Europe Through the Back Door

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In general, I think it would be great to have a "Locals Suggest" section for various cities. If a tourist asks me where to go in Seattle, first I'd ask what they are after and then I would have my own ideas about where to send them. The Market, the Space Needle, the Ducks??? Maybe, but if they want to see the real city I might send them to the Fremont Market on a Sunday or to the Egyptian or Harvard Exit theatres for a movie, Ezells for some friend chicken, some seedy pub in Sodo or Georgetown for a beer... Rick has his own ideas about what places to visit but lets hear from the people who know best, the people that LIVE there!

Andy Royer in Vashon, WA USA 06/11/2008

Congrats on the upcoming Istanbul book, but where is Greece? It's time for a stand-alone Greek book. It's a complicated country that could use a simplified book.

James Reinbold in Norman, OK USA 01/09/2008

Not really a correction, but rather an amendment I'd like to see in future books is to not apply the "Ugly American" label so perjoratively as if it were only Americans who can be boorish in Europe. I've been on tours, cruises and other ways of travel throughout Europe and have encountered just as much, if not more, rude behavior from British, French, German, or Japanese tourists as I have seen from Americans. I understand the popular "Ugly American" stereotype, but I've found it to be more accurate to refer to that type as "Ugly Tourists," as opposed to singling out Americans, who at least see the sights, as opposed to some European tourists who I've seen treat countries not on the Euro or Pound as a bargain-shopping extravaganza and make no effort to get to know the culture or see what's there.

Erik Anschicks in Chicago, IL USA 11/25/2007

I just wanted to say that Rick Steves is my "travel God". When we moved to Sicily in 1996 I took all his books and used them everywhere. It was the only book I used when I backpacked with my 11 year old daughter. We were in Sicily from 1996-99. Now we are moving back and I cant wait. We took full advantage of life in Europe and we will do it again. My friends call me "tour Guide Barbie" and it is all thanks to Rick Steves that I am not a tourist....but a traveler.

Christie Malone in Oak Harbor, WA USA 08/24/2007

Keep on traveling and letting us know your experiences and others. I loved every minute and can't wait to share it with my sons.

Lisa Sutton in Franklin, Oh USA 08/06/2007

Advise travelers if they are booking accomodations at places not included in your book to check traveler feedback sites such as tripadvisor to see what other travelers said.

Kevann Lamkin in Azusa, CA USA 06/15/2007

RICK STEVES IS MY HERO. NO REALLY. HE IS.

Ronnie in Los Angeles, CA USA 03/31/2007

Add Canadian Embassy information, not all of your readers are American. This book is one of the best sellers in all of the Chapters book stores across Canada

Kevin in Kamloops, BC Canada 03/06/2007

I would have liked to see a chapter or section on LGBT travelers in the special concerns section. Just as I have concerns about traveling as a solo woman, I also have concerns about how my lesbianism is perceived in the different areas of Europe. If I have an unwanted advance from a man, as exampled in the womens section, will saying I'm a lesbian get my point across or get me killed? I think it would be a good improvement, and one that theoretically is relevant to at least 10% of your readers.

Anica Mercado in Corvallis, OR USA 02/15/2007

So far, I haven't finished it, but am really enjoying it. I am living and working in Europe, but wanted to see your tips for traveling throughout other countries while I am here.

Maile Rough in Muehldorf a. Inn, Germany 02/05/2007

While I enjoyed the information overall, I could do without the liberal political commentary. I purchased this book for advice on European travel for a first-timer, not anti-American propaganda. I don't judge Europe by their high-tax, quasi-socialist, big governments - to each his own. But, as a proud American who loves our way of life, I found it disheartening to read that Mr. Steves seems to have nothing good to say about America. Just as we should not judge Europe because they do things differently, he should show the same courtesy to his own country.

Mike Smith in 23832, Va USA 12/22/2006

While it mentioned this as a requirement in Spain, it was not clear whether it's recommended or required that travelers make reservations on trains if they have the Eurorail pass. We hope to go to France/Belgium/Germany/Austria/Italy and I have read both Europe through the backdoor and Europe 2007 by Rick Steves but while there are hints of making reservations there are no clear guidelines as to where and when to make train reservations (nor how). Thank you.

Heather in Anaheim, CA USA 12/11/2006

My feedback doesn't really fit the structure provided on this site, but I wanted to offer my accolades for the book in general and for page 365 where the authors very delectly explain our country's current policies and the way they are perceived in Europe. This was said very carefully, but the fact that it was said at all in a publication of this type was very courageous. Thank you for saying something that needed to be said.

Raymond T. Denny in La Center, WA USA 07/25/2006

I wish that you had the book in a large text version for the sight impaired (or just those with tired eyes).

Nancy Johnson in Edmonds, Wa USA 04/24/2006

While I realize Rick cannot cover every country, I wish he would add one: Romania. It is rough as sandpaper in many areas, but there is so much beauty especially in: the Carpathian mountains; the lovely city of Brasov (with the real Dracula's castle), the charming city of Constanta by the Black Sea; the Transylvania region, etc. And the prices there are still fabulous!!

Alan Lamm in Mount Olive, NC USA 04/01/2006

Please update the cost of renewing a passport. It is out of date in your book. It cost me $67 to renew it and you have it listed for $55.

Alejandro Fernandez in Elk Grove, CA USA 02/10/2006