What do you think of Rick's new ideas?

I give him an A for trying to expand his market and trying new ideas. If he writes a new book about a place I'd like to go, I'll buy it. I always tour on my own, but I wouldn't rule out trying one of his tours some day. Possibly one of the new ones will appeal to me; who knows.

I wish he would fill in some of the gaps in his guidebooks...

This is new since I last checked the Blog yesterday morning. The changes sound great, but of course the proof will be in whether they sell. Trying to identify and reach out to the segment that presently isn't using ETBD products is a good idea. I'll have a look at each of the new initiatives when they're released. The Pocket Guides sound interesting and are probably something I'd use, but I hope they'll also be available in E-book versions. I'll probably be purchasing one or more of the Snapshot titles this year. I'll have a look at the new tours, but I doubt that I'd be interested in the My Way tours, as Rick's Guides are one of the best parts of the tours. I probably won't use the Cruise guides at all, as I prefer "land based" touring. On the topic of E-books, hopefully they'll eventually have a more even balance between formats. Currently the Guidebook titles seem to be more heavily weighted towards the Kindle format. When I do decide to try E-books, it will most likely be on the IPhone / iPod Touch format so it would be nice to have the same choice of titles. Although the Kindle Reader is available for Apple products, I've read some complaints here about the poor quality rendition of maps in the Kindle version of Rick's books. Cheers!

I'm excited about the new pocket guides. RS Germany is a lot to carry aound if you're only visiting one or two German cities. A smaller book that concentrates on one city and the surrounding area is very appealing to me because even though I travelled with Kindle last time, I do prefer to flip thru paper pages. That's just a personal preference of mine. However, to print colour photos will probably require heavier paper, like the Eyewitness series, so we'll just have to wait and see! And in spite of my personal paper preference, I am with Ken in hoping that the ebook line will be expanded.

I'm intrigued by the lower budget tours... All of my travel thus far has been independent, but I think having a knowledgeable guide could enhance the experience a lot. At the current prices, I'm fine with going it on our own... But if they come down enough, I might go for it.

I think they could reach more people with mobile apps than pocket guides. Hopefully RS & Co. are embracing all ends.

Kris, "I'm intrigued by the lower budget tours... All of my travel thus far has been independent, but I think having a knowledgeable guide could enhance the experience a lot." The "lower budget tours" won't include a Guide, just an "Escort" (at least that's the way the My Way tour is structured now - eliminating the Guide is how they provide the lower price). On those tours you'll have to plan and pay for your own touring at each stop, including local tours if desired. I've found that both the Lead Guides and local Guides are one of the best and most interesting parts of the ETBD tours, and I plan on continuing to take the fully guided tours. Cheers!

I was sad to see that the Germany book was not going to be expanded to offer any information on other towns other than what was already there. Seems a bit odd to me. Wouldn't people run out and buy a book that actually had totally new info in it rather than just random updates year after year, after year? If finally Rick decided to cover the rest of Germany, wouldn't sales increase? How many times have people asked if they should buy a new book, was it worth it, since all the same towns just get written about, over and over. Fresh cities, new back doors, new routes are what would sell. The "escorted tour" is kind of funny. Isn't this what travel agents used to do basically, except for the bus travel? Frankly, one can just book train travel and hotels through the internet today, and pretty much every city has local tour companies offering great tours at low prices.

And the Belgium book REALLY needs to be flushed out a little more. Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Hasselt, Namur, Ypres, Oostende, De Haan, the Ardennes, Dinant, Tongeren for a start? Especially Ghent and Antwerp.

If, by "slower and more relaxed" he's referring to 'slow walkers' then Oh Yeah, there's a big market for that (have you read the Tour Feedback?!?). Many, whether or not they SHOULD be, are intimidated by the stated physical requirements for RS tours, and others who have taken them request slower ones. If you're of 'a certain age', arthritic to whatever extent, just not quite up to European Touring Physical Condition, then a slower tour would be great. You don't have to be a lazy slob (as some would put it) to not be a prime candidate for a RS tour. Most of us are surprised, perhaps repeatedly LOL, by how strenuous travel is. Most of us can handle it, though - we just step up. Some don't have the reserves (or desire) to just 'step it up'. Especially on someone else's timetable...It's like running for your plane every time you check-in or -out of your hotel. My mother-in-law can pull her own bag; it's just gonna take awhile. And she can't put it in an overhead compartment - no way. (and it's very lightweight) She can only carry a tiny purse. But she can 'tour' like crazy! She's ready to Go, See, and Do - but she'd still be struggling down those hotel stairs with her bag while everyone else was on the bus. (cont.)

(cont.) As far as only inexperienced people wanting to take tours - yes, many first-timers tour, then realize, 'hey, I can do this myself!'. But there are many who like to take tour after tour (see above, and all over this Helpline!) and there's nothing 'wrong' with that, either. Many of those inexperienced first-timers have (or need) a brand-spankin' new knee replacement, or are simply 'slow walkers', and just need a slower pace. They want a RS-type tour, just not the RS pace...Not everyone is 55 and a pro at European travel... Some people (see Tour Feedback again) would like more time in a given place; they feel rushed. A slower, more in-depth, pace sounds right up their alley (AND those who've already taken the 'Best Ofs' and want to see more but not have to do it on their own).

You're right Ken, I just read the 'My Tour' description. I guess I'll have to keep saving up for the full blown tour someday... I've always thought Italy is a place I'd want/need to do with some guidance, because there's so much to absorb. Without a guide... A tour doesn't have much allure for me. I hope people realize that with a computer and time, they can save themselves some cash and figure out their transportation and headaches on their own.

Regarding the "My Way" tour, we are going on the May 9 Europe in 14 Days excursion. Since we have been on two of Rick's trips, we have seen the usual sights; churches, museums, "must sees", etc. We've done them. Rather than go on the same tour, we like the ability to use the tour for transportation, a reserved room, and a guide to answer questions. After that, we can plan our lunch, dinner, and any excursions we want to take on our own. Even a nap! Yes, my friends, rather than rushing around to get all the required notches on our belt, this time we'll do it our way (and use Rick to take care of the basics). Needless to say, we are of a "certain age" and can't move as smartly as we used to. Having said all that, I must say that the usual "Europe in 14 Days" tour is a great deal for a first timer or someone who wants the benefit of Rick's excellent tour guides. On this trip, we want to do it "our way". By the way, the cost reduction of $ 1000 p.p. doesn't hurt either. Just my two pesetas worth. Mike

IMO, after watching the DVD and listening to the opinions stated here, RS tours do appear to be the superior escorted land-based tour option but, as a budget traveller with a budget-sized wallet, they are too pricey for me. Even the My Way (3,000/12 days) works out to aound $250/day/pp. I know I can travel independently for less than that and that is a necessity for me at this time. BTW - I realize the tour is "14" days, Day 1 starts at 5 pm and Day 14, you're heading to your airport after breakfast. This is the norm on all types of escorted tours, so I always look at whole days only - when I'm costing out a tour.

I agree with Jo, that Rick covers the same old ground over and over, that his "back doors" have become front doors, and that Germany in particular ( but ALL of Europe in general) is such a huge and varied place, and new information on new places would be a better way to expand his business. I do not read his books for this reason. I will reference the website for basic info such as rail passes, or he latest s iin the travel biz, but it's been ten years at least since I've bought any guidebooks at all. As for tours-have never, would never, do a tour. But I guess Rick is reaching out to the inexperienced who feel more secure traveling in a group, and that makes good business sense. We do that at the opera, where I work, with lower-cost series and packages with fewer perks, and so far it seems to be working. But if I have to see one more re-run of Little Europe on PBS I'll scream.

I wonder if there is really a market for "slow" tours. Tours generally are marketed to the inexperienced traveler, since as has been pointed out, the experienced traveler can research and book more cheaply than any tour, even Rick's "My Way", can sell the tour for. The overwhelming pattern here on the Helpline is for inexperienced posters to want a "two days in London, two in Paris, one in Amsterdam, two in Rome" kind of experience, which the experienced travelers try to talk them out of! So, if it takes experience before one realizes that spending four or five days in a place is a better deal than spending a day or so, doesn't that mean that the 'slow tours' will be most appealing to the experienced European traveler? Which, I am guessing, is precisely the potential market that thinks "I can do this myself for a lot less." It will be interesting to see if there is demand for that kind of tour. I suspect that this kind of tour would be more successful for non-European destinations. I know a lot of people that think nothing of arranging their own European travel but that blanch when imagining going to Asia or Africa on their own. They might understand that it would be best to spend several days in Tokyo or Singapore or Johannesburg before moving on, but still want the security of having ground arrangements made for them.

I think Eileen hit the nail on the head. My guess is that the slower tours will be less time on your feet, less sights packed into a day, and maybe less location jumping. I think there is a huge market for this. It allows more people of all ages and health conditions to enjoy a well-run guided tour. My husband and I are in our early 40s, in good health, and we were darn tired at the end of each day on our Rick Steve's tour. Granted, we packed a lot into our free time as well... but I heard many comments that the more time to 'stop and smell the roses' would have been appreciated.

Kris, Italy would be a great choice for a tour! I believe those are the most popular of all RS tours. I know many of the Italy Guides, and I'm sure you'll have an excellent trip! A few thoughts on the ongoing discussion..... > Lack of new places in Germany (or other) Guidebooks - I agree it would be nice to have more places listed in the books (eg: in Italy, Bologna & Modena would be helpful). I suspect Rick keeps the books with a specific number of locations, as those are the most popular places his readers want to see. Also, the books are revised every year, so in order to complete the uppdates a significant investment of time and money is required (that's usually one of Rick's tasks on his first trip in the spring). AFAIK, every Hotel is re-visited and omissions / corrections / changes are verified. Even with this process, there are still some things they miss (probably due to the "printing lag") which is why they have the "Uppdates" section on the website. At some point a "saturation limit" is reached where it's simply not possible for Rick or his Guides to get to each city. There may also be a self-imposed limit on how thick he wants each book to be. E-books (RE: my earlier post) - I've decided to give them a try! I downloaded the Kindle Reader for my iPod Touch last night, and now have a couple of the Snapshot Guides. I haven't quite figured out the operation yet, but my initial impression is favourable. One difficulty is that the Maps are split into four parts, making them a bit "awkward" to read easily. The proof will be how easily these work during travels. Slow Tours - it will be interesting to see whether they sell??? Cheers!

In regards to adding more places, I am sure that part of that is also driven by the number of pages in a book. As someone who works in publishing I can tell you that editors have very strong views on how many pages a book can be. Each additional page costs money in terms of typesetting, editing, proofing, as well obvious print and bind costs. So, even if you go to eBooks there are additional cost. I haven't priced the guide books lately, but I am willing to bet that they are all very similar in price so you can't just increase your price to cover your costs. Also, the other thing about Rick's books is that he does purposefully limit the places. He's making choices for you. There is an argument to be made though that his current places are getting over run. All that said, I also agree that it would be nice to see additional places covered. I could give a long list of places that I think should be included for Scotland. ; ) Pam

While we typically travel independently and utilize Internet and other resources to carefully plan trips to Europe, we have thoroughly enjoyed RS tours. From personal experience, we can also vouch for the former BB&B version of the Best of Europe trip which retained the same itinerary but substitutes an escort in lieu of a guide. It is amusing that some criticize RS tours without having taken same. We met a significant number of folks on RS tours that were very experienced travelers and like us, determined the itinerary and efficiencies in transportation were more than worthwhile, not counting making lifelong friends in the process. In short, Rick's efforts at encouraging additional ways to visit Europe, even by tour ship, are applauded.

I'm sure RS knows his audience. I would think they are not really Gen Xer's or younger. My guess is they're Baby Boomers to post Baby Boomers who have increasingly more leisure time. I have yet to do an organized tour but as I get older I imagine they will look increasingly favorable to my current DYI travel.

Lisa - that's a valid point. My mum travelled independently to Europe for years, then she hit 80 and her husband passed away; now she likes to combine escorted river cruises with an independent add on week. Twenty years ago - she wouldn't have considered any escorted tour.

Actually, the RS tour that I took was a real mix of ages. Everything from 16-year old with her parents, to 20 and 30 somethings baby boomers to people in their 70's. So, I would not assume that Rick Steves Tours are for aging baby boomers. Certainly that Rick's generation, but he's managed to appeal a broader range of customers. Maybe my tour was atypical, but I doubt it. Pam

"I suspect Rick keeps the books with a specific number of locations, as those are the most popular places his readers want to see." Probably because he promotes those places so heavily? I recognize that the style of Mr. Steves' books does not permit complete geographic surveys, but at least they could offer some brief descriptions of alternatives to the locations in the books. For example, we often see proposed itineraries on this website of people coming from the Rhine area, Belgium, or the Netherlands who want to try a thermal bath on their way to Bavaria. Using only the Blue Book, it would appear that their only option is to go out of their way to Baden-Baden. However, Spa in Belgium, Aachen, Wiesbaden, Bad Dürkheim, Bad Kreuznach, and about a dozen other towns that begin with the word "Bad" are probably more convenient. Or all those who pass by Ghent and Antwerp on their way to Brugge and Amsterdam, thinking there's nothing to see there because it isn't in the Blue Book (I've met Americans traveling in Belgium who told me exactly that, on two separate occassions). Or all the proposed itineraries involving a trip down the hum-drum Romantic Road, but driving right by the Mountain Road, Fachwerk Road, Nibelungen Road, German Wine Road, Fairy Tale Road, etc. And don't even get me started on Reutte and the dismissing of Heidelberg... Judging by what I read on this webiste, Mr. Steves' fans tend to be... oh, I'll word this so that I don't cause a firestorm again... exclusively loyal. Would it be too hard to give them a brief description of other places that lie outside the Canon?

I am curious to see more detail on the 'slower paced' tours. I went on my 4th tour last June along with my 40 y.o. daughter (her 1st RS tour) who works out almost every day. About the 3rd day she commented, "Mom, how do you keep up with everyone on these tours. I'm exhausted." So, it is not only us baby boomers with arthritis and in need of knee replacements (I had mine after my last tour) who might enjoy a slower pace.

I'm also curious about the more relaxed tours, what they mean. I don't think it necessarily means less walking or slower walking or that they would be marketed to those with physical limitations. Eileen, I've read tour feedback where people were disappointed the tours weren't more active, when they had been lead to believe they would be strenuous. A more relaxed tour might mean they won't be covering five countries in ten days. I agree with Bruce that tours aren't only for inexperience travelers. I would be interested in tours with less bus time, that stay in one place for a few nights, that cover an area or region in more depth (like the city tours or the Basque tour) but still have the expertise of the guide and the fun of fellow tour members.

I'm Mike's wife, posting of 2/13. For many years we have traveled extensively on our own, and for months at a time. We have been fans of Rick's travel philosophy since he first went into business but in our early days of travel we couldn't afford the tours. Now we can, and we like them. As Mike said in his posting, we have been to the museums, cathedrals, etc. But the European cities keep changing and are always fun to visit. So the tours are perfect for us. We can get re-aquainted with some of our favorite places. Traveling on your own is work, and we've been there, done that. The "Your Way" tour is definitely for us. The full tours are super because the guides are the best and we have not found fellow tour members to be timid, in fact they are generally well educated and have their senses open to new ideas and experiences. These are not cookie cutter tours and we applaud Rick for introducing people to his travel style, and also for always keeping his mind open and his ear to the ground for ideas. I am 72 and anything but wimpy--I climb stairs on purpose and can walk faster and for longer distances than most young people. Making assumptions is a dangerous exercise.

Grier - I agree with you idea on more in depth tours of small region. I'm surprised Rick doesn't do a week in just Tuscany, for example.

Whenever I go to europe I like to take a tour from 7-11 days followed by my own tour. The things I like about taking a tour is you have a set plan on what each day is going to be like and the tour guide/bus driver does all the work for you. All i have to do is make my plane reservations and hotels for the post tour trip.
Doing train travel througout europe is not bad as long as you travel light and are mobile going up/down stairs at most train stations. Traveling on my own I prefer to stay in one location for 4-5 days rather than moving q 2 days like most tours.

I am 65 years old and have been on 8 RS tours and am signed up for my 9th. I am an experienced traveler, that's what I do. I find RS tours just as they are advertised. I stay in Europe before and after the tours so enjoy both times. Rick has always maintained that his tours are not going to get you so familiar with a place that you can unpack and stay awhile. He only intends to give you an oversight of places so that you can return to those places that really attracted you. I have spent many hours at his headquarters in Edmonds, WA talking with his staff about tours, their length and costs. I have been told that the shorter tours (7 days or so) really came about after hearing from folks that the longer tours were out of their vacation time allowance. I remember taking the 21 day Best of Tour and thinking it was too short for the amount of land we covered. Oh, well. His guide books also are limited to the resources that he has available including cost. He makes no claim to be covering every place in Europe but does try to do a good job of covering the places he does. The tours I have been on have had folks from teenagers to 80's and the most common denominator has alway seemed to be those folks of "like mind". I can remember only one grump in 8 tours and only two "shoppers" and two folks who brought their "kitchen sink".
All I can say to those of you who do not like his type of tours for whatever reasons, skip them. I can remember Rick being asked if some of his political and cultural positions might be driving some folks away. He responded by saying that the tours are most likely better without them, or something very similar. Can't wait for G/A/S this August.

It must be in the best interest of his business. And works for me, his products are top notch right now so more is good for his customers new and old.

Has there been any clarification on what RIck means by "slow tour"? It occurred to me that we are guessing two rather different things--either a tour spent more time per place or a tour that had less activity per day. And, speaking only for myself, I don't think anyone here is dissing Rick's tours or complaining about them. No tour can be all things to all people, so Rick's tours will be attractive to some and not so much to others. I think the call of the question here was whether the changed focus of some of the tours would likely be successful.

I absolutely was not being negative about the ETBD tours. I've taken three tours and hope to do more. You're right, we don't know what the new tours will be like, what slower paced, more relaxed means. My first ETBD tour was Paris and Provence a few years ago and it was great. We had three nights each in Paris, Vaison la Romaine, Arles, and Villefranche sur Mer. We took the TGV from Paris to Avignon and bus time was limited to day trips and traveling around Provence. Since we were in Provence for several days, we had the chance to see and soak up a lot of places and experiences. Alas, that tour isn't offered anymore, but that's the kind of tour I'd like to see offered, more depth and fewer long bus days. Melanie, a tour of Tuscany would be great.