Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook

by Rick Steves

You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Europe. With Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door, you'll learn how Plan your itinerary and maximize your timePack light and rightFind good-value hotels and restaurantsTravel smoothly by train, bus, car, and planeAvoid crowds and tourist scamsHurdle the language barrierUnderstand cultural differences and connect with localsSave money while enjoying the trip of a lifetimeTravel safely and hygienically in the wake of Covid-19After 40+ years of exploring Europe, Rick considers this travel skills handbook his life's work, and with his expert introductions to the top destinations in Europe, choosing your next trip will be easy and stress-free. Using the travel skills in this book, you'll experience the culture like a local, spend less money, and have more fun.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

827 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2022

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Matt Melcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great information

This reads just like watching one of his videos. There enough good common sense travel information in the first part of the book to justify the cost. The mini travel guides in the second half give a snapshot of Europe. Recommended.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview for people new to international travel. As someone who regularly travels, some of the information was a bit basic (how power adapters work, hotel bookings, ect). I enjoyed the brief intros to Steve's favorite cities though and added some different stops to an upcoming trip based on his recommendations.