Having trouble getting through to Rick Steves office

Tammy, I can drive down and pound on the doors of the building if you want me to!!!

LOL! Thanks Carol! I hope it doesn’t come to that!

OMG Carol....I burst out laughing!

That is so frustrating, Tammy, when people don’t return calls promptly. Have you tried emailing them? I got a reply from them in a timely manner last month when I emailed them but then again with tours heating up they may be swamped. Anyway it’s worth a try.

I emailed them about something for my tour a week or so ago and got a reply within a day or two. Try emailing again, perhaps letting them know that you've tried both emailing and calling and nobody is getting back to you?

Carol, I laughed too!

Tammy, I emailed them and got an answer the same day. BTW, I am on the Paris and Heart of France tour starting October 7. I have been considering adding BOP either before or after HOF as I travel solo and want to spend more time in Paris, but not completely alone. LOL! I hope you will do a trip report because I would be super interested in how you liked doing that combo. The BOP dates before and after my HOF tour overlap by one day so that's a drag.

My granddaughter has turned 18 since i signed us up for the Heart of Ireland tour in June and so now needs to have her own tour account. I was told in order to set one up, she personally needs to call the office and give them her current email address so she is able to get that done. She still has to sign all the necessary paperwork needed to participate in the tour. She has emailed and called the tour office numbers several times and still has received no response of any kind. I see from this thread that she isn’t the only one experiencing such issues. This is so unusual and frankly, I’m disappointed in her personal experience. I do hope someone from the office sees this thread……..The pounding on the door just might work!!!

Hmm, I was going to stop by their store next week while I’m in town visiting grandkids. If they aren’t open, I will skip it.

I called the office several weeks ago. I got a message that said they were very busy and to leave a message. I left a message and the next day while I was in the grocery store I got a call back.

You might call and leave another message.

According to their website 3/2022: COVID-19 updates from business
Rick Steves' Europe
Rick Steves' Europe
on Google
March: Our Travel Center in Edmonds, WA is still temporarily closed until further notice due to the pandemic. Tour Sales, Trip Consulting, and office staff are working 9-5 Monday through Thursday. Buy travel merchandise -- guidebooks, luggage, and more -- anytime on our website.
Edited to add: Thanks Kathleen. I was still typing, so missed your message. ;)

Just going to add that with Covid cases rising again, they may be working from home. I would email them and see if you get a response.

note in Janis's post just above, "9-5 Monday through Thursday" so they won't be back until after breakfast on Monday now...

I just hit the "report" button to the webmaster, along with a link to this posting, with the note: " You might want to make sure someone on staff sees this post" (so they will know to return the calls).

As I have clicked on to the Forum recently, it is amazing to see HOW MANY posts there are with people now planning travel and all the related fun buzz. It is definitely more active than just a few months ago. No doubt, the RS Team is overwhelmed with everyone wanting to jump on board the travel train (so to speak).......and while also hoping nothing slows down the enthusiasm.

Happy, safe travels to all!!!!!

I can attest that the Rick Steves office is closed. I went a couple weeks ago to buy a new bag and it didn't even dawn on me that they would be closed. I kept sitting there thinking it was 10am, they would open, thinking staff were running behind. I had to check on my phone and sure enough, closed. So I had to order the bag and have it shipped, nevermind we live close by.

I just this week emailed the office and was replied to in a few hours...I am sure that they are slammed with requests about testing, etc during the re-start times...I am sure email is easier than a phone call anyway most of the time as they can respond to all your questions without playing the msg five times...

Tammy, I hope you have heard from them by now. I called them on March 18 and someone called me on Saturday March 19. I had had trouble changing my password but figured out my problem so their return call was appreciated but not needed.

Hey Tammy,

We are indeed a bit overloaded as our tour members have a lot of questions re Covid and Ukraine, but the other comments here are inline with my understanding that it may take a (work)day, maybe 2, before you get a call back. I'd simply try calling again M-Th, and earlier in the day may be better. I'll also PM you with another option.

For others reading along, keep in mind that many questions that people call us about are answered in your Account or in our Tours FAQ: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-help/tours-faq

Sounds like Tammy did get a callback this morning. I'll let her reply if she has anything else to add.

Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding as we work through the high volume of questions and requests we're currently receiving.

That is such a relief! Now I don't have to worry about being arrested by the Edmonds police for disturbing the peace.......

I can't imagine how challenging operating a travel company is during these times. I continue to be impressed with Rick Steves Europe and how hard they are working.

For those who like to shop/visit in person, the sign on the door of the travel center says they are now open on Saturdays from 9-5. Thought I’d post here since I remember a few people saying they’d tried to stop by recently.

That is such a relief! Now I don't have to worry about being arrested by the Edmonds police for disturbing the peace.......

Your willingness was most excellent though !!

Meg--Thank you!