Rick Steves' travel skills - which you embrace and which you ditch?

I think Rick's most important travel skill is the one he doesn't talk about explicitly very much, but is implicit in how he approaches almost every facet of travel; That travel to Europe is not just for the wealthy - it need not be a once-in-a-lifetime thing and it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. You don't need a tour guide or a chauffeur. In fact, some of the things people can spend a lot of money on can either give a warped sense of Europe or build a wall between themselves and real life in Europe. That's his aspect of travel that I embrace most. Something I'm enthusiastic about that Rick doesn't really talk about or encourage much; Travel with children. Something that Rick is enthusiastic about that I couldn't care less about; Food and/or wine.

Travel light. Dont expect anything to be like home. No need to spend the big money on fancy upscale chain hotels. Find your own backdoors, this one is often confused with " only go to RS backdoors" not his intention at all originally I think.

I'll start with my list list Embrace Bein smart about intercontinental air travel Not focusing only on major sites Traveling without having shopping as the main activity around which you plan everything else Looking out for unique or special experiences that are meaningful to you Ditch
Using night trains as a time saver Travelling ultra light with carry-on only Staying in "quaint" hotels and considering bad service and lack of professional standards as "funky and full of character"

Andre: I agree with both of your lists. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who for whom carry-on only just doesn't work (and this doesn't mean I travel with a steamer trunk). But I'm not sure Rick considers bad service to be "full of character"; he tends to be upfront about the attitude he finds in each hotel, which I appreciate. I also agree that his whole "back door" concept has gotten warped. When it started, it was his own favorite off-the-beaten-path places that really had local flavor, and had not been "discovered" by lots of Americans. This is still a very valid concept, but now, everyone goes to the places he's been promoting for several decades, and while they may still be worthwhile, the last thing they are is "undiscovered." So, you have to find your own back doors, and he doesn't really talk about this any more; I wish he would. I think his great contribution (building on what Randy said) is his encouragement of travel novices to go on their own, to not be afraid, and to tell them that they don't "need" a cruise or guided tour to travel. One thing my mother is ditching is his packing list for women. She never misses an opportunity to complain how dowdy it is, how she wouldn't be caught dead in what he (and his female advisors) thinks is a "suitable" wardrobe, etc. She likes his approach otherwise (we're about to take our second trip together using his books, and I've used him for years), but is desperate for some of the female tour guides on his shows (who dress stylishly) to give the packing tips for women.

Hell, as a man, I wouldn't take his fashion advice. I can imagine how bad it would be for women! I generally use few to none of his strategies anymore. Not that they're not valid, but I'm not his target audience anymore. When most of your trips are 2-4 days at the longest and you already live here and have a Bahn card, strategies developed for helping North Americans maximize their multi-country (or multi-region) 10-14 day tours are simply no longer applicable. But for the intended audience, many of his tips probably work quite well. Just don't confuse his "hints" for "divinely ordained dogma."

I use his practical approach to European travel and travel light. Otherwise, I design my own trip.

I like the humor and pragmatism he brings to travel. It's not the end of the world if you don't see everything on your list; try to enjoy what you did get to. And if you can't stay at the Ritz, at least try to enjoy the low-scale hotel, and pretend it's "funky and full of character." I think he gives a lot of confidence to people who would hesitate to go on a trip if they didn't have $20,000 for a full guided Grand Tour. I'm not shy, and I don't hesitate to talk to people, but I don't go around making lifelong friends with people I meet. I find that a little pushy.

I read the guides cover to cover then create a travel journal and include smaller versions of his maps (excellent for orientation), some restaurant info, some language translation, and public transport options from the airport or train stations. I pack light, rarely stay in a place he's recommended, go with the flow, and always respect where I am. I hit the ground ready to explore off the grid, far from the madding crowds. I never want to feel rushed so my pace is slow. I take time to absorb the surroundings and I linger. I'll find out of the way places to explore and always travel off season.

I've embraced packing lightly (using the Rick Steves bag that converts to backpack on most trips), tearing up my guidebooks and reassembling only the parts I'll need, using a money belt, and staying at small B&Bs rather than large hotels when possible. But I reject washing any more clothes in a hotel sink. I'll seek out a laundromat on a particularly long trip, but 2 weeks or less and I'll just wear what I can carry, clean or dirty. And while this really isn't a rejection of anything Stevesian, I make great efforts to learn a substantial amount of a foreign language before traveling to a country. Major nouns and verb conjugations, basic directions, numbers 1-20, etc. More than just slipping by with "hello" and "please" and a phrase book. Related to that, I try to have conversations with locals and get to know them at tourist places and eateries, but when I travel on their metros and buses, I try to remain as anonymous or unseen as possible, attempting to pass for a local if I can, just for fun.

I bought Europe Through the Back Door in the early 80's. Now I know it was one of his first printings. Later I bought Europe 101. Those books taught me that one could visit Europe without going 1st Class. The strong desire to go to Europe never left me. After my daughter finished college...then came the grandsons...then grandsons in college. When I retired I finally had the time and money to see Europe. At the time I was researching and planning the 8 week trip with my daughter...we only had the Graffiti Board. Not sure if Travelers Helpline came on in later stages of planning. If I had questions, I would come here and an experienced traveler would help me. We do follow RS tips on packing light...travel clothes that will dry overnight. Have purchased many of his travel items and tour books from the Travel Store. We do not stay in hotels or B & B's listed in his books, as we try to stay in hostels in they are available. Neither are we the wine and expensive dinner travelers. I personally do all the research and planning even down to printing the train timetables for our travel days. Rick Steves' books and later his TV shows instilled a burning desire in me to visit Europe and now planning another month next spring. This trip I will be teaching my grandson the rail systems, purchasing tickets and all the pointers in traveling abroad inexpensively. Thanks to Rick Steves!!!!!

I think the most valuable thing I gained from using the RS travel guides was the confidence that I could "do it on my own" without going on a tour. We have traveled for over 18 weeks in Europe over the last 10 years. Tomorrow, we leave for a five week trip-all to place we have never been before. The travel skills and advice I have received from both the books and the travel center have been invaluable. While we have not embraced everything he advocates (I also refuse to do night trains, and we are finding our own places to stay and not using his recommendations as much anymore)I still find the classes and books on countries get me inspired to get out there and explore on my own.

Hello Andre. A travel guide book on a country in Europe, written by Rick Steves, can be very helpful for a person planning his/her first trip to that country. And his book "...Europe Through the Back Door" is comprehensive and wonderful as an aid for planning a good trip in Europe. The first half of that book is on how to plan a trip in Europe, and how to enjoy being in a country in Europe. I like Rick's advice to use a small bag - a carry on size bag - as a person's primary bag in travel. But carrying that bag with me into the passenger compartment in an airplane is not important to me, in every trip to Europe. The advice that I ditch is the advice to stay awake all day, until 10:00 p.m., the first day in Europe, after an all night flight to an airport in Europe from an airport in the United States of America. That advice to stay awake all day, after being awake most of the night in an airplane, is for the purpose of adjusting to the time zone in Europe. But people need sleep. I think most adult persons need eight hours of sleep in every 24 hour period. Riding in an airplane at night, from the U.S.A. to Europe, I got a maximum of 3 hours of sleep in the airplane. Arriving at an airport in Europe, at a time early in the morning, I try to immediately go to a hotel or B & B where I may check in at a time in the morning. I try to sleep for 2 hours, before 1:00 p.m. And I am able to sleep that night. And now, I have a better plan. I like a daytime flight from an airport in the United States to London's Heathrow Airport. Depart in the morning, arrive at London's Heathrow airport that night, and ride in a shuttle bus to a nearby hotel. And I will do that when my destination will be a country at the Europe continent.

I'll start with the negatives. I ditch: -His packing lists/carry-on only mantra I am relatively young and strong, I am perfectly capable of carrying a bag that is larger than the tiny bags considered to be carry-on by budget european airlines. That's fine for a 3 day trip, but not for anything longer (you need at least two pairs of shoes from almost ANY trip!) And looking nice is important, I bristle when a DUDE tells me to just "forgo" something that is important to looking nice, because dudes don't usually understand the process anyway. Some people really cannot be without their hair iron or whatever. I do believe that packing light is best, and I've learned to pack a lot lighter than I ever thought possible, but if I need to check a bag, I check it. -Moneybelt + "daypack"/backpack/rucksack combo I don't think moneybelts are absolutely neccessary, no matter what the situation. There are ways to keep your money safe that don't involve wearing a special garment. And I think what Rick calls a daypack tends to mark one as an obvious tourist (particularly in conjunction with how we're walking, clothed, etc) AND it's an unsecured bag that's very easy to steal from. Most people stash their expensive cameras in those bags! No thanks. I carry a purse, my husband carries a messenger bag. I can hold my purse in such a way that nobody is getting in it with out my knowledge. -His hotel recommendations
In addition to being just too likely to book up in advance, I generally will take a clean, cheap, chain motel over a more "atmospheric" one. Traveling is stressful, I like the known quantity of an Etap or Hotel One. I don't only stay at those types of places, but I don't see anything wrong with them. I prefer my interactions with locals to be in situations where I'm not paying them for a service, anyway.

Now the positives: -Attitude! I think the traveling attitude, the crazy optimism that he recommends ("if something isn't to your liking, change your liking!") is by far his best contribution to travel, because it's really so key. Travel can be frustrating and stressful, but when I start to feel that way I remember his words of wisdom - seriously, as cheesy as it sounds - and take a deep breath and force myself to stay positive, keep my expectations low, and that is how you end up having a great trip. -Learning about history and politics and art before you go
Rick's books do usually have some good and relevant bits about these subjects. They're not always 100% accurate, but he also recommends books and movies to watch. I think that a lot of Europe can start to blend together to the traveler on a busy trip, but doing research before you go and understanding WHY this church is significant, or WHY this castle exists, or WHY this painter was important will add so, so, so much to your trip. I often wonder why people who aren't willing to learn a little about the history or the art even bother traveling, honestly. I'd be dead bored in so many places if I wasn't say, totally excited about Duerer (thanks, Rick!) or super into the history of Vienna pre-WWI. I think RS encourages this, maybe he could a bit more. -His pushing independent travel. this is at odds with his tours, but in general I think tours are anathema (I know many people here like them!) but at least in words, if not deeds, he pushes independent travel.

Great topic. I embrace packing lighter, I can not manage with just one bag but have flown to Europe with carryon only a number of times. I do wash clothing in the sink, so select what I am bringing based on quick drying. Getting lost in Venice, great idea, bit I got a rally good map so I could find my way back. The back streets were quiet and beautiful. I found an interesting art disply in an old building, gorgeous. One of my faves is to go to a market and buy a picnic lunch. I found many small park areas to eat lunch, or in the presence od Rodin's sculptures at his museum, that was beautiful. I use his books but also doublecheck trip advisor and other books to make my decisions on eating and sleeping olaces. One of the best money saving tips was to use monasterystays.com. I stayed in Venice, Florence and Rome for very little money and had great experiences. I have taken a few of RS tours and really enjoyed them, so I am a follower. Also great advice, arrive 1-2 days before the tour to get ocer jet lag. 14 days til Paris!!!

I find most of his advice to be good. I recently re-read an old copy of Europe Through the Back Door and found it to be excellent. Most of the tips I had discovered on my own, most before Rick published his first book. The one tactic I reject (although I see its value to some) is visiting multiple cities on one day.

Great question! My opinions: Embrace: Don't insulate yourself from the culture you came to experience. I love his constant encouragement to get outside your comfort zone and to not rely on the familiar so much that you miss the reasons you came. (McDonald's anyone?) Language is no obstacle. So true. Would never occur to me to avoid visiting somewhere just because I don't speak the language. His advice to learn the courtesy phrases to be polite is spot on. We like his highly personal recommendations. We don't always agree with them, but after using RS books for 20 years, we've learned where we agree and disagree with him and can use that as a barometer to make sightseeing choices. And the history + humor approach is refreshing. Ditch: The idea that money stands between you and an authentic experience. I agree that money need not prevent you from going, but this seems to imply that spending a little more will ruin your trip. I think "authentic" travel experiences occur at all price points. Local markets in Italy are authentic. So is haute couture in Paris. Neither is more "genuine" that the other-just different. One of the best cultural experiences of our recent trip was an afternoon of cocktails in the cosmopolitan lobby of the Adlon hotel in Berlin. Wow! *Cheap accomodations. Sorry, bathroom down the hall just doesn't work for me anymore.
*Money belt. Yuck. Haven't worn one since college. I have spent close to 3 years in total out of the country (Europe and beyond) since then and never had a problem. I carry a lovely black leather tote or a chic little backpack and stay street smart. I think the whole money belt thing is blown out of proportion.

To keep: ** Travel with one carry on. I can't imagine doing public transportation with anything else! I also enjoy the freedom that comes from just one bag. ** Don't try to save money by staying at a hotel further out. Spend a little more to stay in the city and use the extra time to explore. ** Use ATMs to get money ** Carry a money belt. Just not worth the risk. ** There is nothing stopping you from going alone. ** Use picnics to explore some of the local special foods. To dump: ** Ricks packing list for women. It is awful - too many clothes of the wrong kind. You'll end of with unfashionable clothes in a heavy bag. I got so disgusted I actually started my own web site for one bag travel for women (sorry Rick, but your clothing choices are horrid). ** A lot of Ricks "back door" places have become a little too americanized for me. I prefer to wander and get lost. ** Rucksacks. Sorry, I'm a woman. I prefer a hobo style cross body bag. Same function, more fashion. One thing I do appreciate about Ricks Trips - you can just show up without much planning. There have been years where I'm so busy that it is greatly appreciated.

Even Rick himself ditches some of his own recommendations as time marches on. He used to nix wearing jeans because they didn't fit into his whole "hand wash your clothes in the B&B sink every night and let them air-dry in your room" suggestion. Obviously, the man discovered laundromats because if you watch his latest video promoting his guided tours, he's leaning against a railing in Venice, wearing jeans and a freshly pressed button down shirt. He writes decent travel guides that serve up exactly what he's always promoted: how to get around easily, see a few highlights of a particular country or city, some lodging & dining recommendations that won't break a middle class travel budget, all while encouraging travelers to continue to seek out their own experiences that logically fit into an itinerary based on how much time they have & their own personal interests. His guides are great for novices who have never traveled & serve as a nice companion for others who have traveled quite a bit and use them in conjunction with other travel guides or the research they have conducted online when planning a trip. I've used enough of his guides to know I like them for general info on getting around, advice on how to avoid some lines at bigger sights & for a starting point to build a workable trip budget. I subscribe to his packing light for ease of mobility, but disagree with hand washing clothing in a sink. While not horrible, his restaurant recommendations all seem to be suited for those with less adventuresome palates & could basically be summed up as "uninspired, but safe and predictable" (it's like the European dining equivalent of going to an Olive Garden). I also don't buy into the theory a stay in a chain hotel will build a wall between you and the locals. I use a hotel to shower and sleep. I can chat with locals at cafes, pubs, parks, etc.

We learned to pack light from Rick. And we bought his bags many, many, many years ago. They still look new- after more than 40 trips to Europe and 1 around the word trip. Rick convinced us that, if you plan well, you can afford to travel to Europe (and beyond). He also conviced us to try using the rail system- and we LOVE train travel now. And while he advocates driving sometimes, we just aren't going to do that- hubby is NOT comfortable renting a car (in the US or Europe) and definitly not comfortable driving on 'the other' side of the road (UK). We also don't usually go with his room philosophy. We do like to induldge a bit there- not 5 star all or even most of the the time- but definitly more on the upper end of the scale (3-4 *) almost all of the time (got to gave a private bath, hubby must have a TV to check news, etc, prefer having an elevator, ...)We have found some of our own 'backdoors' and are willing to look for others. As for restaurants, we tend to moslty wander around and look for 'locals' patronizing a place. And sometimes, we just go where the menu (and prices) look good. Hubby has one real quirk- he really wants McDonald's for lunch! I guess it's his version of 'comfort food', so I indulge him in that- fine by me, I don't eat much for lunch anyway.

Embrace... packing light (just not the dowdy wardrobe he recommends for women)...finding my own 'back door locations'...travel as cheaply as possible within reason...fly open jaws...be flexible....embrace the differences in other cultures and remember 'you ain't in America' Discard...no money belt here (way too uncomfortable)...will stay in chain hotel (Etap or Ibis) as well as small local places if the price and location is right...do not look at RS book for restaurants (too much planning)...do not avoid a place just because RS (or anyone else) says not to go...I will listen but am usually enough of a rebel to go and see for myself what they missed as I tend to love most places.

Ditch: * the night trains! Most uncomfortable night ever. * Local people work in chain hotels. Staying in one may be a money saver, so that I can spend my cash on something else. It is not a "wall" between me and the residents of a city. Plus, the employees may have great tips. * Restaurants, I haven't bothered using the guide for any restaurants, nor hotels. I know one of them he has recommended in Frankfurt for years, is one of the worst tourist traps in the city, with the rudest service. This isn't a place I would recommend to anyone. * Walks through cities - again, I can only go from what he has written for Frankfurt, and honestly, this is such an awful walk. If people are going on this walk, following his directions, then it is no wonder that they leave Frankfurt with less than a good impression. * Information correctness - the first Germany book I read had so many mistakes in it, I was appalled. These were facts that could be easily checked online before printing. It makes me wonder what other countries and cities have incorrect facts written about them. To Rick's credit, when I sent them corrected information, they used it in the next years book. * Tours - Going on a tour in a city can really enhance your stay there, but little emphasis is made in the books about this. People are all excited about saving a couple of euro by riding the bus 100 in Berlin for example, or going on one of the "free tours" rather than paying 12 euro for a decent tour. Even the Ho-Ho buses are something that I would seldom recommend, in comparison to going on a real tour. I wonder, has Rick or his editors really ridden bus 100 or the Ho-Ho buses around or gone on any of these tours? Embrace: * Train info is pretty good. * Suggestions for what to do in a city for one day can be helpful, though his worthies, may not be my worthies. * Museum recommendations are helpful

Notice how this online forum has evolved over time. A few years ago, the idea of even questioning Mr. Steves' tips or recommendations would have caused a vicious flame war. Now, we can have this honest discussion without too much fuss. Giving a parallel from religious history, is this the period of ETBD Reformation? Or maybe it's just because the most Über Ricknik has long since been banned?

Keep -Stay in smaller hotels when reasonable. This isn't a hardcore rule to me, but RS opened my eyes to hotel potential beyond the big names (international or European). However, I do not do B&Bs, prefer more privacy. I look at the book, and also at apartment options. -Pack light. I have kids and can't do just a carry-on, but I definitely pack as light as possible. If it were just me and my husband, we could easily do a carry on each. -Know the history -general idea of being involved in the culture, doing it on your own, and not spending an obscene amount of money. -picnic with food from markets instead of restaurant meals all the time Ditch
-Specific packing tips. I like clothes, I like looking nice, and I can do it in a carry-on. I cannot do it with the awful "for women" list in the books. -wash in the sink. For a week I can just bring my dirty clothes home, for more than a week I can find a laundromat. Or send it out for a fee. Worth it to me. -specific restaurant suggestions. If I want a memorable meal, there are foodie blogs that are much better at that than RS. If I'm out touring, I wander the area I'm in and find something that looks good.

If,like me, you have taken at least one RS tour in Europe you should know that the tours largely don't follow the ETBD advice. So, learn what you can about getting around and finding things on these tours, but use the books for suggestions when traveling on your own. Rick's tours stay in bigger, more expensive hotels and always (almost) have excellent buffet breakfasts included. This often will not be the case whey you are on your own. If you are a older or physically challenged in any way, you probably can't walk as fast as Rick and you will probably want to scale back the number of sites you visit. Also, don't think you can hike all the CT trails in a day just because some people can. I have hiked 3 parts of the trail, the hardest being the Monterosso-Vernazza section. It was almost too much for me, but I survived. If you want to experience the views and a little of the trail start in Riomaggiore and walk leisurely to Manarola (the Via Amore). There is a set of stairs at the beginning and another near the end of the trail. For accessibility, take the elevator near the Riomaggiore train station. It will take you up to the high trail that leads into the main street. You can stay on that level and visit the church there. There are great views of the sea and town from that trail. Then you can take the elevator back down to the train level. I love the books for info on travel connections, neighborhoods to stay in, museums and their open/closed hours. I also rely on the books for almost accurate info on costs. Usually these have gone up since the book was researched.

Accept: Pack light using one carry-on bag plus a personal item. On more than one occasion we would have missed connecting flights if we had checked bags or those bags would be well behind us, requiring a stay at arriving airport area until in hand. Oh, and what I thought were v1.0 bags by RS, were actually v.2.0....still super bags in great shape after these many years and trips. Independent travel is easy in countries where English is not widely spoken...especially good assurance for novice travelers. RS books are written in an easy to digest sometimes humorous style, including history to help more fully appreciate travels. He recommends other guidebooks and buying good maps, as well as visiting tourist information offices and buying local papers listing current events. Bike and hike. Shopping should not be the focus of travel. Travel to Europe is affordable...it's all about priorities. Use sink to wash easy care clothes. Engage the locals and relish new experiences. Learn a few words, phrases for each country. Day pack works for me. Find own back doors. Stay two or more nights at each stop if possible. How to decipher signs, etc. Lunches assembled from grocery stores, public markets and bakeries are enjoyable and much cheaper than restaurant meals. Attitude is everything. Have fun. Public transit is easy and effective. Partial Acceptance:
Enjoy bed and breakfasts and other modest accommodations often in central locations. The days of the toilet down the hall seem a distant past with full facilities in rooms being the new norm. Chain and upscale hotels can be worthwhile too, comfortable and often surprisingly affordable using Internet search engines. For morning departures back to the USA, we often book hotels near the airport.

Reject:
Upon arriving in Europe, stay awake until night. We take a nap upon arrival as we leave in the early morn the day before arriving in Europe. Money belts are great, but dismiss personally. In closing and just my opinion, unnecessary criticism by a few posters is directed at those of us agreeing with some of Rick Steves' advice. I certainly see value in much of what Rick offers but do not fall in the zombie nor completist categories, if such even exist short of forced psychotropic drug ingestion.

Well, this is an interesting thread so I will put my two cents in. Accept- Packing light. My wife is still a little skeptical of this, but I have found that packing light simplifies my travel experience. Staying in a small, centrally located hotel. I do believe that location is everything in my hotels. So whether this is a large chain or a B&B, it must be centrally located. Save on Lunch and splurge on Dinner. I love going into the local deli or supermarket and finding fixin's for a picnic. Ever noticed how many different flavors of potato chips there are? You can have a GREAT trip to Europe on your own. You don't need to have a guide hold your hand the entire trip. Plan it out, and have fun! You can do it! Reject- Washing in the sink. Seriously!!! Spend $10 and take it to the Laudromat! Drop it off in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon. My vacation time is too precious to spend doing laundry. You must follow his itinerary/routes to the letter. I think that we would all agree that Rick's backdoors are not so much anymore. Does this mean that they are not worth seeing? No, but don't expect to wander around without seeing hordes of other blue-book-toting Americans. Supplement Rick's suggestions with whatever other sights/towns that interest you using whatever other guidebook works for you. I like Lonely Planet. Don't be a sheep!
You must wear a money belt at all times. While I do have a money belt, I am not convinced that I absolutely need it. I might think otherwise if I lose everything to a pickpocket, but I don't know. I think that as long as you are aware of your surroundings and keep a reasonable watch, you should be ok. Don't think/look like a victim and you won't be.

I found one of the best statements in one of Rick's books was that travel is a high adreniline experience and think of your vacation in terms of the cost per day/hour of your trip. Also, seems that I follow more of Rick's advice than ignore. 1. Laundry-We all spend a lot of money to get to Europe, travel between destinations, hotels, food, and sightseeing, so every minute should be maximized with what makes your trip enjoyable. Therefore, I'd rather rinse out a few things in the hotel sink every couple of nights which will be dry by the next morning, than finding and sitting in a laundromat. 2. Carryon- I'd rather only use carryon luggage than wait for my luggage at baggage claim, or risk being separtated from luggage upon arrival. 3. I'd rather have my hotel reservations made in advance so I don't spend time or money either attempting to make reservations and wandering around looking for a suitable hotel. 4. Hotels- I'd rather spend a little more for a hotel room to have a little larger room, a view/balcony, more space, ambiance and character, than a cheap, small room with no view or character(figure 10 hours per night in a room). I love planning vacations, so with either Rick's recommendations, Trip Advisor, this helpline, and hotel websites, I haven't gone too wrong yet. 5. Train- Ignored this advice last trip and rented a car, and flew from Florence back to Frankfurt instead of a night train (thanks to the helpline). Will use trains more this next trip.
I find Rick's books more pertinent in terms of guidance for best times to go, where/when to buy tickets, use of cash vs. credit cards, and other useful information and opinions than other guidebooks which seem to offer only factual information, not opinions.

I watched years and years of Rick Steves shows without ever dreaming I would ever actually get to Europe. Then I got a full-time job, saved some money, read Europe Through the Back Door, and spent three weeks in Europe on my own that summer (2000). Confidence about traveling independently in Europe is what I've embraced the most from Rick's philosophy. As another poster put, European travel doesn't have to be the once-in-a-lifetime thing that it was for my grandmother. As Rick says, travel is a matter of priorities; I've made international travel a budget priority, so I was able to take two trips to Europe this year. Unlike others, even after 12 years of trips to Europe, I still follow much of Rick's practical advice: I wear a moneybelt at all times while travelling, carry my same 12-year-old convertible carry-on rucksack, "assume I will return," and really enjoy taking public transportation everywhere (but no night trains--one terrible one in 2001 was enough for me, although my brother swears by them). I'm not a fan of Rick's restaurant recommendations, either.

I know the one that changed my life was the one Randy started off with: "That travel to Europe is not just for the wealthy - it need not be a once-in-a-lifetime thing and it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. You don't need a tour guide or a chauffeur. In fact, some of the things people can spend a lot of money on can either give a warped sense of Europe or build a wall between themselves and real life in Europe." That is what made me realize that I could go to Europe. Never thought it was possible before reading that and then his Eurpoe Through The Backdoor book. That and assume you'll return and a bad day in Europe sure beats a good day at work. I don't think RS said that one. paul

Unlike most of you I so use a money belt. I traveled once with a Girl Scout group. I was in charge of trip, but the staff member had the credit card and travelers checks....and she lost them between LHR and Victoria Station. Luckily I had extra cash and a large credit limit. We did get everything back after she spent one whole day on the project (police reports are required when you lose 10k LOL). Learned my lesson. I don't have enough time to waste a day. If my hotel has a safe I take it off and put stuff there but step one is the money belt I also am a big fan of packing light. I do use his packing lists as a "touch point" to make sure I have everything. (my Girl Scouts ignored me and by the end of that 3 week trio they all agreed that packing light would have been wiser) I also enjoyed his museum tours. In part because the use of them blocks out the noise around me :)

One thing I refuse to do is laundry in the sink. Yes, we do spend a lot of money to get to Europe, so for me another 10 - 15 euros for clean clothes is just part of the cost I factor in. No, you don't have to sit and watch your clothes spin all day... you drop them off at the laundry service in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. It's also a great way to patronize a local business.