December Travel News

Hi from Rick: The Beauty of Travel

The beauty of travel is in the myriad things you experience, and how you open up to let it all change you. In the last year I've marveled at how vintners on the Greek island of Santorini shape their vines like little bonsai cradles to gather the precious dew each morning and protect their grapes from the afternoon's harsh wind and sun. In an almost too-colorful back lane of Lisbon, I've looked into the 80-year-old eyes of a fado singer wrapped in widow's black as she mixed grief and hardship into her musical cocktail. Under the dark sky of a Sicilian Good Friday, I've swayed with the spiritual rhythm of a small-town crowd… Read more

In this issue

Keep on Travelin' Gift Guide

With Rick's great selection of guidebooks, luggage, accessories, tours — and a dozen new TV shows on DVD — finding that right thing for the vagabond on your list has never been easier… Read more

Rick Steves' European Christmas

Watch Rick's Christmas TV special free and on-demand, read Rick's behind-the-scenes memories of filming it, and try out recipes for traditional European Christmas dishes featured in the show… Watch the show

Lake Orta, Italy

Nature and Romance in Italy's Lakes District

Northern Italy's seductively beautiful lakes district — in the shadow of the Alps — seems heaven-sent for communing with nature. Though just an hour north of Milan, this area feels a world away… Read more

Winter in Mürren, Switzerland

Cameron's Blog: Christmas in Switzerland

Some Christmases are forgettable. Others burn bright in your memory. For me, the Swiss Christmas of my fondest dreams came down to those live candles on the Christmas tree… Read more

Forum Discussion: How Busy Is London in December?

dooger54 writes, "My wife and I arrive in December for 5 nights in London, our first visit. I am trying to decide whether to make advance reservations for restaurants and sites like the Tower…" Read more

Rick Steves in Bern, Switzerland

Video of the Month: European Travel Tips & Tricks

In this quick preview (and in the full-length version) of his newest travel talk, Rick illustrates how his lessons from a lifetime of travel can help you travel smarter and happier… Watch the video

App Bite of the Month: The Best of Ancient Rome

In this new track from the Rick Steves Audio Europe™ app, Rome guide Francesca Caruso recommends the best places to feel the centuries of history that surround you in the Eternal City… Hear the track

Tour News: Comparing Rick's 2019 Italy Tours

Comparing tours is like comparing top-rated wine: Deciding to go to Italy is pretty easy (it's all good), but figuring out what to see in a single trip makes the choosing part a lot harder… Read more

Boarding the train to Mürren in Grütschalp, Switzerland

December Savings on Rail Passes

The early bird gets the rail-ly great deals. If your 2019 trip plans are looking firm, buying a discounted (albeit nonrefundable) rail pass in December can save you a bundle... Learn more