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PROFILE 
Rick Steves advocates smart, independent travel. As host of the public television series, "Rick Steves' Europe," and author of 21 European travel books, he encourages Americans to dive deep into Europe and become "temporary locals." His readers discover not just great cities, but cozy "Back Door" villages away from the tourist-trampled routes. He helps American travelers connect more intimately with the Europeans -- often for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.
Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. By the time he reached 18, Rick jokes, "I realized I didn't need my parents." He began traveling on his own or with a friend, funding his trips by teaching piano.
In 1976, Rick started a business called Europe Through the Back Door. His tour program has grown since then from a couple of minivan tours each year to 200 bus tours annually that escort more than 4,000 Americans through Europe.
Rick self-published the first edition of his travel skills book, "Europe Through the Back Door," in 1980. It has since become a best-seller. He has also written eight country guidebooks, five city guides and five phrasebooks, and co-authored "Europe 101" and "Mona Winks." In 1999, he tackled a new genre of travel writing with his anecdotal "Postcards from Europe," recounting his favorite moments from 25 years of travel. Also in 1999, he wrote three new city guidebooks, taking an in-depth look at Paris, Rome, and London. Rick's books are published by Avalon Travel Publishing in Berkeley, California.
With Small World Productions, Rick co-wrote the public television series "Travels in Europe with Rick Steves," which now airs throughout the United States on PBS and the Travel Channel. This 52-week series has made Rick one of PBS's top pledge drive hosts. In 2000, he founded Back Door Productions, writing and co-producing "Rick Steves' Europe," a new 16-program series that began airing on public television in September, 2000.
Rick also teaches travel classes throughout the U.S. He is known for his lively and irreverant sense of humor. He writes newspaper and magazine columns, and has enlivened dozens of radio and television talk shows. Through his travel business, Rick also contributes regularly to charitable programs.
Today Europe Through the Back Door is one of America's top railpass sellers. The company offers loads of free travel information through its website (www.ricksteves.com), travel center, and quarterly newsletter.
Rick Steves is a recognized authority on European travel. He's candid, funny, and quotable.
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RICK'S ANSWERS
HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?
I'm in Europe 120
days a year, generally on 4 trips.
IN A YEAR HOW MANY MILES/POINTS DO YOU EARN?
I don't believe in complicating my life by collecting these "miles".
WHAT CLASS OF SERVICE DO YOU MOSTLY FLY IN?
Coach or tourist class. I've never paid to sit in business or first class. If a
fan of my guidebooks or TV shows shows appreciation for my work by
bumping me up, I accept gratefully. But coach works fine for me.
FAVORITE AIRLINE?
Any airline that gets me to Europe
safely on the day they said they would.
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT?
Any aircraft that gets me to Europe
safely on the day I hope to.
FAVORITE HOTEL?
My business is finding favorite hotels. My
guidebooks are filled with my favorites. It's impossible to say just one
for everywhere.
FAVORITE HOTEL AMENITY?
Silence after dark. I'll take a
view of the courtyard and unplug the mini-refridgerator for silence.
FAVORITE AIRPORT?
They all work perfectly good for me.
FAVORITE AIRPORT TO PASS TIME IN?
Copenhagen or Heathrow
FAVORITE CITY?
Paris
FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
My business is finding favorite
restaurants. My guidebooks are filled with my favorites. It's impossible
to say just one for everywhere.
AISLE OR WINDOW?
Window
ETICKET OR PAPER?
Paper
TRAVEL AGENT OR ONLINE?
Travel agent for sure!
FAVORITE TRAVEL WEBSITE?
www.ricksteves.com
FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
Anne Steves
BEST TRAVEL TIP:
Pack light, celebrate cultural
differences rather than comparing things to back home, see guidebooks as
$20 tools for $3000 experiences, and find ways to avoid crowds. There
are two IQ levels among travelers: those who wait in lines and those who
don't wait in lines.
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