It seems our mission lately is helping inspire Americans to see the positive, take a break from TV news, and embrace life…to live with abandon. These days I’m struck by how poor people I’ve met in the developing world live life with a spirit of abundance, while we here in the richly blessed USA are encouraged to live our lives with a spirit of scarcity.
I can’t recall meeting someone who regretted taking a good trip. When opportunity knocks, I can’t remember ever wishing I hadn’t said, “Yes!” In spite of the drama in the news these days, I like to be mindful of how much is actually going right. And regardless of my age, I like to live as if more of my life is before me than behind me.
Our new half-hour pledge special is called “Europe with Abandon” (named with your help last year on my Facebook page…thanks). It’s basically a celebration of getting out and simply having fun on a continent that seems to specialize in just that.
This month, “Europe with Abandon” is helping inspire people all over the USA to support their local non-commercial television stations. I’m particularly proud of the last three minutes of this show (see video below). Our editor, Steve Cammarano, cut this together in such a way that it comes with an actual climax. Even though none of us smoke tobacco, we have a joke with our crew after filming something particularly plush and exquisite to just relax for a moment with a cigarette. This bit, celebrating what we can experience as travelers, gives me that same release. Slip into something comfortable and enjoy.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
In the unlikely event Steve Cammarano never tops this editing job, “Europe with Abandon” is a good laurel to rest upon.
So people should take a break from TV news, but listen to your political commentaries, ohhhkaaaay. It`s easy to say just enjoy life and be happy with scarcity, when you are a multi-millionaire. Keep on buying my products, Americans, even though I habituallly insult you!
This is such a beautiful and positive and inspiring video! What a great job your team did!
So…was it good for you ;-) (exhaling cigarette smoke) Another excellent job! You`re dead if you aren`t moved by that…
Very nice little video, Rick. I`m a big fan of your show and often watch it while I`m on one of the cardiac trainers at our local YWCA. I`m especially glad that CreateTV has started airing more recently-produced episodes.
Rick`s promotions are entertaining – but they really don`t reflect the “tour” experience. He travels while getting special attention. His tour customers get the tour experience. And he still puts customers in marginal hotels. He`ll say it`s to teach us to rough it. But it“s really about profit margins.
Beautiful video, great job, makes me want to go experience it all. Just wondering have you ever considered moving to Europe?
@b-you don`t have to go on a Rick Steves tour. No one forces you to go on one. So just go on your own tour and let the rest of us enjoy Ricks tours, shows and thoughts. Thanks Rick Steves for what you bring to my world.
“And he still puts customers in marginal hotels. He`ll say it`s to teach us to rough it.” That was 30 years ago… I `presume` you`ve taken a recent tour? If so, then it`s clear that you belong in the `Waldorfs` of the world. I don`t know of anyone else who believes the TV programs are tour promotions; they promote Europe and travel in Europe – HOWEVER you choose to travel.
There are a category of people who like and need tours and like birds of a feather they will flock to certain tours. They will tolerate much in the name of camaraderie, convenience, and safety. Maybe they even like telling acquaintances they prefer a tour from a certain company. But there is nothing like flexibility and the freedom to associate with those with whom we are sympatico. Those slavish to Rick Steves` tours are missing lots but then again – different strokes for different folks.
Hey b/bill, Shouldn`t you be busy planning your next Tea Party event? I can find no reason why you would go to a website with your negative comments ie: “slavish” unless to provoke a response so you can tell yourself that you have a voice. I know…you don`t like PBS and Rick Steves` is an important part of PBS so you come on his website with your Tea Party hate and try slamming people. Stick to Fox News message boards.
What makes people think that everyone involved in Rick Steves goes on a tour? I have been to Europe seven times and have never been on at Rick Steves tour. It is kind of insulting to always be told by these blogger what we are and what we do. It seems like someone hasn`t done there homework.
I agree Judy. I have many friends who don`t use Rick`s tours. Instead they use his videos and books as their guide. P.S. Joe would you like a hug, sounds like you have a lot of hate built up. :(
Wow! I am going to send this video short to all my relatives in the States who haven`t yet been moved to come visit us in Vienna. Free place to stay in Vienna! I can`t believe they haven`t visited us yet. We will even help with the airfair for our nieces and nephews in “the next generation”. But, no, they don`t come. And it seems to be more about “comfort zone” than money. Oh, well, thanks for the great video! Very up-lifting!
It is a good video and may well inspire some to visit Europe on a tour or on their own. Thomas`s comments about comfort zones resonated because just when the U.S. economy is on the cusp of improvement, prospective travelers have been deluged with news about natural tragedies, political unrest, war number 3 and further financial deterioration of countries like Portugal, Ireland, England, Spain, Greece, and Italy – compounded further by higher price points from airlines. People in the tour industry can`t seem to catch a break and it will take extraordinary persuasion to convince people to travel in 2011. That`s why Rick Steves` creative videos are important for the business.
It amazes me how nobody can give a valid critique without being slammed for coming to this site. Unless you laud everything you are branded a slave to Fox News or a tea party. I`m not a slave to either, but use some of Rick`s recommendations (such as using Gaetano Manfredi for touring Pompeii) but I would never use one of his tours. I prefer to travel my own way and that does not mean I should not be able to visit this site. Sheesh, some people need to respect differing tastes and opinions a little more.
I really enjoyed the video…..It got me a bit amped up for my trip to Eastern Europe this Christmas season! I am a big proponent of using the tools Rick provides, and while I personally prefer the freedom of traveling independently versus a tour, I know that there are many who are more comfortable in the structure that a tour provides. Isn`t freedom of choice is a GREAT thing?!
Thomas, I`ve been looking forward to going to Austria. If your family doesn`t want to come I`m sure a few others and I would be more than willing to visit you. Did I mention I wash a mean dish. Will cook for lodging. Lol. I hope your family changes their minds and embraces the opportunity.
@”Joe the Plumber”: Tea Party, Fox News, hate? What on Earth are you talking about? None of this was in “b`s” post. Stick to the facts, not your prejudices.
Great inspiration, Rick. Whenever anyone asks me why I travel as much as I do or why I go so far away from American soil, it`s because of the reasons you outlined. Some people don`t understand, or define “travel” a bit differently, such as no more than some hours of boring interstate driving to the nearest beach, lake, mountain, or theme park attraction. All it takes is a thirst for knowledge, sense of adventure, and a little financial planning, and it can happen for most people.