Biography

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

Rick Steves grew up in Edmonds, Washington and studied at the University of Washington where he received degrees in Business Administration and European History. But his real education came in Europe - since 1973 he's spent 120 days a year in Europe. Spending one third of his adult life living out of a suitcase in Europe has shaped his thinking. Today he employs 80 people at his Europe Through the Back Door headquarters where he produces over 50 guidebooks on European travel, the most popular travel series in America on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, and a weekly column syndicated by the Chicago Tribune. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ashley Sytsma

Is of Norwegian descent

When I take our groups to Venice, and we make our way through the winding streets to the Piazza San Marco, I just love watching the tour members' expressions. They always have open mouths, and they're saying, "This is so beautiful, so incredible!" when seeing the square and basilica in front of them. Their expressions give me goose bumps.

A man in Afghanistan once told me that a third of this planet eats with spoons and forks, and a third of the planet eats with chopsticks, and a third eats with their fingers. And they're all just as civilized as one another.

I have an amazing wife who knows my love of travel and encourages it, and this brings me peace while I am working on tour. She takes care of the kids and household and works a full-time job while I'm away.

As a travel writer, I get to be the provocateur, the medieval jester. I go out there and learn what it's like and come home and tell people truth to their face. Sometimes they don't like it. But it's healthy and good for our country to have a better appreciation of what motivates other people. The flip side of fear is understanding. And you gain that through travel.

My favorite is enjoying the relaxation of the Cinque Terre. I love the beaches, the incredible seafood, the fantastic scenery and hikes, and of course the local wine.