Interview Rick
If you'd like to interview Rick Steves, please email Ashley Southwick or call 425/608-4293. Here are some possible story angles:
Story Angles
Coping with the Robust Euro
We Americans have a stubborn "travel streak." When the economy is jittery or the dollar is down, we need to travel a little smarter to turn our dreams into smooth, affordable reality. Here are Rick's favorite tips for doing just that.
Ugly American Sentiment Abroad
Recently, much has been written about Americans being chastised or targeted in Europe because of the United States' foreign policy. Rick believes that although most Europeans take issue with US foreign policy, they feel differently about the American people. The following information, excerpted from Europe Through the Back Door, demonstrates how Americans can keep these "ugly" stereotypes just that.
Safe Travel
Many Americans are nervous about traveling now more than ever. And while the concern is natural, you're safer going to Europe than getting behind the wheel of your car.
Rick's Business
Rick Steves offers a tremendous amount of free travel information through his bi-annual travel newsletter, European travel classes, and his 3,000+ page website. The different components of Rick's business — his tours, travel store, railpasses, television and radio productions, and guidebooks — feed off each other to create overall brand awareness. Furthermore, his business (Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door, Inc.) has grown from a one-man operation to a thriving 70-employee office, and it sells more tours to Europe than ever before. Rick is the author of 30 guidebooks, and his guidebook to Italy is the bestselling guidebook to any foreign destination in the United States. Check out a recent Q&A with Rick about his business.
Rick Supports Public Radio and Television
Rick raises millions of dollars annually for public radio and television. At a time when public radio and television stations are struggling financially, Rick enthusiastically raises money for public broadcasting.
Rick's Travel Philosophy
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. Experiencing the real Europe requires catching it by surprise, going casual...Through the Back Door. Check out Rick's travel philosophy.
Rick's Social Activism
Rick believes that travel is more a vital force for peace than ever. He believes the most effective way individual Americans can contribute to our "Homeland Security" is to travel a lot, learn about the world, come home, and help the United States fit better into this ever-smaller planet. He also believes that America's current stand on world trade and the environment is in the world minority, and that the world's well-being depends on travel so we can understand other countries' policies on these issues. Learn more about Rick's social activism.
Fun Facts
Fans of Rick Steves will enjoy this humorous compellation of tidbits. Check out our fun facts page.