Rick Steves Travel Festival 2025

Thanks, Debbie. Good to know.

Thanks Debbie. I forgot to sign up because I was focused on putting Christmas to bed (a week and 1/2 project). I need to hear travel talk.

Debbie, thanks for this info. I did register and attend this Zoom last night and it was one of the best of Rick's travel zooms I've seen. Really gave me lots to think about. I also realized I am lucky to have seen some of these over touristed sites back to 1984 when they weren't so crowded.

Me too, Debbie! I managed to stay awake until the end. Great information and insights.

Interesting info about Amsterdam and the moratorium on building new hotels and the effect on overtourism there. Also, the B&B owner Rick Steves recommends and her concerns about the new rules regarding Airbnb also affect actual B&B owners. It’s getting complicated.

I also enjoyed the presentation last night. I was yawning at the end. I recently booked an Airbnb in Naopli Italy for later this year. I will not do that again. I never thought about how these short-term rental locations can impact the local housing market. Hotels (RS Guidebook suggestions) for me from now on.

That video, along with others from the festival, will be posted here once available:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/travel-festival-video-recordings

I sooooo agree with Debbie saying she is glad she visited many hot spots years ago.

I enjoyed this one, also. I agreed with their perspective that repeat travelers are prioritizing experiences over “must do” sites. And sometimes my planned experience is just to slow down & sketch something of beauty in a little village.

Yes, the Amsterdam lodging issue is a complex one with unintended consequences from regulations meant to help the situation.

Tonight’s: “ Europe's Top 10 Second Cities with the Monday Night Travel Team”
Hopefully they’re keeping some of my favorites off of their list! ; )

Second Cities: I am interested in Hamburg. Generally, I have visited the south of Germany, but now the north and heading over to Copenhagen sounds very enticing.