How good is Rick Steves?
Aug 17th, 2005, 09:32 AM
#21
When I went to Italy last year I checked many books out of the library and bought a couple. The one I ended up relying on most was Rick Steves. I especially liked his sections on how to get from one place to another. My most vivid memory is arriving in Rome for a day trip and being totally lost. I opened up the book and his directions for taking public transporation were perfect for me. I also used the Mona Winks and found it pretty good for my purpose.
I used his guide again for my recent trip for Ireland. I have good luck with his hotel recommendations.
One of the B&Bs in Ireland even related her tale of his visit to their home. Last year in Italy, we came across owners of a B&B, a restaurant, and walking tour who all had been visited by Steves. He wanted to place the restaurant in his listing, but the owner declined wanting a different type of clientele. I didn't hear these stories about any other travel books.
I used his guide again for my recent trip for Ireland. I have good luck with his hotel recommendations.
One of the B&Bs in Ireland even related her tale of his visit to their home. Last year in Italy, we came across owners of a B&B, a restaurant, and walking tour who all had been visited by Steves. He wanted to place the restaurant in his listing, but the owner declined wanting a different type of clientele. I didn't hear these stories about any other travel books.
Aug 17th, 2005, 09:46 AM
#22
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I just returned from A Rick Steves Paris tour. I really enjoyed the tour, and found his book most useful for the 7 extra days we spent there using his walking tours, and museum tours.
However, his information about the hotel was out of date. His book listed Hotel Londres Eiffel as "immaculate" It was not: mold in showers, dust built up on baseboards, rugs filthy etc. He claims that every hotel/restaurant is visited every year. He somehow missed on that one.
So, I'd recommend you buy used books, tear out the pages you want and rely on this board or Slow Travel or other boards for hotel and restaurant information.
However, his information about the hotel was out of date. His book listed Hotel Londres Eiffel as "immaculate" It was not: mold in showers, dust built up on baseboards, rugs filthy etc. He claims that every hotel/restaurant is visited every year. He somehow missed on that one.
So, I'd recommend you buy used books, tear out the pages you want and rely on this board or Slow Travel or other boards for hotel and restaurant information.
Aug 17th, 2005, 09:49 AM
#23
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I don't pay much attention to his restaurant or hotel recommendations - but I find his practical information useful.
I especially like his self guided museum tours, which I use as a basic outline of my visit. I'll copy the appropriate pages and bring them with me on the trip, discarding them as I go.
I also like his city walks, but I often find myself wandering off the route and then once I'm lost it's hard to get back on track.
I especially like his self guided museum tours, which I use as a basic outline of my visit. I'll copy the appropriate pages and bring them with me on the trip, discarding them as I go.
I also like his city walks, but I often find myself wandering off the route and then once I'm lost it's hard to get back on track.
Aug 17th, 2005, 09:51 AM
#24
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Rick Steves' guidebooks are not and do not claim to be comprehensive. I find him extremely useful for practical information: whether or not to buy a specific railpass, the detailed directions to the parking lot for Burg Eltz, locations of laundromats, calling to or from Europe, etc. And Europe Through the Back Door is good for encouraging neophyte travelers to go it on their own.
Given the fact that we have limited time to travel in Europe, I appreciate guidebooks that rate places to visit. So I use Rick Steves and the Michelin Green Guides for trip planning. But not exclusively.
But Rick Steves' success means places like Cinque Terre and rue Cler are overrun as are his recommended hotels.
That said, I thought his Paris guidebook was pretty good.
Given the fact that we have limited time to travel in Europe, I appreciate guidebooks that rate places to visit. So I use Rick Steves and the Michelin Green Guides for trip planning. But not exclusively.
But Rick Steves' success means places like Cinque Terre and rue Cler are overrun as are his recommended hotels.
That said, I thought his Paris guidebook was pretty good.
Aug 17th, 2005, 11:19 AM
#25
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Hi lavender:
I always use Fodors first, then the Michelin Green guide and others to gather data.
Then I found Rick Steves and use "RS" first. I do this because the guides' information are basic, practical, stay right to the point, are modest, and easy to understand.
I receive a basic introduction to a new place with modest advice. This brings itinerary ideas to my brain which begins to build a foundation to my plan.
He always provides a historical prespective, sometimes in 'his' own way.
I find great travel logistics. I read and learn useful & practical travel tips and how to enjoy the culture.
This assists me in how to make the most of my time there and make notes.
I photocopy and use the "RS" self guided walks and tours. They carry an interest and are easy to follow.
I make notes of the places to picnic, where to buy simple take out foods and snacks to go.
I make notes of the locations for the Bus, Metro, Train, ATM, laudry, post office, bank, etc. Sometimes, I also photocopy the neighborhood maps for these practicalities.
I have not used any of his modest lodging or dining suggestions but notice that people here, and on other forums do. Sometimes he has a gem or a
'backdoor' as he refers to it. However, I do find the 'backdoors' mainly in his
sightseeing ideas and trip logistics.
Because of his travel philosophy you will always find many Americans in his lodging and dining recommendations. Many are on a modest budget or prefer to travel that way.
Most are 1st timers to Europe or are in that destination for their first time. They don't want to make costly mistakes.
They are there to peel the first layer
of 'their onion' as my grandmother used to say. They are exploring all the
'backdoors' that they are aware of.
Once before I wrote here about "RS".
'He gives people the courage to travel who otherwise would never consider it or who would end up only ever taking a tour trip'.
After "RS" I research here. I receive experienced advice to my destination from the people who have paid out of their own pockets for it. They already have the know how or are capable of getting it before they leave from home.
I note what did and what didn't work out well for the destination.
I enjoy the wonderful dining & lodging suggestions, make notes or print it out.
I read the time consuming trip reports done by thoughful posters. These shape my itinerary with culture, flavor, fun and romance.
I love this forum for many more reasons that could fill a book!!!
Politically, I stay out of it on travel forums. I care more about the delicious crepe stand you found in Paris or the lovely villa you found in Maratea.
His 'Mona Winks' has been replaced by
'Best European City Walks and Museums' book. It is concise, has an art history,
artists & dates, & modern art sections.
In the city guide series, you'll find the same detailed information as 'BECWM'
above. In addition you'll get his suggested sidetrips (ST) from the city. What a Fodorite would call a daytrip.
The country guide series also has the city, with less information but enough
detail so you will see the highlights, and not get lost because of his maps.
His language books are very practical but have no audio to compliment them.
Once you know what you want to see and do, I would photocopy from a borrowed or used copy to keep 'it light'. You can buy them online and older copies are
deeply discounted.
Due to the length of your stay I'd suggest Rome. Wish I had it back with me in 2000. Paris would be my second choice. Personally, I try to avoid taking any guide books. I read alot and take notes. I copy the maps and other stuff or rip out the pages I'll neeed.
As you're only doing cities, carrying 1 book shouldn't hinder the 'light' fact.
Updates for your cities stay, hours and days of operation, logistics, etc., can be found on his website.
Best wishes for your plans!
Di
I always use Fodors first, then the Michelin Green guide and others to gather data.
Then I found Rick Steves and use "RS" first. I do this because the guides' information are basic, practical, stay right to the point, are modest, and easy to understand.
I receive a basic introduction to a new place with modest advice. This brings itinerary ideas to my brain which begins to build a foundation to my plan.
He always provides a historical prespective, sometimes in 'his' own way.
I find great travel logistics. I read and learn useful & practical travel tips and how to enjoy the culture.
This assists me in how to make the most of my time there and make notes.
I photocopy and use the "RS" self guided walks and tours. They carry an interest and are easy to follow.
I make notes of the places to picnic, where to buy simple take out foods and snacks to go.
I make notes of the locations for the Bus, Metro, Train, ATM, laudry, post office, bank, etc. Sometimes, I also photocopy the neighborhood maps for these practicalities.
I have not used any of his modest lodging or dining suggestions but notice that people here, and on other forums do. Sometimes he has a gem or a
'backdoor' as he refers to it. However, I do find the 'backdoors' mainly in his
sightseeing ideas and trip logistics.
Because of his travel philosophy you will always find many Americans in his lodging and dining recommendations. Many are on a modest budget or prefer to travel that way.
Most are 1st timers to Europe or are in that destination for their first time. They don't want to make costly mistakes.
They are there to peel the first layer
of 'their onion' as my grandmother used to say. They are exploring all the
'backdoors' that they are aware of.
Once before I wrote here about "RS".
'He gives people the courage to travel who otherwise would never consider it or who would end up only ever taking a tour trip'.
After "RS" I research here. I receive experienced advice to my destination from the people who have paid out of their own pockets for it. They already have the know how or are capable of getting it before they leave from home.
I note what did and what didn't work out well for the destination.
I enjoy the wonderful dining & lodging suggestions, make notes or print it out.
I read the time consuming trip reports done by thoughful posters. These shape my itinerary with culture, flavor, fun and romance.
I love this forum for many more reasons that could fill a book!!!
Politically, I stay out of it on travel forums. I care more about the delicious crepe stand you found in Paris or the lovely villa you found in Maratea.
His 'Mona Winks' has been replaced by
'Best European City Walks and Museums' book. It is concise, has an art history,
artists & dates, & modern art sections.
In the city guide series, you'll find the same detailed information as 'BECWM'
above. In addition you'll get his suggested sidetrips (ST) from the city. What a Fodorite would call a daytrip.
The country guide series also has the city, with less information but enough
detail so you will see the highlights, and not get lost because of his maps.
His language books are very practical but have no audio to compliment them.
Once you know what you want to see and do, I would photocopy from a borrowed or used copy to keep 'it light'. You can buy them online and older copies are
deeply discounted.
Due to the length of your stay I'd suggest Rome. Wish I had it back with me in 2000. Paris would be my second choice. Personally, I try to avoid taking any guide books. I read alot and take notes. I copy the maps and other stuff or rip out the pages I'll neeed.
As you're only doing cities, carrying 1 book shouldn't hinder the 'light' fact.
Updates for your cities stay, hours and days of operation, logistics, etc., can be found on his website.
Best wishes for your plans!
Di
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:23 PM
#26
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Came back from Paris and Rome in June. Used Steves books.
Rome and Paris guides: OK. A few things wrong.
Mona Winks: Complete waste of money. Too outdated to be of any use whatsoever. Maps/instructions wrong. Redundant information with the tour books. Don't buy.
European History for Travelers: OK if you don't have a high school kid whose AP history book you can borrow. Don't take it with you.
French/Italian dictionaries: OK. Food sections not as good as I would have liked, but better than some I saw.
Rome and Paris guides: OK. A few things wrong.
Mona Winks: Complete waste of money. Too outdated to be of any use whatsoever. Maps/instructions wrong. Redundant information with the tour books. Don't buy.
European History for Travelers: OK if you don't have a high school kid whose AP history book you can borrow. Don't take it with you.
French/Italian dictionaries: OK. Food sections not as good as I would have liked, but better than some I saw.
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:26 PM
#27
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Whatever guidebook you use, have it spiral bound before leaving and take out the pages you find most necessary to take with you.
I've had good luck using Rick Steves' books to help me prioritize my limited time. If I could only take one, it would be his recent replacement of "Mona Winks", Best European City Walks and Museums.
I keep a Word Document for restaurants and try to organize by location before I leave.
I've had good luck using Rick Steves' books to help me prioritize my limited time. If I could only take one, it would be his recent replacement of "Mona Winks", Best European City Walks and Museums.
I keep a Word Document for restaurants and try to organize by location before I leave.
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:45 PM
#28
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Barbara in CT - what an EXCELLENT suggestion about getting guidebooks spiral bound. I am always hacking up guidebooks before I leave. I usually attempt to rely on the bit of binding that is left on the pages I want, but loose pages along the way. Binding is a great idea!
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:51 PM
#29
I read Europe Through the Backdoor years before I ventured to Europe; it gave me confidence. I like the practical info in his books; finding the bus from Malpensa to the Milan main station was a breeze with the specific info. I loved the irreverent style of Mona Winks, and will buy the new one before my next trip. However, I never take whole guidebooks along on a trip; I rip out only the sections I need.
Thanks for a laugh on a LONG afternoon!
Aug 17th, 2005, 02:39 PM
#33
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Wow, must congratulate everyone, this has been the most level and balanced extended discussion of Rick Steves on Fodors that I can remember. No catty irrelevant comments about his hair or clothes, no sniping political debates, no attacks claiming that posters who criticize RS guides are merely bitter and jealous that they didn't come up with the same idea, etc.
What happened??
What happened??
Aug 17th, 2005, 05:10 PM
#34
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>what an EXCELLENT suggestion about getting guidebooks spiral bound. I am always hacking up guidebooks before I leave. I usually attempt to rely on the bit of binding that is left on the pages I want, but loose pages along the way. Binding is a great idea!<
I also spiral bind the photocopies of what I've selected in the guidebooks to take with me. Usually I only bring along the sections on self guided walks and museum tours. I trim down the pages to the size of the guidebook and separate all the sections into separate booklets by city - so one for Paris, one for London, etc. That way I'm not lugging around unnecessary weight.
After I visit the different museums or do the city walks, I tear out the pages I've used and so the booklet gets a little lighter each day.
I also spiral bind the photocopies of what I've selected in the guidebooks to take with me. Usually I only bring along the sections on self guided walks and museum tours. I trim down the pages to the size of the guidebook and separate all the sections into separate booklets by city - so one for Paris, one for London, etc. That way I'm not lugging around unnecessary weight.
After I visit the different museums or do the city walks, I tear out the pages I've used and so the booklet gets a little lighter each day.
Aug 17th, 2005, 06:14 PM
#35
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Okay -
if weight is such an issue, why don't you get a Pocket PC, download ALL of your written material into a single five-ounce package, and completely forget about lugging dead trees around once and for all?
if weight is such an issue, why don't you get a Pocket PC, download ALL of your written material into a single five-ounce package, and completely forget about lugging dead trees around once and for all?
Aug 17th, 2005, 06:37 PM
#37
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We find Rick Steves' practical information to be invaluable for things likes purchasing public transportation tickets, making phone calls, and just for the general logistics of travel.
Once when we were in Rome,we received word that our son-in-law's parents were killed in a small plane crash in Texas. It was 1 am in Rome and the phone message woke us up. In our totally shocked and confused state, we were thankful to have the Rick Steves book that gave very clear directions on placing phone calls to the US and on changing our plane tickets, etc, so we could get back to the US in time for the funerals.
Once when we were in Rome,we received word that our son-in-law's parents were killed in a small plane crash in Texas. It was 1 am in Rome and the phone message woke us up. In our totally shocked and confused state, we were thankful to have the Rick Steves book that gave very clear directions on placing phone calls to the US and on changing our plane tickets, etc, so we could get back to the US in time for the funerals.
Aug 17th, 2005, 06:41 PM
#38
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PS I would probably purchase the Rick Steves Italy book which would have good information on Rome, Florence and Venice.
The Paris book is very helpful, too, although you will just be there for three days.
The Paris book is very helpful, too, although you will just be there for three days.
Aug 17th, 2005, 07:32 PM
#39
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I think the suggestion for the Italy book and then buying the Paris book separately are good. If you look at it this way, a $40 investment in a couple of good guidebooks are well-spent money for a vacation that will cost you thousands.
I am a big fan of Rick Steves -- especially for the first-time traveler to Europe. I'm going back to Paris in September, and on my second visit, I found his books to be less informative since I'd used them before, so I bought the Michelin Green Guide and a Fodor's book to augment it.
In all reality -- his approach is open, encourages seeing more than just the big stuff, well-researched and accurate. The one thing I noticed is that a Frommer's book (for example) said "fee charged" but didn't say HOW MUCH it would actually cost me to get into anything from The Louvre to (god forbid) EuroDisney. For that, I truly appreciate his effort to update his guidebooks every year with all the information I need to know where to go and what to expect when I get there.
As for your itinerary (you didn't ask, but I'll tell you right now for free!)
I'd suggest shaving a day off of Rome, Florence and Venice each and spending 6 in Paris, hands down.
Happy Travels,
Jules
I am a big fan of Rick Steves -- especially for the first-time traveler to Europe. I'm going back to Paris in September, and on my second visit, I found his books to be less informative since I'd used them before, so I bought the Michelin Green Guide and a Fodor's book to augment it.
In all reality -- his approach is open, encourages seeing more than just the big stuff, well-researched and accurate. The one thing I noticed is that a Frommer's book (for example) said "fee charged" but didn't say HOW MUCH it would actually cost me to get into anything from The Louvre to (god forbid) EuroDisney. For that, I truly appreciate his effort to update his guidebooks every year with all the information I need to know where to go and what to expect when I get there.
As for your itinerary (you didn't ask, but I'll tell you right now for free!)
I'd suggest shaving a day off of Rome, Florence and Venice each and spending 6 in Paris, hands down.
Happy Travels,
Jules
Aug 17th, 2005, 07:47 PM
#40
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Rick Steves Italy is available for handhelds, but only in Secure Adobe Reader 7 format. Same with a lot of other travel ebooks. Format isn't compatible with pocketpc's - only palm devices - what's up with that?
