Have things really changed that much for Rick?

We have learned a lot about living in a pandemic in the last two years. I am pretty sure that none of us could accurately predict what would be necessary to travel in 2022 at that time.

I think the safety precautions Rick described were common and necessary earlier in the pandemic, and now there’s a middle ground. Some people are being very cautious, some are partying like it’s 2019, but there’s a middle ground that I think makes travel enjoyable while still being reasonably safe for the generally healthy and vaccinated/boosted. It is a personal judgement call, within reason, right now.

For example, masks inside aren’t a big deal to me so I wear them but I don’t stay 6 feet apart from other visitors at a museum or church. Unless required or requested, of course, but this hasn’t happened. I feel like one can enjoy indoor sights while masked. Same goes for concerts and theater - earlier these were not held, now they are in most places. Some people choose to skip them to avoid crowds, but going and masking is a possible middle ground.

The “bubble” dining is not something I’ve seen this year. Outdoor dining is my preference, or indoor in moderately crowded/spaced restaurant. The crowded indoor bar/pub is the hardest thing to do safely and will be the last thing I personally return to. Discos/nightclubs would be worse, but that’s not my interest. But outdoor bars (bier gardens, patios, beach bars) are all wonderful and allow you to meet people in a safer environment.

Etc. the difference is in the flexibility.

Edit - destination choice comes into play here. People might choose places in climates and seasons with plenty of outdoor activities, or places where hiking/nature are the focus.

Traveling to Ireland in August, what are the masking requirements for the trip now that masking on planes has been removed? Are we going to have to mask up on the bus? and indoors in Ireland?

Caryscowan

If you post your question in the Ireland forum you’ll get more responses

Your question is not related to this topic

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/ireland

Because the new way makes more money right now. That's what changed.

I can only speak for myself, but I appreciate RS Tours making tours available this year. The demand from customers was high. They are very clear what the policies and procedures are and I think have been extremely fair in terms of expanding the time limit for deposit refunds.

They have left the choice on pandemic travel up to the customers. Each individual has an option to wait for more “normal” times or to travel with some extra requirements. I like the choice being in the hands of the consumer.

In addition, RS has several responsibilities with his business including the livelihoods of many families. RS Europe is offering a product, being clear about its limitations, and thousands have decided that they would like to travel. Probably thousands have decided to wait, which is just fine.

I don’t know Rick Steves, and it would be presumptuous of almost all of us to claim to know his thinking now. I do know that my dealings with his company over several years have been positive and that they are being as transparent as possible throughout this situation.

So what has really changed?

1) Vaccines
2) The reality that covid is not going away (at least not anytime in the near future)
3) People’s attitudes

I would have felt the same way as Rick in June 2020. It has been 3 years since my last overseas vacation; I am willing to compromise.

My first overseas trip since 2019 was Portugal in March. I can honestly say there was very little compromise that affected my trip. My family wore masks inside, it was required then, but as I said earlier in this thread, we still do. I didn’t find that the masks affected my enjoyment. Wearing them on the plane and airport, even with a 2+ hour delay and an hour in the passport line, was no problem.
Eating outdoors is my preference anyway so that wasn’t a problem. The problem came on our one extremely rainy day. We had to choose between indoor or take-out in the apartment and chose take out. Pre-covid, we would have thought nothing of eating inside.
We still talked to people, went to outdoor bars and restaurants, saw museums and churches, rode busses and taxis masked, everything we’d normally do.

So basically the affect on our trip was…one take out meal in lieu of a restaurant. I find that a compromise well worth taking!

The only thing that has changed is proof that vaccines work and for the vast majority of people, reduces severe sickness and death. The virus will always be around. It will always infect people. The booster will always be needed to fight severe infection. It is not like the flu, but will be as contagious.

Rick Steves has his own definition of travel. For him, it can be drinking in a pub with a stranger, getting kissed on both cheeks, but we all have our own definition of travel. Standing in the magnificent Berner Oberland is much higher on my list than those other experiences of meeting a local. Not that I didn't enjoy that pre-pandemic. I would pass up a drink with a local to visit the Plitvice National Park or a drive through the countryside of Tuscany.

We all go to Europe to see its sights, its museums, experience its rich history. All the other things are, to me, only bonuses. Yes, I treasure the bonuses, but think of all the sights and sounds you will also always remember.

Get vaxed, boosted, put on a mask and if you can, travel.

I reread the article and found something funny, a good travel statement, and also something very relatable to me since Covid. Getting people back on RS tours this year is a great first step!

Something funny: Steves said, “I'm not going to start doing gourmet river rafting tours in Idaho."

I certainly agree with this statement: “ Given the issues the nation is wrestling with, Steves said, we could all use a bit of travel now.”

“And he's (Rick) playing his piano more.” I have treasured my piano even more these past few years! just had another request yesterday from a neighbor to keep my windows open when I’m playing the piano because it’s relaxing to him.