Rick Steves ETBD Tours
 

I am seriously considering taking my first European Tour with the Rick Steves Europe Through The Back Door Tours (ETBD) and am very interested in any feedback, comments, opinions, etc. I am a 40 year old single female who does not want to travel alone. <BR> <BR>

I see nothing wrong with this. I do think Rick Steves is too expensive for my taste. This may not be an issue with you. I bet the tours are good, but for the money and what you get, I think the price is too steep. I did run into an interesting tour company online. The URL is footloosetravel.com. I thought they seemed neat - not many dates though - this was my problem. Good price and concept. If anything, the pictures are nice to look. Maybe one of these dates will work for you. I am still not sure what our plans are. May be my hubby and I will do alone. Good luck.

Thanks for your tip. Like you the dates don't work for me either, but they do look like fun tours. I agree with you that the Rick Steves Tours are a lot of money, but I've heard some positive things about them. I am looking for something very special to do in April/May of 2000 as I will: have been terminated from my job of 10 years (with a very generous severance package), have completed my final semester and received my Bachelors Degree (end of three years of night school), be single, footloose and fancy free and looking forward to my next career, and life adventures!!!

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately the dates just won't work for me this time. I agree with you that the ETBD tours are very pricey, but they really look like they would be a lot of fun. I was really hoping to hear from some Tour Alumni. <BR>

We have taken 3 of Rick's tours. True, they seem a bit spendy, but there are no hidden costs, and travel insurance is included. One of the single gals on one of our trips said she likes his trips because there is no extra charge for a single supplement. As a single you will have to share a room with someone, but they usually rotate it so you don't have to be with the same person each night. We have found his tours to be great-- the small groups, 2 guides, the contacts with the locals, great food--it all adds up to a great trip. We have a friend (single) who has taken other tours too, but he always comes back to take Rick's tours. If you have any further questions please e-mail me.