Rick Steves Aims to Honor Those Who Shaped His Journey

Revenge travel is no longer the trend (and honestly, it never quite resonated with us). This year, we’re focused on reconnection travel, which has emerged as the primary motivation for travel in the post-pandemic era. After a challenging few years, people are venturing out into the world once more, filled with genuine excitement and purpose. Thus, we spoke with 11 globe-trotting celebrities to discover what “reconnection” signifies for them—be it traveling solo, indulging in Italian cuisine, reuniting with long-lost friends, honoring departed loved ones, or making that crucial trip to see mom.

Here, travel guide expert and television host Rick Steves shares his reflections on family, cherished friends, and beloved destinations.

Which place is calling you back?

Living life to the fullest is effortless in southern Spain, and I’m eagerly anticipating my return this spring. I dream of my favorite vantage point in Granada: the scenic San Nicolás terrace in the Albayzín, where live street music fills the air all day. You can toss a few euros into the musicians’ hat, settle down with a delightful picnic, and enjoy an open-air concert that rivals any paid performance. The view is unbeatable, especially at sunset when the Alhambra's stones glow a warm red, creating a truly romantic atmosphere.

What place evokes a sense of home, even if it’s not your birthplace?

During my college years, when I was exploring Europe on a shoestring budget, my Norwegian relatives provided a comforting oasis filled with warmth, affection, and abundant food. Although my days of ‘Traveling Through the Gutter’ are far behind me, I still cherish visiting them. My Uncle Thor has welcomed me into his home in the quaint town of Sandefjord for over 40 years, and I’m excited to return this summer. If you have relatives anywhere in Europe, I highly recommend reaching out to them. Connecting with distant family during your travels is one of the highlights of any journey.

Are you planning any trips to reconnect? If so, how will you do it?

For over 30 years, my friend Steve Smith and I have collaborated on guidebooks to France. Steve spends the majority of his time there, and I have a tradition of joining him each spring to focus on a specific region together. Thanks to Steve, Rick Steves Paris has become the top-selling guidebook to Paris in the U.S. He’s also a fantastic companion. We usually schedule three hours of restaurant visits for each evening we spend together—and this year, I’m eager to savor salade niçoise at a beloved mom-and-pop eatery in Nice that I've been frequenting for decades.

—Rick Steves, travel expert, author, television host, and guide

Discover more in our Reconnection Travel series.