Travel as a Political Act Forum
In his newest book, Travel as a Political Act, Rick Steves reveals how a life devoted to travel has profoundly shaped his personal view of the world...and his politics. It's also a guide to how thoughtful travel can broaden every person’s perspectives, challenge outdated assumptions, and create a force for peace in the world.
How has travel shaped your own world outlook? Do you agree or disagree with Rick's opinions? Please share your thoughts in this special forum.
Steves and Rah, Two Different Perspectives
I just finished reading Travel as a Political Act and I want to thank Mr. Steves for providing us with another opportunity to think outside of our little, sometimes self-absorbed world.
I read this book on the tail end of reading another book by an Evangelical Covenant Church Pastor and Professor named Soong Chan Rah. His book, The Next Evangelicalism explores how the current church in America is held captive by a White, Western theology. It was a difficult read and it brought in me a renaissance to once again evaluate my world view and work towards change. I did not always agree with Rah's points he makes in his book. I thought they were generalized and broad sweeping and sometimes inaccurate.
As a neared the end of Political Act I realized why I appreciated Steves' book over Rah's. Steves' book respectfully opened the dialogue of seeing the entire world being held captive to Western culture through globalization, not just the myopic view of only the Evangelical church being held captive. We can all participate in the problem or be apart of the solution. Which leads me to my next observation.
Steves' actually offers suggestions in ways we can get out of our self-absorbed worlds and make impact, both locally and globally that can make lasting changes for the poor and marginalized.
Lastly, thank you Mr. Steves for your willingness to go beyond your comfort zone and explore Iran. There are several Persians that now live in the S.F. Bay Area as a result of the Revolution. My encounters with Persians have always been positive and I find them to be a beautiful and passionate people, unlike what is often portrayed in the media. Your show and the chapter in the book reflects a more accurate picture of Persians that I have come to know. Your travel there made me more willing to reconsider traveling there to learn more.
Kristine
S.F. Bay Area, CA USA 11/05/2011
Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk
I recently discovered the Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk, winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature. What a talented writer! His descriptions of Istanbul are equal to William Faulkner's writing on the American South.
Joe Kiser
Burien, WA USA 10/30/2011
Travel as a Political Act
I came upon the book "Travel as a Political Act"
just recently at a hospital auxiliary sale priced at a whopping 25 cents. What a bargain!
I have learned so much in my travels in the Third World...I didn't begin really experiencing the joy of travel until I started visiting developing countries. I did that after I retired from teaching in 1999 Turkey was first, Viet Nam next, then Morocco..By then I was hooked. Adventures in Tanzania India, Bhutan, Tunisia,etc. followed..
January/February 2010 found my friends and me in Egypt and Syria. Both were amazing countries. The latter was so fascinating and the people so curious about us. What an experience! I fear for my guide and friend Labib as the turmoil of the Arab Spring sweeps through his country. In all of my visits, I met with people who were interested in understanding our country as much as we were attempting to understand theirs. Our affluence, however, allowed us to get first "eye" views. They depend on our media (arg!!!!) and the few visitors whom they meet for a view of America. I am continually amazed at the folks back home who comment "how brave I am to travel to these countries, especially those populated with Muslims! I try to convince them that they are wonderful exciting places peopled with amazing men, women, and children.
Thank you, Rick Steves, for saying so eloquently what I believe. I must admit I didn't know much about you before I read this book...except that you have trips I couldn't afford! Now, I realize that both of us travel with the same philosophy! I don't have many heroes on my list, but you definitely are there now!
ShirleyC. Foster
Ferndale, CA USA 06/19/2011
Working in our world
I just finished the book & can only say "bravo."
Having traveled internationally since I was a young child, I know how travel has shaped my world view throughout my life. I've taken groups to Guatemala both to learn more about the lives of poor women & to do volunteer work.
We host international students through Christmas International House each year during the winter college break so that our daughter is exposed to young women from different countries.
I believe we should take the $12 billion a month we're spending on war & spend it on food, education & healthcare worldwide with no strings attached & I believe we might see peace in our world.
Kathi Thomas
Austin, TX USA 01/15/2011
Good history lessons
The best lesson from this book is not the where, the what, or the how, but the why. The history that RS uses to explain why things are the way they are really helped me to better understand that - as others have already noted - we all want essentially the same things in life. I saw him speak in Houston a few weeks ago (which is when I bought the TaaPA book) and felt really motivated to be more involved with the local people when I travel. This book proves it will be well worth my time.
Lloyd
Houston, TX USA 11/28/2010
Morocco
On page 145, Rick writes, Moroccans didn't seem to care about the USA. I spent two weeks in Morocco last fall. Not in Tangiers, but in Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh and El Jadida. I found people to be very friendly toward Americans. While they are perhaps less curious about our way of life than the people I encountered in Turkey, they were quick to point out that Morocco was the first country to recognize American independence. (I fact I suspect few Americans know.)
At Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, all instruction is in English. The university also hosts the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Women's Empowerment. (Granted, this is an elite university far from the grasp of many Moroccans.) As a woman travelling alone, I felt perfectly safe and had no difficulty finding people who spoke enough English to help me find my way.
Heather
Olympia, WA USA 10/24/2010
Political Act
Our niece gave us your book, and it's terrific! We've traveled widely, and on our own, and I couldn't agree more with your conclusions. The world's problems would lessen considerable if people just got to each other's countries. Good for you.
Borg
Mound, MN USA 09/13/2010
Travel as a P.A.
We went to Rick's talk in Dallas last spring and really enjoyed it so bought the book.
I have studied in Germany, lived in the international student dorm and traveled a lot so felt like I am very liked minded. I just now had a chance to read the book and think more people should.
I hate to nit pick but having lived in both Dallas and Plano for almost 30 years I need to know where exactly the fortified yards and chicken wire are that are protecting us from the have nots that he wrote about on page 99?
I work south of downtown in a trauma hospital so see some of the worst mankind has to offer so I am not naive.
Please let me know so I can go by.
Jan
Dallas, TX USA 08/02/2010
Rick Listens
Nobody ever said RS or his staff don't listen. His dormant blog has now been closed. You can read his opinions on his regular travel blog. Don't know who to thank but I suspect a reader by the name of Louisa helped as did Rick's own sensitive employees.
Bill
SC USA 07/09/2010
The Squeaky Wheel
Given the motives behind this book, Rick is way behind in updating his blog on the subject which he last contributed to
on May 10, 2010. It's persistence that wins converts.
It's Independence Day July 4, 2010 - The Fourth of July - and many Americans are feeling patriotic. As a country we are often a quirky, diverse, irascible bunch but we come together on some things: fireworks, music, babies, and pets. People of other nationalities are patriotic too. But often when they come here, or we go there, there is mutual isolation. We travel with or near our own kind as tho in a bubble.
But the drip, drip method of exposure to
others thru personal interface or even reading others' opinions gradually leaves an impression, often positive. So
Rick should add to his blog sooner rather than later.
Bill Kester
Pendleton, USA 07/04/2010
The Dead Blog
I find it hard to believe that Rick has said all he has to say about travel as a political act in this book. As Bill Kester and I have noted, his travel/political blog has been dormant for almost two months. We are all waiting for more opinions and insights from you, Rick. Should it be that there are no new thoughts, then please close down that blog--don't just abandon it and us.
louisa
PA USA 07/04/2010
Travel and intelligence
This is a link to an article on Science Daily reviewing research finding on the link between exposure to cultures other than your own and creativity and intelligence
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630101028.htm
Ellen Watral
Minneapolis, MN USA 07/01/2010
Opened a Young Man's Eyes
After reading this book, I sent a copy to my 19-year-old grandson who is a bit of a home body. Talked to him at length about the book last weekend, and he told me nothing he's read so far has opened his eyes to the benefit of travel like this one. As a result, he's now planning a trip out of the USA to someplace "uncivilized" he said. Wow!
Sarah Bates
Fallbrook, CA USA 06/15/2010
Iran
Thank you for the Iran trip. I have never had the money to travel. One day I hope to go to Greece. What I liked about the Iran trip was to see that the people are no different, essentially, than I am. I want safety, to have a good education, to have a job which allows me not only necessities, but also lots of wants, like my computer. I want love, a family, and joy. I enjoyed seeing that in all the people you interviewed. Years ago I talked to an old soldier from the Korean War, and he told me people were the same everywhere and want the same things for ourselves and our families and here I see it again through your travels.....Thanks!
Carol
San Diego, CA USA 06/05/2010
Travel and Politics
Really love the idea of travel as political action, and kudos to Rick for opening up a great conversation! I do have a lot of reservations about the negative stereotyping of corporations and big politics however. In my view this is an unfair way to shirk the responsibilities that are mostly our own. Corporate interests drive most of the global economy which in turn drives most global prosperity. Most of that is not exploitative, rather the process of bringing more efficiency to economic structures. Poor nations are not best seen as exploited by the rich - rather they are left out of the game. Travel is a wonderful way to help fix that, and bring those in need in touch with those of us who can help. A great way to help... it to visit places, bringing hard currency, new connections, and new ideas.
Joe Hunkins
Talent, OR USA 05/30/2010
leaving it behind
Just wanted to let you know that i was inspired when reading your book to, upon finishing it, leave it exactly where i was so that someone else might pick it up and enjoy it as i did. I actually left it on the beach in the Domincan Republic. I'm somewhat ashamed to say on this forum that i was there for a friends wedding at a resort. I think the spirit of my intention still applies even though i was at a totally unsustainable institution of western invention.
Ryan Friesen
South Bend, IN USA 05/24/2010
Excellent
Hi Rick - I'm reading this book now. Am finding it very good and hard to put down! As a past intermediate travel agent for over 5 years, and one who has travelled extensively through out the U.K. and parts of Europe - you definately grasp the reader with this book...Well done! I'm only in the middle of it as of yet, so can't comment to much - other than to say very good!
Karen
USA 04/01/2010
Travel as a Political Act Review
Travel as a Political Act is a dense book full of observations, nuggets of wisdom, and philosophy from the highly accomplished travel promoter Rick Steves. Rick's usual witty writing style is on full display along with a friendly and encouraging tone. This tone can seem a bit demanding at times, as if Rick is talking down to you. This is almost unavoidable since, instead of promoting just traveling, he is promoting particular political views which you are free to disagree with.
What Travel as a Political Act does the most is provoke thought. Whenever you read some of this book and put it down, you will probably find your brain tingling with ideas, perspectives, and competing world views. Rick, as he has always attempted to do, inspires us to travel with an open mind, see through the eyes of others, and develop more empathy. In this sense, Rick is like a guru who constantly encourages us to develop our intellect, learn from travel, and use the lessons we learn from travel to work to make the world a better place.
The chapter on Iran is enlightening and captures much of the cultural trends within that country. Yet, Rick approaches this country primarily from a moderate Christian perspective, criticizing elements of Islamic beliefs and practices in Iran. This may be virtuous because this chapter both praises and criticizes the Iranian culture and government, leaving the reader with greater understanding and a perspective that Iran is more than just simply "evil".
There are several critiques that can be made about this book which could all serve to improve it and produce a stronger, more inspiring, and more enjoyable second edition. The first critique as that it was printed in the usual softcover small travel guidebook format. This results in the details of the many relevant photographs being difficult to make out at times. It also results in a very small font which makes reading take a little more effort and causes earlier eye fatigue.
As has always been the case, Rick primarily promotes travel to Europe. As he says, Europe is like a wading pool for American travelers, a good place to get their feet wet before venturing into more culturally different and less comfortable parts of the world. This may also be done out of business considerations because most Americans want to travel with a high degree of safety and comfort, they naturally go to Europe first. Unfortunately, Europe since the Second World War has economically developed to the point where the costs of many things are higher than they are in America and the Euro currency holds a higher value than the American dollar. Travel to Europe is now out of reach for the majority of Americans.
Rick encourages us to become world travelers not just physically, but intellectually, by raising our consciousness of world events. He tells us to do this by following world news through unbiased sources. Then he recommends reading The Nation which is a highly biased left wing news source. It is surprising that he does not recommend the news sources in America with the least bias and corporate influence, the non profit PBS and NPR networks which he has his own programs on.
No mention is made of environmental concerns. Traveling can be done in a manner that can be highly enlightening and help make the world a better place, but the more people travel, more pollution is produced. Especially from passenger jets that spew tons of global warming carbon into the atmosphere every year. This is a topic that really needs to be addressed when promoting travel. How does the European Union and its member states regulate pollution, why, and how effective is it? Perhaps Ricks own business interests conflict with the notion that some people need to travel less, not more. Also, the idea that one has to travel to become truly enlightened can be challenged on the basis that learning is possible through books, discussions with others, classrooms, and communications technology.
No mention is made of women's concerns. The New York Times recently published an article that discusses how Sweden is ranked number one in the freedom and empowerment of women in the world. What is it about Swedish culture that causes this? What can we learn from this?
Rick, in one of the small side conversations sprinkled throughout the book, tells us that we should look at statistics and set emotions aside when it comes to the topic of terrorism. This is a very convincing and important perspective on the issue of terrorism that people tend to have a distorted view of and let their fear run wild because of. But when it comes to the poor people of El Salvador, Rick emphases making human contact with these people and remembering their smiles when you are in the voting booth. What is needed is a balance between human emotions and statistical approaches to human challenges. Rick swings from one extreme to the other in this case.
Unlike the more open minded moderate Christian perspective that Rick uses in the chapter on Iran, the chapter on El Salvador uses a Marxist Christian Liberation theology perspective. This chapter only focuses on the plight of the poor, the U S role in their plight, and the U S role in supporting right wing factions. No mention is made of the Soviet and Cuban military and intelligence involvement in supporting the left wing factions. Left wing fighters are referred to as soldiers who died fighting the U S. Right wing fighters are referred to as death squads who only support U S corporate interests.
In a photo of a tour group eating in a restaurant in Morocco, Rick captions the photo saying that it is an example of tourists dining with cliches and each other. In the El Salvador chapter, Rick shows a group of happy American tourists all wearing identical t shirts celebrating a left wing martyr with no critique of their behavior. This conformist and comfortable group of Americans seemed to be engaging in travel as a propaganda act, not just a political act. This chapter on El Salvador suffers the most from what social scientists and statisticians call omitted variable bias.
Bill
USA 03/26/2010
Read the Book!
What a fantastic book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learned quite a bit -- for the first time, I better understand the issues involving the Balkans (and I consider myself to be fairly well educated). This book will be on my gift-giving list for my well-traveled friends.
Robert Williams
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 03/18/2010
Appreciation
Thank you Rick,
I attended your presentation last night in Poulsbo, WA. Your presentation was fascinating and timely. I have been traveling internationally for many years to both Europe and Asia. I wholeheartedly agree that meeting, knowing and understanding that we are all human beings with the same needs, desires and most often values is the optimal way to pursue peace. I have admired your business for years and applaud your venture into social justice and sharing with the world what I consider to be the most rewarding facet of travel.
Linda A Brown
Suquamish, WA USA 03/16/2010
Travel as a political act
I know for a fact that if Rick had been able to visit Nazi Germany or war-time Japan, he would have met hundreds of decent, charming, peace-loving individuals who would have welcomed him into their countries and their culture.
The sad fact is that it is governments with which we must deal in world affairs, not individuals. Of course, it is always a good idea to get the pulse of the nation by visiting and seeing the landscape and the people, but it is simplistic to think that such doings will change the course of a radical and unstable government.
louisa
USA 02/24/2010
Travel as a Political Act
I heard Rick on the fund-raiser for KERA as I drove through Dallas and bought the book as soon as I got home.
It ought to be compulsory reading, but then again the closed minds would not understand it even if they read it.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Iran a number of times and can only echo the observations made in the book.
Phil Terry
Lufkin, Tx USA 02/23/2010
Central Europe
I really enjoy Rick Steves Travel sections. The only thing that still confounds me is use of the term "Eastern Europe" For someone as educated and enlightened as he is, I have no idea why he uses this incorrect phrase. Poland/Lithuania/CZ/Hungry are in fact in central Europe. In fact if anything they are in Western Europe. This is an outdated cold war idea. I would think the Mr. Steves would work to educate people about this fact.
Nick Knight
Laytown, Co Meath, IE 02/12/2010
Travel As A Political Act
An RS reader made the point that travel as a political act is a two-way street. Having been in Europe on business many times, I admire her. Rick may be a little bit too slavish? I could be wrong. Maybe his reception in Europe is because he brings business to Europe? I can remember being kowtowed to in resorts all over as I went there (free) to consider their places for conferences. Rick seems like a good guy. But is he getting the straight scoop. Or is he just another traveling fireman? I prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt - but I'm not certain.
lib
USA 02/04/2010
Travel As A Political Act
I think Rick Steves does his best and learns from others as he goes along. Which is saying a lot because so many of all ages and backgrounds are opinionated without being fully informed. Nonetheless, throwing those opinions out can help us all become educated.
Bill
USA 02/02/2010
Two-way street
Lest we fall into the trap of thinking that somehow Europeans are smarter, more sophisticated, and have a world view superior to our own, let me tell you that I have just returned from a trip to northern Europe and had three people there ask me if it was now summer in my home state of New York. When I assured them the weather at home was very much like what it was there, they seemed astonished.
I also learned that many folks assume that our President rules with absolute authority and needs no Congress to pass legislation which he favors. Europeans can use some travel as an educational tool as well. Travel as a political act is a two-way street.
Louisa
New Yo USA 01/31/2010
weather in NY
Louisa, that is strange. We here (in northern Europe) get global weather forecasts many times a day, and more than half of the news is foreign news. We see just about very day some commentator standing in front of the US congress. Maybe those people don´t watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers.
Funny
Europe 01/31/2010
Perspectives on Travel
I just finished reading Travel as a Political Act and scrolling through some of the comments. I enjoyed the book very much and had a number of "ah ha" moments as I got a new and insightful perspective from Rick. I, too, have read many of his blog comments and that is what led me to get the book. It is a great read and clearly should open the eyes of many. Some of the comments suggest that if you have not lived someplace you really can't understand a country, its people and the nuances. While this may be true, it seems to me to logically differentiate between three different groups of folks who experience foreign travel: the tourist; the traveler; and the expat, either long or short term. I think that this book is from the traveler's perspective and encourages us to be travelers and to incorporate what we see and learn into our lives and actions. I have traveled to about 50 countries and lived in three outside the US. Certainly, I learned more about the countries that I had a chance to live in but those opportunities tend to be limited for many. Many people are fortunate to have opportunities to be "travelers" as opposed to "tourists" and this book provides great insights for them. Thanks Rick.
Lowell Sever
Seattle, WA USA 01/26/2010
More of the same
And now I see that the latest entries in Rick's "Travel as a Political Act" blog are lifted atraight out of the book. That's really not fair, Rick. We enjoy what you write and your particular point of view (most of the time), but please don't feed us leftovers.
Louisa
USA 01/25/2010
Replay
I have just read the book and I think I would have been more impressed if I didn't have the feeling that I've read much of it before on various sites where Rick has discussed the same material or in his television programs, where he has made the same descriptions and comments. Not much new here.
Louisa
USA 01/21/2010
Keep on travelling...
Just finished the book - was one "aha!" moment after another, and I kept reading bits of it out loud to my husband (who incidentally also visited Iran in 1978...). Definitely travel has broadened our perspectives...and it helped having a father-in-law who emigrated to the US from Germany and thus already had a broader world view himself. It's a shame that most of the people who need some eye-opening probably would *not* read this book, but I'll do my best to encourage them anyway! :-)
Liza
Hereford, AZ USA 01/19/2010
Great Book
Dear Rick,
I read your book while on vacation in Hawaii...loved it! It shaped my time there, as well, by reminding me that everywhere we go, even at home, we can open our eyes to the differences around us.
Thank you!
Jacqueline
Menlo Park, CA USA 01/11/2010
Gifts from the book
We had scheduled a trip to visit a friend in Mexico over Xmas. I read the book as a political act two weeks before. Our vision and goals changed. We had Xmas eve with a Mexican family, who have no running water in their house, struggle to put two kids through college. Xmas morning was spent at a party at the local home for girls, where Santa came to visit. The gifts to these children and the family were sparse. Their gifts to us could only be held in the heart. Thanks Rick for opening our eyes and hearts before the trip.
John & Lynne Hart
Portland, OR USA 01/10/2010
Where to next, Rick?
Just finished your book and enjoyed it immensely when not feeling a little bit of Protestant guilt (much like all other guilt). My wife and sister attended your Mpls. talk and brought home your book for several of us for Christmas.
Never lose your love for Europe and for the intersections of cultural conflict.
Do consider three other destinations: Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Based upon what little I know about these places from reading, you'll be stretched some more, and so will we. Africa is truly a sleeping giant and so important to so many Americans and their history. Austrialia is so much like the US -- and not. And the Pacific Islands are yet another place of cultural meetings. And Africa especially is only infrequently brought to us by TV and political people.
Thanks for leading us out -- and back home.
Steve Aldrich
Mpls., MN USA 01/03/2010