What do you think?
Rate this book
The Temporary European: Lessons and Confessions of a Professional Traveler
Write guidebooks, make travel TV, lead bus tours? Cameron Hewitt has been Rick Steves' right hand for more than 20 years, doing just that.
The Temporary European is a collection of vivid, entertaining travel tales from across Europe. Cameron zips you into his backpack for engaging and inspiring sampling spleen sandwiches at a Palermo street market; hiking alone with the cows high in the Swiss Alps; simmering in Budapest's thermal baths; trekking across an English moor to a stone circle; hand-rolling pasta at a Tuscan agriturismo; shivering through Highland games in a soggy Scottish village; and much more.
Along the way, Cameron introduces us to his favorite Europeans. In Mostar, Alma demonstrates how Bosnian coffee isn't just a drink, but a social ritual. In France, Mathilde explains that the true mastery of a fromager isn't making cheese, but aging it. In Spain, Fran proudly eats acorns, but never corn on the cob.
While personal, the stories also tap into the universal joy of travel. Cameron's travel motto (inspired by a globetrotting auntie) is Jams Are Fun--the fondest memories arrive when your best-laid plans go sideways. And he encourages travelers to stow their phones and guidebooks, slow down, and savor those magic moments that arrive between stops on a busy itinerary.
The stories are packed with inspiration and insights for your next trip, including how to find the best gelato in Italy, how to select the best produce at a Proven�al market, how to navigate Spain's confusing tapas scene, and how to survive the experience of driving in Sicily ( just go numb).
And you'll get a reality check for every traveler's dream researching and writing guidebooks; guiding busloads of Americans on tours around Europe; scouting and producing a travel TV show; and working with Rick Steves and his merry band of travelers. It's a candid account of how the sausage gets made in the travel business--told with warts-and-all honesty and a sense of humor.
For Rick Steves fans, or anyone who loves Europe, The Temporary European is inspiring, insightful, and fun.
The Temporary European is a collection of vivid, entertaining travel tales from across Europe. Cameron zips you into his backpack for engaging and inspiring sampling spleen sandwiches at a Palermo street market; hiking alone with the cows high in the Swiss Alps; simmering in Budapest's thermal baths; trekking across an English moor to a stone circle; hand-rolling pasta at a Tuscan agriturismo; shivering through Highland games in a soggy Scottish village; and much more.
Along the way, Cameron introduces us to his favorite Europeans. In Mostar, Alma demonstrates how Bosnian coffee isn't just a drink, but a social ritual. In France, Mathilde explains that the true mastery of a fromager isn't making cheese, but aging it. In Spain, Fran proudly eats acorns, but never corn on the cob.
While personal, the stories also tap into the universal joy of travel. Cameron's travel motto (inspired by a globetrotting auntie) is Jams Are Fun--the fondest memories arrive when your best-laid plans go sideways. And he encourages travelers to stow their phones and guidebooks, slow down, and savor those magic moments that arrive between stops on a busy itinerary.
The stories are packed with inspiration and insights for your next trip, including how to find the best gelato in Italy, how to select the best produce at a Proven�al market, how to navigate Spain's confusing tapas scene, and how to survive the experience of driving in Sicily ( just go numb).
And you'll get a reality check for every traveler's dream researching and writing guidebooks; guiding busloads of Americans on tours around Europe; scouting and producing a travel TV show; and working with Rick Steves and his merry band of travelers. It's a candid account of how the sausage gets made in the travel business--told with warts-and-all honesty and a sense of humor.
For Rick Steves fans, or anyone who loves Europe, The Temporary European is inspiring, insightful, and fun.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
239 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 13, 2022
As with many people, I've been a fan of Rick Steves for a long time. I guess I always knew in the back of my mind that there's no way Rick himself actually did all the research and writing necessary for his guidebooks, TV shows, etc. - but it still came as a surprise to me to find out that someone like Cameron has been doing a big chunk of this work for the past couple decades.
This was an enjoyable read for many reasons:
- There are fun and interesting stories and anecdotes about Cameron's travels through Europe, the people he's met, and the places that have made the most impact on him.
- There are some insightful chapters about what it's like to be a travel writer and a guidebook researcher (spoiler alert - it's definitely not all glamorous), and what it's like to work for Rick Steves himself and his uber-popular travel company.
- There are some introspective stories and thoughts about travel in general, the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years, the rise of racism and xenophobia and its relationship to travel, the impact of over-tourism, and how (ironically), Rick Steves guidebooks may have been responsible for some of that influx of tourism.
Throughout it all, the author has an excellent writing style with an enjoyable use of adjectives and metaphors. He also sounds uncannily like Rick Steves himself - which isn't too surprising considering he's essentially been writing in Rick's voice for many years - and when you see a photo of him, you'd be hard-pressed not to think Cameron was Rick's son. I suppose working together for so long has made them both look and sound alike :)
I only have a couple small gripes with this book:
1. There were times when it felt like the author was being a bit arrogant when dropping how many times he'd been to certain countries/cities/locations. I'm sure he just meant for it to establish credibility, but it just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes.
2. There were also times when there seemed to be a bit of condescension toward those who may not travel the 'Rick Steves way' - such as those who truly love some of the more 'common' big cities in Europe (vs. the smaller 'back door' cities that they think you should enjoy/visit more), or those who are experienced travelers but who actually enjoy and find value in cruising (gasp!). I also felt a little offended at how they seem to view "Bucket Lists" with disdain. There's absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming about places you really want to see and things you want to experience in your life, and then actually going and doing them. The author (and Rick) may just be against those who quickly view something, snap a pic, mark it off the list, and leave -- but let's be honest, for some things, that may be all you need. It's your list and your travels, do as you please! There are many great things about Rick's travel ethos and his nuggets of travel wisdom - but not all of his mantras will fit everyone (I, for one, absolutely could not travel for more than 2-3 days with just a backpack! And I refuse to feel ashamed for having more luggage or checking bags. But I digress.)
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to anyone who is an Europhile at heart, like me, or who just want a little bit of a peek behind the curtain regarding what it's like to work for Rick Steves.
This was an enjoyable read for many reasons:
- There are fun and interesting stories and anecdotes about Cameron's travels through Europe, the people he's met, and the places that have made the most impact on him.
- There are some insightful chapters about what it's like to be a travel writer and a guidebook researcher (spoiler alert - it's definitely not all glamorous), and what it's like to work for Rick Steves himself and his uber-popular travel company.
- There are some introspective stories and thoughts about travel in general, the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years, the rise of racism and xenophobia and its relationship to travel, the impact of over-tourism, and how (ironically), Rick Steves guidebooks may have been responsible for some of that influx of tourism.
Throughout it all, the author has an excellent writing style with an enjoyable use of adjectives and metaphors. He also sounds uncannily like Rick Steves himself - which isn't too surprising considering he's essentially been writing in Rick's voice for many years - and when you see a photo of him, you'd be hard-pressed not to think Cameron was Rick's son. I suppose working together for so long has made them both look and sound alike :)
I only have a couple small gripes with this book:
1. There were times when it felt like the author was being a bit arrogant when dropping how many times he'd been to certain countries/cities/locations. I'm sure he just meant for it to establish credibility, but it just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes.
2. There were also times when there seemed to be a bit of condescension toward those who may not travel the 'Rick Steves way' - such as those who truly love some of the more 'common' big cities in Europe (vs. the smaller 'back door' cities that they think you should enjoy/visit more), or those who are experienced travelers but who actually enjoy and find value in cruising (gasp!). I also felt a little offended at how they seem to view "Bucket Lists" with disdain. There's absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming about places you really want to see and things you want to experience in your life, and then actually going and doing them. The author (and Rick) may just be against those who quickly view something, snap a pic, mark it off the list, and leave -- but let's be honest, for some things, that may be all you need. It's your list and your travels, do as you please! There are many great things about Rick's travel ethos and his nuggets of travel wisdom - but not all of his mantras will fit everyone (I, for one, absolutely could not travel for more than 2-3 days with just a backpack! And I refuse to feel ashamed for having more luggage or checking bags. But I digress.)
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to anyone who is an Europhile at heart, like me, or who just want a little bit of a peek behind the curtain regarding what it's like to work for Rick Steves.
January 30, 2022
Being a true follower of Rick Steves, I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit like a personal travel log so I could relate to that. I promised myself I would follow his advice and SLOW DOWN and enjoy the moments as we travel again. The best moments happen when they aren’t planned.
February 19, 2022
An entertaining read with some interesting glimpses into the travel industry and thoughtful insights into travel philosophy and the current travel culture (including just before and during Covid). The style is a bit choppy, but that makes it easier to read in bites. I read this on a Kindle, so it was not as easy to bounce back and forth as I would have liked. The outline of the book is pretty well thought out.
I was able to get the book on Kindle before its original release date. I don't know why. I became aware of it through Rick Steves' Monday Night travel series, when I signed up to watch Cameron and Rick talk about this subject (I didn't know it was a discussion of a book at the time, I thought they were just going to discuss travel philosophy). I looked on Amazon, and there it was, physical book not yet available at the time. Check out the YouTube video of this discussion if you want a preview.
I became aware of Cameron when he produced the guidebook for Eastern Europe. I bought the first edition and went to Edmond's old theater to watch Cameron and his slide show during one of the Rick Steves' travel events. Shortly after, I bought the second edition as I was departing for a three-week trip in that region. I've followed him through other travel festivals and his travel blog.
As a side note, I've been fortunate to see many of the places discussed in this book. It brought back a lot of memories and head nods.
Keep up the good work Cameron and consider a second book that includes discussions of visiting modern non-historic districts in Europe, the EU's struggle with unification from a traveler's point of view and more interactions with people. Keep on Travelin'
I was able to get the book on Kindle before its original release date. I don't know why. I became aware of it through Rick Steves' Monday Night travel series, when I signed up to watch Cameron and Rick talk about this subject (I didn't know it was a discussion of a book at the time, I thought they were just going to discuss travel philosophy). I looked on Amazon, and there it was, physical book not yet available at the time. Check out the YouTube video of this discussion if you want a preview.
I became aware of Cameron when he produced the guidebook for Eastern Europe. I bought the first edition and went to Edmond's old theater to watch Cameron and his slide show during one of the Rick Steves' travel events. Shortly after, I bought the second edition as I was departing for a three-week trip in that region. I've followed him through other travel festivals and his travel blog.
As a side note, I've been fortunate to see many of the places discussed in this book. It brought back a lot of memories and head nods.
Keep up the good work Cameron and consider a second book that includes discussions of visiting modern non-historic districts in Europe, the EU's struggle with unification from a traveler's point of view and more interactions with people. Keep on Travelin'
January 26, 2022
As an avid traveller and a travel reader, I was delighted with Cameron Hewitt’s wonderfully inspiring collection of non-stop insights on why we travel. Told through his own European explorations, and personal history and relationships with the Europeans he gets to know, Cameron provides a valuable backstory to the travel “industry” itself, as well as a pleasurable opportunity to reflect on one’s own travel experiences and the art of travel in general.
The range of Cameron’s stories balances the hectic pace of a travel researcher’s work with the wonderful Bosnian concept of “merak” (relaxed enjoyment), which encapsulates the essence of why we travel. One longs to peruse Provencal produce, partake in Polish pierogis, soak in a thermal pool in Hungary or Iceland, or hangout at a Highland Games or over coffee with some of the people Cameron encounters. He also candidly shares the less enticing foods and experiences that are also part of travel.
Reading Cameron’s book is like travelling with a funny, irreverent, empathetic and knowledgeable guide, exploring topics from hedonism to the deluge of tourists in pre-pandemic Europe and ruminating on our own impact on the changes there over the decades. But at the end of the day, like watching Rick Steves' Monday Night Travels, Cameron’s book highlights why it is such a joy to get out there beyond our borders and out of our comfort zones and meaningfully connect with the wider world again.
The range of Cameron’s stories balances the hectic pace of a travel researcher’s work with the wonderful Bosnian concept of “merak” (relaxed enjoyment), which encapsulates the essence of why we travel. One longs to peruse Provencal produce, partake in Polish pierogis, soak in a thermal pool in Hungary or Iceland, or hangout at a Highland Games or over coffee with some of the people Cameron encounters. He also candidly shares the less enticing foods and experiences that are also part of travel.
Reading Cameron’s book is like travelling with a funny, irreverent, empathetic and knowledgeable guide, exploring topics from hedonism to the deluge of tourists in pre-pandemic Europe and ruminating on our own impact on the changes there over the decades. But at the end of the day, like watching Rick Steves' Monday Night Travels, Cameron’s book highlights why it is such a joy to get out there beyond our borders and out of our comfort zones and meaningfully connect with the wider world again.
Read
July 4, 2022Cameron Hewitt has worked with travel guru Rick Steves for more than twenty years. In that time, Hewitt has been a guidebook writer and collaborator, tour guide, and Steves’s right-hand man. Hewitt spent the early part of the pandemic compiling his best blog posts and other writing into this appealing collection of travel stories, travel philosophy, and travel advice. Hewitt’s voice is honest and funny, and his wisdom is seasoned by experience. Although Hewitt admits to a bias in favor of the countries of Eastern Europe, and this collection is a bit heavy in that direction, there is plenty to savor for fans of any European country or region.
I connected personally to The Temporary European in a couple of ways. First, Hewitt gives credit in several places to Risa Laib, the lead editor of Rick Steves guidebooks for many years. We took our first Rick Steves tour in 1997, and Risa was our guide. In 2020, we had a Rick Steves tour booked that was scuttled by the pandemic. In one of his behind-the-scenes descriptions of his work for the Rick Steves Europe company, Hewitt tells about how pandemic-related decisions were made at the company and how employees were affected. As I read this epilogue, I was immediately taken back to the exact time and place where I received the call telling me how our tour cancellation was being processed.
This is an excellent book for those interested in how guidebook writers do their work, those who need a refresher on European travel after a couple of years off, and anyone who enjoys reminders of why travel is such a potent way to enhance life in a world full of wonder and surprises.
I connected personally to The Temporary European in a couple of ways. First, Hewitt gives credit in several places to Risa Laib, the lead editor of Rick Steves guidebooks for many years. We took our first Rick Steves tour in 1997, and Risa was our guide. In 2020, we had a Rick Steves tour booked that was scuttled by the pandemic. In one of his behind-the-scenes descriptions of his work for the Rick Steves Europe company, Hewitt tells about how pandemic-related decisions were made at the company and how employees were affected. As I read this epilogue, I was immediately taken back to the exact time and place where I received the call telling me how our tour cancellation was being processed.
This is an excellent book for those interested in how guidebook writers do their work, those who need a refresher on European travel after a couple of years off, and anyone who enjoys reminders of why travel is such a potent way to enhance life in a world full of wonder and surprises.
February 25, 2022
I’ve been tuning in to Rick Steve’s Monday Night Travel regularly for over a year now to engage in a weekly session of Armchair Traveling. Cameron Hewitt has made guest appearances, and when I tuned in to the session in which he discussed this new book, I popped over to Amazon and bought it immediately. Though I’ve never taken a RS tour, I have bought their guidebooks and found it quite interesting to read about the behind-the-scenes “sausage making” of updating the books. It’s definitely not glamorous, but certainly made me appreciate the lengths to which they go to make the book as accurate, useful and up-to-date as possible.
The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and vignettes about both the challenges and joys of extended travel. He weaves in quotes from the journals of his long-departed great aunt who traveled solo well into her 70’s and learned that the “jams” - things that didn’t go according to plan - are what makes travel so memorable and meaningful.
Hewitt is a very good travel writer, not just recording the “when, what and where” but the more important “who and why”. Travel is about the human connections we make along the way, and the learning that occurs. And that is why, after 2 years of being grounded, I can’t wait to leave on our next international trip to Portugal and Spain, with Rick Steves travel guides tucked into our carryons.
The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and vignettes about both the challenges and joys of extended travel. He weaves in quotes from the journals of his long-departed great aunt who traveled solo well into her 70’s and learned that the “jams” - things that didn’t go according to plan - are what makes travel so memorable and meaningful.
Hewitt is a very good travel writer, not just recording the “when, what and where” but the more important “who and why”. Travel is about the human connections we make along the way, and the learning that occurs. And that is why, after 2 years of being grounded, I can’t wait to leave on our next international trip to Portugal and Spain, with Rick Steves travel guides tucked into our carryons.
October 4, 2022
I am a Europhile and have been traveling to Europe at least once-a-year since 1991 (excepting the COVID years). I am also a huge fan of Rick Steves and proudly claim membership in the legion of Rickniks! So, it was only natural that I would be keenly interested in Rick's fellow traveler, employee and sidekick Cameron Hewitt's new book: The Temporary European.
The book is filled with wonderful travel stories of Cameron's experiences -- both good and bad -- all throughout Europe. He is frank and often humorous in describing his adventures, and offers practical and philosophical insights and tips on getting the most out of travel (which often means just sitting, relaxing and absorbing the atmosphere). He also devotes a full chapter to his life and experiences working with his employer and friend Rick Steves. Any fan of Rick will enjoy not only that chapter, but the entire book.
If you enjoy traveling to Europe -- or want to do so -- I highly recommend this fun, insightful and often funny collection of stories. They are well written and highly entertaining.
The book is filled with wonderful travel stories of Cameron's experiences -- both good and bad -- all throughout Europe. He is frank and often humorous in describing his adventures, and offers practical and philosophical insights and tips on getting the most out of travel (which often means just sitting, relaxing and absorbing the atmosphere). He also devotes a full chapter to his life and experiences working with his employer and friend Rick Steves. Any fan of Rick will enjoy not only that chapter, but the entire book.
If you enjoy traveling to Europe -- or want to do so -- I highly recommend this fun, insightful and often funny collection of stories. They are well written and highly entertaining.
February 28, 2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cameron Hewitt decided to take his enforced time off as a travel guidebook researcher and assemble this accessible collection of essays and anecdotes. As the Gen X protégé of Rich Steves, Hewitt comes off as a more reserved, more self-aware version of the bubbly travel guru popular among the PBS crowd. Reading this book, I became more aware of just how much of the company's Central and Eastern European content was pioneered or greatly enhanced by Cameron's work, and it was nice to get a perspective apart from Steves on what makes some of his "backdoor" destinations shine.
Hewitt structures this book of travel essays by general themes such as food culture and deconstructing clichés. Each section is punctuated by a "Jams are Fun" story of travel difficulties, inspired by the title of a travelogue written by an older female relative of Hewitt, an "Aunt Mildred" who traversed the world as a lone senior citizen in the 1950s and 60s. There are also four essays scattered throughout that give a behind-the-scenes look at working for the Rick Steves travel empire.
Most of the stories are interesting enough, as Hewitt is able to temper his inner traveler's search for authenticity and profundity with the very human realities he encounters. As with Steves, there are times when he can get overly precious about a Tuscan villa, while other times be overly cynical about a British rail station. What comes through most powerfully is Hewitt's sincere love for Poland, Croatia, and his favored Slovenia, destinations relatively new to US travelers beyond the occasional cruise stop in Dubrovnik. If Cameron Hewitt is the heir apparent to what Rick Steves started, then the brand is in good hands.
Hewitt structures this book of travel essays by general themes such as food culture and deconstructing clichés. Each section is punctuated by a "Jams are Fun" story of travel difficulties, inspired by the title of a travelogue written by an older female relative of Hewitt, an "Aunt Mildred" who traversed the world as a lone senior citizen in the 1950s and 60s. There are also four essays scattered throughout that give a behind-the-scenes look at working for the Rick Steves travel empire.
Most of the stories are interesting enough, as Hewitt is able to temper his inner traveler's search for authenticity and profundity with the very human realities he encounters. As with Steves, there are times when he can get overly precious about a Tuscan villa, while other times be overly cynical about a British rail station. What comes through most powerfully is Hewitt's sincere love for Poland, Croatia, and his favored Slovenia, destinations relatively new to US travelers beyond the occasional cruise stop in Dubrovnik. If Cameron Hewitt is the heir apparent to what Rick Steves started, then the brand is in good hands.
September 15, 2023
Why read a book by a professional travel writer about what his life is actually like? Well, I am a Rick Steves follower, and I wanted to know about the behind-the-scenes life of someone who knows Europe so well. Cameron Hewitt went to work for Rick in 2000 as an enthusiastic traveler who had just backpacked around the continent for months. Over the years, he has filled many jobs at RS, from tour guide, to fact-checker for the books, to being a deputy for Rick in the office.
Cameron invites readers to look behind the curtain. What is involved in revising a guidebook? Well, checking facts and examining hotel rooms makes for long and grueling days. But he has also had the opportunity to make friends in many countries. The book includes essays about some of those friends and Cameron's experiences. He has become an expert about Eastern and Central Europe and is a great advocate for visiting the smaller cities and the countryside.
But Cameron is also concerned about the impact that the growing tourism industry has on individual places and the world in general. His essay about how the Cinque Terre has been transformed by the flood of tourists is heartbreaking. He urges his readers to be ethical travelers who consider carefully how their actions and presence can have a deleterious influence on delicate environments.
Recommended for serious travelers.
Cameron invites readers to look behind the curtain. What is involved in revising a guidebook? Well, checking facts and examining hotel rooms makes for long and grueling days. But he has also had the opportunity to make friends in many countries. The book includes essays about some of those friends and Cameron's experiences. He has become an expert about Eastern and Central Europe and is a great advocate for visiting the smaller cities and the countryside.
But Cameron is also concerned about the impact that the growing tourism industry has on individual places and the world in general. His essay about how the Cinque Terre has been transformed by the flood of tourists is heartbreaking. He urges his readers to be ethical travelers who consider carefully how their actions and presence can have a deleterious influence on delicate environments.
Recommended for serious travelers.
January 18, 2024
Such a delightful book. Cameron writes travel guides for Rick Steve's but this is not a travel guide. It's his stories and is designed to make you a traveler. Someone who appreciates people, food, scenery and is not just hitting the tourist hot spots. Take a breath and talk to locals. Try new foods and experiences. Enjoyed the writing style. Laughed out loud many times.
January 15, 2023
Cameron Hewitt applied to Rick Steves via a fan letter following a gap year backpacking trip, and that led to a job with the company, where he continues to be employed today. This is a look at how his career changed as well as how the internet and other changes have changed travel. The events of September 11 and the COVID-19 pandemic serve as bookends to his tales. Hewitt is a few years older than I am, and I enjoyed our parallel global studies and travel memories: the Balkans emerging from war, mailed VHS tapes with TV episodes. I appreciated his look at the travel guide and tour industry, as well as his perspectives on particular cities that had appealed to him throughout his tenure. A good, different read.
January 10, 2025
My inner PBS kid loved this book. I really enjoyed how effortlessly stories from such a wide variety of countries and cultures were woven together. Feeling inspired to plan a trip to Europe.
February 26, 2022
I love, love, love Rick Steves, so I'm not surprised that Hewitt, one of his most prolific guidebook writers, also tickles my brain. Hewitt boldly wrote a letter to Steves asking to work for him, and it worked out; he started his travel career leading tours for the company. This book details both his love of Europe and his love of the travel industry. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes chapters about travel research (much, much less romantic than you'd think), how to film a Rick Steves show, and his views on over-touristed places like Dubrovnik and Cinque Terre. Let me also say that even though he loves Italy much more than one should, his favorite European country is Slovenia, and that's one of mine too.
February 8, 2022
If you’re a fan of Rick Steves …
You’re going to LOVE Cameron Hewitt! This delightful, conversational account of Cameron’s travel experiences, relationships with Steves and other writers, guides, producers, etc., of the Rick Steves travel mecca in Edmonds, WA, is so engaging. As a diehard RS fan and European travel junkie, I couldn’t put this book down and am now a huge fan of Cameron Hewitt, too. I’ve been trying to decide where to go post-Covid and now I’m thinking— Slovenia! Thank you, Cameron, and please “keep on traveling” and sharing your stories with us.
You’re going to LOVE Cameron Hewitt! This delightful, conversational account of Cameron’s travel experiences, relationships with Steves and other writers, guides, producers, etc., of the Rick Steves travel mecca in Edmonds, WA, is so engaging. As a diehard RS fan and European travel junkie, I couldn’t put this book down and am now a huge fan of Cameron Hewitt, too. I’ve been trying to decide where to go post-Covid and now I’m thinking— Slovenia! Thank you, Cameron, and please “keep on traveling” and sharing your stories with us.
April 19, 2022
My mom bought this book for me before my husband and I left for a trip to Berlin, Germany. It was so wonderful and timely for me to read; however, I think it would have been timely even without the trip! It's full of wonderful insight, advice and beautiful stories that I found very impactful. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have a feeling this is just the first time I'll have read it!
January 24, 2023
Prior to hearing about this book, I was not familiar with Cameron Hewitt or his association with Rick Steves, who I first saw on his PBS shows about Europe. I thought that this would be a fun read from the perspective of a person who have traveled extensively for both work and pleasure. Generally speaking, I think that the book is a success in that respect.
Cameron has an easy writing style that works well for this type of book. With a bit of research, I also see that he hosts a blog on the Rick Steves website that also covers his travels. His "voice" comes through the page the best during the sections of the book where he is recounting his experiences with the many people he has met during his 20yrs as a professional traveler. These portions alone make the book a worthwhile read and very much felt in the style of the Rick Steves' shows or guidebooks.
I did feel that Cameron's opinions on the "right" way to travel could seem a bit condescending, however. There are a few times where he appears to go out of his way to take exception to the manner in which other tourists spend their time. While this was mostly a case of the author simply wanting Americans or other travelers to a foreign country to remember that they should show respect for the people and places that they are visiting, his choice of words in a couple areas might not have been the best. Still, I do think his overall point was valid and it is important to remember that travel is a privilege, not matter where you are going, and that we would all benefit from respecting the customs of others.
Overall, this was a enjoyable book and a great way to learn a bit about several European destinations, as well as the work involved with being a travel writer for the Rick Steves company of travel guides and shows. I would consider reading his blog posts in the future and would recommend this book to any who have seen the show or guides and would like a deeper dive into how they are made.
Cameron has an easy writing style that works well for this type of book. With a bit of research, I also see that he hosts a blog on the Rick Steves website that also covers his travels. His "voice" comes through the page the best during the sections of the book where he is recounting his experiences with the many people he has met during his 20yrs as a professional traveler. These portions alone make the book a worthwhile read and very much felt in the style of the Rick Steves' shows or guidebooks.
I did feel that Cameron's opinions on the "right" way to travel could seem a bit condescending, however. There are a few times where he appears to go out of his way to take exception to the manner in which other tourists spend their time. While this was mostly a case of the author simply wanting Americans or other travelers to a foreign country to remember that they should show respect for the people and places that they are visiting, his choice of words in a couple areas might not have been the best. Still, I do think his overall point was valid and it is important to remember that travel is a privilege, not matter where you are going, and that we would all benefit from respecting the customs of others.
Overall, this was a enjoyable book and a great way to learn a bit about several European destinations, as well as the work involved with being a travel writer for the Rick Steves company of travel guides and shows. I would consider reading his blog posts in the future and would recommend this book to any who have seen the show or guides and would like a deeper dive into how they are made.
June 27, 2023
Travel is such a privilege. To meet people in their element, in their own home, to see how they maneuver in the world is a marvelous opportunity to split your mind wide open to ideas and possibilities you've never thought of before.
I don't read a lot of travel books, because sometimes they just seem ... precious and staged. This book does not. COVID has been a trying experience, overall. I'm really glad I, and my closest friends, have survived it. Surprisingly, I have seen some really interesting concepts developing out of it, and this book is one of them. Rick Steve's travel company used the pandemic in creative ways. I give him a lot of credit for finding ways to keep his staff employed and carrying on his mission to improve our international travel experience. This book is a result of that. All of the employees had to find work to do, and the lockdown gave them the opportunity to slow down and think creatively.
Cameron Hewitt took advantage of this time to produce a deeply thoughtful book of distilled stories of his life of travel to explore how travel can expand our lives in so many important ways. He doesn't dodge tough questions raised by travel, he works through them carefully.
And his stories illustrate his thinking so well, without seeming contrived. And they are fascinating in their own right.
This was a great read, especially as I ventured back out into the world after that long lockdown.
Don't forget, COVID is still out there. Be prepared, and try not to be foolish. This is our life now - get to it.
I don't read a lot of travel books, because sometimes they just seem ... precious and staged. This book does not. COVID has been a trying experience, overall. I'm really glad I, and my closest friends, have survived it. Surprisingly, I have seen some really interesting concepts developing out of it, and this book is one of them. Rick Steve's travel company used the pandemic in creative ways. I give him a lot of credit for finding ways to keep his staff employed and carrying on his mission to improve our international travel experience. This book is a result of that. All of the employees had to find work to do, and the lockdown gave them the opportunity to slow down and think creatively.
Cameron Hewitt took advantage of this time to produce a deeply thoughtful book of distilled stories of his life of travel to explore how travel can expand our lives in so many important ways. He doesn't dodge tough questions raised by travel, he works through them carefully.
And his stories illustrate his thinking so well, without seeming contrived. And they are fascinating in their own right.
This was a great read, especially as I ventured back out into the world after that long lockdown.
Don't forget, COVID is still out there. Be prepared, and try not to be foolish. This is our life now - get to it.
March 29, 2022
Beautifully written, informational and entertaining
The writing is strong on verbs, bringing static scenes to life. Well organized into parts, the book is thematic covering the philosophy of travel along with interesting and evocative descriptions and human interest stories. It delivered everything I wanted, insight and inspiration, and answering questions I've asked myself about the ethics of travel and what makes good travel. It even has a list of other books about travel at the end. I was hoping Amazon or Goodreads would offer me read-alikes, but the author took care of curating a selection for the reader. I guess Cameron Hewitt's experience with anticipating what travelers want to know carried over to his task of writing a book like this because he covered it all, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the hope, even including the pandemic. From this book, I'm inspired to write my own memoirs and to read more travel experience/memoir type books starting with his recommendations.
Thorough and engaging, it's a high quality book for the armchair traveler and those of us who are savoring our travel memories while looking forward to wandering again one day while also pondering the problems with travel and consumerism tourism.
The intro by Rick Steves is good. Funny enough, I didn't realize the connection until I read that. The book was marketed to me by Amazon and I downloaded the sample based on the title then bought it because the free pages hooked me.
The writing is strong on verbs, bringing static scenes to life. Well organized into parts, the book is thematic covering the philosophy of travel along with interesting and evocative descriptions and human interest stories. It delivered everything I wanted, insight and inspiration, and answering questions I've asked myself about the ethics of travel and what makes good travel. It even has a list of other books about travel at the end. I was hoping Amazon or Goodreads would offer me read-alikes, but the author took care of curating a selection for the reader. I guess Cameron Hewitt's experience with anticipating what travelers want to know carried over to his task of writing a book like this because he covered it all, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the hope, even including the pandemic. From this book, I'm inspired to write my own memoirs and to read more travel experience/memoir type books starting with his recommendations.
Thorough and engaging, it's a high quality book for the armchair traveler and those of us who are savoring our travel memories while looking forward to wandering again one day while also pondering the problems with travel and consumerism tourism.
The intro by Rick Steves is good. Funny enough, I didn't realize the connection until I read that. The book was marketed to me by Amazon and I downloaded the sample based on the title then bought it because the free pages hooked me.
August 22, 2022
I recently started watching the series Foundation. One of its premises is that the emperors for hundreds of years have been clones, so that at any given point there is an elder, middle-aged and youth emperor.
I kept thinking of this as I read Cameron Hewitt's memoir of being a traveler and travel writer for the Rick Steves guidebooks, since Hewitt's approach, on the page here and on his long-running blog, is so evocative of Steves, the goofy good-spirited guru of European travel who begat an guidebook, television, and guided tour empire in which Hewitt now plays a big role. Without looking too deeply, he can come across as Rick's second-generation clone, not the least because he's spent decades writing in the Rick Steves style.
I enjoy the Steves television shows as pleasant comfort viewing, and used his guidebooks a bit, though I've come to suspect the best way to live as a 'temporary local' in Europe is to keep some distance from places covered in the Steves guides, especially the smaller ones, which tend to become overly concentrated with Rick Steves readers.
The impact of tourism in general and Rick Steves tourism in general is one of the topics Hewitt wrestles with in this enjoyable book in which the author shares his own open-hearted embrace of Europe and, by the end, paints a self-portrait of himself and his approach to travel that opens some daylight between himself and his boss as individuals, as much as they share philosophies about travel.
I kept thinking of this as I read Cameron Hewitt's memoir of being a traveler and travel writer for the Rick Steves guidebooks, since Hewitt's approach, on the page here and on his long-running blog, is so evocative of Steves, the goofy good-spirited guru of European travel who begat an guidebook, television, and guided tour empire in which Hewitt now plays a big role. Without looking too deeply, he can come across as Rick's second-generation clone, not the least because he's spent decades writing in the Rick Steves style.
I enjoy the Steves television shows as pleasant comfort viewing, and used his guidebooks a bit, though I've come to suspect the best way to live as a 'temporary local' in Europe is to keep some distance from places covered in the Steves guides, especially the smaller ones, which tend to become overly concentrated with Rick Steves readers.
The impact of tourism in general and Rick Steves tourism in general is one of the topics Hewitt wrestles with in this enjoyable book in which the author shares his own open-hearted embrace of Europe and, by the end, paints a self-portrait of himself and his approach to travel that opens some daylight between himself and his boss as individuals, as much as they share philosophies about travel.
May 19, 2022
I’m an avid traveler, and Rick Steves fan, and I lead my own little UK trip each summer. Naturally, I’d want to hear why my fellow temporary European Cameron Hewitt has to share about his two decades as Rick Steves’ right-hand man.
I started reading Cameron’s travel blog during the pandemic and enjoyed his wit and style. Some of the chapters were based on blog posts I’ve read. All of them are quick and enjoyable reading, and though I read straight through, this is the sort of book you could easily pick up and read a chapter at a time, whenever. His experiences are often told through the lens of his aunt Mildred’s mid-20th century travelogue catch phrase “jams are fun!” As one who has traveled a bit, I can confirm that jams are fun, and getting out of a jam can provide some of the most memorable and interesting travel experiences.
If you love travel, if you want to know how the sausage is made, so to speak, when it comes to travel tours and guides, and can appreciate the sometimes wacky and offbeat musings of a middle-aged introvert who sometimes has to force himself to be extroverted (wait, Cameron is me!; now I see why he resonates!), this is a fun read.
I started reading Cameron’s travel blog during the pandemic and enjoyed his wit and style. Some of the chapters were based on blog posts I’ve read. All of them are quick and enjoyable reading, and though I read straight through, this is the sort of book you could easily pick up and read a chapter at a time, whenever. His experiences are often told through the lens of his aunt Mildred’s mid-20th century travelogue catch phrase “jams are fun!” As one who has traveled a bit, I can confirm that jams are fun, and getting out of a jam can provide some of the most memorable and interesting travel experiences.
If you love travel, if you want to know how the sausage is made, so to speak, when it comes to travel tours and guides, and can appreciate the sometimes wacky and offbeat musings of a middle-aged introvert who sometimes has to force himself to be extroverted (wait, Cameron is me!; now I see why he resonates!), this is a fun read.
December 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for a number of reasons, starting with the structure. Since each chapter is a different story (and the author is a terrific storyteller), I could break away to read another book (usually dictated by the book group I belong to) and then easily come back to it. Also, I particularly enjoyed the conversations he had with locals that illuminated aspects of the culture one might not pick up on otherwise. For me, reading their words can bring life to the idea of traveling to a new country. He did a great job relating the humorous aspects of travel, so important when confronted with the frustrations that are always part of the experience. I would have loved to have known his wife's great aunt Mildred. She sounds like she was an expert at dealing with travel frustrations. The last reason I enjoyed this book so much is the story he ended with: that 36-hour layover in London that was a saga of hurried anxiety. It reminded me of what the owner of a small b&b on the Croatian island of Hvar said when my friend told him she wanted to see everything, but we didn't have much time, "When you see everything, you see nothing." I agree with your message, Cameron, we must learn to slow down, pay attention, listen, breathe, and appreciate.
July 4, 2022
- This book is one I chose to represent Europe on my list “Seven Continents of Books 2022” -
I first heard about this book when the author talked about it on one of Rick Steves’ Monday Night Travel webinars, right when it had just been published. I’m glad I went ahead and got it. This is a delightful read. Cameron’s vignettes take place across Europe, but there are many elements in each of them that are universal to traveling in Europe, or even just traveling in general. I could relate to so much of it from my own travels and times living in Europe, even though the particular places he talks about don’t always overlap with ones I’m more familiar with. I agree with his philosophies about being a good traveler and especially about appreciating the “church bell moments” and special opportunities that come up along the way.
I recommend it for anyone who has traveled in Europe or who hopes to : )
It’s very down-to-earth and Cameron Hewitt seems to simply be a super nice guy.
I first heard about this book when the author talked about it on one of Rick Steves’ Monday Night Travel webinars, right when it had just been published. I’m glad I went ahead and got it. This is a delightful read. Cameron’s vignettes take place across Europe, but there are many elements in each of them that are universal to traveling in Europe, or even just traveling in general. I could relate to so much of it from my own travels and times living in Europe, even though the particular places he talks about don’t always overlap with ones I’m more familiar with. I agree with his philosophies about being a good traveler and especially about appreciating the “church bell moments” and special opportunities that come up along the way.
I recommend it for anyone who has traveled in Europe or who hopes to : )
It’s very down-to-earth and Cameron Hewitt seems to simply be a super nice guy.
March 6, 2023
Who knew there were so many places I wanted to go that I hadn't given a 2nd thought to? Now, I do. Geez, and I thought I may have 2 or 3 trips to Europe left in me.
Cameron Hewitt has been working with Rick Steves for over 20 years and travels most of the (non pandemic) year. He also writes many of the guidebooks and this book is really short stories about some of his experiences. I read this for my book club that formed with a group from our Rick Steves tour of Italy last fall and I was prepared to not like a travel guide as one of our books, but I was wrong. I now know that I will pay closer attention to my travel guides in the future.
Cameron is honest, opinionated (part of his job, actually) and straight up a good story teller.
Because it is a compilation of stories, it does jump around and a couple of times I was confused about where we were, but there wasn't a story I didn't enjoy.
And I really liked reading about Aunt Mildred. I would adopt her if I could!
Cameron Hewitt has been working with Rick Steves for over 20 years and travels most of the (non pandemic) year. He also writes many of the guidebooks and this book is really short stories about some of his experiences. I read this for my book club that formed with a group from our Rick Steves tour of Italy last fall and I was prepared to not like a travel guide as one of our books, but I was wrong. I now know that I will pay closer attention to my travel guides in the future.
Cameron is honest, opinionated (part of his job, actually) and straight up a good story teller.
Because it is a compilation of stories, it does jump around and a couple of times I was confused about where we were, but there wasn't a story I didn't enjoy.
And I really liked reading about Aunt Mildred. I would adopt her if I could!
May 1, 2023
This book is full of pithy, well written little tales of the travels of Cameron Hewitt who has worked for Rick Steves for a long time, first as a tour guide and then as a researcher for the Rick Steves travel books. Each chapter is a different adventure and locale. These are quick travel tales ranging from Tuscany to Spain to the Highlands of Scotland, places in between and insights on being a travel writer. Want to know how to drive in Sicily without going insane? How to find good gelato? There's a chapter on each. Sometimes his 'voice' sounds very much like Rick. Wheather you are a seasoned traveler or haven't been and wanting to go...I highly recommend this entertaining book! As one who has traveled some, it made me want to plan something soon. Important to note that this is NOT a travel guide...note the subtitle. Bottom line throughout is slow down and enjoy the moments!
January 22, 2022
Looks like there are two different titles for this book listed on GoodReads - Kindle and print. This book is so good, I’m posting my review in both places! :)
Hewitt has been Rick Steves’ righthand man for more than 20 years and shares a similar philosophy on travel. But, he is also 20 years younger than RS and is in tune with how travel expectations and realities have changed. Hewitt is incredibly perceptive and has an easy conversational writing style. I learned so much more about Europe (especially Eastern Europe), behind-the-scenes of being a travel writer, and travel in general. His love of travel is palpable and grounded in his deep appreciation for authentic culture and human experiences. Really a fun, insightful, inspiring book! Gracias, Cameron (Moisés!) for a great ride
Hewitt has been Rick Steves’ righthand man for more than 20 years and shares a similar philosophy on travel. But, he is also 20 years younger than RS and is in tune with how travel expectations and realities have changed. Hewitt is incredibly perceptive and has an easy conversational writing style. I learned so much more about Europe (especially Eastern Europe), behind-the-scenes of being a travel writer, and travel in general. His love of travel is palpable and grounded in his deep appreciation for authentic culture and human experiences. Really a fun, insightful, inspiring book! Gracias, Cameron (Moisés!) for a great ride
April 13, 2022
Read this on a flight home to the US from Costa Rica, which seems quite appropriate, actually. I've always been a Rick Steves fan, and I enjoyed learning more about the people who make his TV shows and travel guidebooks popular as well as authoritative. The life of a travel guide/writer is not glamorous, according to Hewitt. In fact, it's often the opposite. As it turns out, what is tedious drudgery for Hewitt was quite absorbing for this reader. It was fun, too, to experience places I've visited through another traveler's vantage. My only quibble with the book is the amount of space given over to Rick Steves' corporate world, outside Seattle. A chapter would have been terrific. Two chapters more than sufficient. But more than that was de trop.
Still, we'll always have Paris...
Still, we'll always have Paris...
November 17, 2022
4 stars (warranted alone by having a story about Rick Steves going to a German brothel). Part biography, part travelogue, part philosophy, part guide, this book is a fun read, especially for people who approach travel the Rick Steves (and Cameron Hewitt) way. It's great getting perspective on what life is like as a travel writer/researcher/guide. Cameron also throws in a healthy dose of reality about travel and some of the Europeans he encounters. Guidebooks tend to sugarcoat or omit negative things and it's refreshing to finally read some confirmation that not everything is magic. Highly recommend. This is a great read for gloomy fall/winter weather days when you're dreaming about being elsewhere.
June 7, 2024
I was thoroughly enthralled with this book. I have been interested in travel to Europe since I backpacked for 11 months on the continent in 1979. Since then I have been back numerous times with my husband and other family members using a number of Rick Steve guide books along the way. Cameron Hewitt writes a very interesting Facebook page of pictures and thoughts while he is researching for RS books. His insight, sense of humor and sensitivity comes through in this book. I laughed and cried through Cameron’s adventures, all the while learning about the workings of the tour book industry, how a tour is run and the hard work and hours that go into updating said tour books. A must read for anyone who has traveled to Europe or would like to.
May 29, 2022
Years ago I taught with Cameron Hewitt’s father and so I have been reading Cameron’s travel pieces on the Rick Steves’ site for a while. I am a Rick Steves fan and use the guidebooks which Cameron helps to write. But I am a fairly independent traveler and have long taken time during travel to be in the moment and get off the beaten track. This is a book to dip in and out of—to read about places you have been or where you might like to go. Definitely read the beginning and the end to hear Cameron describe the deep draw of getting out to see our world through travel. (And though I am not traveling again as I would like yet, I have great travel memories and dreams and hope for future travel.)
December 12, 2022
Great advice and honest reviews!
I love anything Rick Steve's, and Cameron falls into that illustrious category - and he's hilarious, to boot. I took away a deeper appreciation of travel from a professional's perspective and feel that I could be closer to feeling like a temporary European myself ,if I can manage to see Europe the way Rick Steves might have seen it all those years ago, when he saw some of its delights through fresh eyes and an open heart. It's a great read and I'll use some of Cameron's advice on our upcoming trip to Portugal.
I love anything Rick Steve's, and Cameron falls into that illustrious category - and he's hilarious, to boot. I took away a deeper appreciation of travel from a professional's perspective and feel that I could be closer to feeling like a temporary European myself ,if I can manage to see Europe the way Rick Steves might have seen it all those years ago, when he saw some of its delights through fresh eyes and an open heart. It's a great read and I'll use some of Cameron's advice on our upcoming trip to Portugal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews