I’ve watched Rick Steves on P.B.S. traipse all over Europe for years, and when I went to the library a few weeks ago to get some guide books for our family trip to Europe I grabbed a handful of his travel guides. So far, they’ve been the best ones for us.
Steves is really no-nonsense in his guidance about each city and country he writes about, with little hole-in-the-wall recommendations for food and lodging I personally appreciate. He tells you which castles to skip, what time museums are open, and to expect the fact that Europe runs on a different schedule than the rest of the world.
There are maps, transit routes, currency rates, common foods, useful phrases in each language, and what to pack. His books have been super helpful.
I’m fairly confident that if I weren’t traveling with Viktor {who knows his way around} I could tote Rick Steves’ Eastern Europe along with me and do just fine.
What about you? Any favorite tour guides, blogs, or books you like to read before heading out of town?
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
I always get the latest Rick Steves book for my general “walking around” information he’s great! He’s knowledgeable in a conversational way and, while practical, he throws in some interesting, quirky details, too. I also like the Eyewitness Guides, because they have great pictures and cross-section drawings of buildings and things that get me excited BEFORE a trip. They have good info for hotels, restaurants, etc., but not as price-conscious as Rick Steves I don’t use them so much once I’m there but they’re great for reading before you leave or on the plane. Lots of great info!
i love the DK ones. not only are they gorgeous, but i also feel like i’m learning something (and their central european ones walked me through every architectural relevance, historical obscurity, and art-i-wouldn’t-notice.) in prague, it lead us far off the beaten path to a courtyard where we saw the sculpture of the women from revelations standing on the moon, pregnant with god, fighting the dragon, the 12 stars of the sky crowning her. it was the coolest thing ever, honestly. and the best thing i saw in prague. we bought all the guidebooks, and when it came down to it, it was the only one we would take with us during the day.
I have used a combination of resources when I have traveled. Sometimes it is something I have bookmarked on a blog or seen in a travel magazine. I like Rick Steves, but I also like Samantha Brown. Since much of my travel has been with our children I try to include something for them. A visit to a transportation museum, a theme park, or even a science museum. I know it sounds strange because you are traveling so far and it cost so much, but it is fun to do things the local children do which makes the experience more real. Some of our best tips have been our friends, so talk to everyone you think might have been there. The best restaurant we ate at last year in Rome was a suggestion given to us by a friend who knew someone who lived there. Have a blast!
I have traveled Europe with Rick Steves guide before. He really knows his stuff! We have even booked hotel rooms from his recommendations.
Hi Allison. When we met at Blissdom, I don’t think I mentioned: we live part time in Europe. It’s gotten pretty easy to spot Americans on vacation. And guess what one of the reasons is? They’ve got a Rick Steves book in hand! I think he’s the best for Eastern Europe, too.
Rick Steves will never lead you astray. His books lead us to the best, cheapest, and most authentic hotels, restaurants, and sites. He’s the ONLY guy to trust (OK, maybe Viktor too!).
My top picks are always Lonely Planet (who have books for practically every single country) and Rick Steves.
I noticed in the picture the guidebook is opened to a page about Budapest. Will you be going? If so, I highly recommend visiting one of the thermal baths. Our favorite was Szechenyi (http://www.szechenyibath.com/) .
Regardless of where you go, enjoy every minute!
I used to always go with Lonely Planet, but this last year traveling in eastern Europe I really was won over by Rick Steves. Now I’m just disappointed that he only does Europe guides.
We are a Frommer’s loving family. We’ve taken it to NYC, Boston, Chicago, Paris, Costa Rica. We just bought the Frommer’s Italy travel guide for our September trip. But really my favorite Frommer’s books are their 24 great walks ones. We got the Rome one and I’m so excited! I might need to pick up the Venice one too! We used the Paris one everywhere.
A couple years ago I went to Italy with my family. We toured the whole country and I had my Rick Steves guide with me. My family was amazed at how I seemed to be an expert at Italy, able to answer questions about which sites were best to see and what the best transportation was for Piza and how much it would cost to get into the Uffizi Gallery. That book made me feel so confident. I will never go abroad without Rick in my bag.
We use Rick Steves and love his advice, too! We have the Best of Europe and Europe on a Shoestring, and those alone have given us plenty of help throughout France, Germany and beyond this year!
I love to travel with Rick Steves’ guidebooks. So does everyone else! This can be a problem when you are trying to book rooms – as his recommendations are often booked solid due to the popularity of his books. One travel tip I love to pass on to others… find older versions of his books! The hotels are still great, just not his “current” picks. He constantly finds new lodgings to write up in updated travel books, but the “older” lodgings are still excellent choices – And there are rooms available since most travelers bring along the newest Rick Steves books rather than past editions. BEST TIP EVER!