Art, History, and Science....Oh My!

Hi Amber,

I traveled to Europe for the first time this summer, and I cut up my books with an exacto knife and then only brought the sections that I knew I wanted. It worked well, because I could throw out pages or give them to other travelers as I went along, which freed up space in my backpack for souvenirs! As far as looking like a tourist, I wouldn't worry too much - as soon as you open your mouth, it is pretty obvious that you are not a local, though I understand not wanting to be too overt about it. Rick's guided walks are amazing - in Rome, the Forum one was so helpful, and I followed the Night Walk as well, which was a lot of fun. Definitely go to the Trevi Fountain one night, it is gorgeous in the dark.

Also, I don't know where you are going in Italy, but I can recommend the following hostels (I am a student too, and these were all cheap, friendly, and clean)

Cinque Terre - Ostello Cinque Terre in Manarola

Rome - The Beehive

Naples - Hostel of the Sun

In Florence, Ostello Santa Monica was just ok, I would not stay there again as it was not very friendly and the accomodations were nothing special.

I usually keep some notes in a small spiral notebook for each of my destinations. I divide the sites into must see, like to see, and good to see if I have time.

I also make a list of potential lodging and keep it in the notebook by destination. I don't make advance reservations so I use the contacts to call for lodging in the morning before I arrive.

I take pieces of guidebooks with me. I cut out the parts I'll use and leave the rest out.

If all else fails, the local TIs will give me any information I need.

Hi Amber,
Here's a link to a similar discussion on this site that might have some helpful suggestions:

Tearing Up Guidebooks

If your goal is to learn about art and history I wouldn't worry about "looking like a tourist"--I think that Europe 101 would be an excellent reference guide to have with you--even though it's a bit heavy to carry.

I generally don't carry the guidebooks with me as I go about my daily business. I try to pre-read to get an overview before I visit the place. Over the years, however, I've learned that I gain the most appreciation for a place by extensively reading the guided tours AFTER I've already visited. Why? Although I enjoy reading Rick's material, I've had plenty of experiences where, simply by wandering, I've encountered things that interest me that Rick does not mention. So, even though Rick's books are packed with interesing information, one man can't possibley write about everything that anyone might find appealing in Europe.

So, quite often I find that the best way to have "a more cultural, pleasurable experience" is to take your head out of a guidebook and let your own curiosity be your guide.

For my first trip to Europe last spring I really wanted to have something with me but didn't want to "look like a tourist". I exacto'd the pages in Rick Steves' books that I wanted by country and actually took them to kinkos and had them spiral bound with a hard front and back. It cost very little money and I had a very thin "notebook" if you will (can put anything you want on the front) and buried each one in my luggae after I used it in a particular country. I plan on doing this again this spring as the books held up well and only contained what I needed.

Amber, it's great that you're doing lots of research and planning now, as that will hopefully ensure a wonderful trip.

Don't be too concerned about "looking like a tourist". The locals (and even other travellers) can usually spot tourists; you'll only be one in a crowd. However, it is a good idea not too look "lost" while you check maps, as distractions are often the time when thieves strike. Of course, be sure to wear your Money Belt (lots of tips here on the Helpline about avoiding theft).

Regarding your question on Guidebooks, I have a serious aversion to cutting books apart (I used to work in a Library). I also like to use Rick's easy-to-follow Maps for finding my way around, as well as finding my Hotel when I first arrive. I usually photocopy and enlarge the parts that I need on 8.5 x 11" paper and carry these in a plastic sleeve. If pages are removed from the books, it makes them less useful for planning future trips. I also keep my Itinerary in a plastic sleeve.

I always pack one or two Guidebooks for the locations I'll be spending the most time in. When you're wandering around Europe, you'll see LOTS of people religiously referring to Rick's books while they're touring cities. I've found the books are often a good excuse to strike up a conversation with other RS fans.

If you want to know the historical significance of various "fountains" or other sites, one of the best methods I've found is to use local walking tours. The Guides are a wealth of information! Of course, doing a bit of pre-tour research in Europe 101 is also good. For some locations in Italy and France, you might also consider Rick's FREE Podcasts, as they're great for self guided walking tours of places like the Louvre, etc.

Which locations will you be visiting in Spain, Italy and Germany? If this is your first trip, reading Europe Through The Back Door would be a good idea (especially the "Rail Skills" section).

Cheers!

Amber: As a student you're young and can look forward to a lifetime of learning about Europe and the cultural and intellectual inheritance we in the West received from Europe. For a traveler with your passion to understand, Europe can be a feast that can sustain you for a lifetime. And don't worry too much about looking like a tourist, with your sensitivity to the issue you'll be fine--but having said that I understand your concern. Read up between now and March, that's 5 months; take your books with you (all you can carry); and the night before you're going to go somewhere, read up on it and then you won't necessarily have to pull out the book while you're at the sight.One other thing: you probably don't want to think of Rick's Europe 101 as in depth coverage, Rick didn't intend it to be that, he intended for it to be rather superficial coverage of the topic, a good light introduction. Your post indicates you have intellectual curiosity and I'm thinking you could sink your mental teeth into more in depth coverage of our artistic and cultural inheritance from Europe, how what we got from Europe influences our world view: perhaps a book like The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas.Best wishes on your future travels. In Rome you'll walk where Caesar did. In Florence you'll see where the Renaissance started. In Germany, you'll see where the composers gave us some of our greatest music. Enjoy!

Thank you, everyone! This helps...I'll refer to some of the other posts about theft avoidance and whatnot. I liked Europe 101, but I could definitely use "more."

We go to Europe every other year and I research (that's a huge part of the fun) each trip extensively before we go (Example, I had 43 pounds of guidebooks for our recent trip to Paris and northwestern France.) I cut out the relevant sections of all the guidebooks and put them in zip lock bags. Sometimes I bring the pages back home and replace them in the guidebooks, but mostly I throw them out. Restaurant and hotel information is time-sensitive; the marvelous hotel in 2004 can become a real horror by 2008. Travel guidebooks are not in the same category as finely bound classics and coffee table books. It's OK to throw out some books when you finish with them--they aren't illuminated manuscripts!