Rick Steves's Blog, page 17

Lets go for a (vicarious) walk together along Paris finest market street: Rue Cler.  

Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the time being. But travel dreams are immune to any virus. And, while many of us are stuck at home, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories  a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis. 

I grew up thinking cheese was no big deal. It...

Our Europe-based tour guides just cant stop guiding. Even stuck at home in coronavirus self-isolation, they continue to reach out, teach, and make the world a better place. Since last weeks roundup, as quarantine slowly became the new normal, more of the reports are about how our guides are settling in for the long term: Keeping distracted; making up for lost income; and getting equipped for the crisis.

Here are a few of the updates weve received this week from our guides around Europe. (We...

Viennese high culture may be on hold for now. But Im savoring my memories of a city that knows how to live very, very well.  

Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the time being. But travel dreams are immune to any virus. And, while many of us are stuck at home, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories  a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

M...

Greece has many famous islands. But my favorite is off the beaten path  the terrain of donkeys, roosters, and cats: the traffic-free isle of Hydra. 

Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the time being. But travel dreams are immune to any virus. And, while many of us are stuck at home, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories  a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of...

Chocolates, craft beer, church tower chimeswhats not to like? Join me on a mellow little visit to Bruges, Belgium. 

Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the time being. But travel dreams are immune to any virus. And, while many of us are stuck at home, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories  a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis. 

With a smile, the...

Until a few weeks ago, Venice was inundated with tourists. But my local friend Piero has a knack for explaining the real Venice. (Heres hoping that very soon, Venice will once again be crowded.) 

Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the time being. But travel dreams are immune to any virus. And, while many of us are stuck at home, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories  a reminder of whats...

While Im stuck at home, Im missing some of my favorite walks in Europe. And high on that list is the glorious stroll around the top of Dubrovniks perfectly preserved City Walls.  

Because of the coronavirus, Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers. Through this crisis, join me for a quick, daily escape from the headlines as we count down the days until we can head back to Europe.  

Anxiety is something I like to sweep away when guiding a tour. And anxiety is not welcome at home...

Who else could go for a sauna right about now? I know a great one: a humble, working-class sauna in an untouristy Helsinki neighborhood. 

Because of the coronavirus, Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the next few weeks (and likely longer). But travel dreams are immune to any virus. During these challenging times, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my very favorite travel dreams-come-truea reminder of whats...

Our social distancing times have me especially nostalgic for some of Europes great gatherings: the Italian piazzathe Spanish paseoand the German beer hall.

Because of the coronavirus, Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the next few weeks (and likely longer). But travel dreams are immune to any virus. During these challenging times, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my very favorite travel dreams-come-truea...

Ive spent more time in London than in any other European city. And in a dynamic city like London, learning history doesnt require going through a museum turnstile. Sometimes its justpicking up garbage from a riverbank. 

Because of the coronavirus, Europe is effectively off-limits to American travelers for the next few weeks (and likely longer). But travel dreams are immune to any virus. During these challenging times, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine....