Rick Steves' Postcards from Europe: 25 Years of Travel Tales from America's Favorite Guidebook Writer

by Rick Steves

This guide is an armchair tour of the author's favorite European travel experiences. In a series of personal vignettes, Steves tells of the Swiss schoolteacher who risked Steves's life to show him an edelweiss he couldn't pick, the Seina native who still bears a medieval grudge against Florence, and the Parisian who took a deep whiff of moldy cheese and sighed, "It smells like zee feet of angels."

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 1999

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

[Craig Barner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adhere to Rick Steves' philosophy: "Travel is intensified living." I use his guidebooks (or Lonely Planet) when I go overseas. I've been interviewed by him for his radio show. I have even met Steves at a travel convention.

Given that, it might come as a surprise to admit to my distress by the occasionally negative tone of "Postcards from Europe." Where is Rick Steves' famous non-stop enthusiasm for travel? He frequently laments the sight of too many tourists--the people who have made him successful and have allowed him to live the life of a professional vagabond. Is he an ingrate?

As I thought more about my reaction, I realized there is something behind Steves' burnt gusto when reflecting on a recent visit to Europe. Last year I was drawn to Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank Museum. I have read and re-read Anne Frank's diary about a dozen times and have read five books about her and her family. As I walked through the Secret Annex, where Anne went into hiding, including the room where she wrote and slept, I couldn't help but wonder how many of the thousands of people visiting that day were there to honor the memory of Anne Frank and how many were there just because the site was listed in a travel guide. I see what Steves is getting at. Do people travel for the adventure and to be pilgrims or do people travel because they have been sold something? Steves still loves travel, even if his enthusiasm is a bit singed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the section in the book where Steves recalls his "Europe through the gutter" experience. His first visit without parents to Europe in the early 1970s as an 18 year old is one of the most memorable -- and even a bit harrowing -- travelogues I have ever read. He and a friend conquered Europe on a budget of a couple dollars a day. I think I would have enjoyed the same intense experience had I done the same at that age.

Steves has friends in every location he visits. I enjoyed "meeting" these people. And, one day I hope to bump into Rick Steves on some back street in Europe. I am certain he will evince his trademark fervor--burnt or otherwise--for travel.

[Allison de Laveaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version, narrated by Rick Steves himself. Since I've read his guidebooks and watched a few of his videos, his voice was familiar, like an old friend. I especially enjoyed his stories of his youth, including the first trip he made to Europe with his parents when he was a teenager. His father owned a piano studio so the family went to Germany to visit some European piano workshops. Rick fell in love with Europe and vowed he would spend every summer there, which he did. He tells funny stories about traveling with a teenage friend and surviving on bread and stolen desserts. He also shares how he first got started, by teaching a class on budget travel. Only later, at the suggestion of a relative (I think), does he think to write a guidebook. As would be expected, Steves is recognized by travelers wherever he goes. Mostly they want travel advice but sometimes they ask him how he films he shows. It seems he doesn't make much money off his shows, which was a surprise. All in all, an entertaining read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like Rick's guidebooks (yes we were like those he described toting them across Europe) and I enjoyed the places he went a many of the stories, most of this book had a negative-sad feel. He lamented that while sharing these great places, they have now been changed (though in the postscript from 2009 he said much of his fear was unfounded and there was still charm) into the tourist traps he wanted his travelers to avoid. I also hated reading the parts about his wife knowing they are divorced now :( Also a lot of the conversations while sometimes forced and autobiographic or educational, often they just seemed like complaining about Americans (which there is plenty to complain about) or making money or things changing.
If you like travel stories and are a Rick Steves fan you will probably enjoy the book (and then let me know if you felt is was a negative as I did)

[Freyja Vanadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was great and I enjoyed reading about the various countries he visited, but I was surprised to see that he could be a bit of an ass in his dealings with other people. I mean, seriously: on his first trips, he made his clients sleep in on the ground in sleeping bags in huge tents with 400 other people instead of staying in hotels? Really, Rick? What exactly was the purpose of that? "To get a taste of the real Europe" doesn't cut it, because Europeans don't sleep in huge community tents. And the only reason he stopped is because one of his clients complained. I still love his TV shows, and I think he's the best American tour guide writer, but my opinion of him dropped a notch or two.

[Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! If you are a fan of Rick Steves, this is a must read.
I had him autograph my copy when he was in town last year.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a guy who travels a lot he sure isn't a great travel writer. It has it's moments.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely outdated, but still a fun read learning about Rick's early years in Europe.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not agree with his politics but he is an awesome story teller.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized I had this in my Audible library, and for some reason I'd never read/listened to it before. It was a little under four hours - the perfect amount of time for a drive I took today.

I always love listening to Rick narrate his own books/stories. He has such a great way of describing things - he'd call it evocative - and there are many times I laugh out loud at some of his analogies.

This is a short collection of stories, and I enjoyed some better than others. I really liked the stories about how he was a bit of a reluctant traveler when his parents first took him to Europe, but how he quickly became bitten by the travel bug. It was interesting to see how his curiosity turned into a passion, and how he evolved from merely a traveler to one of the preeminent guidebook writers in the US (or the world?). It's interesting that he considers himself a teacher, and that he actually did teach university classes about traveling in Europe first.

I also enjoyed hearing about his 70-day "Europe on the Cheap" trip (or did he call it Europe in the Gutter?) that he did when he was in college -- he has guts for sure, as I'd have never been able to travel like that!

The story I liked the least was the section on France - it just didn't grab me as much as the others, although I understand his fascination for the Rue Cler area of Paris.

It was really obvious that this was written over 20 years ago, as some of the places he has mentioned have changed, and times have changed and he's modernized some, as well. The stories are timeless, though - so that part's still valid.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and one that any fan of Rick Steves would probably enjoy.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known primarily in his role as Europe travel guide through his TV series Travels in Europe, and through his series of guidebooks, Rick is, at heart, just another traveler who fell in love with Europe and has made his life around traveling to see his mistress. In Postcards, Rick treats us to a candid memoir of a trip through Europe, following the itinerary of one of the tours his company offers. This, however, is Rick the traveler, not the guide, and what we get from his pen are personal thoughts about the continent and its peoples, and memories of current and long-ago trips.

What's different, and great, about Rick is that unlike other travel writers, who focus on impressions and quirky events experienced throughout their travels, Rick is all about the people and the ambiance of a place. A good trip to Europe for Rick entails meeting colorful local characters in whatever city he is visiting, finding out-of-the-way sights and locations, and strolling alongside the locals, as if a 6-foot-tall white guy from Seattle did not look out of place. This travel philosophy, this "go local" mentality, is exactly what we desired when we were planning our own trip, a philosophy that we refined learning from Rick.

I like from Postcards, in particular, the memories of Rick's first solo-trip to Europe, back in 1973. Times have changed incredibly since then, and I was certainly older than he was when I first went to Europe, but the amazement of that first trip is the same. I recognize his wonder, and find it in my own journal. When he describes traveling across Europe by train, I know how the wind feels on my face as you lean out the window, the sound trains make when they go into a tunnel, the sight of countless tiny town merging into one long blur as the train darts through the countryside. Our trips may have been different (even if we visited various locales in common), but the feeling, the excitement, the wonder of travel is the same. It helps me relive a Summer three years ago when time did not exist and a whole continent was my playground. And that, as I said in my review below, is something I appreciate immensely.

[Fariza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being alone in a foreign country reading about Europe (where most of my friends chose to do their internship to and which I can't afford to do so. T_T)

Steve take me along with him through all of his journey in his writing. Most of the times, I laughed to his jokes and sometimes he made me think of my own journey here. I've felt the same experience as his. He inspired me to take the risk to go around without a plan. He encouraged me to talk to the locals with my limited Korean abilities. His journey had become part of my own little journey here. Read his book everywhere, during picnics and bus rides. I promised to read this book again.

I believe there were many changes happened in Europe now and all of the characters probably not alive anymore, however I believe that he inspired many young generations to follow his step. If you're not allergic to book, physical book and you're going to Europe, his book is a great reading stuff.

Personally I think most travelers cling to the internet too much and neglects locals recommendation.

Rick Steve officially listed in my favorite writer! His writing surely made my day here.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appealing series of vignettes as Rick reflects on his personal history traveling in Europe, starting his business and how the continent has changed since he got started. Hearing his thoughts on how his books have influenced life in smaller towns that have been somewhat overcome by tourism is indeed interesting. I never wondered about it while traipsing through the Cinque Terre aided by his book, nearly 20 years ago, but later on in life I'd been curious; it's clear his feelings are mixed. There's the joy of sharing something he's discovered tempered by his concern that the true nature of the place is being stripped away by vacationers.

While I just never get as interested in the history of a place as Rick does, I liked hearing about his own past. And learning how his travel has influenced his perspective on the world (e.g. more liberal drug policy) was intriguing. Plus, the pictures of hirsute early Rick are gold.

Rick's main point, which I loved: "The essence of Europe, and the beauty of travel, remains its people. This trip taught me that you can be alive or dead in a country -- it all depends on how deeply you connect with the people you meet."

[Akshata · Rating 4 out of 5]

He claims at the very beginning that this is a conversation between him and you on a canal side cafe in Venice sharing a carafe of wine and with endless time to spare, and that's exactly what it turned out to be (although I'd prefer coffee in maybe Paris). His ten stories took me through ten beautiful places seen from the eyes of one who is there to soak in everything local - rueful about modernization and glowing about people and things that haven't changed. Each story needs to be read slowly, ruminated on, smiled at and then the page turned to the next one. However, all this dreamy reading aside, this book is not a narration of exactly how ONE trip turned out. His stories are based on three years of traveling this same circuit collecting material for this book, and also fictionalizing many incidents including flashback narrations of his youth, his first solo trip and setting up Europe Through The Back Door. Fair enough, such dreamy narration could not have come from one trip and 100% real life incidents :) Now back to reality!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Steves actually wrote this book in 1999, but the paperback I bought (I think it was a deal on his website or something) had a postscript about some of the people and places he talked about, ten years later. The next best thing to traveling the world is a good armchair traveler read. If you're a Steves fan, you'll enjoy this one. It gives a hint here and there of a more irreverent guy - not the PC, white bread Rick of the PBS series. But, it's still very much in the Steves mode. Instead of snapshots and soundbites on TV, these really are like postcards. No particularly in depth or heavy observations of any one place, but enjoyable slices of life from his European travels.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am, admittedly, a huge Rick Steves fangirl, but what a charming selection of travel stories from my favorite guidebook author! Rick's personality comes out in his stories about his European travels, from his formative trips to Europe as a teen, his first backpack journey on the cheap, his initial minibus tours, to his current life as a TV show host and tour company owner. He has quirky, fun stories and Europe comes alive as he introduces us to the locals that he trusts for views as he writes his books. Even though the book came out almost 20 years ago, the stories feel like a timeless look into my favorite continent.

[Leslie Jenison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating book of short stories about Rick Steves' wanderings throughout Europe. I have skimmed a few of his travel books from time to time but have never read extensively. I do like his style of travel. In the book he admits that, due to his travel recommendations, some of the places he loved because of the "unspoiled" nature of the place become somewhat less-so after his readers find out about them. Still, his observations are so well-written and his desire to know the people and local culture of each place he visits make for a very appealing read.

[Kathy Moberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars means "OK", and that's what this is. We listened to the audio version in the car on a trip (which seems appropriate, altho we were not in Europe!), and it helped while away the time. I am a big fan of Rick Steves' travel guides and heartily recommend them. I've enjoyed his TV show. These travel tales leave a lot to be desired, however. For this kind of writing, Bill Bryson is the author you want.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chapter on Munich made me terribly homesick. But the constant self-aggrandisement was terribly off-putting, especially in his chapter on France. In the end, I kind of felt like this was a 200 page ad for Rick Steves (TM). This is a shallow set of tales with no particular insight into the cultures, the places, or much else, really. I was disappointed, having read some of his travel essays in other anthologies before.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was like reading about my first 8-country European trip back in 2000. Some great insights, regional/local travel tips and familiar faces were mentioned. Would like to do this trip again - maybe in 2025 to coincide of when St. Peter's Basilica opens its gigantic front doors once again. I suggest augmenting this book with "Mona Winks" - laugh your way through Europe's famous museums.

[Will Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to travel, I think a reader wants honesty more than fancy. Seeing his PBS shows, but now knowing his censors adjust what ends up in the broadcast, I expected him to be glowing in his reviews. But he is still fun (and sometimes funny) in this book as he is frank in his observations and recommendations.

I enjoy travelling, but I don't have to have the "authentic experience," or see the non-touristy stuff. Just being away from home in a well-known place can be enough for me.

[Jennifer McCullum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading travel books and have used Rick Steves guides in the past. This book included reflections on places he has traveled and how his writing about them has sometimes changed their character. Loved some of the antidotes about American travelers from his European friends. Something I learned about Rick is that he supports legalizing drugs, especially marijuana. Who knew????

[Will Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you've been armchair-traveling with Rick Steves for years, either via his guidebooks or his PBS television show, this book presents a nice biographical accompaniment as to how it all came about.

Not too much else to add - same breezy style, same "backdoor" travel philosophy - and a chance to learn how it all developed.

A well-paced, "footloose and fancy-free" journey.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't have the time or money to take a European Vacation right now? Or you took one and want to read a little more in-depth about the places you went? Read this book. Taking mini-vacations before falling asleep each night was just what the Dr. ordered. And I learned a little more about Rick Steves who for some reason I find really interesting.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the travelling from country to country and bringing in the merchants Rick Steves came to enjoy. I love his travel books but found this to explain why and how he began to write the travel book. He had plenty to say about tourists and travelers as well as the locations often mentioned in his books. It made me want to go on one of his tours.

[Mary Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a charming collection of stories about Rick’s travels through Europe. I enjoyed learning about how Rick became a tour guide as a young man. The book doesn’t have a strong narrative drive, so it is easy to put down, but also easy to pick back up. I like some of Rick’s other books better (such as “Travel as a Political Act”), but this one was fun, too.

[Monica]

I know it looks like I've been reading this book for a while. That's because I have! This is my "keep in the car in case I have to wait for someone" book so I only read it while I'm in my car waiting for someone!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished this. It was a good travel story, but not super interesting. I don't think you can really experience the greatness about a city or culture unless you stay at least a week, definitely more than 2 days. But I love Rick Steves!

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the stories, and some of the stories made me uncomfortable when Steves told of shoplifting as a youthful traveler and having his early tour groups bed down in a 400-person tent just to watch his group members be uncomfortable in different circumstances.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

After watching so many episodes on PBS, it is nice to fill in more details of Rick's travel life and even his philosophy. This isn't a guidebook, but it is serving as a good reminder that we each travel for different reasons. I like the Back Door philosophy!

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rick Steves writes very useful guidebooks. I like his philosophy of travel. I like him when I hear him on the radio.

But as a travel writer, I find this book boring and without any insight into the places he visits.