Archive: Has Travel Changed You?: 2008
Rick Steves wants to hear from people who had never left the country before using Rick's guidebooks or going on a Rick Steves tour. Please let us know how your worldview changed as a result of Rick's influence on your travel . Did you meet someone abroad who made a dramatic impact on your life ? Has traveling overseas changed your views on America?
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I'd call it an Extreme Makeover.
Yes. I only went to Europe the first time because I was selected to coach an American soccer team on tour. That was in 1990, and I have returned for 18 more trips. I feel that I have gained understanding of many cultures and as a history addict, I have gained vast, first hand knowledge, especially of WW II. But, most of all, I have seen the villages that my ancestors came from and they all lived in small, rural towns like I grew up in (the place that made me afraid to travel so far away). The irony of this discovery is only outweighed by the question that it created in my mind. Knowing how fearful I was to go over the first time, how did they have the courage to leave such a place for a totally unknown life in the U.S.?
Ken Andrews <email>
Penfield, NY USA Wed 11/19/2008
Italy
Italy Has Changed me Forever. Can't sleep, can't eat American food, can't work. It is best to immerse yourself into the daily lives of Italians and just blend in.
Peggy Dreisinger <email>
Issaquah, WA USA Tue 11/18/2008
Italy oh how I love thee
There is no question that travel has changed me. The only real question is how much. My first trip abroad was to Italy (and briefly England). One of the most striking things Ive noticed is how much we as Americans consume in comparison to our Italian bretheren. The Dolce Vita in Sorrento, Naples, and Rome is unlike anything I've experienced in my many travels around America. The pace of life, the passion of the people, and just the everday experience of seeing how the other half lives has completely changed my views on what is important and has sent deep into thought on how I successfully move there and live it full time!
Chris <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 11/05/2008
Has Travel Changed Me?
Have I been changed by travel? I think I have, because my first international trip was to Italy when I was four years old. It opened my eyes to the world as a whole. I knew there were places that were different from what I saw in Canada, that history could stretch back through millennia rather than years, that all cultures had validity.
For those simple reasons, travel is still in my lifeblood. When I come home from one trip, I immediately begin planning another three.
Marjorie Stevens <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Mon 09/29/2008
I found my passion!
I travelled to Germany briefly for work in 2005 and had an insatiable urge to go back from then on. I went to Italy last October with a friend, at that time I knew of Rick Steves travel shows on PBS here in Seattle, but didn't realize all the other resources he had, but while we were in Italy I saw so many copies of his guidebooks in every language and I thought that he must really be on to something. This year I'm off to the Czech Rep, Poland and Berlin armed with my Rick Steves guidebook and after attending two classes at the travel center and spending hours reading this graffiti wall and I feel so much more informed! But it's more than that; I am going to Europe with my sights on not only seeing the place, but the people too! I have found my passion and it is travel, it is learning through doing. There is a quote from Rick that hangs on my office wall it says "Travel is freedom...one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is intensified living, with maximum thrills per minute. It's recess, and we need it!" Every time I read that, I remember that I work to live and it's ok that I don't live to work because I'm always planning my next adventure!
Kristy <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Wed 09/10/2008
Has Travel Changed You
I "studied abroad" at the University of Edinburgh for a semester last year, and fell in love with it so deeply that I transferred to being a full time student. While over there, I traveled around Europe with a friend who introduced me to Rick's guidebooks. I can say I am now hooked! Whenever we were at loss of what to do next, we "asked Rick", and have some great stories to tell as a result. There's a little gelato bar kind of hidden behind the violin orchestra in St. Mark's Square. Walking around the square eating gelato (we didn't get yelled at...) at sunset on our last day in Italy was a moment I'll never forget. Little moments like that, and my whole experience in Edinburgh has changed my life. I've made friends from all over the world. A friend from Scotland came to stay after her CCUSA experience, and I really enjoyed taking her around my home state, Virginia. Next semester we're planning a Northern Scotland roadtrip basing ourselves in her home. To me travelling is all about experiencing and exchanging cultures, and being open minded towards others.
Emma <email>
Edinburgh, UK Sun 09/07/2008
Loved it so much, I may move there!
To Rick and Staff:
I was greatly blessed by an 8 week study abroad excursion to Europe last summer. I never expected to have a tenth of the experience I received. My sponsors from the college I attended were faithful Rick Steves patrons and encouraged all 18 of us students to get copies of the guidebooks. We were never lead astray through their advice. I remember off the path pubs, restaurants and hostels that make up the memories of my trip. While the students that went on the trip were from two separate schools, we still keep in touch. Me and some of my friends here in Portland even made them "Rick Steves is my Homeboy" t-shirts and sent them as gifts. I just wanted to say thank you. I know you'll probably never read this, but at least it's out there. I enjoyed myself so much and received the opportunity of a lifetime! I'm even considering moving to Europe with a friend! Thanks for all of the great info.
Jenise <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 09/04/2008
How travel changed me
My trips to France and my pre-trip delving into French culture has helped me understand myself better. My ancestors came to the U.S. via Canada from the west of France and the Paris area, and it has been - I don't want to trivialize it by calling it a thrill - wonderful and deeply fulfilling to visit these areas. My travel in the U.s. has balanced these visits. In many, many ways, Europeans have got it right. I try to enjoy life more, following their example.
Mimi
Upper Midwest, USA Tue 08/19/2008
How Travel Changed Me
It has been 33 years since I've been to Europe. It changed my view of other people in that we are all pretty much alike more than I realized. The people I met were nice, helpful, interested in sharing about their countries. I shared my conservative views as an American and surpised some of my fellow travelors but it was fun to engage them without confrontation. One Austrian college student asked me why we (Americans) left Europe in the first place. I told her religious persecution at first, then in the 1800's just because they wanted their own land to farm and make there own way. I didn't realize how other countries really don't know that much about America, how we started out or about Americans now. She also thought we were all dying over here because of lack of health care. I told her no ones dying, I'm a nurse, if you need medical treatment the hospital will treat you or they'd get sued. She was so glad to hear we weren't all dying over here. I made friends with people from the countries I was in, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, but also with people from Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, China. We are all just people and have the same emotions and desires, love our families, etc. It made me more aware of how much we are alike.
Kris A. Berger <email>
Whitewater, KS USA Tue 07/29/2008
Learning is a two-way street
I first traveled abroad in 2001, a three-month backpacking trip using Rick Steves' Best of Europe. A great trip that literally changed my life. However, while travel abroad certainly opened my eyes to many, many things, I think ignorance about other places is not only an American trait.
I've lived in Europe more or less constantly since 2003. I'm often struck by how many prejudices and misconceptions Europeans often have concerning the US. I don't think it's entirely (or even often) America's fault, though the denigration many expat Americans like to heap on their home country doesn't help.
In reading Rick's articles, I think he focuses too much on educating poor, benighted Americans. We're not always the ones who need to learn.
Andrew <email>
London, UK Thu 07/17/2008
er Smiles again
I'm sat here reading your posts and smiling. You people "get it". I wish my husband did. Travel hasn't so much as changed my views of America as filtered them. Now I get my news from the BBC. I haven't traveled to Europe as much as many of you. Three times to Paris and many times to the U.K. My travel journals are wonderful things. Reading them even brings back smells.
Laurel <email>
Kirkland, WA USA Thu 07/03/2008
Angels in Scotland
I had a similar money-belt experience in Scotland and it challenged my suspicious American nature. I lost my money belt (containing my passport)on a day trip from Inverness to Lewis and didn't realize it until I was back in Inverness the next morning. The owner of the B&B (Duncraig Villa) called the tour company (Puffin Express) whose owner went out and searched their van for me. The B&B owner also called Caledonia Macbrayne Ferries who called back within the hour to say they had my money pouch (passport and money in tact.) I was due to pay and check out from Duncraig Villa that morning but couldn't pay her until the end of my day when I got back with my money. I left my luggage with her as collateral, but it was completely unnecessary. She was far more concerned for the recovery of my wallet and passport than when she was about getting paid. I didn't know people like that still existed. The kindness of all of these Scottish strangers had a lasting change on me. I feel like if I had a problem in Scotland I could approach almost anyone for help.
Kimberly <email>
Georgetown, TX USA Sat 06/28/2008
Germany Through the Back Door
Thank you Rick for making my first trip to Europe (Germany and Salzburg, Austria), a life-affirming event. You are a travel genius and a good luck charm for travelers!
My husband received the airfare for our trip as a masters degree gift from his mother to visit her former homeland. Together, the three of us took a three-week tour of the country, using Rick's book as our primary tour guide. Doing ETBD is the only way to go. Since both my husband and mother-in-law speak fluent German, the language thing was never an issue for me, but, as someone who only speaks English, I found the Germans to be loving and kind when I made my feeble attempts at their language.
Favorites include meeting The Night Watchman in Rothenburg (he'd recently visited my state) and yes, he is the Seinfeld of Germany!, hanging out with the English Conversation Club, especially meeting Hermann the German, Wolfgang, and Frau Liese (who showed me all her Rick Steves' memorabilia) Note to Rick: Send her another letter. She misses the letters since you've gone to email! :-) In Bacharach, we stayed at Pension Lettie and tried to help her hook up her wireless network. (Note to readers: Ian, from ETBD, was actually coming to Bacharach to review the data in the guidebook. Lettie assured us that Rick does this every year!) In fact, any time we used the book to find our accommodations and/or restaurants, we were always delighted.
We were surprised to find no information on Meissen, the Mosel region, or the Weimar region since these are clearly up and coming areas for tourists. Please go there--your guidance was missed!
Finally, seeing Germany through the back door, allowed me to find the winery with my family name, to see where my mother-in-law grew up and lived behind the Wall, to meet long-time family friends, and especially, to celebrate Germany's wins in Euro Cup 2008. Between Rick Steves and my family, my European adventure has given me a greater appreciation of art, (go Pieter Brughels!) of human kindness, and of how to live a simpler, less-stressful life. I can't wait to go back.
Kim Rathke <email>
Layton, UT USA Fri 06/27/2008
Restoring Faith in Humanity and Money Belts
Experience in "honest" Oban, Scotland: I am a seasoned and paranoid traveler especially when it comes to my money belt and passport. Listening to Rick over the years and 20+ European trips I make reasonable efforts to secure money, plastic and passports.
However on a recent trip to Scotland, I was using an aged and worn money belt. Somehow the threading unraveled on the strap and I lost the belt in a pub restroom after wrestling with the belt much of the day. The pub had closed when I realized the loss 30 minutes later. Gone were my passport, lots of cash and 2 credit cards. After sleeping a couple hours and beating myself up over being so careless (not really) I traced my steps of the prior evening. AFter a breakfast when I could eat nothing I walked to the police station. The bobby on duty was shuffling through a book of papers while I frantically explained my dilemna of a lost money belt. In about 30 seconds, he said: "We have it". And in the money belt was every cent, my credit cards and the passport. A worker at the pub where it worked its way loose had found it and turned it in 4 hours later. Scot law entitles the finder to a 10% reward, however the kind soul refused the reward. Of course, I insisted the police provide it to her.
Besides being a blessed and lucky person, I learned several lessons.
1) All humanity is not dishonest,
2) Check your money belt to ensure it is up to the trip.
3) Never take your money belt on a pub crawl
Paul <email>
Atlanta, USA Wed 06/25/2008
Thank you Rick!
I am 61 and my husband is 65. We had never been to Europe. With the help of Rick's books and this website I did months of planning and we took to the plunge for 3 weeks this June. The history and museums we saw in France & Spain were eye opening. The different cultures, how helpful the people were was just amazing to me. I couldn't have done it without the books & the travelers helpline! We even ran into Rick walking down the Rue Cler! We will definately be returning soon.
Ambrosia <email>
Mar Vista, CA USA Fri 06/20/2008
New Lifestyle Expectations
After somewhare reluctantly making a first trip to Europe, I was blown away by what I learned on that and following trips. We Americans are pretty insular. The young fellow pumping gas at the gas station in Killarney and the older groundskeeper at the hotel in Waterford had both traveled to the US. They are world travelers of modest means. Buy a one way ticket, get a job when you get there and live like a local until you're ready to go home. Not quite the way we Americans usually travel. It is, however, the way we could travel. I learned that a slower pace of life is more enjoyable. Spending an evening in a Versailles park with the neighborhood residents; getting away from a hot hotel room by wiling away a late Sunday afternoon reading a book on the Champ du Mar, watching kids play and being spectators at the pick up soccer game; and a relaxing dinner on a Velance plaza with the local folks while watching neighborhoods kids on skateboards helped me realize that it's not about how much money you can make and how much time you can put in at work. Earn less, live in a smaller house, drive a less expensive car, enjoy your family, neighbors, and life more. While I'm not there just yet, my values have been changed by what I've seen and done in Europe. My wife & I decided to move & to take less demanding jobs so we can look at the sun on the Sierras while we sip our morning coffee, get together with our neighbors for a cup of coffee, a few jokes, and a some tall tales, enjoy a neighborhood pot luck dinner, attend a band concert in the local park, hang out at the local library reading magazines we don't subscribe to, and (hopefully) spending more time traveling.
Terry <email>
Sparks, NV USA Fri 06/13/2008
Good people, great memories.
I just ret'd fr my 1st trip to Spain & French Catalonia, France.I loved the Barcelona,Catalonia & French Catalonia sigthts but people's heart & sweet nature topped it all. There's history, centuries of influences in the foods, wisdom, customs, just they way the go about life.
For ex: In Barcelona I learned of my Grandmother's death & the hotel help who was there when I received the news rushed to give me their support,water,their sympathies.
In Collioure,France, a woman who could not communicate w/ us in either Spanish or English took the time to signal us how to turn around out of tiny street, walked w/us as we drove down the main street & actually guided us into a cul-de-sac where the Hotel Princes de Catalogne was located. Yes the euro is expensive these days & we paid more than prob. 2 yrs ago but the way people treated was truly priceless.
I encourage Mr. Steves to write a book dedicated exclusively to the Catalonia regions, the country quiet beauty, castles, the rural turismo in the district. Thank you for your attention. Walnut Creek, California.
California Traveler <email>
Walnut Creek, CA USA Wed 05/28/2008
Bella Italia!
We just returned from an amazing two weeks in Italy. We never thought we'd travel to Europe! Rick's insight, attitude, and budget tips allow the "common man" to travel abroad--and for that we are eternally grateful! Our favorite places were Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Venice. Also visited the wonderful city of Rome and the breathtaking Amalfi coast. The scenery far exceeded our expectations--but the surprise was the kindness of the Italian people. Connecting with these people is what we cherish most about our experience. We stuck to the guidebooks and Rick's TV episodes when it came to booking hotels and choosing restaurants. We were very pleased with all of Rick's recommendations. We even met some of the people featured on Rick's shows (which was really cool!) Our travel to Italy has changed us--it's an education you have to experience first hand--not just read about. Our next trip will be London, Paris and Amsterdam. Can't wait! Thanks again Rick!!!
Angie and Tim <email>
Bath, ME USA Wed 05/28/2008
Memorable quotes
Two conversations have changed my thoughts of Europe and how I travel there the most. One was in a museum of religious artifacts in Siena, where I overheard a woman saying how it was almost criminal that we were just looking at these precious religious arifacts behind glass. What would the people say, she pondered, that had made them, to find out that they were no longer being used? Just really made me think. The other was the conversation I had with two British girls on a night train to viena. They told me I was the first American they had met that was able to really understand that not everyone wants to be an American and that just because another person may be poorer by our standards doesn't mean they are unhappy or want the life I have. When they got off the train, they told me "we'll be talking about you when we get back to Britain". Made me really think about the difference between just touring around and thinking as you tour.
Sarah <email>
leonardtown, MD USA Wed 05/14/2008
It's true...Travel Broadens the Mind!
I am a graduate of a Travel & Tourism -Flight Emergency Service Diploma Program. I have held various Travel-related positions within the Industry.
Travel is both my passion and profession. I believe Rick shares that passion. It doesn't get any better than that!
If someone were to ask me which Travel Writer I admire most...I would undoubtedly answer: Rick Steves.
I have learned so much from his knowledge and experience. I feel that learning through his experiences has not only made me a better traveller but a better Travel Professional as well. Rick has been "the one to watch" since the start of my Career over a decade ago.
Rick has taught us so many practical, traveller-focussed skills.
I especially admire Rick's "carry-on only" concept. I adopted this style of travel years ago and there is no turning back. Thanks, Rick, for all that you do. Here's to many more successful years educating the Travelling Public!
Flight Attendant
Canada Wed 05/07/2008
Paris will never leave me!
At age 38 I finally got to Europe. I would rather travel than breathe! We went to Paris for a week and every day I came back to the hotel exhausted- not from all the walking- but from being so full of memories and sights and delights- I felt like a saturated sponge!
My highlights were the scary catacombs (I love ghost hunting shows and this fit the bill!!), enjoying my new Catholic faith in Notre Dame Cathedral and my first shrine experience at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, eating fresh strawberry pie for breakfast and dinner every day of my trip, our picnic under the Eiffel Tower in the garden and watching all the dogs play. The history that passed by us as we walked thru the neighborhoods. Twenty years after French class- speaking French all day long to everyone.And on and on...
When I see a picture of anything from Paris, I feel a longing and joyous and sad at the same time. I miss it like a friend you don't see often, but who stays in your heart in the between times. I know there is a bigger world and my little world here in the US in better for knowing it.
AL
Atlanta, GA USA Wed 04/23/2008
Looking for Europe in the United States
I recently went to Italy, and found Rick Steves' books invaluable. I constantly overheard myself saying to my wife, Maria, Rick Steves is right. I avoided a lot of wasted time in museum lines by ordering in advance like Rick says. I went to Sorrento, instead of Naples, and was glad I did as the Circumvesuviana swept past the graffiti lined stops in Naples and headed to the beautiful cliff side towns of the Amalphi coast. I also took the public bus drive down the Amalphi coast, a Rick Steves' suggestion, and was glas I did. Stunning coastal cliff scenes. Rick's books gave me a deeper insight into why the Italians behave the way they do, and this leads to avoiding errant initial impressions based on the way as an America, I think. I love the way many things I picked up or purchased in Italy says "Made in Italy". You won't find that in the United States, and I think that's part of the reason the quality of goods in the U.S. is cheaper than in Italy. My worldview has definitely changed due to travel in Europe, especially Southern Italy. People in southern Italy seem to enjoy themselves more - which is what Rick Steves calls La Dolce Vita. The United States has a suburban atmosphere, which limits the opporunities for socialization and entertainment. Generally, in the U.S. you need to drive everywhere to do anything. In Rome, just go outside and walk a block to purchase your ingredients for dinner! I find the U.S. far more boring than I did prior to traveling in Rome. Although the U.S. has cities, too, they are generally unsafe where guns on the streets abound. Although the 2nd Amendment must be honored as part of our Constitution, I can see why in Europe banning guns is a good idea. I also find Americans grossly ignorant of the Italian lifestyle mostly due to the cultural prevalance of the Protestant work ethic. Italy in one word is Quality. The U.S. in one word is Quantity. Unfortunately, I can't find Europe in the United States.
John J. Bannan <email>
Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA Thu 04/17/2008
Don't wait too long.........
Our daughter and her husband treated us to our first trip to Europe in
2006--Amsterdam, Rome, Pompeii, Florence.
We liked it so much, we returned to Amsterdam just last month. (Took us that long to save up!)
Now we are thinking of Florence again, plus Venice. (Husband is an artist.)
We are both retired and know that it's just a matter of time before one of us won't be able to travel, so we are hoping to do lots more before we croak. Also on the list--Ireland, Scotland, England....look out, here we come!
Margaret
USA Wed 04/16/2008
The Master of Travel
Traveling is fantastic. Im not sure about all you other "Rick Steve-ians" out there, but personally i think that i owe all my wonderful travels experiences to The Master of Travel (Rick) himself. I always go to the places that he recommends in the videos and tv shows and on the radio and my traveling experiences have been nothing short of life-changing.
Last year i went to Spain and I sat on the Spanish steps. Im sure you have all heard of the myth that if you go to the Spanish Steps, your true love will find you there. Well Pedro found me indeed. We've been dating for an entire year and i think he is going to propose soon.
My advice for anyone thinking about traveling - go for it! You wont regret it, just listen to The Master of Travel, he'll guide you every step of the way.
LK
Pegrove, AL` Wed 04/09/2008
Culture Shock
The biggest surprise on my travels has been the culture shock - not when I;m immersed in a strange culture but when coming back HOME!!!! That is the moment when all the experience from the travel abroad start to sink in and I start to see my life at home in a whole new perspective.
Beatrix <email>
Calgary, Canada Sat 03/29/2008
Traveling in Europe
I came late to traveling to Europe at age 50, but over the last eight (8) years I have been fortunate to make four (4) trips to Europe. The single most important thing I have learned from the guidebooks of Rick Steves is having the right attitude.
This past February I had a mid-winter break from my elementary teaching position. So, I hopped a plane and went to Paris with a side trip to Brussels. Of course, I was asked about the French by many when I returned.
I simply said the French are overwhelmingly polite, helpful and accommodating. Everywhere I went from museums, to train stations, restaurants, hotels, etc. I could not have met any nicer people willing to help me in any way they could.
The day I arrived in Brussels was a bit foggy in the morning and my cab ride to the hotel was through a part of town a bit on the rough looking side. Yes, at first I thought I had made a mistake. But, after unpacking I remembered the Rick Steves saying, "No grumps allowed!"
I left the hotel, found a frite shop, then went on my way to learn about the city that is home to the European Union. I had a delightful stay, met many wonderful people and had the greatest beer in the world plus some super food.
My travels have taught me what so many already know-try and meet people halfway when visiting another country. You will learn and experience so much more of their culture when you show consideration for their language and customs.
Europe has allowed me to see myself and this country as just one part of a much larger picture. I have broken through a number of stereotypes and misconceptions as a result. I always start my planning with books, travel festivals, etc. from Rick Steves because he is so positive in his approach to what can be gained from traveling to Europe.
Tom James
Bothell, WA USA Mon 03/24/2008
To Travel is to Learn
I have always wanted to travel and see the world. When I was in college, I met many students from around the globe; France, Germany, Italy, England, Norway, Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, Etc. Just listening to them talk about their culture and country was truly fascinating. I had hoped to take one of those posts -graduating trips and see the world. Unfortunately, it never happened. Still, I had always had the desire and dream to one day begin this adventure. It was until many years later, that I actually decided to fulfill this dream. It's kind of funny what actually motivated me to take the leap and pursue this goal. It happened during a weekly social poker game. A young couple, new to the area, joined us for a night of fun poker games. Of course wanting to learn something about them, they told us about a 3 week trip to see the 'Tour De France.' They don't a speak foreign language and planned the trip totally by themselves. I was amazed at this! Their description of what they did and how they did it hooked me! I knew then that I had to go. So, I started doing some research in bookstores and online.
I had heard of Rick Steves 'and had watched some of his shows over the years, along with his support for public television. I read many travel guides and visited many travel related websites. I found Rick Steves' guides to contain many practical suggestions and tips, and to be the only one that offered what I consider "inspiration." His writing style, wit, knowledge far out shinned others that I had read. He essentially brought travelling down to its basic elements, with clear and concise information for budget minded travelers. This is not to say that other guides are bad, because they all have wonderful information and tips, but I found for me that Rick Steves ' guide provided the motivation to just go!!!!
So, after completing the planning for my very first European adventure, I boarded my flight in July 2006. My goal was to spend two and a half months traveling Europe seeing and learning as much as I could. I knew I would not see everything, but as Rick Steves' says 'plan on coming back.' I travelled alone meeting many new people and sharing experiences along the way. As a result, I've gained many new friends and many invites to come and visit again. Ever since that trip, all I can think of is 'where will I go next, and what will I learn. '
If you want to learn more specifics of my trip, such has where did I go, what did I spend, and how I did it,etc., feel free to contact me. One of the things I did after the trip is I put together a DVD slideshow that I share with family, friends, and anyone else who would like to learn. As Rick Steves' says "Keep on travelling!"
Thanks very much Rick for all your inspiration!
Mike <email>
PLYMOUTH , MA USA Sat 03/22/2008
It's ALL About Exploration
I'm an only child who grew up seeing all the wonderful California State Parks. I loved the hiking, the smells and sounds of nature and the people my parents and I meet on the trails. Even at a young age I knew "it" (exploration) was something special.
In college I did a world wind trip of Europe with the boyfriend. I lacked knowledge. Who knew that Geneva was on a lake or that Rembrandt's The Night Watch was so huge? Daily, I was amazed by the people, the sites, the food. The hospitality. I was hooked.
I am blessed to be able to travel each year and look forward to retirement when all I can do is travel. I want to do everything I can to limit the concept of the ugly American. The middle aged woman who made me cringe in the Louvre as she was screaming, "Harry, Harry, where's that damn Mona thing. Can't they put signs up in English?" Travel keeps me centered and sane. It makes me smile.
I will sing, I will go and never ask me why...I was born a rover and a passer by-Torrence.
Claudia <email>
City of Angels, CA USA Fri 03/07/2008
Why did I wait so long?
Up until my early thirties I had never had any desire to travel, especially outside of North America. I had done a few small trips, e.g. across Canada, Florida and Cuba but nothing beyond that. Things changed when my then girlfirend took a job in London, England while I was still in Canada. I had planned to come and visit her for a time in December. It was this trip that really ignited my passion for travelling.
For the three week trip I had planned a bit in London, then up to Scotland to visit relatives then off to Italy for a couple of weeks then Austria and Netherlands before heading back to London. It was a great trip and the only thing that I regreted was waiting so long to travel!
I absolutely love travelling now. I planned that first trip using Rick Steve's books and it was thanks to his TV shows that turned me onto them. I actually wish he had a book for every country as it would make the job of choosing a guide book easier.
Since that first trip I have returned to Italy for another long visit and once again used Rick's books and DVDs. I find planning the trip to be exciting in and of itself.
Finding a love of travelling has opened me up to wanting to explore more of the world than I originally thought I would. Each time I sit down it's hard not to plan a trip to somewhere I've already been and fell in love with and with each new trip I fall in love with a new piece of the world.
Last year I headed to Greece and loved it. I'm surprised that Rick doesn't have a guide book for Greece yet but he does have useful information on his Web site which I used.
Greece is a great place explore and the best time is in the low season. Don't get turned off by the term low season as it doesn't mean the middle of winter during the rainy season. In Greece low season runs into June. I travelled in May and the temperature was in the mid to high 20's (high 70's, low 80's for my American friends out there). Crowds were almost non-existant, prices for accomodation were about half of what they are in high season. The only downside was that the ferry schedule was a little sparse that time of year to some of the islands off of the beaten path. If you want the whole scoop on Greece shoot me an email and I'll send you my synopsis of my trip I've written up.
I've gotten the travel bug so much that I'm planning trips well into the future. My wife found a list of places to visit and asked me when that was for and I told her that was our retirement trip. Doesn't sound strange but we don't retire for another 20 years!
I'm also currently using Rick Steves France to plan a 2016 trip to centre around the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (WWI).
I know Rick has some guide books on the museums of Europe and what I wish he also had was a guide book to the historical military sites of Europe. Having a background in military history maybe I could help you write one Rick!
My travel plans for a while are going to be put on hold as my wife and I are expecting our first child this fall but I am already planning trips for as soon as we can take them and to share my love of travel with our child. Would it be wrong to read them Rick Steves' travel guides as a bedtime story? LOL
Happy travels.
Chris Boettger <email>
Dwight, Ontari Canada Thu 02/28/2008
Mind bending toilets!
Travel has broadened my mind. I know this is rather cliché and EVERYONE says it, but it really is, or should be, true for travelers! Aside from seeing great sights, learning how Europeans live, work and play and trying local foods, I have learned there is more than one way to flush a toilet! We, who grow up in the States, with one sure fired method and assume that every loo in the world works the same way. Imaging how mind opening it is to first use a potty in Italy, that doesn't flush, or one in Germany that pushes a button! I think for me that was such a huge part of my education that it made every my first trip memorable!
Kathy Vernam <email>
Lostine, OR USA Thu 02/21/2008
Europe family travel
For the last 5 years, 3 generations of my family have traveled together over the Christmas holidays. We have seen Paris, Normandy coastline, Rome (twice), Pompeii, Florence, Assisi and London. The children (who are now 7-12yrs) have loved the experience and so do the adults. We stay in apartments and love grocery shopping with the locals. Travel is a wonderful education for all ages. We balance our activities - from museums to soccer games! Can't wait for our next adventure.
Susan <email>
Dallas, Texas USA Mon 02/18/2008
I love history, art, languages and culture. Travel helps me put a face to my studies. It makes it real.
Travel has also made me realize how amazingly fortunate we are in America. What we consider poverty level, most of the World sees as well into the middle class if not rich.
I've been to places I considered equal to the US - Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc. The American dream of owning your own home is out of reach for most Europeans. The opportunity to reach the level of your ability and ambition isn't reality in most of the world.
The world is great and full of wonderful people. It's a shame Americans don't realize how great we've got it. Not that we should feel guilty about it, but that we should stop complaining about not having more.
Brad
Gainesville, va USA Mon 02/04/2008
Travel - Don't wait till next year
Rick's TV shows were the push I needed to cross the Atlantic for the first time at the age of 50. Rick demonstrated that it was affordable, the language barrier easily overcome, and one could find their way around without the need of a guide. My traveling partner comments that "Rick needs to put his hand in his pocket some time". What he means by this is that Rick's recommendations are not pricey and top-of-the-line. He misses the point! Rick reveals that cost should not prevent someone from traveling since it can be done inexpensively.
Walking through the cities and countryside of Europe is exhilarating and broadens one's views. I think Mark Twain said something to the effect of "travel cures bigotry". That's not the exact quote, but it is the message. Since my first trip I've been to England, Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. I loved them all and now look forward to more European trips and then visiting the other continents. I stress that it can be done on a tight budget. I'd advise anyone not to wait...travel now, learn, and open yourself to new experiences.
Tom C. <email>
Staten Island, NY USA Wed 01/30/2008
Being a Lifelong Learner
I never thought I would be traveler until the summer of 2004. That summer a friend of mine decided to explore London and Paris. Somehow, I was persuaded and went along. For a person that never really left home, it was a huge step for me to be in 2 foreign countries. London was magnificent, although I encountered misunderstandings between British and American English. It was fun and it made me want to learn more about the people and culture. (differences and similarities) Paris was an adventure, especially when I struggled with the French language. I still don't understand why people say the French are rude because 99% of the people I encountered were helpful and kind. Many went out of the way of help us. After that vacation, I went to visit Rome, Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris again. I still say that 99% of the people made me feel welcome. That's more than I can say about people I encounter everyday. I am constantly trying to plan vacations to learn more about history, culture, and people in general. I have learned to understand and celebrate differences in people. I feel I have really broadened my perspectives about the world, and I love sharing it was others! When I travel, I truly feel alive! I will always thirst to learn more.
Bunny
Union City, CA USA Sun 01/20/2008
How travel changed me
My wife and I were sort of considering our first European trip in 2005 and an acquaintance recommended Rick's ETBD. We bought it and it started an itch we can't quite scratch.
Our first trip was to Italy, and I had Rick's guidebooks with me the whole way. I am of Italian heritage, and going there was like finally returning home. It changed me to my core, giving me an entirely new outlook on life. I will never forget it. I still want to retire to Tuscany.
Just before we left Rome, I caught a bit of CNN on TV. Wolf Blitzer aired a 15-minute interview with the French Foreign Minister, who was in Washington, and they discussed Iraq and other affairs of the world. When we arrived back in the states a couple of day later, the US news was dominated by Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, and the runaway bride. I was struck by the comparison - the future of the world vs. the tripe we call news here in the US.
I just bought Rick's books on London and Paris, and that trip is scheduled for May of this year. I love the fresh perspective he brings to things.
Tom Iarossi <email>
South Jordan, UT USA Sun 01/13/2008