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How many of you on the European continent have heard of well known Rick Steves, American travel writer and tour company host.
He is considered a top American expert on travel in Europe (and even a little beyond into the Middle East) and has written guidebooks, produced TV shows, and has his own tour company?
Have you heard of him?
What do you think of him?
Is he "corny/cheesy" in any way in your opinion?
He highlights both how to make the best of top attractions, doing it affordably dealing with crowds the least, but also really emphasizes A LOT of places off the beaten path as well.
Personally, I've been to Europe twice (France and Austria mostly, a little in Germany and Italy) and going to the UK this summer for two weeks.
My father, who is retired travels quite a lot.
I would respect Rick Steves' tips and recommendations, but at the end of the day he still is an American, so I obviously wouldn't put his suggestions above natives of the countries obviously.
Location: San Diego via Orange County via Toronto via Rome Italy
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Ha! Love the Steves. I was born in Italy and have no shortage of relatives to consult when planning a trip to Italy. Also have traveled to and have friends in Portugal and France. In all cases I consulted his TV shows and forums heavily, then ran my itineraries past the locals - not once did they say anything like "don't do that, it's SO touristy and over-rated". And my cousins wouldn't be shy about correcting the ways of a poor immigrant.
I also enjoy his audio tours . . .used them for the Louvre and the Roman Forum (and I was frickin' born in Rome so you can imagine how I would have felt if anyone saw me doing that!) and found they really add a lot to the experience.
Yes he's corny and cheesy - but that's just his personality. And it's downright painful to hear him speak Italian or French. But the man knows his stuff, IMO.
I do read and value his advice. He seems to really know what he is talking about. He shares his travel experiences, and while they are somehow subjective, he is seldom wrong.
Anthony Bourdain has a public persona that has been characterized by Gothamist as "culinary bad boy". Because of his liberal use of profanity and sexual references in his television show No Reservations, the network has placed viewer discretion advisories on each segment of each episode.
While Rick Steves does not give bad advice, he seldom ventures off the straight and narrow.
We live in California and we love Rick Steves and his programs.
Having said that, I was born in Europe, spent 25 years on the continent, and we just visited there, 40 days in September 2016.
With all respect to the guy, his program is as much a true representation of the real Europe as Disneyland is to the USA.
We live in California and we love Rick Steves and his programs.
Having said that, I was born in Europe, spent 25 years on the continent, and we just visited there, 40 days in September 2016.
With all respect to the guy, his program is as much a true representation of the real Europe as Disneyland is to the USA.
Well, of course. His programs are not meant to be a "day in the life of a native of such a country" its "how to maximize and optimize your stay in Europe".
He once said you would have more fun scrubbing your fridge at home than to visit a city as boring as Bordeaux. That makes me laugh every time, particularly when Bordeaux was touted as the number 1 recommended destination by lonely planet last year. I will visit the city to test the validity of such a bold statement.
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