We typically travel independently, but have an open mind to group travel, such as Rick Steves' tours, if such makes sense. The first RS Tour was enjoyed by us years ago and before his tours were well known. The Best of Europe tour was selected despite a much different and enjoyable prior independent trip to Europe. Also, we've utilized the Classic RS bag on many trips and they still are in great condition. While we utilize different bags now for international trips, the original bags are used when traveling in country by auto. Great books and other items from the RS store have been purchased over the years. Excellent and friendly staff are always able to resolve issues if such arise. In my experiences, there are few businesses cheerfully providing quality services and goods....consistently so over years. Thank you Rick and the great staff you've assembled!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6708 posts
What a nice post. Thank you, Bruce.
Posted by
Amsterdam
586 posts
I bought a RS back pack and rolling bag about 15 years ago. I live in Europe now. The backpack and bag are now used for grocery shopping expeditions. Still in great shape. Zippers and wheels work like they were brand new.
I added an across the chest strap to the backpack to help distribute the weight.
Thanks Rick.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4812 posts
Yes thanks for all the guidebooks-I never go to Europe without one. The thing I find most helpful is the detailed instructions for using public transportation to get to places.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11940 posts
Bruce, what a nice note! Rick is my enabler. Although we have never taken a RS tour, we launched our Euro-travel life 15 years ago thanks to ETBD and various country guides. While I seldom need a cover-to-cover guidebook read any longer and we are way off Rick’s path on any trips, I still relish the travel skills, his TV shows, this Forum and website, and I still buy the latest country guides to support our trips just in case I might pick up a new place/thing/idea/hint. Cheers to the RS team!
Posted by
Oregon
339 posts
Thank you, Rick. When I first took our family of 4 to Europe in 1998, it was "Europe through the Back Door" as our primary guidebook. We've used many RS guidebooks through the years. We love RS's philosophy of travel. Our only RS tour was the Best of Turkey, which was incredible.
One year we visited Rotterdam with our exchange student's mother. She had split up with her boyfriend from Rotterdam but was trying to show us around. Her complaint was " no Niek, no Rick."