Rick Steves Travel Festival

Carol, I've attended several Travel Festivals in the past, and found the seminars very informative (albeit with a slight sales pitch). I had hoped to attend another one this year, but unfortunately have other committments that weekend. Rick (especially) provides VERY entertaining and informative 2-hour talks (without any notes!). Book early as some of the seminars fill up quickly!

During the day of the Travel Festival, I believe they also offer a discount on everything in the travel store (Guidebooks might have a different discount?), so if you need any gear that would be the time to buy it! The only potential problem is that there used to be a queue to check out(I don't like to waste seminar time).

I'd suggest getting there early to find a good parking spot, as the population of Edmonds increases by about 2000+ on the day of the Festival, so parking might not be easy to find!

Hope you enjoy the Festival!

Thanks Ken!

I actually booked a hotel that I "think" is within walking distance. Wonder if the "discounts" start on Friday? I thought Edmonds looked like a nice place to explore Friday afternoon!

(Editor's comment: Any discounts are only on festival day and only in person. Any cashier line is short. Class sign-up required.

Go to the festival. It is great information ( I didn't feel a sales pitch) and being around all the other travellers is wonderful. You can eavesdrop on come great conversations. I live near enough to take in the classes they offer fairly regularly. They are a treat and don't cost a thing. Edmonds is adorable and a great place to explore. There are other shops that cater to travellers besides Rick's. I would caution you to plan the classes you sign up for to accommodate lunch. It is tempting to go back to back to back but even with the caliber of presentation it can get overwhelming. Have fun!

I would agree with all of the above! We are planning our first trip to Europe and are lucky to live close enough to Edmonds that we can go to the Saturday travel classes and the Festivals. The information is very valuable and has been a HUGE help as we plan our trip. Edmonds is a nice little town on the water that it would make a great weekend get-away (even in the winter!).

Thanks everyone.

I have signed up for classes. I did not go back to back, just too much so hopefully I will have time to eat and shop.

Now I just have to hope my business trip doesn't fall through on me!

Carol, even if your business trip "falls through", go to the Travel Festival anyway. They are very informative and a lot of fun.

I'm hoping there will be more Festivals in the spring, as I'm planning to go again this year to get some ideas for trips this Fall.

Cheers!

I live close enough too and go to the seminars every time they have them. I LOVE Rick's seminars! They are fun and entertaining and very helpful. When we went to Europe in the fall of 2006 the information we learned at the seminar is very helpful and informative. We plan on going back to Europe this year again and I am glad he's putting on another festival as I know the classes I've signed up for will be helpful! Enjoy the festival, and yes, Edmonds is a great town. Enjoy!

I went to the travel fest March 10, 2007. I flew there from Texas and was worth every penny and worth the time. You learn so much. He's very entertaining and educational! You can even chat with him. When he is free, he'll even be in his store to chat with people.
I wish I could make it again this year, but January is not good for me. Maybe I'll return next year!
Have a great time!!

I forgot to tell you, I stayed at The Harbor Inn. It is walking distance. Hope you don't mind walking up hill for awhile! Taxi's are very hard to get in Edmonds since taxi's come in from another town. Walking is best. Bring rain gear! You want to be as comfortable as possible when you walk, and bring good shoes.
Next door to the Harbor Inn, there is a wonderful Mexican place. Great food! When you are not at the classes, there are many neat shops. Edmonds is a beautiful little town. Also take a walk at the harbor and take a ferry boat. I hope you do have a few days to enjoy Edmonds! I had four wonderful days there!
Also, something you may be interested in knowing, some of Rick's classes is in the arts center that used to be Rick's Jr. High school!!