Rick Steves' Travel

So I'm taking another long trip to Europe, and I'm again reading the trusty Rick Steves' Guidebooks.  I'm sure most people know who he is, seen his show on PBS, or heard his radio shows, but many people who have heard of him, have not read his books.  His philosophy on travel is a good one, and something all Americans should take heed of.  I'm going to post a couple excerpts from his book, and hope you enjoy.


From Rick Steves' Ireland:

"Traveling as a Temporary Local"
   
  "We travel all the way to Europe to enjoy differences--to become temporary locals.  You'll experience frustrations. Certain truths that we find 'God-given' or 'self-evident,' such as cold beer, ice in drinks, bottomless cups of coffee, hot showers, and bigger being better, are suddenly not so true.  One of the benefits of travel is the eye-opening realization that there are logical, civil, and even better alternatives.
     'The Irish generally like Americans.  But if there is a negative aspect to their image of us, it's that we are loud, aggressive, impolite, rich, superficially friendly, and a bit naive.
     'While the Irish look bemusedly at some of our Yankee excesses--and worriedly at others--they nearly always afford us individual travelers all the warmth we deserve.  Judging from all the happy feedback I receive from travelers who have used this book, it's safe to assume you'll enjoy a great, affordable vacation-
with the finesse of an independent, experienced traveler."


From Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door:

"Back Door Travel Philosophy"

     "Travel is intensified living--maximum thrills per minute and one of the last great sources of legal adventure.  Travel is freedom.  It's recess, and we need it.
     'Experiencing the real Europe requires catching it by surprise, going casual...'Through the Back Door.'
     'Affording travel is a matter of priorities.  (Make do with the old car.) you can travel--simply, safely, and comfortably--anywhere in Europe for $120 a day plus transportation costs.  In many ways, spending more money only builds a thicker wall between you and what you came to see.  Europe is a cultural carnival, and, time after time, you'll find that its best acts are free and the best seats are the cheap ones.
     'A tight budget forces you to travel close to the ground, meeting and communicating with the people, not relying on service with a purchased smile.  Never sacrifice sleep, nutrition, safety, or cleanliness in the name of budget.  Simply enjoy the local-style alternatives to expensive hotels and restaurants.
     'Connecting with people carbonates your experience.  Extroverts have more fun.  If your trip is low on magic moments, kick yourself and make things happen.  If you don't enjoy a place, maybe you don't know enough about it.  Seek the truth.  Recognize tourist traps.  Give a culture the benefit of your open mind.  See things as different but not better or worse.  Any culture has much to share.
     'Of course, travel, like the world, is a series of hills and valleys.  Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic.  If something's not to your liking, change your liking.
     'Travel can make you a happier American, as well as a citizen of the world.  Our Earth is home to six and a half billion equally important people.  It's humbling to travel and find that people don't have the 'American Dream'--they have their own dreams.  Europeans like us, but, with all due respect, they wouldn't trade passports.
     'Thoughtful travel engages us with the world.  In tough economic times, it reminds us what is truly important.  By broadening perspectives, travel teaches new ways to measure quality of life.
     'Globe-trotting destroys ethnocentricity, helping us understand and appreciate different cultures.  Rather than fear  the diversity on this planet, celebrate it.  Among your most prized souvenirs will be the strands of different cultures you choose to knit into your own character.  The world is a cultural yarn shop, and Back Door travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry.  Join in!"


Every time I've traveled I've taken these words of advice.  Even though I've read this a million times, it always hits home, at least for me.  162 days and counting.  Can't wait to join in.