RICK STEVES

Award-Winning Travel Writer and Public Television Host

Rick Steves is a renowned travel expert, author, and television host who has spent over 40 years making European travel accessible, fun, and culturally enriching. Through his popular PBS series Rick Steves’ Europe, bestselling guidebooks, and engaging public radio show, he has inspired millions to explore the world thoughtfully and affordably. Steves encourages travelers to go beyond tourist hotspots, embrace local cultures, and gain a broader perspective on the world. His influential books—including Europe Through the Back Door, Travel as a Political Act, and his 2025 memoir On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer—have shaped how people experience travel. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including multiple Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards and induction into the Travel Hall of Fame. Rick spends about four months a year in Europe researching guidebooks, leading tours, filming his show, and making new discoveries for curious travelers. To recharge, he plays the piano, relaxes at his family’s cabin, and spends time with his son and daughter. He lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington.