Social Activism & Philanthropy

Social responsibility is not an add-on to our company's mission. It is at the core:

"Our mission at Rick Steves' Europe is to inspire, inform, and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live. We strive to keep our own travel style, our world outlook, and our business practices consistent with these values."

This philosophy, which Rick calls Travel as a Political Act, also underpins his philanthropy and social activism.

Our employees also put these values into action through a range of initiatives that contribute to the greater good.

The Rick Steves Fund

The Rick Steves Fund

The Rick Steves Fund brings together the issues and causes that have long been central to Rick's personal giving. We support organizations working locally, nationally, and internationally to strengthen communities, nurture democratic values, and address the root causes of poverty and injustice.

A farmer in Bangladesh

Climate Smart Commitment ™

Climate Smart is Rick Steves' Europe's self-imposed carbon tax on travel. Each year, Rick Steves' Europe invests in a portfolio of carefully selected nonprofits that fight climate change through government advocacy and on-the-ground work. Our goal: to pay our fair share of the environmental cost that our travelers incur, and to do so in a way that empowers communities throughout the developing world.

Rick Steves and his staff

Employee-Directed Grants for Snohomish County Nonprofits

The Employee Grant Making Committee gives Rick Steves' Europe employees a direct voice in supporting nonprofits in their local community. Under the guidance of the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, the Employee Committee reviews requests and provides small cash grants to a variety of nonprofit organizations in and around our Edmonds, WA home.