Have you read a Rick Steves guidebook?

ha ha,, love your description of Rick Kira,, hilarious. I read his first one,, such a long time ago,, it wasn't very big but it was an engaging read, I seem to recall it seemed more about travel style(back door)and tips then actual recommendations for particular hotels or restaurants. My first travel guide I read when I was very young, 12 or 13, It was Europe on 5 dollars a Day,, it was old(second hand) even then, but it fed my already burgeoning travel bug.

I read any guidebook I can get my hands on at the library, including Rick's. Must say, I enjoy reading his guidebook most of all of them.

I've read many of Rick's since 2000, and many others before that and since. Been traveling in Europe since 1960. For the most part, I like Rick's advice and tips. But I'm not a die-hard follower and sometimes disagree w/him, especially about Paris. I like watching his shows too, makes me feel like I'm there. I also like watching Samantha Brown and Rudy Maxa.

Richard I have RS Guide Books for each country or region I travel in. Up to 8 now. IMHO, if more of the posters on this board read his Guide Books, there would not be so many basic questions. For example, how do I get from the airport to the city/hotel, what kind of passes are available in this town, etc. Not that I am annoyed or anything.
Bobbie

Who?

@ ed: Bwa-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah! Nope. Actually, I don't read guidebooks. I use the web, and then just plunge in. Before the web? I might have read a "Let's Go Europe!" or "Rough Guide" back in college. Then plunged in. Instead of guide books, I read a lot of history, art history, restaurant reviews, and the news. And I am kinda addicted to maps. But I do watch Rick's show. I adore it. It's a tad embarrassing for me - a former Lower East Side rocker chick - to admit, but I watch every episode I can catch. Multiple times. I have no idea what it is about Rick that's so engaging. Maybe, for me, it's because he has my dream job (that I was too stupid to think of). Or maybe it's the fascination of watching a - let's face it - sort of goofy looking (albeit cute), helmet-haired American guy stump around Europe looking a bit of a rube and distinctly out of place in his heinous drip-dry Sans-a-Belt-meets-Tilley-in-hell travel wear, having an amazing time, and earnestly - nay, passionately - extolling the virtues of European life, art, culture, food, and diversity. Watching Rick just makes me happy. And hopeful that all Americans might some day learn to become less inward-facing and insular - more curious about and tolerant of other cultures - more motivated to learn about other, older, different ways, and to embrace all of our fellow travelers here on Earth as kin. You know - like Rick!

Have 3 of Germany - 2011, 2010, 2009, (gave 2008 away) 1 of Paris, and 1 of Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels from Rick. Also have guidebooks from others about Rome, the Rhine, Heidelberg, Berlin, Normandy, France and I lost count of how many I have on Frankfurt. I like using the internet better most of the time though.

YES...definitely. They are well-worn, dog-eared and shared w/ others. Won't part w/ my old editions, as flipping thru them reminds me of when I was reading and absorbing soooo much, prepping for each trip. Love to give new ones to friends as gifts. In addition to his books, we are also HUGE fans of his guided tours. I just really wish he would do more one-week offerings.........have begged his tour product manager, but she said Rick always wants them to do longer tours. Bummer for those of us who can't get away that long. We discovered Tauck Tours, because they offered certain one-week trips that Rick did not. Love Tauck also (but they don't have guidebooks, etc.) But, LOVE the guidebooks (and the little bits of humor that pop up in them). Love his rollaboard luggage, love his money belts......love his shows, too. We are pretty much walking commercials for his company.

Cover-to-cover (well almost, I dont really need to re-read safety, train travel, money, etc.). Once I've read one on a location (Italy, Rome) I read parts of it over as I plan and again as a travel. I use a Kindle and I highlight and bookmark heavily so I can find material ai need to reference quickly. I agree with Margaret: love the bits of humor that pop up. And Rick's approach has made me braver about approaching people, asking questions, taking an unknown path. But I also read several blogs, research in alternate websites, read travel article in magazines, listen to podcasts from other sources. And I even own some non-Rick books for areas/topics he doesn't cover as well: Umbria, hiking beyond the short city-walks he does, etc. have to say, Rick has the best style and I appreciate his telling of short-comings and not just endorsing everything.

I like Rick's books for their humor and content. No, he doesn't cover EVERY area in Europe. In my opinion, what he does cover he does it well. Especially for the practical how to's of a place. How do you get from the airport to the train station, how to avoid lines, etc. I didn't appreciate how much I counted on the practical things until I went to an area he doesn't cover well. I bought another guidebook and it sure made me miss Rick. I also use the Internet for research, both for things to do and places to stay. I have to admit though, when I leave in 2 weeks for my vacation and I will be bringing my Snapshot Barcelona, Provence and Paris books along.

Yes I use the guidebook throughout europe and presently have 14 books in my library. I have taken only one RS tour(village italy) and will be taking my 2nd RS tour of Istanbul in oct.

I used the Ireland one on my first solo trip (second trip), but he let me down with the Spain book. I was traveling to northern Spain, and aside from Santiago, there was not one word in it about any of the areas I was going to visit. I also read Europe 101. When I'm planning a trip, I use a wide variety of resources to get information - lots of different guidebooks, internet, etc.

I use his guides for a quick overview if I know I'm visiting some place he covers. His books are some of the most lively reads in the travel section, but the lack of scope, for me, makes their usefulness somewhat limited. And I find his restaurant recommendations more safe than interesting or memorable.

Unfortunately, Carol, they are only "complete" in the areas Rick prefers. For real detail information, I prefer the DK guides, with their maps, walking routes, cutaway views of buildings, and photographs.

You just made me count how many RS books I have.........I have 20 plus 3 language guides. Have I read them all? Yes. Have I gone to all the places of the books that I have? No. But let me tell you what I do........When I am interested in a region, I will go on better world books website (used book online store) and buy a used, as recent as possible of edition of the area I am interested in (I buy them as low as 3.99 with free shipping). I read it to see what the region has to offer, check out a few hotel rooms online, ETC. When I actually decide on a place and book tickets, I will then buy the new, most recent edition to actually travel with. I then donate the older edition to libraries, 2nd hand stores, etc.
I will read other guide books, especially if they have good colored photos. But I will stick with Rick on using only his guide book for my actual travel. I really have not found any other guidebook as enriching as Rick's.

Rick's books are the most "lively" in the travel section simply by virtue of the fact that almost all others are completely dead. I started out reading Frommers and Fodors and nearly died of boredom. After being revived, I discovered the RS books (after knowing of the PBS show for years before). What a relief! Finally a book written by an actual traveler (not a hired gun) who had actually been to the places in the book (not simply made some phone calls or web searches) and covered it all with honesty and humor - then did it all over again a year or two later to keep the information up to date. I have read them all, I think. But I also recommend Lonely Planet for those areas not covered by Rick. I also recommend a healthy dose of independent research. We use Rick's suggestions more as inspiration and general "feel" for what to see and do there rather than simply trying to follow his footsteps. But there is no guide book that makes me want to travel more than a RS guide book. ...and yes, it is frustrating reading questions here from people who obviously have never read the guide books. Many of those questions could be easily answered by simply reading the book first. And many people would find it easier to "fit in" here if they first read a couple of Rick's books including "Europe Through The Back Door" and ask themselves if they buy into his general travel philosophy. If yes, welcome. If not, there are many other web sites out there where they could take pride in being more than just an irritant.

I have to admit that in over 10 years of travel to Europe, I didn't read anything of his until 2010 (and that was ETBD). Each of my trips by its own nature has been a little abnormal and I never thought about the benefit of guidebooks until last year. I was familiar with the language in most of the countries I visited and I was mostly interested in art and architecture, which I learned about in my classes. I bought train tickets the morning of my departure or daytrip and relied on the advice of people I knew as far as where to book hotels and apartments. I also read Fodors, Frommers, and DK books because I like different perspectives. There are a lot of ways to do the same thing.

Randy,
Your last paragraph pretty much nailed why I started this thread. I just don't get why people sign up here without seeing the benefit of the books. I guess some people are just fans of the show and others stumble upon the site through web searching, but still. I bought in completely and urge any other rookie to do the same. It won't be the most unique trip and you'll run into a lot of others doing the same but that has it's advantages too. I was still on my own and at my own pace but felt like I was on a tour. Once I utilized the food recommendations I ate really well. I didn't wait in a lot of lines and generally had a good idea of how to efficiently spend my time. Then I read the same questions here, over and over.

Kira, I'm a former East Villager and I feel the same way. I successfully traveled to Europe many times without reading a Rick Steves book. I was a big fan of the show for years. I only started buying the books recently. I think I have 3. I like them. They're great at giving practical information on the places covered. But, as others have noted, Rick covers what he wants. I don't think buying a book should be a prerequisite for asking a question here. Rick Steves is an entire franchise and many people come here for different reasons. People who are annoyed by a newbie's question should move on to the next question.

I happened upon ETBD a number of years ago by accident. Had never seen his show, but after flipping through the book and reading a few paragraphs I thought his travel philosophy might be something I could learn from. I had never been to Europe before. I learned so much from that book and it made my trip a completely different experience. I became more interested in trying to learn about a people and cultural differences and similarities, rather than doing a checklist of sights. I have a number of his books and enjoy his quirky writing style as well as the information he offers. As far as people being annoyed by questions... this is not a class, we are not the teachers and we should definitely not be insulting to people who are asking legitimite questions. If you do not have an answer other than telling them to read the required book...move on.... someone else here will have the patience to answer the poster in a respectful way. You are not required to spend time on this site, nor answer questions......

Yes, I've read his books. ETBD is a wonderful overview of how-to's and tips. I like his regional books as a starting off point, but supplement with something like Lonely Planet. I don't think Mr. Steves ever intended his books to be his readers' only source, he is always encouraging people to find their own "back door" and often suggests other guidebooks and websites. Also, I agree with Kira about enjoying his shows. I find his unabashed nerdiness refreshing:) Anthony Bourdain is fun to watch, but his too-cool-for-school attitude can sometimes get old. I never get tired of Rick's earnest enthusiasm.

I also read eveything I can find at the library first. I then buy the current edition of the book I think helps the most for my current trip.

I figure if I'm going to invest thousands of $$ on a trip to Europe it only makes sense to invest a little money in guidebooks to make the trip a success! I always buy the book for areas I am traveling. Have had them cut and bound for ease of traveling. If my current guidebook is over 2 years old I buy the new one. I have given them as gifts many times for people I know are planning a trip. I do supplement Rick's books with others (usually lonely planet).

All the time. I have several of his and several of DK, then a couple of others.

He writes guide books? Guides to what?

Yes, of course. I have his travel book, museum book & guide books. I read the guide books once, underlining and turning down pages as I go, then go back and read them again! A real nerd...but a very successful traveler!

I first used his book on France and the one on Provence. What I liked was that he was unbelievably accurate which I appreciated. I also found his Germany book helpful. On the other hand as an experienced traveler to Scotland, his book doesn't help me much. And, I have some disagreements as to where I would send first time visitors, but they are more quibbles than real disagreements. The issue with Rick's books is that it's a beginners book and once you've done a trip to a country you need to branch out. As for posting question without looking it up? Well it's easier to post than go to the bookstore or library and buy the book. I was marketing manager for sales force of about 100 reps for a while. It was always easier to call or email me than to look an answer in a sales kit. ; ) Pam

Of course this is a place to ask questions and get answers so it seems a little unwelcoming to say that such-and-such question shouldn't be asked unless you read the guidebook first. I get that. But if you have ever read ANY RS guide book you know that there is a certain format he follows, and that the answer to your question might just be right there in black and white if you just take the initiative to do some of your own research. For example, every major city covered in the books has pretty clear directions how to get to/from the airport. Yet we get questions here all the time asking just that. Then there is the classic questions like "What should we do in Paris?" Gosh, I don't know. What do YOU think you should do in Paris? Maybe start by reading a guide book?

Read Germany because we are going there next month. So far its been very helpful for planning and have made reservations at many of the places he recommended. Down loaded it to kindle on IPad as it's much easier to search while on the go. Have had little luck with a whole guide book in my purse in the past. I hope this will make it more user friendly when we are on the ground. I love the helpline too though. Have found so many suggestions that will hopefully make our trip smooth and easy. I check everyday to see if I find new information that I would never think of on my own. Thanks to everyone who are so generous with answering questions! It helps more than the OP.

Mary,
Cut out the sections for where you are going and carry the pertinent one with you during the day. Use it for restaurants on the go.

I have and I honestly didn't really like it. I love his shows and his travel advice, but not the books themselves.

I had never read a guide book cover to cover until I read a Rick Steves guide. I just finished his Rome guide in preparation for an upcoming October Rome City Tour. I read it cover to cover!! The delivery of the info was engaging and I appreciate that he and his team of writers give readers such detailed and concise background info on locations.

"And hopeful that all Americans might some day learn to become less inward-facing and insular - more curious about and tolerant of other cultures - more motivated to learn about other, older, different ways, and to embrace all of our fellow travelers here on Earth as kin." I think we Americans already do this Kira. We are a melting pot after all. And where do you think our form of government came from? A good example is the way immigrants are treated in the US to the way they are treated in a lot of Europe. Far right political parties running on vicious anti-immigration platforms are gaining ground quite quickly in several European countries. Poor African/Asian immigrants seem to be their favorite target. I'm not saying the Europeans are monsters, but whereas we Americans complain about ILLEGAL immigrants, a lot of Europeans have a general dislike of all immigrants. Okay, now the attack begins.

I've read some but not all. I look at guide books as "nice to read" not "must read". For instance, I NEVER use them to determine where we will eat. For that I rely on the locals. If you really want to know where the best, out of the way, authentic, non-touristy spots to eat are, then simply ask the late shift folks at the hotel's reception desk. Walk up to them and say "Excuse me please, but where would YOU eat?" Haven't had a bad meal yet using this approach. :-)

Yes. I especially like Rick Steves' guide books on Germany, and Italy, and London, and Paris.

Yes. My wife collects them. We read for just that extra piece of information we had not previously seen We research the web. primarily for more up to date information, but that doesn't always give the current info either. We like Rick Steves also because we do it on our own. No tours. No cruises. Not that they do not serve a purpose. They do. Not all travelers can plan on their own. In 2008 we did Australia and New Zealand for two weeks. This year in October 2011 it will be Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Smiling here@Richard....a question like that and you're either in SilverLake or really in the OC. :)

Yep, the only guidebooks I bring with my on our trips to Europe are Rick Steves. We just returned from two weeks in Europe yesterday and I tore the Amsterdam/Brussels book in half (as Rick recommends and does himself) and brought only the front Amsterdam half. Also brought the entire 2011 London book as we spent the majority of our trip there (but now want to return to Amsterdam again, not London anymore!). His books get to the meat of the issue, and give good advice, I've found. Certainly they aren't the be-all end-all of guidebooks, I found a nice Frommer's London Walks book in the flat we rented which was very nice. But overall, if I take only one, it's the blue RS book every time. His "Europe Through The Back Door" book is an essential read, I think. He also has a great "Postcards from Europe" book which takes the reader on a trip all through Europe as he visits the countries his guidebooks cover (at the time or writing, that is, which I think was in the 90s, he's expanded a lot since then). They are well worth the money and will save you time, and while on a trip, time is money! We especially liked his advice to hop on a taxi between sights if we're trying to save time. A few pounds spent to save a 20 minute walk and save energy is worth it, in my book.

I like to keep my RS guidebooks so I don't tear them apart to bring with me. Instead, I copy the sections I want to bring with us, then leave them in the hotel room or throw them out when we're done.

Well, if you follow the Rick walk through Frankfurt, he will have you walk through the Red Light District (why?????) You will miss some of the oldest and most historic churches and many other gems that ought to be on anyones list who visits Frankfurt. Then you will go home and say, Rick was right, nothing much of worth to see in Frankfurt. Read what he writes about Rothenburg, it is history light with a nice share of fallacies and made up facts that sound good when you write a guide book, thrown in for good measure. Open up your Germany guidebook, look at the map of Germany that has the cities covered. The entire upper half of Germany is empty? Read the book, travelers are told to give cities a miss for no reason what so ever, other than Rick himself doesn't like them. Cities like Mainz, Wiesbaden or Heidelberg. Lots of fabulous towns don't even get a mention. This part I find really sad as well as odd. He makes it sound like they aren't worth your time, but city X over here is. Is it the tour guides he hires and then just accepts that what they say is correct without any other research? That has been my best guess. Rick is fantastic at many things and very successful at what he does, but I wish he would branch out a bit. Rediscover the countries, go someplace new, try new guides.

I'm in a hotel in Colmar at the moment and out in the car trunk (yes, I drive - from home - so carry more than really allowed to a RS traveler) is an entire suitcase full of guidebooks. I've read them all, and use them all, for different things. This trip includes bits of Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands and might have included, had there not been the national strike, a bit of Northern Italy. So what's in the suitcase, and room? Rick Steves: Amsterdam, etc - for the Belgium stuff France (oops - left it home, and desperately need it for the Alsace region - thank God for the Helpline) Italy - had a line on the Last Supper but didn't go, and would have gone to Vicenza or Verona, this would have been by train after parking the car in Switzerland or Germany Germany - Schwarzwald. Rick's coverage of Germany is spotty at best, and the Schwarzwald section is all about getting to Baden Baden but much better than many other guidebooks. Switzerland - for the walks in the Berner Oberland - racked up 4 of the best walks this trip Michelin Green Guides - The best for us for detailed information about most touristed towns. With us we brought: France - nope, forgot that one, too Germany - excellent, even better than RS for driving tours of Schwarzwald - thanks to this and RS we stumbled on a festival in Triberg yesterday and my wife made short work of a fab cake and the grill wurst count went down a bit - oops Netherlands - for the area around Maastricht where we will hang out and have pancakes Switzerland - didn't use it much this trip Italy - for Milano - ditto
Belgium and Luxembourg - discovered the fabulous place of Dinant which will be at in a couple of days ... continued ... the character counter got me ...

Before Nigel can throw in more junk; he is banned from further posting for: 1. Using the Michelins 2. Hauling too much stuff 3. Driving 4. Everwhat other sins he is about to fess up to

... continued ... and then we have Lonely Planet - best for towns not covered elsewhere, cheap eats but hotels are too down-market for us Germany - didn't use this trip France - yup, forgot that one too
Belgium - for unusual stuff We also have several others including: DK Back Roads of Germany - a most excellent driving book. We have taken lots out of that for Baden - Wberg. = = = So, here's what I think. You have to remember that, at heart, RS is a tour guide. That's what he started life as after his solo trip, and that is what he has remained. This is obvious with the tours he runs, the books he writes, and the TV shows he makes. Everything revolves around tour guiding. And, I believe, that is why his books are how they are. If you hire a good tour guide they are likely to ask you what you like and then take you around and show you what they think you want to see, and what they want to show you. If they have been doing it for a while their experience will give them a big leg up. RS replicates, in a way - less now than 10 years ago - his tours in the books. That's why so many quips are word for word with the videos. If its Germany, he believes that most first time European travelers will want to see Baden Baden, the Castles, and Munich, and now Berlin. So that's what's in the book. He figures that first timers with a week or 10 days could skip many places so gives them short shrift. That's why I also use other books. Even after living here for nearly 15 years I always carry the RS books as well as others. I think if you see RS taking you by the hand and showing you around you can see how the books came to be. I do agree, BTW, that it is high time a sort of 200 level series of books could be released. We wait...

ED: Before Nigel can throw in more junk; he is banned from further posting for: 1. Using the Michelins 2. Hauling too much stuff 3. Driving 4. Everwhat other sins he is about to fess up to 1: Pot calling the kettle black. But then you probably have them all memorized anyway. Have never met a guy with better all around personal knowledge, especially France. 2: Never looked in your car, but I bet you do travel lighter than me. May have to do with being able to get around with your eyes closed. 3. Yeah - like you never do.
4. Whoever said confession is good for the soul is wrong. No confessions here. LOL

"Is it the tour guides he hires and then just accepts that what they say is correct without any other research? That has been my best guess.' I agree with Jo. I've thought that for a long time. When I read about an area I know well, I shake my head and wonder if he's ever really been there. For areas I don't know, I do use his guidebooks, despite the shortcomings.

I think that Rick has been spending more of his travel time in Eastern Europe, Greece and Italy and not in Germany. I think that he did the original research, but he other than his trip to the Rhine this summer hasn't explored it lately. That said, his Guides are really personal to places he has found that he feels are representative. The books just are not comprehensive and if that is what you want, you need to look elsewhere. They are good for what they are: An experienced guide and traveler's suggestions for places to go to experience a country for the first time. Pam

Yep, I read RS and three to five other guidebooks from the library, then decide which to buy- usually a Rick and often a Michelin green for driving trips.
Mark 'em up, fold down the corners, rip them into sections, and leave them behind in public places. I would have never torn a book until someone here pointed out that the next time I needed a guidebook, wouldn't I want a new one? ( and I know RS says similar but it was someone on this board that liberated my fingers!) Thanks for all the good ideas.

"I agree with Jo. I've thought that for a long time. When I read about an area I know well, I shake my head and wonder if he's ever really been there." I seriously don't think he's ever done more than a cursory visit to Heidelberg... I even wonder if in his memory, he's mistaken it for Mannheim.

Some of RS guide books are written by other authors. The Istanbul book is excellent written by Lale and Tankut Aran. The maps are not hand drawn and easier to read. This is the only book I will be taking to Istanbul. I went to the bookstore and looked up the Lonely Planet and Time Out travel guide of Istanbul and the RS book has more information less pictures.

Yes I have used RS guides in 2004 and 2007. IMHO Rick writes to encourage those who traveling out of the country is a huge stretch out of their comfort area. I find his books very helpful and provide very practical information for those of us who are truly clueless when it comes to travel. If not for RS I would of never been brave enough to travel. While at the Tower of London I just knew when I walked in the entire crowd of people would veer off to the left to see the jewels first, lucky for me they didn't I had them all to myself. As far as the observations already stated about some of his guides not covering certain areas I guess that gives people wanting to get into the travel guide biz an entry point, lol. Thanks for all the various opinions. Happy travels to everyone

Strongly in agreement with Jo and James. RS books can be useful - particularly when you're short on time and want to see the "big sites" in the most convenient way - but his style of travel is geared towards boomers who will be staying 2-3 weeks in any given country (or several countries) yet somehow his fans end up thinking because of some of his over-the-top writings that by following his advice they are "living like locals" and other such nonsense. I'm personally bitter because if I'd ONLY read a Rick Steves guidebook I wouldn't know that I live in an area populated by amazing castles and historic, untouched, unbombed cities (yet without the tourist crap of Rothenberg)! I hate the DK guides yet a DK guide showed me the wealth of stuff around me that RS didn't. And really, he claims Heidelberg is "too touristy" but Rothenberg is a "must see"? It's true that travel is subjective and I think most RS guides are a worthwhile read but they should NEVER be your only guide to an area and do not delude yourself into thinking you're a super independent "backdoor" traveler by using one. Lonely Planet, Moon Guides, and the fantastic MapGuides are just as useful, as is the all-important internet research, particularly when you want a good hotel or restaurant for cheaper than what you'll find in an RS guide.

Take notice that Sarah, Jo, James and I, four people who have never met (as far as I know), seem to be saying much the same things. Although we are mildly critical of Rick Steves' works, I don't think any of us are "haters", as James and I have been labeled at times. I own several Blue Books and many of his videos. You can follow his recommendations to the letter, and you no doubt will have a fabulous vacation (although you'll miss a lot along the way...). But what you will not be doing- you will not be seeing Europe through some mythical back door, you will not become a temporary local, and you will only be showing slightly more independence than someone who books a package tour. You will, however, be following the herd to some of the most touristy spots on the continent. And there's nothing wrong with that, there's good reason why people from around the world flock to places like the Louvre, Brugge, Versailles, Neuschwanstein, etc, although few would go to Reutte or Beilstein if Mr. Steves didn't promote them... Now, I'm sure almost all Rickniks are perfectly nice people. But if you want to make a good impression on the "locals", here is what not to do, which I will explain by way of a true-life example. (continued)

The realistic alternative for those folks Tom talked to in Brugge was to either take a guided tour following the umbrella all over Europe or to stay home. What Rick accomplished with his style of travel promotion was to get these folks out of the USA and to do it without being ensconced in a bubble. If this style has its shortcomings, that is a small price to pay in the big picture. If any of their phraseology makes you squirm, perhaps throwing out terms like "Ricknics" simply succeeds in bringing you down to their level. Aim higher. The fact is most Americans don't leave the country. Many who do are those who have the financial means to do it on cruise ships, first class hotels and the like. You won't see them sweat much or stand in line for a train ticket. I'm ok with that. What I'm not ok with is people staying home because they think it's more expensive than it really has to be, or because they are simply afraid to venture away from the unfamiliar. For every one of them who found Rick Steves and were motivated to take the plunge, I am grateful. The world just became a tiny bit better because of it. As for sticking with the guidebook locations vs. going elsewhere; Obviously, his books only cover relatively few places. If they didn't, they would be 1000+ pages long. Obviously, it would be best if people wandered a bit, and obviously it would be wise for anyone planning a trip to read another guidebook or two for greater scope or more contrasting information. Speaking for myself however, as fortunate as we have been to be now planning our 5th trip to Europe and our 16th-20th weeks in Europe, we have not been to the same area twice. The list of places we want to go is still long and still includes many places OUTSIDE of Europe. I'll feel more inclined to dig into an area further than we already have when I have seen more of the rest of the world. No apologies.

(continued) I was showing some relatives from the US around Brugge. I picked a random restaurant (not realizing at the time that it was one of Mr. Steves' recommendations, but it looked interchangeable with other restaurants in the immediate area). Sitting at the table next to us were a group of North American Rickniks (Blue Books prominently on display) proudly talking about how they preferred "independent travel", "living like a local", and all the other catch phrases. We started to talk and I asked them what they had seen and what else they had planned. Well, in Brussels they saw the Grand Place and Mannekin Pis, and they ate a waffle. They didn't see the magnificent cathedarl at Koekelberg, didn't see any of the royal parks around Domijn Laken, didn't see any of the museums around Cinquantenaire Park, didn't pop over to Leuven or Mechelen. I asked what they were going to see in Brugge. They answered "Tour of the Half Maan brewery, order "pommes frites" ( I didn't have the heart to tell them that the Flemish call them "frietjes") by the Belfry, buy chocolate from Dumon, see the Michelangelo statue, visit the Memling museum and take a bike ride to Damme. I suggested that Ghent, De Hanne, Anwterp and Hasselt were also worth a visit. One of them scanned the chapters of the Blue Book (Ghent and Antwerp had not yet made the official Cannon), and it was obvious from their reply that they would not be adding any of these places to their "independent, back door" itinerary. They were pleasant, friendly people, so I don't want to seem too harsh. But they reminded me of that girl that everyone knew in college- the one who thought she was being more sophisticated than everyone else because she drinks white zinfandel instead of beer.

Tom - I find it interesting that the 4 people sharing these criticisms are expats living in Germany. Quelle coincidence, no? Perhaps I should give RS a little more credit, because what he sets out to do in his tour guides makes VERY little sense for someone like me who is going to be to various European cities multiple times a year. I have the luxury of time and knowing that I will return. Most vacationers don't and for them the RS guides are a good starting point for many who want to cover the major sites. But I think the usefulness of RS guides are limited for anyone who is not traveling in that specific way. For business travelers who are going to be centered in one area for a week or two, the city you're in may not even be in an RS guide because it's not a "highlight". If you want something in-depth or comprehensive, you're in trouble. But like you say, it's the (inaccurate!) catchphrases and philosophy and yes, smugness of the rickniks that chafes a bit. I knew nothing about RS before I moved here and bought his guide to Germany because it's the only good one they had at the PX, somehow missed his PBS shows, etc, but since then I've become kind of fascinated by the cult around RS because it's so omnipresent. This isn't a personal critique of Mr. Steves, who is no doubt a lovely person who has helped thousands of people have wonderful vacations, but just an observation. RS himself encourages people to do other research and use other guides in addition to his own. I think that's very good advice and that people should take him up on it if they want something more than the standard tourist experience, which is kind of what RS sells at this point, albeit not on the big shiny bus.

American expats in Germany seem to get a lot more riled about the shortcomings of Rick's books than those of us in the States do. But every travel guide and every travel show, travel website, etc. has its shortcomings. It is easy enough to spot and ignore those shortcomings and still get useful information if you check two or more guides and other media when planning a trip. Most of those posting here, and probably the majority of readers do that already. I include myself in that group. The exceptions are first-timers to Europe and a handful of others (Rikniks?), but that is probably their way of handling information overload. As Seinfeld says: "Not that there's anything wrong with that." PS: I think the Rickniks label is a strawman, created to criticize others on this board whose circumstances are different. That is probably universal. I find many Fodorites annoying, as well, simply because I cannot identify with (that is, afford) their stye of travel.

Of course I read his guidebook(s). They are up to date and very practical. So if it covers region where I go it's usually sufficient. The rest of information I find in TI. But we have to realize that he covers only cream of the country (in his opinion). Most of the time I agree with his choice of cream (unlike some expats in Germany).

"Most of the time I agree with his choice of cream (unlike some expats in Germany)." Which begs the question... to make a valid comparison, how much of Germany have you seen that doesn't have a chapter in the Blue Book?

"(H)ow much of Germany have you seen that doesn't have a chapter in the Blue Book?" Good question, Tom. Sarah, and Jo, maybe others, make some good points, also. I like the idea of pointing out a book's shortcomings (overemphasis on red-light districts and nude bathhouses, first impressions that are decades out of date, some questionable destination, lodging and eating recommendations, etc.). First-time travelers need to be aware of those problems, and I would like to see Rick break his Germany books, especially, into two or more books, like he spun off Austria into a separate book. These things bother the expats a lot more than the rest of us, even when we know the book falls short in some areas. All travel books do. I just do not get worked up over people who think that Rick Steves knows more about travel than I do. The fools! :>) A personal answer to the question: As a student, later as a GI, and in three recent trips, I have covered far more of Germany than Rick Steves seems to have done, and bypassed places like Rothenburg and the Black Forest that he, and few other writers, loves. But if I am visiting a place he has written about, I always want to read what he has to say about it.

"But if I am visiting a place he has written about, I always want to read what he has to say about it." Believe it or not, me too. As much as I fault the narrow scope of coverage, his books are much more fun to read than any English-language source out there. I love the breadth of the DK Eyewitness Travel and Michelin guides, but sometimes I can almost hear the voice of my most boring high school teachers reading the text.

OK, I don't often respond directly by name... but Randy, you missed the point of the story entirely. It isn't a comment on the book they used or the travel philosophy they espoused, or whether or not they would have traveled to Europe without reading Mr. Steves. It is a comment on claiming to follow a certain philosophy and placing oneself on a higher pedestal than all the rest of the tourists, but in actuality not following that philosophy at all and doing the same as everyone else. I repeat- following Mr. Steves' recommendations closely will result in a great trip. But there won't be anything "back door", "off the beaten path", "temporary local" or "independent" about it. Over in the 'To the West" section, somebody asked about exploring the Odenwald. Now, that's a region that is barely mentioned in most English-language travel sources. To explore it, they're going to have to carefully study maps, use a lot of non-travel oriented resources, and wing a lot of it when they get there. THAT is an example of someone who can rightly claim they follow a "back door/off the beaten path/independent" travel philosophy.

Ah, but that WAS their version (the relatively new to European travel version) of "back door" travel. It was not YOUR version as someone who lives there and can explore at will and, in fact, would have to seek out different places to visit simply to avoid boredom. It is a matter of perspective. Yes, they are simply seeing sights that are already moderately to very well-visited. But if they are making the arrangements themselves, making the travel connections themselves, staying in non-chain hotels, attempting to learn a few phrases in the local language and generally trying to represent Americans in the most positive way possible, then that is the "newbies" version of being "back door" (to beat that term to death). If they manage to make a 4th, 5th 6th trip to Europe, etc. they will likely venture further from the beaten path. That is all exactly as it should be and I am willing to bet that others contemplating making that first trip to Europe will either spend too much money in an effort to avoid all the "work" of figuring things out sans travel agent or will simply stay home - which was MY point, which you also missed.

OK, I'll get critical for a minute... The name of the city is "Bruges" in English. Granted, that's also the French name, but French has had a lot more influence on English over the centuries than Dutch. If I'm talking to a Flemish or Dutch person, it's Brugge, but otherwise, I'll be speaking English, thank you very much. (rant complete)

'Bruges/Brugge' Not exactly. There's actually an international committee/congress/something on place names. Grad school was a long time ago, so I forget under whose aegis it falls or even where it meets. The US participatory agency is the the Board on Geographic Names in the Interior Department. Only one name is internationally recoginized as being correct, but I guess if you live there you can call it what you want. Rant about Peking/Pepking/Bejing or Leningrad/St Pete or Bombay/Mumbai - - it only makes the gazetteer publishers happy.

It's been several years since I last read it, but I just looked up the "Back Door Travel Philosophy" page near the front of every RS guide book. What I suspected was true; Nowhere in that nicely worded statement of philosophy is any mention - or even any hint at all - of location. It doesn't matter where you go. What matters is your method, outlook, attitude, and willingness to be accepting of what you see, as well as a certain ethic that says travel ought to be enlightening and that enlightenment takes some work (at least, that's what I infer from Rick's tone). But nowhere is there a mention of where you go.... So for those who get a wicked thrill out of tossing out zingers like "Ricknics", why are you so fixated on location? Have you read the "Back Door Travel Philosophy"? Yes, it is true; anyone who seems somewhat over-enthusiastic about anything can come off as annoying. That doesn't make them misguided, necessarily. Frankly, as a brief observer of a tiny slice of their lives, you can't possibly know enough about them to judge.

No doubt, Rick Steves is reading all this, either dying laughing or oh so wanting to reply, but he's duct-taping his hands behind his back to stay away from the keyboard and letting the helpline community do what it does. But, Randy, I sooooo have to side with you on this one. My spouse and I NEVER would have attempted our trip to Paris had it not been for our first guided Rick Steves' group tour. Ditto for Italy. If any of you were to meet me (or my spouse) you would not consider us sheepish (or Ricknicks, although we are a fan of his). We just did not want to have to find our way on our own in countries where we could only speak a tiny bit of the languages, and we also wanted the efficiency and knowledge of a guide (so we could better understand what we were seeing, its history, key points, etc). Would we now return on our own......yes, because we have a comfort level now. But, as a previous poster said, we have so many more places to see and rarely repeat destinations (but we did for Italy). Those who have taken Rick Steves' guided tours know that the one common philosophy that each guide preaches is: Now you are familiar with (whatever...train, Metro, autostrada...whatever), so the next time you can come on your own and blah, blah, blah. Sort of like a parent holding the seat when we did our first maiden voyage on a two-wheel bike.....a comfort level. But, the key thing is we went and no way would we have ventured out to more remote areas by ourselves....but we might on a repeat trip someday.

(continued) When we were on our first tour of Italy (during the free-time segments) we were encouraged by our RS guide to get out among the locals to see/experience. So we did. When we talked w/ locals, after mentioning how much we enjoyed Italy, often someone would volunteer that they or a loved one had been to the US. We quickly learned that the key places visited were: New York (City), Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas....and sometimes that was on ONE trip. Later in one of the hilltowns, my spouse and I noticed a travel agency. And, yep, in the windows were tour posters for the United States, offering a guided tour to: (you guessed it) New York, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. We especially chuckled at the sub-headline of "see the BayWatch beach." I remember thinking: there is sooo much more to see in America AND, oh my gosh, that will be their entire impression of America. But, the key thing is they are coming to visit us, and hopefully on their next trip they will discover places like Estes Park in Colorado, the Biltmore in Asheville, San Francisco and on and on........not to mention lovely little towns in New England. Folks' vacation times are limited, and yes, it would be wonderful to live in another country for a period of time so one can really see all it has to offer. But, that is not practical for most of us. And, those of us reading and posting on this site are truly fortunate that we can even think about travel, when so many people are worried about how they are going to feed their families, pay the utilities, and get jobs. Count your blessings and be kind to one another. Differences of opinions are great, but judgmental putdowns are just that.

"No doubt, Rick Steves is reading all this, either dying laughing or oh so wanting to reply, but he's duct-taping his hands behind his back to stay away from the keyboard and letting the helpline community do what it does." Actually, we have it on reliable authority that Rick very rarely reads the Helpline.

Kent, that's probably a good thing; because if he did, he'd probably O.D. on it, wanting to reply and genuinely help everyone.

I am thankful that RS supports this web site and the Travelers Helpline and the income from the sale of his guide books enables this. and other activities, to continue. I think it is important to help new users to do some research on their own just incase they get to Europe and do not have access to the Helpline to answer their questions. I do have more than a dozen RS guide books, including one for each of the ten RS tours I have taken and always find them a good read. I also have other guide books when traveling to areas where RS does not cover where I am going (i.e.: Turkey away from Istanbul).

I have to agree that whether you go in the back door, side door or front door with the red carpet , travel to Europe and beyond by Americans is generally a good thing... and I don't know about the rest of you, but his books helped give me the courage to travel to Europe on my own. I know I have many wonderful places that I found on my own and they will remain my 'off the beaten path locations'. But, I am not personally offended that Rick has not found those places... Actually, they might turn into another Cinque Terre if he did! I think that is what this site can do... recommend places that each one of us has found. But, I don't see the point in trying to demean people who do use his books exclusively..(and are not ready to venture on to more exotic locations). For many people, traveling to Europe is not only scary, but overwhelming, so if becoming a Ricknik ( I think of this as a stepping-stone) allows them to become truly independent travelers when they are ready, all the better.

On Brugge vs. Bruges- My wife is Flemish and Dutch is my second language. Language is a very sensitive issue in Belgium right now, and there would be hell to pay if I only used the French terms! Likewise, if you want to look like a "savy traveler", don't order "moules frites" in Brugge. Save that for Brussels.

Wait, is "Rickniks" some sort of deeply offensive insult now? I'm newish to these boards, I just thought it meant "serious fan of RS" as opposed to someone like myself, who uses RS resources but is critical enough that I can't really identify myself as a fan. Certainly, getting annoyed enough at people pointing out legitimate criticisms and differences of opinions with RS guides or philosophy to the degree I see here DOES kinda point to a certain fanboyish behavior. I mean, I've pointed out my reasons why I don't like some RS resources. Why does criticism of RS resources bother others if they're not, well, fans? Moving away from the back and forth snark about who's an irate Ricknik and who's a smug, riled expat, in the Germany guide in particular I am annoyed that basically all of Swabia - with the exception of a few chunks of the Black Forest - are left out entirely. While realizing that the goal of RS guides is to show "highlights" I disagree fairly frequently with him over what's a highlight PARTICULARLY given the supposed focus on being "off the beaten path" when he leaves out spectacular sites such as Tuebingen and the castles of the Swabian Jura yet devotes a huge section to the Romantic Road which is about as beaten as a dead horse at this point. Is this to say that the Romantic Road is not a highlight for a certain kind of tourist? Not at all. But the incongruous nature of claiming you're seeing "real Europe" and "living like a local" while the areas he highlights are often the most touristy spots available is a bit grating. This should be understandable, I think. I (and other critics) give RS credit where credit is due. His guides are great for a certain kind of travel. It's just not the kind of travel most fans seem to think it is.

Re: the post about being voted off the island.............hmmmm. There is an old saying that "no man is an island." I think we may have just found an exception to that. I do think one of the posters on this site is, perhaps, an island. Too bad. Don't understand why going on a Rick Steves' guided tour to benefit from the efficiency, guidance, and knowledge merits being voted off any island, individually or as a group that chooses to do this. Using an excellent resource is an INTELLIGENT decision, and in today's world natural s e l e c t i o n (as the poster referenced) is based more on intelligence than brute strength or boldness.
(odd spacing on s e l e c t i o n, as site would not accept word and made it appear as ion after several attempts to edit). Would we want a nuclear engineer thinking it is a weakness to consult a good manual or to have a consultant come in to help avoid a mis-step or disaster? Same thing with travel.....if someone feels they need that little extra assistance vs. not going at all........or to just insure a little more enjoyable first-time experience..............readers what do you think is intelligent? Those who live in European countries and have had time to discover things, I think it is great to share your thoughts with us and with Rick. Thank you. From your kind sharing we all learn. Travel opportunities and time are so limited for many of us.

For what it's worth; When I first cracked the RS Germany book about two years ago, even I was surprised at the limited scope. We had been in France the previous year, using the RS France book as a primary (but not only) source, and spent significant time in all four corners of the country before we even got to Paris. We really felt like we had seen a bit of (almost) everything on that trip. Not so with Germany. But then again, we intended all along to broaden our horizons on that trip and go east into Czech, Hungary and Poland as well. Great trip. So I guess I can understand how a group of expats living in Germany can get particularly annoyed with Rick's editing decisions regarding Germany. Then mix that with some RS over-enthusiasts philosophical musings and you get further annoyed. I have spent my whole life living in one of the most beautiful, "livable" cities in the world that NOBODY outside the US (and relatively few people inside the US) will ever visit unless forced to for a job or relatives. We are "flyover country" to a degree that doesn't really exist anywhere in Europe. I could be bitter about that, but what purpose would that serve? I sort of enjoy the peace and quiet, anyway. If someone from Europe wants to see the USA, I would fully expect them to focus on the coasts, and wouldn't begrudge them that, though I would hope they spend some time outside the big cities. It doesn't really matter where the go, though. It matters more "how" they go - with what frame of mind and expectations. That is what Rick's travel philosophy is about, not what did or didn't make it into the guide book. Criticism is never forbidden. But consider what it would be like to go to a baseball game and sit next to someone who talks constantly about how foolish the game of baseball is. They might have a point, but they would also be an ______.

Here's an analogy: How many of you would run an electrical wire through the wall to the other side of the room to install a new electrical plug, all by yourself? How many of you would call an electrician to simply install a dimmer switch? How many have installed their own dishwashers? Water heaters? Different comfort levels. Some of you would say yes, some no. That does not mean that one group is brighter, more bold or better than the other. One group has a healthy respect for electricity and has educated themselves on what to do/not to do....the other group may not have the time to do that or is totally fearful of electrical current and the potential of burning down the house or a major shock. One person might go to a Home Depot class to learn how to install a dimmer switch, then do it, and feel he deserves a pat on the back from his spouse (or her from her husband). That person just accomplished something outside their normal comfort zone. High five!!! My spouse would think it was foolish, as he is very comfortable doing that and many other things, solely as a hobby. Different comfort zones....different people.....different tools. The key thing is that the dimmer switch is being installed, and life is improved......with a guidebook, on a group tour, or doing it on one's own........seeing the touristy things or the really undiscovered treasures......life is still being improved through travel.

The term "Ricknik"... not penned by me, although I have been accused of such in PMs. I'm not that clever with words. As far as I know, the term originated from this New York Times profile of Mr. Steves: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/magazine/rick-steves-s-not-so-lonely-planet.html?src=pm