bella

Until I started using this site I had never heard of Rick Steves although I had been using Fodors guidebooks for years. I detect a resistance to Rick Steves' travel guidance and a hint that his recommendations are too mainstream and commercially "touristy". A brief look at the Graffiti Wall on his site (nothing else seems available on it at the moment) would seem to counter that impression. What's the story?

elaine

I can't speak to the word touristy re Rick Steves, but just for me too many of his hotel and restaurant recommendations are places that may be cheap but are just not good enough. I haven't checked them all, just some of the places I noted. <BR>The books Cheap Sleeps in... and Cheap Eats... in Paris in my opinion have more explicit facts and details on why a place is a good bet or not. They balance low price more with quality, at least the qualities I'm looking for. Others will disagree. <BR>I do think that some of his sightseeing information is helpful, although pretty basic. <BR>Depends on what you're looking for.

elaine

Re the "Cheap Sleeps/Eats" books-I didn't mean just for Paris, but the series of books in general

Rex

Rick has been an evangelist to hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, helping them to believe that "you can do it" - - you can stay in hotels other than Hiltons, you can learn a little of the language, and find pleasure in little towns, you can know more about the place after you have been there and make it a learning experience instead of just gawking at the top ten tourists attractions. <BR> <BR>There IS a notion here that Rick's feet are made of clay, just like a lot of other people's - - perhaps because we over-glorified him and believed that he walked six inches off the ground. <BR> <BR>And he is making a living doing what he loves, and exposing a lot of other people to the europe that we love. His books are useful, but like all books, the information in them is very perishable. Finding fault in what you read that he may have written one (or six) years earlier ought to tell you something about the hospitality industry, not expose him as a faulty source of information. <BR> <BR>At least he tells what he thinks - - too many guide books beat around the bush about places they don't like. It's true, you can find something to like almost everywhere. But a guidebook author ought to be able to say - - I found this place disappointing - - especially conmpared to this other place over here. <BR> <BR>Isn't that what we love to do here? <BR>

Bob Brown

You raise a very interesting question that involves what I call the "travel preferences" of the most frequent contributors to Travel Talk. Most of the regulars who contribute to Travel Talk impress me as being independent travelers. I sense that most of them would much rather plan their own trip and do so in depth with considerble and thorough preparation. <BR> <BR>I think that most of Rick's material is brief and aimed at an audience that is touring superficially. As a case in point, in his book on Paris, Rick finished his discussion of the Louvre in 18 short pages. (It is a pocket-sized book.) <BR>Those of us seeking a detailed description of the great masterpieces of the Louvre must look elsewhere. On the other hand, people who want a "quick Louvre fix" probably think it is a great guide because it directs the casual visitor to the highlights and then heads for the exit. <BR> <BR>In my own system of values, I find Rick's books good for a very quick overview of the essentials. He has a knack for hitting the highspots, leaving out the low spots, and writing in a very witty style. I do not have the objections to his books that some may seem to have, but (and it is a big exception) I would not visit a major city without reading other guides. When reinforced and augmented with other publications, I find some of his books to be of value. Without augmentation, his books are at times brief, although mostly accurate. <BR>In summary, my chief objection to his books are that I find them superficial and at times a little too cute. The strenghts of his books are that he presents the highlights of major attractions succinctly and accurately. <BR> <BR>If you are on a 10 cities in 15 days type of trip, he describes about all you have time for. <BR> <BR>I have never taken such a trip, and don't plan to. I still have a list of attractions to visit in Paris despite having been there several times. <BR>So, as you might surmise, I have several Paris guide books in my possession and I have read several others that I borrowed from friends!! <BR>Even so, I am still looking for one more really good Paris guide!! <BR>

Alice

The best thing about Rick Steves is his nearly-annual 'Travels in Europe' series televised on Public Broadcasting. They are enlightening, education, illustrative and just plain fun. He always throws in a few travel tips while showing you the sights. I think his value may be more in the "travel philosophy" area rather than planning nitty-gritty. My favorite guidebooks are the Eyewitness Series (facts and photos).

Heather

In some respects, Rick Steves' books are a helpful resource for the more travelled areas of Europe. When I first started planning trips to Europe, I found his books helpful for logistical information (before I found this fabulous forum & the helpful participants). For example, my first trip was solo to Italy and he had very clear instructions on how to get from Malpensa to the train station and on to the next destination. <BR> <BR>However, I like to spend most of my trips in the countryside and small towns, which he doesn't cover much. So, I use other guidebook series, the Internet and other sources. <BR> <BR>I've seen a large number of tourists in places like Venice and Rothenberg, who have their noses buried in his books. In fact, I went to Germany and Austria with a friend who quoted Rick Steves non-stop (he used it as a crutch & didn't make his own experiences). It seems that he and his recommended hotels/sites/restaurants are, in part, a victim of his success.

Rex

On last item in defense of Rick's treatment of museums - - in "Mona Winks", he provides excellent docent-level background and context information about major works that could help a lot of NON-perennial museum-goers (i.e., MOST of us - - casually interested in SERIOUS art) - - decide whether a collection is a good fit for them or not. <BR> <BR>And to his credit, he has removed some excellent museums from the first edition to the second edition, and graciously provided the full text of those removed museums free on his web site (example: Alte Pinakothek, my favorite "one-hour" art museum in Germany). Given thsat he makes a living selling his books, that is a very decent thing of him to do. <BR>

John

I'm glad to see the objective and balanced views of Steves' work in this thread. I personally think he's done a considerable service in making travel less daunting for many people, and in emphasizing that travel is about meeting people and experiencing life, in addition to visits to museums and cathedrals. Of course, by focusing on the intimate and "back door" areas, he runs the risk of over-popularizing some places (just look at the number of "cinque terre" postings on this forum...), a phenomenon which we've encountered now and then. And, truth be told, wife and I find his manner a little irritating on the TV shows (insulin, stat!). But looking at the realm of tour books and guides out now, including some excellent publications by our hosts on this forum, I think Rick has influenced the industry, in general in a positive, humanistic, way.

howard

I'll endorse a couple of the comments already made: <BR>*His "Mona Winks" is an excellent resource and guide for visiting some of the leading museums and other popular sites. For example, his guide to St. Peter's is one of the best I've seen anywhere. And, he always adds some humorous irreverences which add to the enjoyment. No, it's not the only resource, but it's one of the good ones. <BR>*His "Travels in Europe" series were the first videos that really gave me a feel of what Europe would be like.

Maira

Back in the early 80's, Rick Steves was a pioneer in encouraging the average American to explore Europe independently and to get off the beaten tracks left by the escorted tour groups. He was actually one of the first people who gained almost cult status as the guru of alternative European travel. His style is not for everybody, but he certainly had an audience when he advocated to opt for small, family-run lodgings, corner restaurants, small towns, mixing with locals, use of local transportation, shop in the local markets, etc...

Mary Ann

We have made two independent driving tours to Europe for 3 weeks each, extensively using his books (in addition to other resources). I think the best points mentioned above, as well as mine would be: <BR> <BR>1. Rick guides you to the tools to do it if you haven't (itinerary planning, web sites, tourist boards, logistical information). <BR>2. Being Honest about sites/locations. <BR>3. Alternatives transportation(car rental/rail/tour) or sleeping (hostile versus up to 3* hotels) <BR>4. Philosophy - tour versus independent, makes you think what you really want to see/do <BR>5. Tips and comfort level. (Fax forms to facilitate reservations, reminding you to take crackers in Beaune for the Marche aux vins, suggestions on parking, or getting into cities). <BR> <BR>We are in our 50s and truly enjoyed his walking tours. But, so did our 21 year old daughter and her friends during their semester in Europe on their weekend jaunts! That says something for variety of age appeal. <BR> <BR>Keep in mind that this forum greatly supplements our research and planning along with other web sites, tourist boards and books. Also, yes some of Ricks accomodations are on the cheaper side for the those who need/want it, but some of the 3 star are not inexpensive and have fantastic views (he usually frowns on those, but he still puts them in - I can think of a couple on the Riviera and in the Alps. <BR> <BR>So it boils down to the choice is yours and your travel philosophy. If you want 4 or 5* hotels or luxurious B&Bs, Rick is not your source. But Rick does encourage you to examine what you are really looking for in a trip to Europe and then find the means to do it. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Judi

I read Rick Steves' books along with many others. I do not stay in his recommended hotels because they are usually filled with Americans.(Not that it is necessarily a bad thing). I do like to read the Graffiti Board on his web site, specificially Heroic B&Bs. That's where I found the wonderful Hotel Garni Hornburg in Rothenberg. The proprietors said the fact that they were not mentioned in his book might be good. If they were mentioned they would have mostly American guests to the exclusion of others and that some Europeans did not want to book predominantly American hotels. When we were there we did not see any other Americans at breakfast. <BR>I think Maira said it well. Rick has gotten a lot of people excited about traveling to Europe and has given them the confidence to do so on their own.

Bill

He has an excellent series of pocket-size phrase books and dictionaries. Each entry includes phonetic pronunciation. Very well organized and oriented to real-world communication while traveling (plus a few amusing tangents, such as pick-up lines and lines useful to AVOID being picked up... "I have many diseases" = "Ich habe viele Krankheiten"). Costs $7. <BR> <BR>As for his guidebooks, give them a brouse at a big bookstore. You'll decide they're either too limited or else a useful supplement to Fodor's (he recommends some towns that Fodor/Frommer don't even mention).

arjay

I happened across The Graffiti Wall just the other day (in an extraordinary marathon day of on-line hurried planning for an upcoming trip...subject for a new thread, i think)...and found it immensely helpful. It led us to our Brugge accommodations in March. <BR> <BR>However --, w/o having ever used a Steves guide, but having seen some of the PBS programming -- I'd say he has to have done a service if he has liberated X number of travelers from the fear of "Going Solo." <BR> <BR>Compared to most of the regular posters here, we are relative neophytes to European travel (UK in 84; Ireland in 85; Paris/London in 98..and soon, Amsterdam/Brugge/Paris in 3/01 - and always independent), but I think anyone who's traveled overseas on their own at all, under-realizes how useful someone like Steves is to reinforcing confidence. In '84, as we contemplated our first long-awaited trip to England, it was the simple statement of a well-traveled friend that gave me wings...."It's really no different. You've done road trips, roamed about here (US) -- you can do it there." And so we did. And loved it. <BR> <BR>It was also the simple statement of a Fodors poster a few years ago ("Just speak the basics...'bonjour," "merci," etc...) that helped me overcome an intimidation about 'doing Paris," (sans any language skills and with an outdated notion of the French 'attitude') that led to a totally wonderful first-time Paris experience. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, I just noticed in our most recent AAA magazine, an ad for an ESCORTED tours with a mind-numbing number of countries in a stupefying short number of days...Why would anyone STILL choose to see Europe that way? <BR> <BR>If Steves 'enables' any of those travellers to find their own legs, trust their own instincts....then -- (I hope) -- that's a good thing.

Beth

In planning my trip to Europe this June, I'm using a variety of resources -- this board, Rick Steves, numerous guide books, etc. I think relying too much on Rick's books (i.e., walking around Europe with your nose buried in them) can be negative, and some of his "back doors" probably are filled with his American devotees. At the same time, I find that his books are filled with a lot of common-sense advice for the budget-minded traveller.

the turnip

No one guidebook is perfect for everyone or can contain all you need to know. That being said if I had to choose just one book, especially for a 1st time trip to a country it be Rick Steves, hands down. We have taken numerous trips and relied extensively on his suggestions. Seldom if ever have they been off the mark. In my humble opinion his books are worth ten times what you pay for them and they have helped give us the confidence to travel on our own. <BR> <BR>Thanks Rick!

bella

Thanks for all the answers and opinions. <BR>I am an experienced traveller who likes to do it independently so I may not need his advice as much as some but I do like backdoor and "real" experiences so I will include his suggestions in my planning considerations, hoping that the places I go to on his advice will not be spoilt or overamericanised. No offence, Americans, but when I want that I'll come to the states. I stopped using Frommer's suggestions from his books years ago for this reason. However, the websites seem to be broader than the guidebooks...is this the same with Rick Steves'? I just love this site but often the suggestions which really appeal to me are out of my price range, especially with the current exchange rate of the Aussie dollar. Thanks again to all, and happy travelling....either at your computer or the real thing!

Sam

I personally think Rick's books are among the best for the newer-to-Europe traveler. What's more is that Rick acknowledges openly that his book is not the end all to all guide books. He offers his own opinion about a variety of other guidebooks out there. I think when all is said and done, most guide books have their place depending on how experienced you are, what your budget is, what your agenda is for the trip and to a point what phase of life you're in. They are best used in conjunction with other books to fill each other's gaps. But all things considered I think Rick Steves is the best place to start. His PBS series, while sometimes a bit cheesy, are also very helpful in a practical sort of a way. I admire the work he's done in helping regular citizens venture out on their own as far or close to the tourist mainstream as that may be. Kudos to Rick!