Ricksteves.com may have my name on it, but it’s yours, too — a thriving meeting place where independent-minded travelers can meet, compare experiences, and share travel dreams. I’ve always enjoyed the notion that we’re all in the same travelers’ school of hard knocks, and it’s perfectly legal to share notes. And our lively Travel Forum community — so buzzing with activity — is made to order for exactly that. Whether it’s advice on a rail connection, a pesky scam you uncovered in Barcelona, or the perfect spot for a picnic overlooking the Seine in Paris, sharing experiences on our forums makes us all travel partners.
One of my favorite dimensions of our forums is the way travelers use our “Travel Group Meetings” section to actually get together in their hometowns. All over the USA, Rick Steves-style travelers are connecting in person. Right now, posts are up about meetings across the country, including ones in Nashville, New York City, Denver, and St. Louis.
I think getting together with others is great! I knew there was a group about an hour from my home but did not know the Forum had a section for that. I use the Forum on every trip we take even though I feel we are well seasoned travelers at this point, but there is always something that I need to check on. And also glad that your representative Laura also posts too. I remember our first trip to Europe was all set and everything booked and two weeks later 911 happened and I can remember feeling so distressed and worried and then Rick Steve’s wrote a beautiful pep talk letter and it made me feel so much more confident and our trip to Italy that May was flawless. I think with the intense media and some of it is truth we have to keep ourselves positive and keep on with life.
How fun to see our group mentioned in the post. We just got together today here in StL and it was fun seeing everyone’s vacation plans coming together. We leave for our first European trip in less than 3 weeks and the information I have received from our group has been invaluable!