NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT RICK
"HE HAS NEVER LET US DOWN"... In 1993, my husband and I took our first trip to Europe and were lucky enough to discover Rick Steves. We have traveled to Europe several times since then - 4 times with our children and "he has never let us down" as my husband likes to remind me whenever I am struggling with where to go or stay. His standard response when I ask questions during planning is "well, what does Rick say?"
Every trip we have planned, we have used Rick's books, videos, and website. One of my favorite resources is his Travel Forum where other experienced travelers provide advice and comment on proposed plans.
(and look closely at the slideshow!)
SERIOUSLY! ONLY ONE BAG?!
One carry-on bag and one small personal item is not just a goal in our house - it's the law! I can guarantee you will NEVER regret taking less, but I have frequently regretted taking too much. Can you imagine 5 teenage girls following this rule? I wish I had pictures, but Jessica (being the travel pro) gave a wonderful presentation to her friends on how to pack for this trip and every one of the girls (despite some grumbling) accomplished the goal. With females, the problem always comes down to shoes. Yes - cute is important, but comfort is a necessity! Most of the girls managed to take at least 3 pairs of shoes and still were able to fit everything in one carry-on... now that's impressive!
OUR FIRST TRIP AS A FAMILY IN 2006
HUGH (8) AND JESSICA (10)
THE TRAVEL CENTER
For those of you not lucky enough to live 5 minutes from the Rick Steves Travel Center in Edmonds, Washington, you can always shop online. My husband would debate whether this is a good thing or not, as evidenced by all of the gear I have purchased over the years. Beyond the obviously reasonable prices and great functionality of the Travel Bags, I like that everything that is sold is so practical. Although not big shoppers when we travel, we love our "Don't Tell Rick Bag" just in case we come across something we can't pass up. I purchased 3 Toiletries Kits because they are a life-saver when you have no counterspace. The clothesline, the travel wash, the towels, all have been so useful that I don't know how we'd travel with out them.
EUROPE 101: HISTORY & ART FOR THE TRAVELER
Adding a plug for my favorite book in his series EUROPE 101: History & Art for the Traveler. Co-written with Gene Openshaw, it is an excellent overview of history and art that makes you appreciate things that you normally might just scratch your head at. I find myself frequently laughing out loud and I pull it out to read about specific eras and locations before each time we travel. This book is such an easy read with so much information!
THANK YOU, RICK
We take Rick with us whenever we travel - one way or the other. Whether we are on one of his tours or are traveling independently using his great guidebooks, or traveling domestically, he is always in our heads encouraging us to travel light, travel smart and immerse ourselves in the culture (and ALWAYS reminding us to wear our moneybelts!)
Thank you, Rick, for teaching us to be independent travelers and for offering the wonderful tours where we can still be as independent as we want. With the tours, we get the bonus of stress-free planning along with the fabulous tour guides and all the knowledge that they share.
