Rick Steves’ travel guidebooks, PBS show (Rick Steves’ Europe), and his tour company (Europe Through the Back Door) have shown Americans over the years how to travel modestly and efficiently throughout Europe. To maximize the experience, he encourages travelers to become temporary locals while highlighting must-see attractions.
Rather than telling travelers what to see and do, Travel as a Political Act is the book Steves has always wanted to write. It encapsulates his philosophy of connecting with people and learning about history and politics of a destination to better appreciate and understand it. Travel has impacted and broadened Steves’ political view and through this book he shares how and why.
Travel as a Political Act Teaches Cultural Understandings
Most of Travel as a Political Act’s nine chapters read like a travel journal infused with Steves’ personal opinions and casual tone. Steves shares stories based on interactions with those who made both small and big impacts during his 35 years of traveling abroad. Experiences and perspectives come from travels in Denmark, El Salvador, Iran, Morocco, the Netherlands, Turkey, the former Yugoslavia, and elsewhere in Europe. These exchanges coupled with Steves’ personal musings are inspirational and encourage readers to engage in conversation with locals while traveling. His experiences show and teach how cultural understandings and individual friendships can create peace and reduce conflict on a larger scale.
Travel as a Political Act is a reminder of the existence of a global community and the American way is not necessarily the right or only way. Steves cites a handful of examples of where European nations are addressing particular issues better than in the United States. And while in some cases he implies the European way is better, Steves is proud to be an American and in the final chapter "Homecoming," he explains the comforting feeling of returning home.
Which Traveler is Travel as a Political Act Written?
Although Rick Steves is a seasoned international traveler, Travel as a Political Act is written for novice travelers but will also be enjoyed by globetrotters who can relate to his varied experiences. Armchair travelers will also enjoy Steves’ anecdotes.
Travel as a Political Act emphasizes immersion, education and interaction rather than observing as a bystander. Steves encourages travelers to embark on educational journeys, push their comfort boundaries, and keep an open mind when vacationing for a more rewarding experience. This book belongs in the collection of everyone with wanderlust.
About Rick Steves
Born in Washington State in 1955, Rick Steves first visited Europe in 1969 and following his initial visit, he spent four months each year abroad. Eventually he began teaching travelers how to broaden their experiences based on his personal experience. These lectures led to publishing 35 European travel guidebooks, launch of his tour company, PBS television series, syndicated newspaper column, radio show (Travel with Rick Steves) and Web site. Steves still spends four months each year in Europe for guidebook research and producing his television programs.
Travel as a Political Act, by Rick Steves
Paperback: 209 pages
Publisher: Nation Books (May 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781568584355
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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