• Couple at lake overlook, Lugano, Switzerland

November Travel News

Hi from Rick: A Globetrotter’s Gratitude

Thanksgiving is just ahead. And even though — like a lot of my fellow Americans (and our European friends) — I'm reeling from the results of our recent election, I'm also counting my blessings: I've got a great travel partner, a hopeful prognosis for my prostate cancer, a boundless curiosity about our world, travel dreams both vivid and persistent, and the wherewithal to turn those dreams into reality.

As we dream ahead, any of us who are both healthy and fortunate enough to explore our world have endless globe-trotting options. To serve as a kind of springboard for great travels in 2025, I'm looking back on my 2024 travels and reliving some of my favorite memories:

In Naples, I realized that a shoe in need of mending was an excuse to hunt down an old-school cobbler's shop. Finding one in a back lane… Read more

In this issue


Gals in sunflower field, Hungary

Tips on When to Go to Europe

Some people have flexible-enough jobs and lifestyles to cherry-pick when to take their vacations, but many others have less choice. Fortunately, Europe welcomes visitors 365 days a year… Read more


United Kingdom flag, England

UK’s New Travel Authorization Program

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for visitors from the US and Canada as of January 8, 2025, and nearly all of the rest of Europe is set to kick off a similar program sometime in mid-2025… Learn more


People and wine barrels, France

Burgundy: Bulging Barrels, Barging, and Beyond

One of my favorite corners of France is bucolic Burgundy, a region overflowing with imbibable and scenic delights. Crisscrossed with lazy canals and dotted with quiet farming villages, it's easy… Read more


Cameron Hewitt holding Greece guidebook

Cameron’s Blog: Greece on Greece’s Terms

When I returned from my recent guidebook research trip to Greece, my friends and colleagues wanted to hear all about it. My standard response: "Greece is an amazing place to be on vacation… Read more


Sardine tins, Portugal

Video of the Month: Porto’s Tasty Treats

Porto, Portugal's rugged and lively second city, is made to order for sampling the country's tasty treats. Join Rick as he follows a local foodie guide on a tour of a half-dozen artisan shops, where we'll… Watch the video


Coming up on Monday Night Travel

We'll take a scenic adventure through Norway's fjord country with guide Pål Johansen on Nov. 18 and join Rick on Nov. 25 for a fun and insightful hour about how Europeans plan their cities… Register


tours 101

Rick Steves’ Europe: Tours 101

If you've ever thought about joining a Rick Steves' Europe tour and want to learn more about what to expect, we're hosting a tour information session on Zoom, Tuesday, Nov. 19… Register


hippie-trail-book-cover

Pre-Order Rick’s New Book

Stow away with Rick for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments, misadventures, and memories of his 1978 journey on the legendary Hippie Trail from Istanbul to Kathmandu… Pre-order