LET ME START OUT BY SAYING THAT I AM IN NO WAY A PAID SPONSOR, NOR AM I AFFILIATED WITH ANY TRAVEL COMPANY (AGAIN, I’M JUST NOT THAT COOL). I REALLY AM JUST A GIRL, WITH A TRAVEL CRUSH ON A BOY NAMED RICK STEVES. YES, HE DOES REMIND ME OF NED FLANDERS FROM THE SIMPSONS, BUT IF YOU CAN PUT THAT ASIDE FOR A MOMENT, YOU’LL SEE THAT WITH HIS HELP YOU WILL NEVER NEED TO WASTE MONEY ON ANOTHER TRAVEL GUIDE AGAIN.
Photo Cred: http://mcguirebarber.com/Rick-Steves
WHO IS HE? Rick Steves is a native Washingtonian who has been writing travel guides and books and hosting shows and podcasts for over 30 years. Most of the locations he focuses on are in Europe, where he spends about 1/3 of the year doing research to ensure that the information he publishes is as current as possible.
WHAT DOES HE DO? He writes amazing travel guides for most European locations. The books provide his unbiased, unsponsored recommendations for where to eat, stay, sightsee and everything in-between. He even offers free podcasts that you can download, including walking tours of museums and cities.
WHY ARE HIS BOOKS BETTER? If you’re looking for a Fodors picture book, this aint it. Rick (we’re on a first name basis) only provides the information necessary to make the best decisions for your trip. As an American traveler, he tells you what you need to know when you need to know it, including what to look for on the menu and approximately how long you’ll be in line, with scary accuracy. Recommendations span across all budgets and styles of travel and is the only book I bring along these days. He’s never let me down on where to go or what to do and is always very honest when he thinks a place isn’t worth visiting.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Europe, sit in one of the few Barnes and Nobles left and check out his books. If it seems like it’s your style, pick it up and thank me later… or write me a massive check – whatever you prefer.
