November Travel News

Hi from Rick: Slowing Down in Salema

Imagine a beach town so small that the bakery is a little three-wheeled truck that rumbles down its dirt access road each morning…where every restaurant is family-run and known for its grandmother as much as for its signature dish…and where, in a lazy policy of peaceful coexistence, tourists grab the sun while retired fishermen grab the shade.

This is Salema, on Portugal's Algarve — my favorite beach town in Europe. With a delightfully sandy beach and a few bars serenaded by the tranquil strum of a steady surf, it's what I look for in a small town.

When I first came to Salema in the late 1970s, this little fishing village was one of 20 discoveries (I called them "Back Doors") that made up the bulk of my first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door. Thankfully, most of my original… Read more

In this issue

Rovinj, Croatia

Idyllic Istria

Croatia's westernmost outcropping, nestled up against the Italian border, doesn't draw the crowds that flock to its southern shores, but it's made-to-order for any traveler looking for a mix of Roman… Read more

The Remote Rewards of Scotland’s Orkney Islands

On a recent trip to Great Britain, I decided to go somewhere I've never been before: the Orkney Islands. Perched just an hour's ferry ride north of the Scottish mainland, these islands are… Read more

Cameron’s Blog: Alternatives for Avoiding Crowds in Rome

Skip the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum? That's a shocking idea for many travelers. But if you want to avoid crowd headaches, Cameron Hewitt suggests undiscovered gems for your next trip to Rome… Read more

Video of the Month: Market Day in Beaune

To enjoy any small French town at its vibrant best, it's worth visiting on its market day. And the townscape of Beaune, lassoed within in its medieval walls, is as French as you'll find anywhere… Watch the video

Rick Steves’ Europe Calendars

Just in time for the holidays! Enjoy helpful travel tidbits and beautiful photos from across Europe with Rick's new wall and desk calendars… Read more

Forum Discussion: Driving in Germany

Summer writes, "My mother and I will be traveling to Germany next May. We were thinking about driving, but since we have never driven in Germany (or any other foreign country) I wanted to know if…" Read more

App Bite of the Month: Coffee Breaks in Hungary

Two guides from Budapest share how to enjoy a cup of coffee like a real Hungarian and what you need to know before going on a trip to Hungary… Hear the track

Save $100 on 2020 tours!

As a bonus for booking a 2020 tour, we're offering a $100 discount per-person on all itineraries. But hurry! It's only good through November 30… Book now

December Tours on Sale

Looking for a last-minute winter holiday? Check out the savings on several December departures… Book now