...that Rick Steves would start publishing guidebooks on parts of the world other than Europe? It's just that his guidebooks are so well-written and chock-full of so much helpful, insightful information that when planning a trip outside Europe, I often find myself wishing I had a classic Rick template to refer to. Maybe he's spoiled us too much or maybe I'm just too much of a fan-girl.
So, um, how 'bout it, Rick? And to others on this helpline, who do you use when traveling elsewhere?
Angela: I understand the feeling. You may get a book on Greece--but I'm guessing not a new book on a country outside of Europe. A new book requires an enormous amount of work. But that's just a guess on my part, obviously. The last new book was Istanbul. Rick says he likes Lonely Planet and Rough Guides and, in deciding between the two series for a country/region other than Europe, he suggests picking the book that was most recently published (since neither updates every book annually).
I enjoy Rick's style of writing and method of selecting sights, as well as his tours, and have wished he would expand beyond Europe--but I understand why he doesn't. He's a Europe expert. It would be unfair to him and to us to ask him to write guidebooks on areas he knows next to nothing about and he only has one lifetime.
We can be experts about one thing or know a little about everything...but not experts about everything!
In addition to the books Kent mentions, I also rely heavily on the internet and other message boards similar to this Helpline.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I've thought, "Oh, if Rick would only write guides for the different regions of the United States." His European ones have been our Bible for each of our fantastic trips! We have visited specials spots that we would have never heard of if it had not been for him. As I've read them, I could actually hear his voice saying the words. A++ job to Rick and his staff for each of you have given your many, many readers memories that no one else can provide.
A year ago I had the pleasure to talk to Rick Steves. I told him about my daughter in law coming from Riga Latvia. He said he's been there and loves it there, and he may do a show on Latvia and the areas around it. It looks like he does want to branch out a bit. Also, he filmed a series in Iran! Read his blog for more info.
Happy Travels!
Lisa P.
We ran into Rick last year in Rome (actually, we ran into him twice - the second time we asked him to kindly stop stalking us. :) ) and found out that he can't even stay at any of the hotels he recommends in his books anymore, he just gets too inundated with 'fans.' And, uh, people like us who ask for a picture with him.
But moving along, I just think that if he traveled to, say, South America he could move around much more anonomously and if he happened to, say, jot down his thoughts in the form of a guidebook, well, then that would be wonderful. Just sayin'...
We used a Frommers guide in June on our trip to Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island, and the book was a complete joke and waste of money. We're headed to Peru next month and have a Lonely Planet guide. It appears to be so-so, but again, it's not Rick!! hrrrrmmmph
I believe the question about branching into other areas has been raised when Rick has attended pledge drives at KCTS. As I recall, his answer was something along the line that he's chosen to focus on Europe, so there are no plans for books or travel information on any other areas.
India is apparently one of his favourite countries, but he won't be publishing any books on that either.
Cheers!
Angela says, "We ran into Rick last year in Rome... and found out that he can't even stay at any of the hotels he recommends in his books anymore, he just gets too inundated with 'fans.'"
Angela's post speaks to the influence Rick has had on the Americans heading for Europe.
It would be great for Rick to cover Argentina or Vegas or whatever - he'd add his own unique perspective - but if he does, I really hope he will stop recommending specific accommodations. As Angela's post alludes, Rick's hotel rec's in Rome (and in Haarlem NL, Bacharach DE, and elsewhere) have become little North American enclaves where you are housed almost exclusively with fellow countrymen toting Rick guidebooks and schlepping Rick packs. And anything that gets a Rick nod soon becomes overpriced due to increased demand.
Part of the travel experience should be staying "with the folks" in whatever country you're in. I hope his future books at least include the disclaimer that his "back door" sleeps may have a "full of US tourists" sign hanging in the window by the time you get there.
"Maybe he's spoiled us too much..."
I think so, Angela. It's not his fault that people have glommed onto him, but I think he needs to focus more on accommodations strategies rather than touting specific establishments.
Early in his career, Rick published "Asia Through the Back Door". I think he made the right decision to pull back and focus on Europe.
But I think it's a mistake to think that Rick even focuses on Europe. His books provide two things; tutorials on travel skills and extraordinarily in-depth guides to a slender ribbon of travel routes he he has chosen. He leaves vast regions of eac country in his book unexplored. For that reason, I use Lonely Planet as well.
There are many excellent guide books; don't limit yourself to the Rick Steves ones. If you browse at amazon.co.uk you can access the ones Europeans use and get another perspective. Look for places recommended in several series. Also, watch for the "give this place a miss" comments. Our European trips (usually three weeks every other year) are a major investment of time and money and deserve thorough research---besides, doing all the research is lots of fun. My travel library for this year's trip to Paris and northwestern France weighed 43 pounds---of course, most of it travelled in my brain, not my suitcase.
Rick touches briefly on some of the things mentioned by repliers above, in his latest book:"Most travelers find that, to get into the most popular, best-value hotels, it's worth booking ahead. In fact, lately I've been getting aced out by my own readers at my favorite accommodations." (p. 183, ETBD 2009)
I want to make it more clear on what I said earlier.
Rick filmed a TV series in Iran. But did not write a guide book on Iran. If you haven't read his blog on Iran, please do. It is extremely interesting!
Happy Travels!
Lisa P.
Do you ever see those commercials for other countries/cities/places on tv. They almost always come with a website. The tourism factor anywhere you go is huge. It's a great place to get started. I happen to be a vacation research overacheiver and always bind notes and maps to take with me from hours of research on the internet. I also pour through the library, though up to date information is hard to find because people put out new publications all of the time and the library can't always keep up. However, if you hit your local B&N, or Borders, grab a cup of whatever and sit down with a few books, a notebook and an ink pen. DO NOT, i repeat DO NOT crease the back unless you plan to buy. It's rude. :o) But if you can take care, browse through until you find a book worth purchasing. But mostly, I reccomend the internet.
And...pestering every one you come in contact with for information. I mean everyone.
I for one think that the scope of Rick Steves Books are about right, maybe even too extensive for most areas. I also hope that the much awaited Greece book fades into nothing. Now, please, don't take this the wrong way, but my motivation is to avoid the congestion and hoardes seen in the places already mentioned in his books. In my travels, I have encountered many blue (tan before that) book carrying individuals, carefully following the path laid out, rarely straying into unknown territory. I still puzzle at the lady explaining to her travel mates that the hotel (RS Pick) she was standing in front of was full as were all of the hotels in town, as I was trying to enter my partially booked hotel just next door. More than once I have overheard an exchange like: "What's That?" Don't know, but it's not in THE book (you know what book) so it must not be anything." Before I get blasted, I will say that I admire Rick alot, I have learned how to travel from his books, but if he were to be a regular on this board, he would be the first to pipe in that his books are meant to be as much teaching as guide. "Here are some great places, and this is what you look for, so now go out and find your own!" There really is a whole universe out there if you have the tools and skills to explore it. I myself am finding many places to stay and eat that are cheaper, higher quality, and retain that charm that RS places were once known for. Use a variety of sources, Web, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Let's Go, travel magazines, the list goes on. For me, travel is an adventure, needs to be somewhat spontaneous, and always creates lifetime memories.
Be your own "Rick" for non-European places. Do the research, find exciting new places -- follow his lead.
As Paul said, Rick's book is a "guide" with suggestions. I just watched Rick on PBS in Venice. My comment to my husband was "we didn't go there". He said we made our own way/adventure and saw things that Rick may NOT have seen. True. We saw so much of Venice and then missed some. We did our own adventure along with Rick's suggestions. When people say they don't like Venice, I just shake my head. I loved it. I want to go back to see more of what we missed in 3 days. You just can't appreciate it in a one day whirlwind visit.
We met a group of people on the train coming from Florence to Venice for a continuance of their tour studying art. We ran into them a few more times on the island. We were invited to have wine and dinner with them. Another day we ran into them and we were asked to join them in one of the churches. The guide was explaining the artwork in the church. It was a wonderful experience.
