  36. Rick,
    I am truly saddened and disappointed in your divisiveness. You have preached that “As a traveler, I’ve often found that the more a culture differs from my own, the more I am struck by its essential humanity” and “if you don’t like a place, maybe you don’t know enough about it……Give a culture the benefit of your open mind.”

    Are these your creeds or just lip service. Maybe I ask you this question – What do you gain by knowing everything about the world, but nothing about your neighbor?

  37. “It’s the Seattle area. Nothing but whites there”
    Posted by: Sean – Nov 13, 2016 05:45 PM
    Race & Ethnicity Quick Statistics 2010 Census Estimates
    •2010 Population Count: 608,660
    •Race:
    White – 69.5%
    Black or African American – 7.9%
    Amer. Indian & Alaska Native – 0.8%
    Asian – 13.8%
    Native Hawaiian & Other Pac. Islander – 0.4%
    Other race – 2.4%
    Two or more races – 5.1%
    •Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (of any race): 6.6%
    •Persons of color: 33.7%

  38. A very anti-Trump TV personality made a good point on his first show following the election. To paraphrase, if there’s an aspect of the Trump candidacy that particularly bothers you (women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, etc.) there is no better time than now to give your time and / or money to the groups that deal with those issues. It made me realize that my complaining wasn’t doing any good — time to take productive action. Just because some of us didn’t get the president that we wanted, we still have a voice and can work towards the change we want to see. Forgive me if that comes across as Pollyanna-ish or naive.

  39. Accidentally referring to Trump candidacy in my previous comment. Should have written Trump presidency.

  40. Thank you, Rick, for not being afraid to voice your opinion! Far too many people ignore the real consequences of this election and how it will impact their lives directly and those of future generations. We young travelers appreciate your travel philosophy!

  41. Jo, sorry to say I think you have it upside down. Far too many people deeply considered the merits of both alternative futures presented by the presidential candidates, and clearly voted based on how they perceive it will impact their lives directly and those of future generations.

    The future presented by big government, an intellectual elite, and globalism were weighed in the election scales and found wanting, by a broad and sufficient spectrum of the American populace.

  42. Anyone who has posted comments to this blog might enjoy watching Stephen Colbert’s recent interview with Bernie Sanders (easy to find on YouTube). I find many of the sentiments expressed by Trump very troubling, but Sanders pointed out that not all Trump voters are racist, sexist, etc. But voted for him due to their distaste for the establishment and for the Democratic party, which is often associated with elitism and being out of touch with lower income people. If nothing else, it was interesting to learn about his perception of the campaign.

  43. On my next Rick Steves tour I will be proudly wearing my “Make America Great Again” hat and shirt. Let’s see if I’m treated fairly by all the “open-minded” staff.

  44. I can’t get over how all these people opposed to Rick speaking out about Donald Trump just want to skip this conversation and just get traveling like nothing is going to change. Do you really think that Rick Steve,s the owner of a huge travel company would care if it did not effect his business. Please look at the broader picture, just by Donald Trumps pick for his cabinet so far shows that massive things are going to change in this country. So you can go on a Rick Steve’s tour and wear your “hat”, and see how “you” are treated! There is not just a “you” in this big picture and if enough damage is done there may be no travel either.

  45. Get over, bigotry,take away civil rights in this country, we are a nation founded solely by immigrants, because you are defensive doesn’t change the facts, no teddy bears will fix this, kind of a ridiculous statement to get a teddy bear. No I don’t think that we voted for ruining the environment, for taking medicare away from our aging parents. It is a sad day when you see your democracy destroyed. And I wouldn’t be so proud to call myself deplorable, that is a sad statement about you. With so many forms of media it is too easy to only read what you want to hear, so try and read something that makes you feel a little uncomfortable.

  46. Judy,

    The emotional programming has been extremely effective on you. You have been successfully emotionally programmed by the Clinton Campaign’s media arm (CNN, CNBC, and millions of scary social media posts) to believe that Donald J. Trump, Republicans, and conservatives are monsters. They are not. Your emotional programming has turned you into a bigot.

  47. In retort to the Voltaire comment above…..’not for much longer, based on the broadbased populace response to an alternative, inclusive leadership in the recent election.

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