Has Travel Changed You?
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?
Please note: We may contact you based on your comments posted here. Please include your email address if we may contact you.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
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 07/03/2008
Smiles
Laurel <email>
Kirkland , WA USA 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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` 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 01/13/2008
Truman Capote
He traveled in Europe before most of us. In his book Portraits and Observations, he says "In London a young artist said to me 'How wonderful it must be for an American traveling in Europe the first time; you can never be part of it, so none of the pain is yours, you will never have to endure it--yes, for you there is only the beauty."
This too true for me. I could never put my love of Europe into words. Capote just did for me.
Michael McCrystal <email>
Honolulu, HI USA 12/25/2007
Yes, Europe has changed me!
My husband and I went to Europe in the fall of 2006 and can't wait to go again. We went to London, France, Italy and Spain. I fell in love with London. It was my favorite city and we are planning on going back. In fact, the day after we came back from our trip last year, we signed papers to close on the sale of our condo and purchased a house. Part of me wishes we could have stayed in our modest, inexpensive condo so I could travel more often. Owning our home is far more expensive. After visiting Europe I learned just how materialistic we can be here in the USA. In Europe, everything is so much smaller. Smaller dwellings, smaller cars, smaller meals! I don't recall seeing any "supersize it" there! LOL! I learned so much. I met wonderful people! Since I have been back, all I keep doing is finding ways TO GO BACK! Had I experienced Europe before selling our condo and buying our home, I think I would have been content in our modest condo just so I could travel more. However, I do love my home and am now considering doing a Home Exchange just so I can go back.......We'll see. But yes, visiting Europe has changed me tremendously. And, I thank Rick and his wonderful staff for the marvelous travel aides as w/o them, I am not sure I could have got along in Europe as successfully! :)
Vanessa <email>
Mill Creek, WA USA 12/23/2007
Yes, I'm changed...
I have to admit, even up to the last minute, I was nervous to visit Europe. All the bad publicity I seemed to hear overrode the positive encouragements I was learning. But something in RS's books and DVD's broke through. After much thought, I realized it was the fact that he had turned his passion into his vocation and shared it with us. It was like an older brother taking your hand and showing you everything is OK. Enjoy it. Learn.
In the end, it opened up for me the part of life the American culture misses: enjoying quality, not quantity; the personal pleasure of unmasked hospitality; casual concern (a shop owner throwing a beagle bread scraps as the dog's owner selects the nights dinner). I saw culture without over-regulated hangups and it all felt so relaxing and real.
When I returned home, I realized the imprint was there. I wrote to my fellow travelers:
It was an incredible experience to be in Rome. Even though we're home, we find that our senses are still there. A whiff of exhaust, a sudden chill in the air, and suddenly the memory awakes and we're walking up the stairs opposite the hotel, heading for the Vatican wall.
Exhaust fumes and the cold are not the top of the priority list for warm fuzzies, but what a blessing that they now transport us back to four inch gray squares that led us everywhere.
Thank you, Rick. Next year, it's Florence.
PS - John Grabowski, San Francisco, are you the John G who worked at Digi?
Karen D'Amato <email>
San Carlos, CA USA 12/21/2007
My Dream came true!!
My first experience with traveling in Europe was in June of 1994. I went to Paris with some classmates and my French Teachers. What an amazing time we had. It was then I realized that I wanted to meet and fall in love with a European man, preferably a Frenchman.
Then in April 2004, I was able to go back to Europe with some girlfriends of mine. It was this trip that changed my life. Our first city was Rome. I couldn't believe I was there. It was soo surreal. I immediately fell in love with the fast paced lifestyle. Then off to Venice, Luzern, Paris and London. The entire trip was a dream come true and I couldn't believe I had experienced such wonder and beauty. I realized how spoiled and selfish we are in the States and how we take things for granted. When I got back, the first thing I told my parents was that I want to move to Italy to live and work there.
Well, little did I know that a few years later, I would meet a great Italian man and fall in love. We met here in the States and got married in May of 2007. He is in the States on a 2 year work Visa and soon, if his contract doesn't get extended, I'll be moving to Turin, Italy (his hometown) in June of 2008. I can't wait to continue living my beautiful dream.
Sonia Piacente <email>
Arlington, TX USA 12/09/2007
TRAVEL YOUNG!
Traveling has made me into the person I am today. I am only 19, but directly after high school I decided to go abroad. I moved to Cork, Ireland to study abroad at UCC. After the the 6 month long semester, my 4 newly aquainted best friends and I took a 2 month long backpacking trip. We went all over Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It was unbelievabley fun and cheap! If you are young, you can stay in hostels where everyone is under 30. It is less than 10 dollars a night. Yes, you stay in bunk beds with 4-8 people in a room, but its all young people. Its safe, and the people who work there genuinely tell you how to have the best time, the safest places to go out and party, what to see, what is a waste of time.. and unlike most expensive hotels that push tours on you, hostels helped us do everything for cheap. way cheap. If you are studying abroad, your student ID is gold! It gets you into almost every museum and sight for free, you get discounted train passes, discounts on some small flights. I had the most amazing time of my life.
I had traveled to Europe and Asia with my family before, but it was a different experience. We did alot of tours and we stayed in 5 star hotels. Going when you are young and broke with friends is the ultimate adventure. Taking the metro and walking everywhere with your backpack will take you to amazing places. Going out and seeing the nightlife is also all about traveling. When you are sight seeing you might meet others who are doing the same, but if you go out drinking or dancing then that's where you meet locals. I have made some friends that I still keep in contact with and I know I will for a long time to come. I am leaving in 1 month to study abroad again in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will hopefully back pack around south America. I was never planning on studying abroad again, but I have a serious case of wanderlust now. Upon returning to my home town, it was hard to relate to my friends again. Their "drama" and outlooks were so different from mine now. I honestly can say that I am a more chill person after traveling. I realize there is soooo much more to life than what goes on at your school or some party. I can't see myself ever not traveling now.
PS - I found a program that is great to study abroad at... and it was cheaper with room, board, tuition, books, meals, paid excursions, ect. Than my home town tuition with all those things. So I plan to go every year! whoo!
Lacey <email>
Seattle, WA USA 12/03/2007
Italy
I would just like to thank Rick and his staff for all the valuable information in his Italy guidebook. I had to choose one book to carry, so I carried the Italy 2007. I would like to say that I felt very safe in Italy. We used a money belt always and ATMs during the day. The hotels we stayed in from the book, all had wonderful staff that made up for sometimes minimal accomidations. I enjoyed trying to speak Italian. I would have to say my only regret of my Italian adventure was that I should have brought a German phrase book for our stay in Bolzano. What a wonderful city! We stayed here at the end of our trip and enjoyed the laid back feeling they portrayed compared to the fast pace of Rome. I became more aware of how spoiled and fortunate we are in the USA. Ice for example, I love it and truly missed it. America should learn from the Italian highway and public transportation systems. We had never traveled on a train and it was actually a good experience once we figured it out. But thats the fun of traveling right? Learning and experiencing different things. When you go, have fun, embrace the differences and remember how fortunate you are to get to experience a different culture.
Shelly McAllister <email>
Sultan, WA USA 11/12/2007
European travel
My eyes were opened in regards to how the rest of the world lives, or at least the people in Italy, Austria, Germany, & Switzerland. My wife & I had always wanted to travel overseas & watching Ricks programs on PBS made it all that much worse since he always looks so relaxed & happy. February of 06 my boss asked me if I wanted to go train at our parent company just north of Venice. Of course it took me about 1/2 second to say yes. Took my wife with me & spent the entire month of april traveling as much as I could, 6000 km's in a month seemed like quite a bit to me. Anyways we really got into the culture over there, did a lot of walking, attempted to learn the language from the locals, hung out in small eateries, etc. Just from talking to people I was working with over there, watching the news programs, etc, I came away with the impression that we as Americans are full of ourselves. By that I mean we rate ourselves as being more important than we actually are. We then to think that everyone in these other countries envys us when the truth is they really don't seem to care at all about what we do or how we live. They are quite happy & content to live their lives just as their ancestors have been doing for hundreds of years.
Greg <email>
Rio, Wi USA 11/11/2007
Hooked on travel
I agree, Rick's books have become my "Bibles" and I have caught the bug! I now plan a travel budget and try to convince friends/family/coworkers to travel, too...have been to Italy, France, Belgium, London over the last 2 summers....never thought I would see those places. It is emotional and uplifting. I have never felt more alive. Some of my fondest memories are the characters I have met along the way. If I am having a bad day, I channel the pictures in my head from my trips and turn it around!
Wendy
DE USA 11/06/2007
Rick's influence on me
I have posted about this subject several times on this site already, but I went to Europe for the first time because of Rick Steves, and on a Rick Steves Paris city tour. (I did spend a couple of days on my own in London prior to the tour, but followed his guidebook on everything I did). Since that trip 7 years ago I have been addicted to European travel, and have spread my addiction to my family and friends. I've been on 5 more trips since then and can't wait to plan the next one. Visiting Europe and enjoying the culture of several of their great cities, learning new languages (a little), seeing sights I only used to dream of -- has enriched my life tremendously. I still think America is great, but see that other countries are great also, and I appreciate the way they do some things and wish the US was the same. I'd really like to retire to Europe and try to live there pretty much full-time and see what life there is really like.
BG
San Francisco, CA USA 11/02/2007
changes are good
I just wanted to say a huge thankyou to Rick Steves Tours who made my foray into Paris a safe journey, and because I was in London for a course, I went to Glastonbury for two days in between, and met my future husband. As a private guide, he took me to Stonehenge on my birthday,one among many sacred sites.
DEBORAH SOLBERG <email>
COQUITLAM, , B.C. CANADA 09/28/2007
ETBD
From the time I was a child, it had always been my dream to go to Europe. I finally had my chance in 1985, after years of saving until I qualified for a profit-sharing check. I prepared myself for months, going to the bookstore on my lunch nearly everyday and browsing through travel books. As soon as I saw the title "Europe Through the Back Door", I felt as if he really understood what I was looking to find in Europe. I bought the book amd read it over and over (back then it was a very skinny book). I even had the pleasure of attending a slide show travel presentation by Rick Steves in San Francisco. Seeing him live was a thrill. His book (ETBD) became my constant companion through my 6-week trip of Europe, along with Frommer's Europe on $40 a Day, which I relied on much less. I came back from that magical trip and really caught a very extreme case of the travel bug. I began to make arrangements for my next trip, but unable to make up my mind where to go this time around, I decided to quit my 9-5 job, take every cent of savings I had, and freewheel through Europe until my money ran out. What an experience that was! I travelled for about 4 years, and would never have been able to travel for so long without the confidence and knowledge Rick's books gave me. I still eat his books up, buying his books every year, and still travel as often as I can. Several times I have run across Rick on my travels and have often felt that it would be so great to sit and chat with him, becaue I feel like I know him so well after all these years!
operachickie <email>
Concord, Calif USA 09/23/2007
Expat in UK...my take
My time in Europe has definitely changed me. I go home on Sept 17th after being here 6 months. Lived in UK (Marlow England) which gave me narrow boats floating slowly down the historical River Thames. Floating to Windsor and to Henley. Regattas. SwanUpping. Marlow’s Compleat Angler Wine Dinners. London: Theatre, walking tours, Parliament, Big Bend, Patricia Rutledge (SHE ROCKED in the play Office Suite), Wicked, We Will Rock You! The Queen/Phillip, Charles, Camilla, William and all at the rest at the Trooping of the Colour in June. Windsor’s Long Walk. Windsor Castle Pub (after the long walk..it's a must) Windermere Lakes District – Beatrix Potter Land, Wordsworth, sheep and more sheep, hiking the countryside in the Spring (did I mention thousands of little lambs!) Scotland: Women's British Open at St. Andrews—witnessed a major Historical Event. Balmoral, Glenfeddich and Glenlevit mmmm. Harry Potter Train from Ft. Williams to Malliag. Can you tell I loved Scotland? Lochs and Lochs.
Italy: got a full throttle big brain-on here regarding history- Rome/Florence/Venice (will need to go back).
Paris is a well oiled machine. Best Subway, best city (London has some work to do in this category). Loved the Eiffel tower twinkling. Best Bridges are in Paris.
Salzburg--what can I say that you don't already know. Favorite part was the view from the Castle. Strolling the town was wonderful. All things Mozart.
Germany: Experiencing the Rhine between Bacharach and St. Goar= castles and vineyards all beautiful. Countryside beautiful, people (locals not transplants --loved Liddy) are passive -- definitely feel the war. The bad times. They still carry it like anvils around their necks. Understandable. Munich = surprisingly fun, HB beer hall very entertaining …very. Maize Germany (reminder there is more than one station for Maize (make sure you go to Maize HB). Any other and you are hosed and get a feeling that the Third Reich is watching your major mistake by getting off at wrong station. Cost me 10 Euros to get to the right station. Pay ATTENTION!
Ireland: Cliffs of Moar, Doolin (lovely best town to sleep I think and drink--- music was awesome so were locals). Dingle and all were so touristy, but beautiful. Drove from Top to bottom of the country. It’s all good. They love America. It was refreshing. Belfast= interesting. People were real, busy and moving forward. Eating in pubs that were bombed as near back as 90’s was on your mind. Crown Bar, Europa Hotel, Fish Art on Wharf (Historical) Titanic built here. In transition. Northern Ireland: Best Kept secret –Giants Causeway and rope bridge, Ballintoy so quaint.
Switzerland - Berner Oberland amazing-Thanks Rick for that tip! Alps hiking is the deal. Surprised at the LACK of wildlife. I'm a Colorado advocate...and there's no comparison with the abundant wildlife in Colorado. Again, people (local natives) no level of enthusiasm, but lovely country that's what I wanted to see. Global warming is number one on their minds as well. After speaking with a shop owner (of course she asked where I was from--- Texas) the topic of Global W. and President GW was brought up in conversation by her. She expressed her concern with Bush and his ties to oil. We saw eye-to-eye as human beings at that moment. Moving on for now… Zermatt = Matterhorn...got to see it (touch and go on the clouds tho..timing is everything). Lausanne boats/castle was so beautiful. Gentle reminder if you are updating your bank on your whereabouts remind them that while in Switzerland a part of your trip you may be boating to France for the day (Evian)...my bank got confused when I showed up in France. Just a note to self ;)Montreux: Chateau de Chillion- I want to live in this castle, best ever. Tribute to Freddie Mercury statue nice to see - made me happy. All in all I'm a changed person living in the UK. My reality is that I love America. I've learned that there are a lot of things we could adapt in the US that already exist in Europe to make a difference globally ( i.e. cars that offer better gas mileage hello GM ((Vauxhall)) and FORD...you can do it in Europe why not in the States duh?). Bottom line...the best folks in the world are Americans, and that's a part of what makes the world go around. My Europe experience rocked (especially my wallet). Train Tip: when you get on the wrong train (going the wrong way—as I did in Gruyeres, Switzerland and Germany. You just need to stop at the very next station (prob. remote –have to let the conductor know by pushing button to stop too) and get off. Push any button you see on the station wall outside and then wait. If you don’t, you will sit there and watch the next train dash right by w/o stopping. BTW: It doesn’t tell you anywhere in English to push the button, just German and French ;)
Safe and Happy Traveling!
Elaine <email>
Dallas, Texas USA 09/10/2007
water norway
travel is something i have done most of my life. my dad was a traveler so we went Everywhere. my sister and i continue the tradition as do my children. Road trip!!! is all it takes to get them packing and they are all adults now. i normally do not post on any sites or blogs but something that has become dear to my heart has me involved today. i read this article. http://www.aftenposten.no/english/business/article1088191.ece one of my favorite things about Norway is that you Can drink the water. You cannot "see" the air either. how weird is that? the most simple solution for the people of iveland is that people stop drinking voss water. the smallest things make the biggest impact.
kel
stigler, ok USA 08/29/2007
A wonderful sea of change
My wife and I visited Britain in 2003 as our introduction to Europe and we fell madly in love with Britain, travel and so many other things. It certainly changed our lives in an extraordinary and positive way, and it has made us discover so many things about the world and ourselves that I couldn't possilby overemphasize the importance of seeing as many places as you can.
In 2005 we went to France and Germany with the same result: increased desire for travel, history and the arts, and of returning to our favourite spots in Western Europe.
Now we've actually moved to Britain because we loved it so much, and although we miss many things about living in the States, it'll be hard to limit ourselves to spending most of our lives based solely on one side of the pond.
We are forever grateful to Rick Steves and his crew for opening our world to, well...the world!
Troy
Battle Creek, MI USA 08/25/2007
First Time to Europe
I went to Paris, UK, and Ireland in June this year. I'd never been to Europe before, but thanks to RS shows, guidebooks, I caught the travel bug! The trip was amazing, transforming even. Many parts were stressful - just feeling stupid, lost (always lost, ha), but along the way I realized that being out of my comfort zone was a good thing. Met wonderful people all along the way. Parisians are great - warm, funny, helpful. Dingle, Ireland was beautiful beyond words. I would never have undertaken a trip like this on my own without Rick Steves' books - they were my bibles! The memories I cherish most now are all the locals we met, and all those times we felt stupid and lost - they all turned out fine in the end.
Karen Gunderson
Port Orchard, WA USA 08/19/2007
How Europe is changing
Just thought I'd post a link to an interesting and relevant article I found on the Washington Post's website. Food for thought:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A11183-2004Oct30?language=printer
John Grabowski
San Francisco, CA USA 08/07/2007
Two Homes
I agree with Two Homes (John Green). Not about Egypt but about the subtle change made in one by becoming so very familar with another place, another culture. It changes your view of the world and of yourself permanently. I first went to Roma in 1951 and it changed by life. I still go there almost every year but it isn't the fact that it is Roma so much as it is a change in me. My outlook is broader and deeper by becoming so familar with another world. I am still trying to get to Egypt too. Something always seems to come up. Last time it was a quadruple bypass. But some day .....
Charles M. Luther
Katy, Texas USA 08/07/2007
Two Homes
I concur with the idea that a guide to Egypt is needed, but I think it should be through the back door. I've heard too many people talk about the annoying practices (constant harassment) of the tourist wranglers at places like the Pyramids. There are so many other things to see in Cairo besides ancient Pharaonic monuments. Cairo is densely packed with thousands of historic sites, and there are many guidebooks. One pleasant place to go where you are almost sure to meet people is the large zoo. There is a lively night life, a vast area that is covered with famous medieval Islamic monuments, and there are many other more modern structures that belong to the legacies of the British and the French. The city is polyglot--there are almost always people nearby who speak English. I go there 3 times a year and really can't get enough of it. It feels like a second home to me. Travel has given me a sense that I belong in more than one place, and that I can make myself at home anywhere. That's a big change for me!
John Green <email>
Ann Arbor, MI USA 08/05/2007
It's Your Life...
Rick's books & tapes started me out on an amazing life-long journey. My self directed travels have included Italy in 2000, Paris in 2002, Spain & London in 2004, Australia in 2005 and now, Egypt. I have gone with my husband, my husband + my 85-year-old mother, and now, 3 of my colleagues from work. We are heading out to Cairo and the Nile October 9th. What a wonderful way to learn & explore the cultures with which we share this small world. Better than a big house, a new car, or anything else - it's worth the sacrifices! Go, before you can't. Thank you Steve & all your employees. Now get busy and write a guide for Egypt!
Suzanne
Seattle, WA USA 07/17/2007
Life Changing Travels
My husband and I started travelling to Europe 11 years ago. Rick's books and videos led us through our baby steps and we now feel confident in our research and travel skills to travel happily to places for which he has no guidebook. We returned from Spain eliminating butter from our diets - it's olive oil on our toast now! After Ialy, we bought an espresso machine - we use it every morning. We've learned that the world does not revolve around the USA and that not everyone envies us for living here! We pay attention to international news as much as local news. We are patient with those at home who do not speak English fluently. Having been helped numerous times by kindly Europeans in many different ways, we try to do the same for travellers in our own country. We're off to Sicily and Greece in August.
Melinda <email>
Roseville, CA USA 07/07/2007
Travel alone
I am 53 and travel alone. I just visited Switzerland and Austria. I don't want to be responsible for anyone's happiness or security. I really don't want to hear any whining or complaining. I move slow but manage to get in many sites.
B. White <email>
Atlanta, GA USA 07/05/2007
Classical music in Europe
I agree with the remarks about classical music. When you think that Britain alone publishes not one, but *three* monthly magazines devoted to classical music, you know that it's a whole different world musically. I think part of the credit goes to the tradition of cathedral boys'choirs (and also more and more girls' choirs these days), where countless children each year enjoy superb musical experiences and are spared the ridiculous American notion that classical music is somehow unmasculine.
Karen Sandness
Minneapolis, MN USA 07/04/2007
Classical music in Europe
It's a real discovery, a joyous one, to see how classical music is treated by most of the music stores in Europe.
Growing up in the U.S. and loving classical music as I do, I was (and am) always dismayed to see the genre shoved to the back of the store, or downstairs in the dank basement, or anywhere else the management doesn't care about. Classical here is an afterthought--if it's considered at all. As a child I was picked on, laughed at, and even beat up for loving classical music when everyone around me rocked to Journey, Led Zep and AC/DC. I wasn't "cool." I'm still not, at least in the USA.
In Europe I found classical music in the front windows of most music stores, in big fancy displays. Department stores have whole classical sections--huge ones, too. And I mean *real* classical--Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Mahler, Shostakovich, Chopin, Bartok, Stravinsky, Berg--not pop music made over as classical or "Greatest Hits" albums. There are huge posters of all the big stars, but even obscure musicians and works are represented. Clerks are educated about the music, and the customers include everyone from gray-haired old ladies to young kids in designer jeans with backpacks. In some stores you can listen to anything--just break open the shrink wrap! People spend hours in there opening CD after Cd, and the only time the clerk bothers you is to remove the piles of shrink wrap accumulating at your feet. Music students come and go, studying their scores as they listen to performances of the works they are practicing. Posters advertising concerts and musicians are all over the city squares, and conductors and solists are local heroes. How many Americans can name the conductor of their hometown orchestra, if indeed they have an orchestra in their hometown? Tell an American youngerster today that once upon a time the conductors of Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Chicago were as well-known as ball team stars and you get a look of non-comprehension. And PBS has failed miserably in their responsibility to classical music. If it doesn't happen in Lincoln Center and doesn't involve Andrea Bocelli or Andre Rieu, they're not interested anymore.
I understand this is "not our" music and will always be more popular in Europe. Still, it would do Americans good to get acquainted with something beyond dinosaur revival bands and this year's American Idol winner. Europe brings a whole new perspective to music and art, and makes us realize just how provincial we are in the USA.
John Grabowski
San , CA USA 06/17/2007
How Travel Changed Me
I've truly fallen in love with Paris. I took my mother on a brief trip to London, Amsterdam,Lucerne and Paris for her 74th birthday. Of all the places, we both fell in love with Paris. The people were warm and friendly; they even tolerated my high school level French.I'm trying to adopt more of a European lifestyle-more walking, using a market bag, cooking with the best local ingredients.Vive la France!
D.Davis <email>
Norfolk, VA USA 06/14/2007
Keeping it simple
Travel has opened my eyes a great deal. Most importantly, it has shown me that the American dream of a big house, two-car garage and a lot of property are important. Not at all. Countless Europeans have lived in the same small house for generations and don't aspire to those material goals, yet they remain happy and upbeat. I try to be the same way.
Frank <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 05/23/2007
Trust
Biggest change in me after my first trip abroad? I am less fearful and more trusting. We faced no scams, no pickpockets, no taxi "hustlers" only helpful people in Greece. Some say Greece is only to be done after other "easier" countries like UK, etc. I don't agree.
We were safer in downtown Athens (and Santorini and Crete) at 10pm than in downtown Seattle (not that I'd ever leave Seattle permanently).
People on the street really say hi (well, Yasas or kaln mera :) Anyway, wow! My eyes are open to the good in people now.
Robindianne
Seattle, USA 05/15/2007
Change is Good
Travel has truly broadened my horizons. By traveling I am “stepping out of the box” – opening my mind to learn about a new place & culture. There’s the challenge of figuring out the currency & trying to pick up some of the language. In my experience it is always appreciated by the locals. A smile & kind word will truly open many doors. I love meeting people from other parts of the US & from around the world often sharing a laugh & a smile. I have met so many wonderful people & learned so much about our amazing world. It’s such a thrill of seeing the “real” thing/place…& not some imitation (like Las Vegas or Disney World). And to have history brought to life. It’s just amazing to realize the sights I’ve seen date centuries before my homeland was even discovered. It’s always nice to run into American’s & say “hi” & take a minute to talk about where we’re from, where we’ve been & where we are going.
Travel is like a fine banquet with amazing food, companionship, traditions, entertainment & all the experiences that go with it. Returning home is like stepping away from the table & loosening your belt. It takes awhile to digest the whole feast. For quite some time I feel like I’m on the ultimate high from the whole experience. Stories of the trip seem to be endless & many are eager to hear all about my adventures.
Travel is a kind of a feeding frenzy. Trying new foods & enjoying some of the best food & wines in the world. I thought I knew cheese until I walked by a fromagerie in Paris. What an amazing scent sensation! Just drinking in the whole experience like the best wines & beers in the world. In Europe they’re like nothing here in the USA. Pasta in Italy is a whole experience. I thought I new pasta…but nothing like this. Save the McDonald’s & Starbucks for home… experience the food in the lands you travel.
Sue Knabel <email>
Louisville, KY USA 05/08/2007
Travel Moments
Wow Linda, visiting a church where your ancestors were married! Awesome. I had an emotional moment at the Scottish War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle. The Rolls of Honor list the names of Scottish War dead, each regiment with a book. I was curious to see if my Scottish name would be in one of the regimental books, only to realize that my name would appear alongside my 15 year old son's name over and over again in these books, most from World War I. Then I saw my son standing next to an inscription that reads "Their name lives on". I pray for the day when no more names are added to these hallowed books.
Tom
CA USA 04/07/2007
You're never too young!
My husband and I traveled with two friends around the UK 9/06 - what an absolutely fabulous time we had! I was excited for the trip before hand and spent many hours reading Rick's UK book and planing our vacation itinerary - but my expectations were far exceeded upon actually being there. In addition visiting many of the recommended sights, we visited a church my ancestors were married in and given a personal tour - WOW!
Prior to this trip my husband was insistent that we should only take such vacations once we're retired (we are 37 yrs old). He has done an about face since our UK trip - we're taking a London/Paris vacation 10/07 and going to Italy in 2008. And who knows where after that! :)
Linda <email>
Littleton, CO USA 04/03/2007
travel has changed me
Last October, my husband and I toured Italy for 2 and 1/2 weeks and we used Rick Steve's Italy book for the first time and we also attended a couple of his travel classes in Edmonds before we left. I felt his book was wonderful and it saved us so much money and time. I am still using his book presently.
My life has changed because of travel and I happen to be writing this from Italy as my husband is working here temporarily for a large company from the Seattle area and I was fortunate to tag along. I am so busy when I am home in the Seattle area with a job and a long commute to that job. I am always in a rush and I have lists a mile long that have to be accomplished in a short week-end and I am in my car rushing to Costco and loading huge amounts of stuff into my car and then back into my house. While in Europe I walk everywhere and I feel so relaxed. I want to move somewhere when I get back to the Seattle area where I can walk places and have a shorter commute. I also want to leave a smaller foot print on the earth. Of course, I want to travel more while I can.
Susan
Indianola, Wa USA 04/03/2007
first time in europe
i decided about five years ago that i wanted to go to italy. i saved and finally went last october. i spent 11 days and went to venice, florence and rome with my 15 year old niece. it was the most amazing time. i have not been able to stop thinking about it and all i want to do now is travel. i am planning my next trip in about four years to london and paris with my then 11 year old daughter and a friend. i had no idea before i went that travel would really get under my skin. now i want a job that is travel but i haven't found it yet. for now i will settle for awesome vacations every few years.
lauri <email>
murphys, ca USA 03/28/2007
Travel to Europe has changed my family
My very firstr trip to Europe was in 1975, I got accepted in the Nursing program outside of London. I left for United States two years later. I met my future husband who is a world traveler. We have been traveling together every summer. We took our children back to Europe twice so far and will return again. Europe is a gigantic museum, it is full of history. I love the pace of life there, people stop and smell the roses, they enjoy their cups of cappucino in real ceramic with saucers outside the cafe, engaging interesting conversations, sometimes with strangers, it is what the social interaction I mostly miss in this country.
My children have not stopped talking about Europe. Our son was 5 when he first saw Eiffel Tower, he is now 12, longing to going back again and again. We wiill return again in two years. Our daughter takes French in high school, and she was able to practice her French with her cousins in Paris last summer. Using Rick Steves guidebooks have helped tremendously for us traveling in Europe. We will return again in a couple of years with our two children.
S K
Novato, ca USA 03/24/2007
First Trip to Europe
For Christmas 2005, our daughter and her hubby gave us, and his folks, a
2-week trip to Europe in the spring of '06.
The 6 of us spent time in Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and a day each in Pompeii and Bologna. The 'kids' had been to Italy before, the rest of us had never been to Europe.
As my hubby is an artist, we had our own built-in tour guide for many attractions, but we used RS guide books for finding hotels, restaurants, etc.
We came back wishing the USA had better public transportation, and GELATO! :)
We found some Europeans to be very friendly and helpful, and some to be nasty and thieving, just like here at home. (Some things never change.)
We learned that water w/o ice cubes is just fine.
We learned that many Americans, including ourselves, have too much 'stuff'.
It was a dream trip, and I think about it almost every day. In fact, Hubby and I are planning to return to Amsterdam in a year, and then go on to England, Ireland, Scotland the next year!
We'd like to take a RS tour someday.
Daisy
USA 03/18/2007
I have been visiting and living in Hawaii yearly since 1984. Something that someone from Seattle (think RAIN!) can get use to very quickly.
Six years ago, at age 55, I took my first RS tour, and will be taking my 5th this Aug/Sept. What life changing experiences. You bet, sitting here on the beach is great, but, it is mostly the same day after day. Going to Europe is a different experience every day and a real eye-opener. Sorry I did not get to RS years ago, but I will try to "keep on traveling" to Europe every year as long as I can!!
Charlie <email>
Honolulu, HI USA 03/13/2007
Great travel changes
I think Dan's comments were wonderful. His whole family seems involved in travelling. I hope the best for all of them.
In my own experience I have to say my husband has been marvelous. We went to France a few months ago because of his job, but then we went to see my pen pal from high school. It was amazing how little had changed in nineteen years. She put out a beautiful feast, the children played in the inflatable swimming pool, we drank pastis, without enjoying it, we ate her husband's over char-grilled potatoes, wherin he was persecuted by Frenchies and Americans alike, and drank box wine, and then a nice bottle of Rose, followed by very nice Champagne.
My husband, not speaking any French, managed to make great friends with my friend's husband and their neighbor- Who knew ZZ-Top was so big in France?
Anyway, my point is, Europe is great fun for those who explore. Once, in England, my husband and I had to pass through a furniture store on a hike through England. The map led us that way and the employees were very kind. They had intercepted hikers before, but never anyone outside of England.They found us a curiousity, but it was great fun.
Travel has changed me. Now, I am waiting for it to change everyone else.
Lorretta <email>
Houston, Texas USA 03/09/2007
Travel Changed Us
We took a trip of a lifetime (so-called at the time) to Ireland Oct 2006. My wife and I took my Parents for 11 wonderous days. The highlight was when my Father was able to stand in the Church-yard, near where his Grandfather left as a 9-year old lad in 1851 as a result of the "Famine". His baptismal records are still at that Church. Our family's ancestory hunt has come to a dead end there, a foundation left from a Catholic Church that was burned by the British in the 1700's. Along with the Church, most likely our family records; the Church kept such records prior to 1850, and the government thereafter.
We all felt a certain "connection" with this historic country, as my wife had ancestors also from Ireland, which we intend to research soon. It indeed only whet our appetite for a return visit. It's doubtful my Parents will return, but we definitely will. Had planned to do so in 2 years, and now we are not sure we can wait that long. There is not a day goes by that I don't think about our great trip in 06, and day dream about the next one. I guess this is considered a life changing experience!
Dan <email>
WA USA 03/02/2007
Captivated by Europe
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed below by Mr. Woolley and Paul n Sara. I'm planning another trip to Europe this September -- my 6th since 2001. I truly cannot stop going there either, particularly to Paris, where I've been 4 times already. The Parisian way of life & the people are amazing.
Whoops -- It's not Mr. Woolley, but RB I agree with. Woolley is part of the name of his city!
BettyG
San Francisco, USA 03/02/2007
I Know I Know Nothing...
I learned that I don't know myself as much as I thought I did. I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my ife and what I loved but spending time with myself on my solo backpacking trip to Europe made me realize I knew nothing about myself. It was life changing.
Sandra
Puyallup, USA 02/26/2007
The Humanity and Grace of Europe
What an eye opener travel to Europe has been. I bought some of Rick's books years ago and was hooked on the first trip. I go for a month or more every year and will return again in September. What magic to discover a place where people love to engage each other in meaningful, intelligent conversation. Wow, people with depth and attention spans! How fulfilling and deeply entertaining it is to sit in a sidewalk cafe and be surrounded by animated people enjoying each other. Real social interaction! And to travel from place to place on wonderful public transportation systems. Cars are optional! What a lesson it is to interact with people who consume less and live more simply, but raditate more contentment and joy. I found something precious in Europe that somehow we lost in our headlong rush to just where I really don't know (the next SuperSale?). To walk the vibrant streets of Amsterdam, Madrid, Copenhagen, Paris, Istanbul, etc. listening to the music, enjoying the street theater, people watching, and just relaxing into the whole amazing cultural carnival feeds my spirit. I truly need it. I go home, start saving, and return again for another magical adventure.
RB
Sedro Woolley, WA USA 02/22/2007
Help!!!
We can't get enough of Europe.
Please, somebody stop us before we run out of money!!!!!
Paul n Sara <email>
USA 02/21/2007
Travel has definitely changed us!
Last summer, my then 10 year old son and I flew to London, our first stop for a month backpacking in Europe.
From there we went to Bayeaux, France ("Pardon" has an entirely new meaning to us now.) to see the D-Day beaches. I work at a Veterans Administration hospital and I have heard the D-Day stories from many veterans. To actually see where they fought was very moving. You can watch all the WWII movies you want, but to actually walk on Omaha Beach or stroll along the white crossed in the cemetery where over 9,000 Americans are buried brings it all home.
We saw Paris, Zurich, Innsbruk (where I passed a kidney stone and the health care was excellent), Florence, Rome, Athens, then went to Sofia, Bulgaria. I took my son there for a life lesson. Sofia looks like the stereotypical communist city with the high rise apartments, the enormous smoke stacks belching out pollution and the overall melancholy mood of the city and her people. Sofia had a tremendous impact on my son and though we saw some of the great sights in Europe, my son still asks me questions about communism and freedom.
The World Cup found us in Budapest in one of Maria & Istevan's apartments (thanks for the recommendation Mr. Steves!). Since rail travel west was choked, we spent several days in Budapest and we fell in love with the city. If you have never had real goulash, then I recommend that you go to Hungary just for that.
I could not help but smile the other day when there was a commericial on TV that showed the Colosseum in Rome and my son said, "Hm - been there and it was really cool."
We left our hearts in Europe and we will definitely return and this time Dad will join us.
I think the greatest impact our trip had on me is that I think America should take lessons from Europe with the mass transportation, economy cars, etc and become more thrify. I know since my return I "think green" more than I used to.
Jamie <email>
Pearl, MS USA 02/20/2007
Can't live without travel
My first trip overseas was to Russia (then the USSR) in 1974 - I was in college and my major was Russian. Talk about an eye opener! Watched all the time, restrictions on everything you did and said. After 4 weeks traveling in country, we went to Prague. Talk about a change! We were warned NOT to speak Russian and the invasion was still fresh in their minds.
In 1976 I got engaged to be married and my husband's dream was to tour Europe. We toured by ourselves with Fodor's Europe on $5 a day for 4 weeks. And yep...it was $5 a day back then. We started out with $1000, and came home with $400. Eurail passes and youth hostels.
It was 20 years before we could return. We took a bike trip to France, returned 5 years later for a bike trip in Italy, and have been going back every 2 years since then.
For my daughter's college graduation, all she wanted was a trip to Europe, so we sent her...she'd been to Israel her junior year in high school. She had the bug.
My son went to Spain for a month while in high school for a language immersion program. He talks all the time now about going back to see England or some other country - I know he will.
Travel is important for all ages.
Travel is the most wonderful gift you can give yourself, or someone else. It opens the world to you. It's important to see how other cultures interact with us. It's important to see what is becoming of our world, the pollution, the crime, and the wonderful pieces of art.
Travel is life changing and I for one cannot live with out it now. It's my escape from my everyday world, it's my chance to be a person of the world, not just my hometown.
EB
CO USA 02/20/2007
Has travel changed you?
Travel changed me as child, as my blue collar family always made it a point to see the USA, and later other parts of the world when they had more money. My wife did not travel at all until we married. For many years, she would be on vacation and want to return home, saying she was homesick. Last year we spent 3 weeks in Europe with an aggresive schedule that took us to 8 countries and 14 cities. She was hooked! We are now going back for 4 weeks this summer! To see someone else intoxicated with seeing the world, is for me, priceless.
Kris Wiggs <email>
Hughson, CA USA 02/19/2007
Travel has influenced my life
I took my first trip to Europe as a teenager with my family a few decades ago, and it made me aware of issues of urban planning and transportation as no book or article could have. (No, really! I much prefer the look of European towns and cities to American sprawlburbia.) This awareness was only heightened when I lived in Japan during graduate school. Since then I've tried as much as possible to live within walking distance of essential stores and services and to take public transit as much as possible.
Karen
Minneapolis, MN USA 02/16/2007
Travel, back door style
I love back door experiences when I travel. About a half hour outside of Salzburg, there's a small town few visit: Oberndorf, Austria. On a cold winter's night over 100 years ago, the pastor, faced with a broken organ, picked up his guitar and introduced the world to his newly composed song: Silent Night.
I was there one winter, sitting in the back pew of their small country church. One of the ladies of that city got up from one of the front pews, and as she left, smiled at me and said "Schone Kirke" (beautiful church). At that moment, humble though it be, it had all the architectural awe of Notre Dame in Paris.
Cary Tamura <email>
Brea, CA USA 02/09/2007
Travels Abroad
I took my first trip to Europe in the fall of 2004. I landed in Dusseldorf and headed to London the very next day to meet a tattoo artist. From there I traveled to Interlaken, London, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, Cinque Terre (where I stayed in the wonderful town of Rio Maggiore for 9 days. Meet some of the best people there. There is a wonderful lady who runs the cafe-tobacco shop, please stop by and see her) From there is was on to Nice, Monaco/Monte Carlo, London, Dublin, Belfast, Derry, London and finally back to Dusseldorf to catch my flight home. All in all I was in Europe for 2 months. I regret ever leaving. The feeling that I had while traveling and still have just talking about it with people is undescribable. It is so hard to put it in words. You learn so much about yourself. Since then I have been back twice for week long trips with friends, but there was nothing like the experience of doing it by my self. The European way of life is so wonderful that I plan on living there full time one day, if ever given the chance. I hope that your travels are safe and prosperous, and may you all find what you are looking for...
Kurt <email>
Atlantic Beach, Florid USA 02/03/2007
Month long trip to Europe
My husband and I decided to take our 18 year old daughter and 2 of her friends to Europe and Britain for a month last fall. I used your 2006 travel guidebooks to plan the entire trip. Starting in London,we then went on to Bath,Newcastle, Aviemoor, Edinburgh, Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Avignon and ending in Paris. It was an amazing experience for all of us but seeing these places through the eyes of 3 teenagers was the best part. It was unexpectedly easy, though time consuming, to arrange all our flights, trains, and accommodations by using your guidebooks. We were never disappointed and often spellbound at the beauty and diversity we experienced. Our favourite place was the Cinque Terre and we all definately want to return there one day. Travelling with 3 lovely young ladies was a bit of a concern to me at first, but I never felt unsafe or worried about their safety when they spent the day on their own. Europe is much more geared to travellers than we are here in Canada and everywhere we went we felt welcome and amazed. Thank you Rick for the wonderful advice you have in your guidebooks. We all commented on how many people we noticed were using your books everywhere we went. It made for instant friends and valuable pointers along the way. Thanks again. We all hope to return to Europe in the near future.
marie s <email>
vernon, BC canada 01/29/2007
Feeling Connected
Travel has helped me feel more
connected to my own ethnic roots. Like most of us third generation European-Americans, I was raised with almost no 'old world' tradition. To me, my (partial) Italian lineage has meant little more than a vowel-laden last name that no one seems to be able to pronounce. After visiting Italy a few times though I now feel somewhat connected to my own past. I have learned some of the language. I have seen beautiful works of art and architecture. I have enjoyed the natural beauty and great culinary tradition of that wonderful country - and marvelled at it's often cruel yet fascinating history. Most of all though, I have some sense of my own history.
Jeff N. <email>
Home of Daaaa Bears, IL USA 01/23/2007
Changed by Travel
Oh, yes! I first traveled to Europe in 2000 at the age of 46. I traveled with a friend who had never been to Europe either. We read "Europe Through the Back Door" before we left even though we were going on a guided tour (If it's Tuesday it must be Belguim. We took Rick's advice to use the tour as an inexpensive way to travel and skip the "pre-arranged" events and be independent.
We loved it so much we that in 2002 we spent a week in London and a week in Paris; in 2004 we spent a month in Italy (and drove) and in 2006 we spent 3 weeks in England(and drove). In 2007 we'll be in Paris for a week and after that who knows....
After the first trip we've booked all our hotels over the Internet and have been very satisfied.
Travel has confirmed for me that there are many ways to get to the same solution.
On our first trip I was surprised by the graffiti...intellectually I knew graffiti had started in Europe, but I thought they had more sense. I was also surprised by the smoking, cell phones, 1950's store hours and the marvelous public transportation.
Travel has been a marvelous and eye-opening experience and my only regret is I didn't travel abroad when I was younger.
Katherine Porter
Seattle, WA USA 01/21/2007
How travel changed me
My first trip abroad started in London and then went to Paris. Everyone gave me "tips" on what to do and not do. The worst of which was "don't talk to strangers in London, they hate it and will look at you oddly." Yet the best discussions I had were with random people I encountered. A great conversation with on older gentleman started when I was looking at the plaque that marked Eisenhower's headquarters. Another started in Hyde Park with a family looking for the restrooms. One asked me how long I had lived in London! I guess I just felt so at ease there it must have shown. In Paris I had my best experiences in the morning, when I was on my own (my travelling companions were not morning people). I talked with the newspaper vendor, the woman who ran the bakery, the kids at the little market where I got yogurt. This continued when I ventured to Amsterdam and to Belgium. Really, the nicest people I have met in my travels have been Europeans
Travel challenged all of my preconcieved notions about people from other countries; of the "cold" British; the "snobby" Parisians, the fast and loose Dutch - all were thrown out the window. It was a gentle reminder that we are individuals first and members of a nation second. It made me rethink many of my prejudices and made me realize many of my hidden prejudices. I think it also made me look at the world in a less nationalistic light.
Mary <email>
Seattle, WA USA 01/10/2007
Thanks Rick for My Free Tickets
My first trip to Europe was in 1998 and was actually a business trip for my wife to The Netherlands and Germany. I tagged along and saw some sights while she was working (I did feel a little guilty about that but I have managed to live with it. :) That trip was all it took for us to want to go back to Europe again and again. After that trip I happened to catch one of Rick Steves "Travels in Europe" programs on TV and became such a fan that I think I have seen every program he has made since and some before. I will say that I wish he still had his old "Travels in Europe" theme song and his lead in to each program with "Raise your travel dreams to their upright and locked postions. Join us now as we discover the ins and outs of Travels in Europe". I miss that.
In 2000 we went back as a college graduation present for my daughter. We visited Belgium, France and Switzerland. In 2004 Another business/personal trip to The Netherlands, Germany and Austria with my first experience driving on the Autobahn. I loved it. We will be returning in May 2007 to visit Germany and Italy for 3 weeks.
In March 2004 we saw Rick Steves live speaking for a local PBS station in the Atlanta area. Lufthansa was giving away two round trip tickets to Europe. At the end of Rick's talk there was a drawing to see who had the lucky ticket and I was pleasantly surprised when mine was the winning ticket. What made it more special was that Rick himself was the one who drew the winning ticket for me. I shall always be indebted to Rick Steves for drawing that particular ticket. We used the free tickets in June 2004 and had a great time. From that first trip in 1998 until now we have grown so much in our knowledge of Europe, the people, cultures, geography and the "ins and outs" of European travel. We always plan our own trips and use Rick Steve's TV shows and guide books as our main planning guide. By using his book we have received discounts on purchases as well as rooms.
We have great memories of our travels, meeting people and taking photo's of places we only saw or read about prior to our travels and I must say the experience of actually having traveled to Europe far exceeds that of only reading and looking at pictures in books and magazines.
Learning more about other countries, their people and culture has truly been a positive changing expereince for my wife and I.
Lane Clark <email>
Mansfield, GA USA 01/05/2007
Travel has changed me
I must say this is now one of my favorite quotes: "Travel is more than the seeing of sights..it is the change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." Very true to me. I must say that after my month trip to Europe this summer I have a travel bug. I want to do and see more and more. I went half with my best friend backpacking, and half with a student travel company called CONTIKI.I think the best part of the entire experience was seeing everything with 44 amazing people who I met from all over America. I have life long friends and unbelievable memories..the CONTIKI was great because it was so hassle free that all I had to worry about was having the time of my life. I can't imagine not going. check out the website if you want..because this trip made such an impact on me. www.contiki.com
Kat
tampa, FL USA 01/05/2007
Using Rick Steves' Consulting Services and Books
After 5 trips to Europe in 7 years with our now almost-adult child, I have to say absolutely yes - every trip makes me want to return and to travel even more, both in Europe and throughout the US. We have used Rick Steves' consulting services in planning 3 of our trips (helping plan our itinerary and getting basic guidance, such as not to even consider driving in Rome (oops, ignored that, big mistake!!), have used his language books to learn how to be polite (saying hello, asking for directions, ordering in restaurants, etc.) in Italian, French, and German, have purchased his maps, and have purchased a new guidebook for the last 4 trips. (We purchased the 2006 guidebook for the UK for our Christmas 2006 trip even though it was our 2nd trip there because it was WELL worth the money on all of our other trips.) We travel frugally - no 5 star hotels (heck, we're lucky if we're in 3 star hotels). We usually reserve places with at least a refrigerator so we can eat at least one meal at "at home." In the US, we often camp. Most of my friends in their 40s-60s have never been to Europe because they think it's expensive. Yes, the airfare is pricey in the summer, but otherwise, it's no more expensive than traveling in the US (and less expensive than NYC). The information we've received from Rick Steves' advisors and books has been invaluable.
Becky <email>
San Jose, CA USA 01/01/2007