What's the deal with Rick Steves?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 04:49 AM
#61
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hate the "if you don't like Rick Steves, then you must be jealous of him" line of reason. It's mindless psychobabble. I would love to spend all my time traveling, but Rick Steves runs a business, and that's a high-stress endeavor. I used to work for myself, so I don't romanticize that way of life.
That said, I used his books when I was younger and broke. He's done a great service in getting people to travel independently to Europe. But he is corny, badly in need of a makeover, and really doesn't know food.
That said, I used his books when I was younger and broke. He's done a great service in getting people to travel independently to Europe. But he is corny, badly in need of a makeover, and really doesn't know food.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 05:48 AM
#62
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I'm still waiting to hear folks discuss the representative for those other best-selling travel guides - Michelin. I've never heard the Michelin rep utter a word in any language, let alone seen him sport a change of clothes. And yo, talk about a spare tire around the middle! 
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:09 AM
#63
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't resist adding my two cents' worth. I discovered Rick when I was trying to plan our first family trip to Europe, maybe 13 years ago. Now, with many family trips under my belt, his guidebooks are still the first I turn to when I start to plan. His books have two major strengths: they help you sort through the welter of information in a massive, 900-page country guidebook (which tends to keep repeating that "town x might appear dull on the surface, but it has sight 1,2, and 3 that really should not be missed"
--so that you can start figuring which places you want to go and how much time you absolutely have to allow for them; and he gives you practical, specific information (routes, times) on how to string stops together, both by road and by train (and a discussion as to which mode of travel works best). I haven't found another guide book that does that. He's also so full of enthusiasm that he makes you want to check out things you never thought you'd care about (example: we took both tours of a former slate mine in Wales last summer--they turned out to be a high point of the trip). That said, I consult many guidebooks other than Rick (actually, I'm a tad compulsive) , and of course don't always agree with what he selects to include or omit or his timetable. (We included Cornwall last summer, which he skips, and I consider Tintagel one of the most beautiful places I've been to--just ignore the Arthur/New Age tackiness). As WillTravel pointed out, he's evolved over the years; his splurge recommendations on where to stay are usually over our budget, although where we have used his recommendations we've found them reliable. Still, I usually rely on other books/websites to pick accommodations. And he doesn't care about food, which I do, so I ignore his restaurant recommendations. His books are a fun read--I'm not sure I'd call them corny; they're irreverant and opinionated. In his TV shows he projects a folksy, unsophisticated persona that probably isn't real after so much travel, but what he's trying to get across is that it's OK to talk to Europeans, they won't hate you or make fun of you [well...usually], even if you don't speak the language. He does emphasize that you should learn at least a few words in the language of every country you visit and use them, even if you mangle the pronunciation (he apologizes for being monolingual). And he doesn't try to pretend his shows are unscripted. The latest series includes "bloopers" at the end that show occasionally hilarious mistakes and retakes. Also, his website is worth checking; his graffiti wall doesn't hold a candle to this forum but it does include useful comments.
--so that you can start figuring which places you want to go and how much time you absolutely have to allow for them; and he gives you practical, specific information (routes, times) on how to string stops together, both by road and by train (and a discussion as to which mode of travel works best). I haven't found another guide book that does that. He's also so full of enthusiasm that he makes you want to check out things you never thought you'd care about (example: we took both tours of a former slate mine in Wales last summer--they turned out to be a high point of the trip). That said, I consult many guidebooks other than Rick (actually, I'm a tad compulsive) , and of course don't always agree with what he selects to include or omit or his timetable. (We included Cornwall last summer, which he skips, and I consider Tintagel one of the most beautiful places I've been to--just ignore the Arthur/New Age tackiness). As WillTravel pointed out, he's evolved over the years; his splurge recommendations on where to stay are usually over our budget, although where we have used his recommendations we've found them reliable. Still, I usually rely on other books/websites to pick accommodations. And he doesn't care about food, which I do, so I ignore his restaurant recommendations. His books are a fun read--I'm not sure I'd call them corny; they're irreverant and opinionated. In his TV shows he projects a folksy, unsophisticated persona that probably isn't real after so much travel, but what he's trying to get across is that it's OK to talk to Europeans, they won't hate you or make fun of you [well...usually], even if you don't speak the language. He does emphasize that you should learn at least a few words in the language of every country you visit and use them, even if you mangle the pronunciation (he apologizes for being monolingual). And he doesn't try to pretend his shows are unscripted. The latest series includes "bloopers" at the end that show occasionally hilarious mistakes and retakes. Also, his website is worth checking; his graffiti wall doesn't hold a candle to this forum but it does include useful comments.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:17 AM
#64
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll admit I've used and liked Rick Steve's books-they have great walking tours and restaurant recommendations that don't break the budget. Like any other travel series, they have their weak points-hotel recommendations and at times, terrible maps. That being said, Fodors tends to appeal to a crowd that has the time and money to lounge through Europe at 4-5 star hotels. For some of us, we'd love to travel that way but can't so we cut in areas least important to us. Our last trip through Italy taken through the grace of FF miles, used a mix of information from Fodors and Rick Steves and we had a wonderful trip.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:24 AM
#65
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sue -- re the Michelin guides. Definitely they're impersonal, but I think that's part of their charm. I also like the |>|>|> or the rosette ratings. They're definitely to the point, and it's very easy to see what they think the highlights are.
Here Rick Steves has obviously taken a page from Michelin with his |>|>|> ratings. But how they rate various places provides an interesting comparison. This is the same sort of thing as reading reviews of movies or of something else. One man's meat is another's poison.
Here Rick Steves has obviously taken a page from Michelin with his |>|>|> ratings. But how they rate various places provides an interesting comparison. This is the same sort of thing as reading reviews of movies or of something else. One man's meat is another's poison.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:44 AM
#66
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For me, the hatred is inspired by the one trip I took where I thought I'd try traveling "Rick Steves" style. I know it's not technically his fault that I was so miserable, but I'd rather blame hime than myself! At least I learned a valuable lesson--I like nice things!
And I just flat out disgree with his theory that cheaper travel is somehow more "authentic". Maybe because, like Btilke, I live in Europe too and the locals I've met don't seem keen on traveling to accomodations where they would be sharing a toilet down the hall. Most locals I've met like nice things and modern conveniences too.
He does indeed do a good service for those who are uninitiated to travel, and for that, I thank him. I also thank him for trying to explain (in Europe Through The Back Door) how not to act like an "Ugly American". And of course, it's always good to know that his cheaper ways of traveling are always an option.
And I just flat out disgree with his theory that cheaper travel is somehow more "authentic". Maybe because, like Btilke, I live in Europe too and the locals I've met don't seem keen on traveling to accomodations where they would be sharing a toilet down the hall. Most locals I've met like nice things and modern conveniences too.
He does indeed do a good service for those who are uninitiated to travel, and for that, I thank him. I also thank him for trying to explain (in Europe Through The Back Door) how not to act like an "Ugly American". And of course, it's always good to know that his cheaper ways of traveling are always an option.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:50 AM
#67
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I actually like Rick Steves. His guide book is not the only one I use, but I often refer back to it for information, such as, directions for day trips and telephone instructions, which I tend to forget from year to year He made it easy the first time we went to Paris, as he gives a good basic overview, and I love his videos! You feel like you're walking along with him. I have a whole book shelf of Paris travel books, and Rick Steves is among those. Good for an overview, but not too much depth.
Best,
Sandy
He made it easy the first time we went to Paris, as he gives a good basic overview, and I love his videos! You feel like you're walking along with him. I have a whole book shelf of Paris travel books, and Rick Steves is among those. Good for an overview, but not too much depth.Best,
Sandy
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:57 AM
#69
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've seen the "Rick Steves" effect several times in Italy - where a cute little place that he recommends becomes mobbed with book-carrying devotees. With that in mind, any recommendations for "Rue Cler"-like neighborhoods in Paris? I mean authentic little shopping streets where one can experience local Parisian life without running into hordes of other tourists. Come on, you Parisian experts - spill the dirt for the rest of us Fodorites.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 08:41 AM
#70
Guest
Posts: n/a
Goodness gracious, how could you devote an entire weekend to debating Rick Streves! Why don't you swap jelly recipes instead, and then you'd have something to show for your effort. RS travels at a certain level ... if his suits you, go for it. But why waste precious time trading barbs about a doofus with a bad haircut and droopy clothing! Gadzooks! Put up those keyboards and get some freash air!!
Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:00 AM
#71
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re Paris shopping streets, I'm a fan of the 16th arrond. It often gets written off as being "too far" from central sights, which I don't think is true (the 16th has some good museums like the Marmottan and the Asian arts museum, and lots of good restaurants and cafes), but on the other hand, you see few tour buses clogging the streets.
In the Auteuil section of the 16th, near the Michel-Ange metro stop (as in Michelangelo, so it's a hard "ch" sound, not the usual soft sh sound), there is an outstanding food market twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, I think, along with some very nice little shops (also a Monoprix). Along the Ave. Mozart, around the Jasmin metro stop are several inexpensive but good cafes and some good food shops. The 16th around the Place Victor Hugo is a lively, attractive place; the redecorated and modern Cafe Scossa is one of the best people watching spots in Paris, especially for seeing what the BCBGs are up to.
Getting back to budget v. more luxurious, our overall travel budget is probably the same as most people who come over and stay in 2 and 3 star hotels. BUT, since we live in Europe, we have the *major* advantage of not having to pay for airfare. The $1200 that an American couple might pay for airfare to fly to Paris for a week gets dumped into our general travel fund. Which gives us about an extra $150 per day to spend...in our case, that works out to about an $80 per day "bump" in hotel budget and about $70 more per day for food or shopping. If that same couple was planning spend somewhere around $140 a night, we get to spend $220, upgrading us from 3* to 4* hotels and more expensive restaurants and cafes. Plus, we also get to take advantage of last minute bargains. If I see our favorite 5 star hotel in Baden-Baden suddenly runs a special for under $200 a night, for example, we can hop in the car and drive down for the week-end.
I constantly check the web sites of our favorite places for such specials. Smart shopping often gets us 4* hotels for 3* prices and 5* hotels for 4* prices.
Oh and NYCFS, if you've introduced Fodorites to hotels and restaurants that have proven to be as popular as Number 11 and Rockfort, by all means, let me know...I would be more than happy to thank you for your contribution! Isn't that part of what this forum is supposed to be about?
In the Auteuil section of the 16th, near the Michel-Ange metro stop (as in Michelangelo, so it's a hard "ch" sound, not the usual soft sh sound), there is an outstanding food market twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, I think, along with some very nice little shops (also a Monoprix). Along the Ave. Mozart, around the Jasmin metro stop are several inexpensive but good cafes and some good food shops. The 16th around the Place Victor Hugo is a lively, attractive place; the redecorated and modern Cafe Scossa is one of the best people watching spots in Paris, especially for seeing what the BCBGs are up to.
Getting back to budget v. more luxurious, our overall travel budget is probably the same as most people who come over and stay in 2 and 3 star hotels. BUT, since we live in Europe, we have the *major* advantage of not having to pay for airfare. The $1200 that an American couple might pay for airfare to fly to Paris for a week gets dumped into our general travel fund. Which gives us about an extra $150 per day to spend...in our case, that works out to about an $80 per day "bump" in hotel budget and about $70 more per day for food or shopping. If that same couple was planning spend somewhere around $140 a night, we get to spend $220, upgrading us from 3* to 4* hotels and more expensive restaurants and cafes. Plus, we also get to take advantage of last minute bargains. If I see our favorite 5 star hotel in Baden-Baden suddenly runs a special for under $200 a night, for example, we can hop in the car and drive down for the week-end.
I constantly check the web sites of our favorite places for such specials. Smart shopping often gets us 4* hotels for 3* prices and 5* hotels for 4* prices.
Oh and NYCFS, if you've introduced Fodorites to hotels and restaurants that have proven to be as popular as Number 11 and Rockfort, by all means, let me know...I would be more than happy to thank you for your contribution! Isn't that part of what this forum is supposed to be about?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:08 AM
#72
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to say that I credit RS for showing me that I indeed could travel to Europe, on a budget, stay in nice hotels, eat good food and do it by myself. My first trip to Europe- Italy in 2001, I used his book exclusively. He led me all over Italy, with confidence that I could master the trains, buses and guide me through museums and galleries. I stayed in 1-2* pensiones, and ate at wonderful little restaurants. I've been back to Europe every year since. (who would have known!!) I now use other guidebooks to supplement his and, of course, I use good maps (he admits his maps are not to be used exclusively). This board has been a huge resource as well. The bottom line, I think he shows people that anyone can travel to Europe. You don't have to big rich, you don't have to go into debt, you can prioritize your life with travel at the top of your list. Of course his books are not going to please everyone, but overall and especially for the person who does not think they can do it, he shows that it possible and SO much fun.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 10:37 AM
#73
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like his shows & I like his books for what they are, another piece of the information pie. Just like I use Fodors Frommers, or the internet in general. On our Scandinavian trip, in Oslo we stayed at a hotel I found on my own, in Stolkholm we stayed at a hotel recommended by Steves, & in Copenhagen whe stayed in an area completely disliked by R.S. but at a hotel recommended by Fodors. Enjoyed all 3 places, also used restaurant recommendations the same way. Geez, how much can he show in a 1/2 hour show once per week. I really don't care how he travels, I know how I travel. When he shows highlights of a certain place I don't care if he stays there 1 day or 5 days. If he introduces me to a new site or city, I will do the research to determine how long I want to stay there. He travels quite abit by car as well as train. I don't use a car at all when in Europe, get around by traveling by train, plane, bus & feet. If Fodor's or Frommers would put together TV travel shows, I would watch those too. (But the Travel Channel leaves something to be desired.)
Mar 22nd, 2004, 10:54 AM
#74
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rick Steves is encouraging a lot of Americans to get out of their comfort zones and off of their couches and get overseas. His point is that travel is not only for the rich. By traveling he feels that Americans can be more tolerant of differences and accepting of other cultures. Just like a lot of people here, he emphasizes a "when in Rome" attitude.
I was just at the free travel seminar that he puts on twice a year in the Seattle area. There is undoubtably marketing for the books and tours but the information is useful. He never professed be an emminent art historian or a foodie. He does employ some people who have those credentials. What he claims to be is exactly what he is. He is a real person, not an unattainable expert. He gives other real people the belief that they can travel to Europe. He is funny, self effacing and irreverent in his talks and writing. He encourages people to learn something about the history and culture of the places that they go to. And then he teaches using an approach that the majority of people can understand.
I was just at the free travel seminar that he puts on twice a year in the Seattle area. There is undoubtably marketing for the books and tours but the information is useful. He never professed be an emminent art historian or a foodie. He does employ some people who have those credentials. What he claims to be is exactly what he is. He is a real person, not an unattainable expert. He gives other real people the belief that they can travel to Europe. He is funny, self effacing and irreverent in his talks and writing. He encourages people to learn something about the history and culture of the places that they go to. And then he teaches using an approach that the majority of people can understand.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 11:30 AM
#76
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: <i>He gives other real people the belief that they can travel to Europe.</i>
Good point, and I think that's something that a lot of people miss when they criticize him for what they <i>perceive</i> as telling people to not learn the language of the country they'll be visiting.
If one actually reads his books, he does nothing of the sort. He encourages people to learn some of the language, especially the polite phrases. What he <i>does</i> do is let people know that not being fluent in a language is not a barrier to traveling in Europe.
NYCFoodSnob, I thought that you, like Adam (and diners at BBQ places), could take a little good-natured ribbing, but apparently not. I'm quite surprised that someone who flaunts "snob" in their nickname can't take a joke about being perfect. When the guys you're with cry out "Oh Baby! Oh Baby!" in the throes of passion it must have more than one meaning, n'est-ce pas?
Good point, and I think that's something that a lot of people miss when they criticize him for what they <i>perceive</i> as telling people to not learn the language of the country they'll be visiting.
If one actually reads his books, he does nothing of the sort. He encourages people to learn some of the language, especially the polite phrases. What he <i>does</i> do is let people know that not being fluent in a language is not a barrier to traveling in Europe.
NYCFoodSnob, I thought that you, like Adam (and diners at BBQ places), could take a little good-natured ribbing, but apparently not. I'm quite surprised that someone who flaunts "snob" in their nickname can't take a joke about being perfect. When the guys you're with cry out "Oh Baby! Oh Baby!" in the throes of passion it must have more than one meaning, n'est-ce pas?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 12:58 PM
#77
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We lived very close to the RS headquarters in Edmonds, WA and went there several times. We never took one of his tours, but have used his books in addition to others for several trips.
The one thing that we really liked at the store was the library area. There were all sorts of travel books, not just the ones he writes...but Fodors, Frommers, etc all there for the use of anyone that wanted to come in and read up.
The one thing that we really liked at the store was the library area. There were all sorts of travel books, not just the ones he writes...but Fodors, Frommers, etc all there for the use of anyone that wanted to come in and read up.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 01:53 PM
#78
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I used rick Steeves' book for London and the Cotswods last fall and loved it. We combine it with other guides, which we photocopy, but we find his information both interesting and humorous, and he's easy to follow. I wish he had a guid for Barcelona where we're headed in april!
Mar 22nd, 2004, 02:49 PM
#79
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I do live pretty close to his headquater in WA. state and yes I have gone to his lectures and gone to his agency looking for the tapes, books,
maps etc.. and they are very helpful.
BUT!!!!!!!, I belived he is overprice
his tours are very expensive for the type of hotels he uses, also I don't
like the way he talks to people like, these are a bunch of ignorants that ha-
ve never travel, also I have cought him giving wrong facts to travelers and
from a family member who went in one of his tours (lady traveling alone) who
was left in the cold when she reques-
ted help from the tour guide. also from
this same family menber and some friends a couple of hotels in Germany
and in France were coch roach infected.
and I travel alot and by myself and I do find that when you travel you want to go to hotels that are as good as your own house or better, but not worse. and these since to be the latest comments from people at his own lectures. that's all folks!!!
Which you Happy travels.!!
maps etc.. and they are very helpful.
BUT!!!!!!!, I belived he is overprice
his tours are very expensive for the type of hotels he uses, also I don't
like the way he talks to people like, these are a bunch of ignorants that ha-
ve never travel, also I have cought him giving wrong facts to travelers and
from a family member who went in one of his tours (lady traveling alone) who
was left in the cold when she reques-
ted help from the tour guide. also from
this same family menber and some friends a couple of hotels in Germany
and in France were coch roach infected.
and I travel alot and by myself and I do find that when you travel you want to go to hotels that are as good as your own house or better, but not worse. and these since to be the latest comments from people at his own lectures. that's all folks!!!
Which you Happy travels.!!
