Rick Steves' latest book is a tribute to his beloved people, places, and stories from 40 years of exploring Europe

Following years of writing guidebooks, newspaper features, and television programs, Rick Steves, a leading figure in European travel, presents "For the Love of Europe," a collection of 100 essays celebrating his most cherished moments across the continent. These pieces blend lyrical storytelling, humor, and poignant reflections from his nearly 50 years of wandering through Europe.

Dinogo had the chance to speak with Steves about his book and his perspectives on travel, emphasizing the value of stepping beyond comfort zones, building connections with locals, keeping a travel journal, and more.

T+L: What inspired you to write this book? What should your readers understand about its creation?

Rick Steves: "I've always wanted to gather my favorite writings into a collection. Last year, I finally took the initiative to choose my top 100 articles and put it all together.

Had I known we’d be facing lockdown this year, I could have utilized that time to work on it. However, it's quite timely, as travelers are eager to relive their vacation memories and experiences. This series of essays allows you to enjoy a slice of Europe every day, sharing the magical moments from my extensive travels across the continent.

I made it a priority to leave out the practical details that usually fill my guidebooks. I wanted this book to focus solely on vivid experiences, the romance of travel, and the joy of unique encounters. After all, it’s not about finding a perfect hotel or catching the right train — it’s about the love of Europe — truly experiencing it."

Your travel philosophy, as reflected in your books and TV shows, emphasizes the importance of local guides. Why is that vital for travelers?

"It took me some time to understand this, but it's truly the people you meet that transform a vacation into a cherished memory.

Whether I’m writing a guidebook, leading a tour, or enjoying a family vacation, the measure of a successful trip for me is the number of local voices I engage with. That’s one reason our tours are designed for small groups rather than the typical 50 tourists crammed onto a bus. With fewer travelers, we can foster intimacy and interact more easily with others beyond our group.

If you visit Europe with a checklist of sights to see, snapping pictures, then return to your hotel to converse with fellow Americans, or join a cruise excursion and spend time with other cruisers, you’re missing out. That’s not the way I travel. I prioritize experiences — stepping outside your comfort zone — and truly connecting with locals."

You mentioned the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and your book recounts several such experiences. Can you share one?

"One of my favorite essays in the book recounts one of my best travel experiences in Finland. While in Helsinki, I was eager to try a sauna. The best place to find a public sauna in the city was in a working-class neighborhood, so I hopped on a short subway ride. The only sign in English simply said 'sauna,' and very little English was spoken; I don't speak Finnish. I found myself sitting among the regulars, who could handle much more heat than I could. The real challenge was figuring out the protocol and understanding the purpose of the one small towel I was given.

I can still picture myself in that steamy room, surrounded by a group of naked Finns with long blonde hair stuck to their rugged faces, thinking, 'This could be any century, but it's definitely Finland.' In the end, I enjoyed my sauna experience, got a scrub, had some laughs at my own expense, and walked away with a memorable story. It's moments like these over the decades that fuel my excitement about the 100 essays featured in my 'For the Love of Europe' book."

Your 45 years of backpacking across Europe must be a remarkable achievement. How has this style of travel evolved over the years?

"Things have certainly changed, but the core rewards of travel remain the same as they were back in the 1970s. The essence and excitement of being on the road are still alive, but today’s travelers enjoy conveniences that weren’t available to those a generation ago — ATMs instead of traveler's checks, high-speed trains, and much less language barrier. Nowadays, we have GPS, email, Wi-Fi, and Airbnb. However, if you’re looking to recreate those classic backpacking experiences — the nostalgic moments — you can still do that.

A beautiful realization I've encountered while reading the journals of young travelers in Europe today is that the joys of travel that captivated me in the 1970s still exist. The thrill of stepping off the beaten path, connecting with locals, and pushing your comfort boundaries is just as prevalent now as it was when I was younger — just as rewarding, and experiencing it has never been easier."

You mention keeping detailed journals of your early travels. Today's backpackers often document their adventures with photos on their phones. Do you still advocate for journaling among travelers today? Why?

"I believe journaling is a vital life skill, a form of personal discipline. While snapshots are great, there's something profoundly rewarding about writing down your thoughts, what you've learned, and the memories you wish to keep. I love the idea that by taking the time to reflect and organize your experiences, you can return home with the most valuable souvenir — a fresh perspective, a deeper connection with the broader world, and enhanced understanding of our own country within that context."

Many of your essays touch on the more serious aspects of travel — engaging with witnesses of historical events or observing history firsthand. Could you elaborate on travel that goes beyond traditional sightseeing?

"That’s the beauty of travel — if you’re curious and possess decent social skills, seizing the moment to meet people can unveil unexpected and intriguing insights.

I once shook hands with a man whose little finger was incredibly thick, covered in a massive callous from playing the carillon. In Bruges, I climbed 366 steps to take in the city's view and peek into the carillon room, just in time to watch the medieval bells chime. The carillonist shared how to ring the different bells to create various rhythms. Afterward, I noticed his little finger and learned that a carillonist plays the keyboard using fists and feet, a technique he has practiced for many years.

Imagine standing at the famous gate in Gdańsk that Lech Walesa made iconic, engaging in conversation with dockworkers who stood alongside him during the Solidarity movement. Or picture visiting a B&B in Dubrovnik that was bombarded during the war, where the owner still keeps the mortar that struck his home during the siege. Now, he rents rooms to the very people whose father caused the destruction, and that damaged mortar proudly sits on his mantle.

One early evening, feeling confined after hours of work in my hotel room in Rome, I decided to escape. I let myself be carried away by the flow of people on their evening passeggiata, leading me to countless observations and experiences — from accordion players and street vendors to couples and joyful tourists. This journey of discovery turned into an essay in my book.

These experiences are accessible to anyone. Instead of peering through a camera lens, grab a notepad and jot down your thoughts. Embrace your inner poet, explore the world, see it from fresh angles, and recognize the poet within you. By opening up while traveling, you unlock a new dimension. That’s the essence of transformational travel."

Your accompanying video clips for each destination are an excellent addition. What motivated you to include them?

"Most articles feature a TV clip that enriches the essay. I’m thrilled about this — it’s part of our Classroom Europe initiative, which includes 400 short video clips derived from my TV shows, easily searchable by keywords or themes. It’s a joy for anyone who enjoys an essay to accompany it with a relevant TV clip. I created this program for teachers — they are the unsung heroes who truly deserve support."

In this period of travel restrictions, many are coming to appreciate the significance of travel in our lives. What are your aspirations for the time — hopefully soon — when travel can resume?

"I had organized a three-week family adventure through Europe for June — solely for enjoyment, not work. The trip was meant to be a memorable experience with my son guiding us and my daughter's future in-laws joining. It was disheartening to postpone it, and I empathize with many travelers who’ve had to delay their long-awaited journeys.

We had 24,000 participants signed up for Rick Steves tours this year, making it our biggest year yet. Naturally, all those plans were canceled, but we promptly issued refunds. My current mantra as a tour producer and travel writer is: This virus may pause our travels, but it cannot extinguish our travel aspirations. We’ll be hitting the road again soon."

Who is the audience for "For the Love of Europe"?

"I envisioned a book that readers could enjoy at home, catering to those unable to travel for any reason or for those who have visited these places and cherish their memories. It's also designed for dreamers who wish to visit Europe, inspiring them to seek similar adventures.

The book features hundreds of photographs that are essential to the articles, and I'm grateful my publisher chose to present them in full color. These images represent my fondest memories from a lifetime of traveling through Europe, and they fill me with joy as I recall all the amazing experiences. I hope this book inspires similar adventures for those who read it. As I like to say, "Happy travels…even if you’re just staying home for a while." I truly hope 'For the Love of Europe' can contribute to that spirit."