Video: Behind the Scenes of “Travel as a Political Act”

My book Travel as a Political Act is now out in its third edition — in print and as an audiobook.

When my publisher said we needed to reprint the book, I said, “Trump, Erdogan, refugees, nativism, fascism, fake news, and Brexit. Not until we rework it for all the changes impacting travel these days.” The third edition is 290 pages of travel thrills and insights that I like to think would win the endorsement of Mark Twain (“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”), Thomas Jefferson (“Travel makes a person wiser, but less happy”), and Muhammad (“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you’ve traveled”).

This clip shows about one minute of the 22 hours I spent in what felt like a padded cell, reading the book out loud. In the end, the finished audiobook is about ten hours, and I am thrilled with the final product.

(BTW, I’m donating all the royalties from the sale of the book and audiobook to Bread for the World, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to ending hunger.)

Video: Munich’s Oktoberfest

If Germany’s on your list, consider timing your trip around one of Europe’s biggest parties: Munich’s Oktoberfest. I’ve been in Munich for each of the last two Oktoberfests, and I’m so impressed by the simple Bavarian joy of the party. For a visitor, there’s no better place to see (and join) Germans at play. Inside huge beer-hall tents, you’ll find a slap-happy world of lederhosen, dirndls, fancy hats, and maidens with flowers in their hair. Join the party with me in this clip from my new, one-hour Rick Steves’ European Festivals public television special.

 

 

And if you’re heading to Germany, the Rick Steves Germany 2018 guidebook just hit the shelves. Happy travels!

Traveled to Egypt Recently? Please Share Your Thoughts

A few years ago, I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Egypt. But since then, Egypt has suffered from a political, economic, and tourism point of view — so I’m not sure that now is the right time to promote the Nile and the pyramids. If you traveled in Egypt in the last year, I’d love your advice on how you (as an affluent traveler from a wealthy, predominantly Christian country) felt in the streets, markets, and ancient sites. For my benefit — and for anyone else who might be dreaming of traveling to Egypt soon — please describe your experience.

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King of the Castle: Europe’s Fortified Towns

rick steves in tree house
As a kid, my treehouse was my castle: no parents reining me in, a ladder that pulled up, and nails sticking down through the ceiling — just long enough to keep out bullies taller than me. With my sliding tongue-in-groove panels, I could see who was coming. My refuge was the envy of other little kings.

The treehouse is long gone, but I still tap into that king-of-the-castle feel when I visit fortified towns in Europe, where thick stone walls that once protected citizens from enemies now corral Old World charm. Recently, I wrote about my favorite fortified towns.

If you’ve been to a great fortified town that you think I should check out, let me know!


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