In this political season, I’d like to say that it’s important for our safety — our national security — that we understand and connect with the rest of our world. If you’re afraid of the other 96 percent of humanity, you likely have yet to meet it. While good people can differ, it’s my firm belief that, if motivated by the safety of you, your family, and your children’s children, building bridges is smarter than building walls. And I think it’s fair to say that there’s a strong correlation in our citizenry between wall-builders and those with no passports.
So, in the fun spirit of helping America get a grip, for years we’ve made it our policy to pay the $135 fee for any American who signs up for a Rick Steves Europe tour, and does not yet have a passport.
You may think, “That’s just a tour sales gimmick. Where’s Rick if we just want to travel on our own and don’t have a passport?”
I’d love to buy you a passport, too. If you’re a “travel virgin” in need of your first passport, here’s your chance: Take part in my “Rick Steves, Pay for My Passport!” challenge on Facebook.
Here’s the deal: In the comments section of this Facebook post, write two sentences explaining how international travel will be a life-changing experience for you. I’ll reimburse the $135 passport fees of what I judge to be the two most compelling and creative entries.
To enter you must “like” the Rick Steves Facebook page (if you haven’t already) and you must be in need of your first US passport (renewals not valid).
So travel veterans, tell your first-time-traveler friends! This is a great opportunity to help your friends see the world as their playground.
Please submit your entry by the Fourth of July (midnight Pacific Time). I’ll announce the winners on Bastille Day (France’s national holiday, July 14) on my Facebook page.
Good luck and happy travels!
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Open only to residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C. 21 or older. Void where prohibited. To enter, post your comment on the Rick Steves Pay for My Passport post on the Rick Steves Facebook page or in your Facebook news feed between June 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time and July 4, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Winner selected from all eligible entries received based on how compelling and creative the comment is and will be notified via Facebook by July 14, 2016. Two winners will receive reimbursements for their USD$135.00 passport application fee. Odds depend on the number and quality of eligible entries received. For details, restrictions and Official Rules, visit ricksteves.com/about-us/rick-steves-europe-pay-for-my-passport-contest. Promotion not sponsored or endorsed by Facebook. Promotion sponsored by Rick Steves’ Europe, Inc.
Rick, I agree whole heartedly that travel helps you see how other people live and makes you realize they are just people like you trying to raise their family and live a good life. After all, most everyone here had ancestors from outside the US at some point. The other thing you realize is that other countries have their bad guys just like us. The walls are meant to control access not prohibit access. I think the left misses that point. Isolationism is not the same as protection in a free economy world. I love to travel and meet people but I am 100% for filtering access to this country or any country for that matter.