It's my understanding that on the RS Switzerland, Austria, Germany tour participants are actually bussed into Munich...staying at a hotel 45 minutes away. Also, Rick's tours are quite a bit more expensive than I would pay to have my own room with another tour group (I'm a single traveler). No thanks. I don't want to share a room with someone I've just met. Not for that kind of money. Too big a gamble.

Don't you find it ironic that a man who started out to teach people how to travel on their own now leads group tours?

Susan,
You are partially correct regarding being bussed into Munich. This happens during the couple weeks in september during Oktoberfest. When I was there with RS tours, We stayed within a 2 minute walk from Marienplatz (the main city square) in Munich.

I find it very interesting that the criticism is all from people who have not been on a Rick Steves tour but have "heard" this or that, while the people who have actully been on these tours have nothing but praise, and plan to go again.

Thanks for the clarification, jhschlak. I actually like Rick Steves and would consider one of his tours if he offered a single supplement. The tours seem more designed for couples (or those brave solo travelers who don't mind paying a high price to share a room with someone they've just met).

I don't find it ironic that someone who started out teaching others how to travel on their own now leads tours.

I bet, if we took a show of hands, some of us at least took tours on the first go round. Is it a crime?

And some people will never be comfortable traveling on their own.

Nora...good point! We loved our RS tours and are heading for our next one this week. We also travel independently....we have the best of both worlds.

The important thing, when going on holiday, is that you take the sort of trip that is right for you. If you want to go independently, fine. If you want to go on a tour, fine. There are advantages either way. A tour can be wonderful if you get the right tour director or guide.

While I have traveled all over Western Europe independently, I do not always feel comfortable traveling other places solo and go on tours there.

We are all individuals and we all have the freedom to make choices as to how we travel.

For anyone looking for small group tours (16 or less), try OAT. We've been on several of their trips and love them. The optionals on their trips are just that - optional. Any museums, etcetera, that are listed as part of the trip are paid for. Their accommodations have been very nice - smaller family-owned hotels in great locations, with the exception of China, where we stayed in larger hotels. I realize they've had some bad publicity lately, but we have never had a single problem and I always check them our first when planning a trip. Their prices are very reasonable.

I've taken four RS tours and used his books on two other trips to Europe. I have found his tours to be a great value. On all the tours the guides have been knowledgeable, interesting, and superb teachers. Truly exceptional guides, plus local guides were hired who had more in-depth insights. I took one trip alone and didn't have any trouble with my roommate when I had one--many nights I had a room by myself with no single supplement charge. The hotels we stayed in were all within a quick walk to the city center which made it easy and inexpensive to go back to the hotel when I wanted to. We stayed some places with fancy towel warmers and bidets, and other places out in the country that were comfortable, but not fancy. In Swiss Alps, the chalet wasn't five-star, but the deck and views more than made up for it. When I woke up in the morning, I knew I was in Switzerland, not the Airport Sheraton in Pittsburgh. I liked having my own seat on the bus, too. I couldn't tolerate a full bus. I will say that the RS-provided meals were of the local style, with local specialties. I particularly like the breakfast spreads in the north. In Italy all our wine was included. In France, I put in 20 euros along with some other travelers and we drank well the entire time. Many times, I took photos of our plates. The meals were substantial and I never felt that RS was skimpy at all. Often, after a group lunch, I'd just enjoy gelato for dinner. I would vehemently disagree with the person who posted about the RS focus on shopping--nothing could be further from the truth. These are definitely not shopping tours. When comparing tour prices, look at the cost of transportation to and from your hotel to the sites, optional tours you'll know you'll take, and all those tips. You won't be paying for those on a RS tour. I'd suggest looking at his website and reading the uncensored postings from tour members. I have found RS to be very forthright with their tours--you'll carry your own bag and walk a lot. However, I've been on RS tours with kids and with 80 year olds. It's a style of travel that I like a lot but they're not for everyone. I've been to eleven countries on RS tours and highly recommend them.