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Rick Steves’ Travel Blog

Here you can browse through my blog posts prior to February 2022. Currently I'm sharing my travel experiences, candid opinions, and what's on my mind solely on my Facebook page. — Rick

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Here’s to Parenting on the Road

I’m one happy dad right now — because both my kids called me today from Europe. Andy FaceTimed me from the Cinque Terre, and I got to wave to 25 happy travelers on the Rick Steves Best of Europe in 21 Days Tour he is leading. The group was all smiles, tanned, rested, and ready for their Italian seafood feast. Andy’s little sister Jackie is leading a tour of her own — a couple of girlfriends — in Greece and Croatia. Jackie texted me photos that captured one of my favorite moments in Europe: sunset on Hydra at the funky little harborside bar in Kamini. And there savoring it, ouzo in hand, was my daughter and her friends.

Of course, it takes money and a shift in priorities, but we made a point to take our kids to Europe lots — even taking them out of school for a couple of weeks each April. Today, they are young adults and — with the help of parents who have been intent on giving them a global perspective — our children are comfortable with the world. Unburdened by fear and ethnocentrism, they are enjoying our planet as their playground.

When blessed with a traveler’s upbringing, young people are more likely to understand that the world is safe and accessible, a festival of diversity, and filled with good people and love. A few years ago, we celebrated New Year’s Eve together — not at some fancy ski resort, but in Cuba. Andy has chosen to live in Medellin, Colombia (and loves it). And Jackie has found her calling as a schoolteacher, working with kids in tough neighborhoods in Washington DC and Chicago, and now bringing her global perspective into a Los Angeles classroom.

Every time I see a family traveling together, I get almost teary-eyed as I recognize the importance of the parenting going on. The hard work and love of parents on the road is key to raising caring, bold, and confident Americans with a global perspective.

This is just a stream-of-consciousness post to say, “Yes! Our kids are global citizens. The world is their playground. And that makes me a happy dad.” I love you, Andy and Jackie.

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My Favorite Writers? Other Travelers

 

Who are my favorite writers? Other travelers. Just regular people who become great writers by traveling well and sharing their feelings and discoveries thoughtfully.

I’m home for a week before continuing my 2019 travels, and I’ve been catching up on my mail. I’ve been inspired by many of the emails I’ve read, such as this one from Don, who shared how — even when he found himself in a tourist trap — he was able to dig deep and connect with the locals. Thanks for the trip report, Don. Keep on travelin’.

Hiya Rick, wherever you are. I am ten days and many pints in on a 30-day tour of Ireland, with no car (never learned to drive) and nothing but your guidebook to lead me. So far it’s been great following your advice…Dublin, Kilkenny, Cashel, Kinsale, (all surprisingly easy to connect without a car). But now I find myself spending a night in Killarney–for which your book offers the sorry traveler who lands there no tips and only pity. Believe me, it was out of necessity. And as I looked for a pub this evening I thought, “Oh, I see what Rick means”. Even though Kinsale was totally overrun with Yanks, it was nothing like this. If Disneyland had an Ireland, it would be modelled on Killarney. Okay…what to do? I’ve been to John Cleere’s Pub in Kilkenny and I’m headed for Dingel next, so I don’t need live music. I veer off to the side streets in search of somwhere real and decided to trade music for sports. First pub I find that fits the bill is called Dan Linehan’s. Sure enough, here’s where the locals are. You know you’re in the right place when there are betting slips on the bar, next to the beer mats. Kids next to me say hi and before you know it one tells the tender, “Another for us, please. And whatever the American is drinking”. After they leave I wander some more and across the road from the chippie they recommended (great chips), I sniff out another place–The Luane. It’s not packed with Americans…in fact there’s not even one. I order a pint and actually get mistaken for a local. This guy was surprised when I said, “Me? A local? I just got here this morning.”. So, my point is…even in Killarney, it’s possible for guys like us to have a good time. Just gotta find the back door.

God bless,
Don

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Rick Steves Over Brunch — Rome: Back-Street Riches

Join me for brunch?

Last year, I discovered a delightful podcast called “Rick Steves Over Brunch,” hosted by travel writers Stephanie Craig and Christopher Mitchell. In each episode, Stephanie and Chris share travel tips and stories — and thoughtfully examine one episode of my own public television show, Rick Steves’ Europe.

The way they mix their travel experience and their enthusiasm is both endearing and infectious, and I enjoy eavesdropping on their conversations. They’ve produced a total of 28 episodes now — and last week, I was a special guest on their show. The result: two fun new episodes. The first one, “Rome: Back-Street Riches,” is live now, and the second will follow soon. Check their show out now on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Brunch is on!

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A Traveler’s Reflection: Amazing Toilets on the Road

Many years ago, I traveled through Japan — and one of my most vivid memories from that trip is was the toilets. In the middle of one January night, I got up, needing to go down the hall. The rocks in the Zen garden were covered by snow. There was no central heating. I could see my breath. A kimono had been put out for my trip to the bathroom, but it was comically small, and my slippers ended at the start of my heels. Shivering as I shuffled, I made my way to the shared bathroom of my ryokan. Pulling down my pants, I sat slowly…dreading the chill of the seat. It was heated — one of the most delightful surprises I’ve experienced over a lifetime of travels, the memory of which I still cherish. And before I made any noise, a playful trickle of water played a soundtrack designed to mask any noise I might make. There’s nothing like traveling in Japan.

That was a long time ago. Just last week, staying in a five-star Asian-themed hotel in Boston, I enjoyed another amazing toilet. It knew when I was coming, welcomed me warmly, and provided a trickling soundtrack. Delightful déjà vu.

Are you comfortable sharing your toilet-on-the-road story with me? If so, it’s your turn.

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A Snippet of my Symphonic Journey Experience

Talking short is harder than talking long. I had eight two-minute talks to give as my part of a Boston Pops concert last week, and I worked hard to get it right. I practiced in my hotel room, on stage before people arrived, and then did it for real — in front of a sold-out house. Each time I introduced a piece, it was an opportunity to show off the value of a tour guide who can set the scene to help you appreciate European culture.

I was reluctant to distract myself by playing with my phone, but the thrill of being part of a Boston Pops performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an amazing conductor was a highlight of my tour-guiding career, and I had to share a snippet of the experience with you.

We debuted this concert with my hometown orchestra several years ago, but just this year other orchestras have been booking it themselves. After Boston, I’ve got Colorado (Sept. 15), Houston (Oct. 12-13), and Seattle (Jan. 17) booked. If you like history, music, and travel, this is a fusion of those delights, resulting in a delightful experience. (You can watch the original concert here.)