Rick Steves, renowned guidebook writer and PBS personality, shares his candid reflections on travel and life. He discusses his personal journey of transformation shaped by cultural immersion, emphasizing the need for authentic connections. Steves critiques social media's impact on tourism, urging responsible travel that fosters empathy. He candidly opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, highlighting the importance of community support. Through his experiences, he inspires listeners to embrace deeper travel experiences that nurture personal growth.

Rick Steves, a prolific guidebook writer and beloved PBS personality, shares his insights on the transformative power of travel. He reflects on his own cancer diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of community support. Steves critiques social media's negative impact on tourism and advocates for genuine cultural experiences over mass tourism. He categorizes travelers into tourist, traveler, and pilgrim, highlighting the value of global citizenship. His message is one of hope, encouraging a mindful approach to exploration that fosters understanding.

Rick Steves spent the summer after high school backpacking through Europe on two dollars a day—sleeping on the floor, sneaking into museums, and subsisting on a diet of bread and jam. When he came home, he found people were hungry for tips on how to visit Europe on the cheap, so he began teaching classes, and was soon hawking a self-published guidebook out of his car. Eventually, he started leading minibus tours and hosting a travel show on Public TV, steadily growing his business even though he was giving away most of his content. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, his no-frills approach to travel has persisted as a powerful brand, with 70 guidebooks, an ever-popular travel show, and—in 2019—an annual revenue of $100 million. For more information on the HIBT Fellowship visit: https://summit.npr.org/fellowsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rick Steves, a renowned travel writer and advocate for sustainable tourism, joins the discussion on the fascinating contrasts between European and American urban experiences. He emphasizes the allure of off-the-beaten-path destinations and the benefits of car-free vacations. The conversation touches on how travel transforms perceptions of urban living and advocates for pedestrian-friendly spaces. Steves shares personal insights into fueling local advocacy and his efforts to create vibrant community spaces, urging listeners to rethink their approach to urban mobility.

Rick Steves, the European travel expert, shares stories of his life shaping adventures from Wyoming to Europe. Reflecting on transformative travel experiences, philosophy, and advocacy for marijuana legalization. A mix of humor and insightful travel anecdotes throughout.