What's the deal with Rick Steves?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 03:04 PM
#81
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I think his dictionary/phrasebooks are excellent. I used the German language one on a trip to Bavaria and Austria, and it provided just the sorts of things I needed -- for dealing with hotels, shops, restaurants, driving, greetings, simple pleasantries -- with phonetic pronunciation in addition to actual spelling.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 03:06 PM
#82
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I think the bottom line is far more people have been helped in their travels by Rick Steves than have suffered from him.
Most of the faults that he does have can be determined by researching other guidebooks, posting here, and diligently seeking out information.
Most of the faults that he does have can be determined by researching other guidebooks, posting here, and diligently seeking out information.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 03:48 PM
#83
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BTilke,
You are fortunate to live and work in Europe. And your second posting took a lot of what I was going to say to you!
I agree with you that expensive meals can represent a good value. Two of the best meals I have had were both on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Ca. And I agree that a lot of RS off the beaten paths are now among the most beaten.
I use RS as just one of many sources of information along with Fodors, Frommers, Cadogen etc. I would respectfully disagree with labeling his readers morally superior. This reader has never felt that way.
Touching on your second post, one reason I look to save money is that I do have to come from California, so airfare is a major chunk of my travel budget. That is why I am a big fan of FF miles. Two of my trips to Europe have been free and I am going to Nes Zealand next year for free.
Smart shopping is also what I call my travels. I, too am always checking websites for specials. Last month, I could have flown BA from London to Rome for 143 pounds return. Instead, I flew Ryanair for 38 pounds return. I stayed in a 3* hotel in Rome for 58 Euros/night instead of 82 Euros by mentioning RS.
And the exchange of travel information is exactly what this forum is for. I have written down the info you have provided and I thank you for that. The 16th arrond. sounds great. I agree with you about looking for more places where the locals dine. That is exactly what I am looking for. The problem for US travelers is we usually don't have the luxury of unlimited time to find that restaurant where the dogs are under the table. So, if you could please provide some more names and addresses, myself and many other Fodorites would be appreciative.
You are fortunate to live and work in Europe. And your second posting took a lot of what I was going to say to you!
I agree with you that expensive meals can represent a good value. Two of the best meals I have had were both on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Ca. And I agree that a lot of RS off the beaten paths are now among the most beaten.
I use RS as just one of many sources of information along with Fodors, Frommers, Cadogen etc. I would respectfully disagree with labeling his readers morally superior. This reader has never felt that way.
Touching on your second post, one reason I look to save money is that I do have to come from California, so airfare is a major chunk of my travel budget. That is why I am a big fan of FF miles. Two of my trips to Europe have been free and I am going to Nes Zealand next year for free.
Smart shopping is also what I call my travels. I, too am always checking websites for specials. Last month, I could have flown BA from London to Rome for 143 pounds return. Instead, I flew Ryanair for 38 pounds return. I stayed in a 3* hotel in Rome for 58 Euros/night instead of 82 Euros by mentioning RS.
And the exchange of travel information is exactly what this forum is for. I have written down the info you have provided and I thank you for that. The 16th arrond. sounds great. I agree with you about looking for more places where the locals dine. That is exactly what I am looking for. The problem for US travelers is we usually don't have the luxury of unlimited time to find that restaurant where the dogs are under the table. So, if you could please provide some more names and addresses, myself and many other Fodorites would be appreciative.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:30 PM
#85
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Zeus-
>>For fans of Rick's shows - Sam's Club is selling a 6 DVD set of "The Best of Europe" for only $19.99. >>
Thanks for the tip. Went & got the last set at our Sam's. Paid only $19.83 + tax. What a deal.
>>For fans of Rick's shows - Sam's Club is selling a 6 DVD set of "The Best of Europe" for only $19.99. >>
Thanks for the tip. Went & got the last set at our Sam's. Paid only $19.83 + tax. What a deal.
Mar 25th, 2004, 06:37 AM
#86
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We've watched (and taped) Rick Steves PBS programs for years, and have several of his books. He has given us a wealth of information, but his guides are not the only ones we use when travelling.
We do, however, have a whole new respect for Rick Steves since he has come out for the decriminalization of marijuana and has joined the board of directors for NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). He is currently offering three of his books, autographed by him, for a donation to NORML. You can visit the website for more information - www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5984
If every American that smoked pot in a coffeeshop in Amsterdam (or any place or at any time) would speak out against our draconian drug policy, we could change the laws that arrest 700,000 Americans yearly. Peace.
Robyn
Thank you, Rick Steves, for being courageous and taking this stance.
We do, however, have a whole new respect for Rick Steves since he has come out for the decriminalization of marijuana and has joined the board of directors for NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). He is currently offering three of his books, autographed by him, for a donation to NORML. You can visit the website for more information - www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5984
If every American that smoked pot in a coffeeshop in Amsterdam (or any place or at any time) would speak out against our draconian drug policy, we could change the laws that arrest 700,000 Americans yearly. Peace.
Robyn
Thank you, Rick Steves, for being courageous and taking this stance.
Mar 25th, 2004, 08:18 AM
#87
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I don't dislike Rick Steves but I wouldn't entirely trust him either. We used his guides last year and one place he recommended to eat (the Bella Donna -sp- in Florence) was the Worst meal we had in 9 weeks! Also, as other posters have said, the places he continues to recommend are no longer "off the beaten track". To see the real "off track" places you must leave time to find them for yourself. The places where we met the most Italians were Italian resorts, i.e. Cesenatico and Castiglioncello, or just not much touristed, like the Colli Euganee, Po Delta and Subiaco. I must add that my kids (19 and 14 at the time) used his phrasebook after having refused to learn any Italian before we left, and found it fun and easy to use. He also mentions places that kids would like, which we were glad to know about, esp. La Specola in Florence, climbing the Duomo (entrance is on the LEFT Rick)the Capuccin crypt and the zoo in Rome. Also my kids LOVED going to Capri to see the grotto. We found many places are famous for a reason and if you don't want to see them, nobody's forcing you. The one other comment I have is about Rick's insistence that one carry a waist pack to hide your passport and money - totally unnecessary in my opinion, as you should always leave your passport in the hotel safe, carry a copy (which we did have to use), and no more money at a time than you need. Also, I thought his travel accessories site is very overpriced and mostly unnecessary -EXCEPT for the clothesline - which we used almost daily. The guidebooks are snappily written, and easy to carry along. The walking tours were the best part, esp. in Venice, as well as the descriptions of the Uffizi collection, Bargello, and Convento San Marco in Firenze. Probably nobody will read this far into this thread, but I just had to add that for some information and for young people, who bore easily at long, serious descriptions, he's worth a look, but I would never plan a trip solely using his books.
Mar 25th, 2004, 08:31 AM
#88
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I didn't know Rick Steves was an advocate of "legalizing it." As teacher, I see kids lives ruined b/c of pot. I also have seen what drugs can do to friends and family. I just can't be an advaocate of legalizing it. I know many may not agree, but if Robyn can express her opinion, I can express mine!
Mar 25th, 2004, 11:24 AM
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Very well said, Robyn. I admire him for that courage too. Our draconian drug policy that has some people doing more time for marijuana "offenses" than people who, for example, rape, is appalling.
ilovelabs2003,with all due respect for your opinion, don't you also see wbat alcohol can do to kids, and to families? How many people are slaughtered on our highways every year due to drunk drivers? How many women and children (and men) are beaten and killed each year by people who are drunk? The Women's Temperace Unions pushed for Prohibition because they knew back then -- just as we know now -- what a horribly destructive drug alcohol can be. Not <i>is</i> -- because many people know how to use it responsibly -- but <i>can be</i> when people use it irresponsibly.
So how about that Prohibition? Was it a success? Hardly. Instead it was a classic case of the cure being worse than the disease. And, of course, Prohibition was repealed. Yet we continue to make the same mistake with marijuana, thinking that prohibiting it is a cure for those who <i>abuse</i> it.
William F. Buckley, a devout Christian and one of the more famous conservatives in favor of decriminalization (if not legalization) makes many good points in the interview at this website, "Morality and American Society"...
http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/interview.php?id=39
...but, especially, read his comments after the question (about mid-way down the page)...
"<i>You have taken a stand in favor of the general legalization of drugs. How do you make moral sense out of that position?</i>"
ilovelabs2003,with all due respect for your opinion, don't you also see wbat alcohol can do to kids, and to families? How many people are slaughtered on our highways every year due to drunk drivers? How many women and children (and men) are beaten and killed each year by people who are drunk? The Women's Temperace Unions pushed for Prohibition because they knew back then -- just as we know now -- what a horribly destructive drug alcohol can be. Not <i>is</i> -- because many people know how to use it responsibly -- but <i>can be</i> when people use it irresponsibly.
So how about that Prohibition? Was it a success? Hardly. Instead it was a classic case of the cure being worse than the disease. And, of course, Prohibition was repealed. Yet we continue to make the same mistake with marijuana, thinking that prohibiting it is a cure for those who <i>abuse</i> it.
William F. Buckley, a devout Christian and one of the more famous conservatives in favor of decriminalization (if not legalization) makes many good points in the interview at this website, "Morality and American Society"...
http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/interview.php?id=39
...but, especially, read his comments after the question (about mid-way down the page)...
"<i>You have taken a stand in favor of the general legalization of drugs. How do you make moral sense out of that position?</i>"
Mar 25th, 2004, 11:39 AM
#91
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We're in Vancouver which has effective decriminalization. I smell pot frequently when walking down the street. My husband yesterday reported seeing two girls, aged 14-16, walking down the street smoking individual joints. Unfortunately, I've met and seen way too many potheads to think that this is a happy situation. I know some people manage to smoke pot and keep up happy, successful lives, but many kids really falter.
Mar 25th, 2004, 11:43 AM
#93
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4th Post, amp 322 is most wise. I'm sure my politics are a little different than Steves' but he seems to travel in the mode which I prefer and I have enjoyed and learned from his books and TV show. I am envious of Steves- I sometimes think, "why didn't I think about his gig? Lucky Son-of-a-BLANK.
Mar 25th, 2004, 11:51 AM
#94
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When I saw how many responses this thread had I assumed most of them would be anti-Rick. I think it's nice that so many people are pointing out the good that he has done.
I have to say that in Amsterdam, several times I thought of the recent thread, somewhat related to Rick Steves, about staying in "cheap" versus 4 or 5 star hotels. I was staying in a "cheap" hotel (50€ single/85€ double, including breakfast) - but it was in a beautiful 1600's canal house, with a fabulous view, felt like I was staying in a museum. I was so happy to be there every time I passed the Marriot, Crown Plaza, Tulip Inn, and all the other higher priced hotels - none of which was on a canal or looked at all charming. By the way, the hotel was the Hotel Brower and I stumbled on it on the internet, it is not, to my knowledge, in Rick's or any other guidebook.
I have to say that in Amsterdam, several times I thought of the recent thread, somewhat related to Rick Steves, about staying in "cheap" versus 4 or 5 star hotels. I was staying in a "cheap" hotel (50€ single/85€ double, including breakfast) - but it was in a beautiful 1600's canal house, with a fabulous view, felt like I was staying in a museum. I was so happy to be there every time I passed the Marriot, Crown Plaza, Tulip Inn, and all the other higher priced hotels - none of which was on a canal or looked at all charming. By the way, the hotel was the Hotel Brower and I stumbled on it on the internet, it is not, to my knowledge, in Rick's or any other guidebook.
Mar 25th, 2004, 12:09 PM
#95
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Since this thread is about Rick Steves, and not pot, all I'll add is that, as Robyn said, I respect him for his courageous stance, and it's also another reason for me to support him.
If others choose to not respect him because they don't see his stance as courageous and/or don't want to support him for that reason, that is, of course, their prerogative.
If others choose to not respect him because they don't see his stance as courageous and/or don't want to support him for that reason, that is, of course, their prerogative.
Mar 25th, 2004, 12:13 PM
#96
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Rick Steves is a reverse snob, a pedantic liberal and a 20 year-old who hasn't grown up.
I like it. He has a point of view and isn't afraid to criticize. He brings a breath of fresh air that is missing from the bland dullness of Fodor, Frommer's and the like.
I don't take him all that seriously or necessarily believe what he says. But you have to admire anyone who can sell so many guidebooks with those pathetic, hand-drawn maps. His videos are much better than the books, and are by far the best travel videos around. I even find myself humming that stupid theme music sometimes. But he gives you some idea what it will be like to be a visitor and offers practical advice. Of course, that may reflect the abysmal state-of-the-art in travel videos. The worst are Pilot, with that bunch of smarmy kids who seem chosen primarliy for high rating on the obnoxious meter.
Sometimes I wish that he would drop the attitude, but of course, that is what makes him interesting. You can't have both way. (At least, that's what people keep teling me.) Still, I look forward to a video on travel in Italy where he is staying at a suite in St. Regis Grand and traveling with a babe on each arm.
I like it. He has a point of view and isn't afraid to criticize. He brings a breath of fresh air that is missing from the bland dullness of Fodor, Frommer's and the like.
I don't take him all that seriously or necessarily believe what he says. But you have to admire anyone who can sell so many guidebooks with those pathetic, hand-drawn maps. His videos are much better than the books, and are by far the best travel videos around. I even find myself humming that stupid theme music sometimes. But he gives you some idea what it will be like to be a visitor and offers practical advice. Of course, that may reflect the abysmal state-of-the-art in travel videos. The worst are Pilot, with that bunch of smarmy kids who seem chosen primarliy for high rating on the obnoxious meter.
Sometimes I wish that he would drop the attitude, but of course, that is what makes him interesting. You can't have both way. (At least, that's what people keep teling me.) Still, I look forward to a video on travel in Italy where he is staying at a suite in St. Regis Grand and traveling with a babe on each arm.
Mar 25th, 2004, 12:31 PM
#97
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The Paris and Ireland guidebooks have contributing writers who I think actually wrote most of them. Perhaps some other country/region guidebooks do as well. So even if, for some reason, you don't like Rick Steves, I'd still suggest looking at his guidebooks.
Mar 25th, 2004, 12:55 PM
#98
I watch Rick and the more upscale Rudy Maxa, you get a rounded view that way.
I think the only negative things I've heard about RS is that he made Rue Cher too popular that all they see are Americans. This is from his graffiti board that I check out. But that is the case with anything that is popular.
I think the only negative things I've heard about RS is that he made Rue Cher too popular that all they see are Americans. This is from his graffiti board that I check out. But that is the case with anything that is popular.
