The Unexpected Reason Rick Steves Loves Getting A Haircut In Europe

Fact: Trying to cram too many destinations into one trip can quickly leave you exhausted and unsatisfied. Because, in between rushing and planning, it's easy to lose sight of true connection and respect — essentially becoming what travel experts refer to as an "ugly tourist." Instead, when you're able to slow down, it's more likely that your most memorable travel experiences might actually come from some pretty mundane things and places. And while you might prefer to focus your travel itinerary on checking out different museums, visiting historic sites, and trying the local cuisine, it's just as important that you don't overlook the daily activities that can offer meaningful and unexpected cultural insights.

Don't believe us? Just ask travel expert and writer Rick Steves. With decades of experience traveling and writing under his belt, Steves is all too familiar with the concept of an immersive vacation experience. In his blog, the author celebrates what he calls the joys of "everyday Europe" — aka, those mundane moments that reveal the most authentic aspects of local life. Instead of avoiding routine tasks like grocery shopping, doing laundry, or personal maintenance, Steves embraces these "chores" as valuable opportunities to experience a new place more authentically.

That said, out of all the everyday activities, Steves is pretty enthusiastic about one thing: getting a haircut abroad. What was once an anxiety-inducing challenge because of language barriers, seeing a barber has actually become a surprising highlight of his European travels. And no, it's not necessarily because barbers abroad are more skilled or better at styling his hair. It's mostly because he gets to enjoy genuine local interaction, sitting "in a chair talking with a real person who's not in the tourist trade."

More than just a passing trend, slow travel is all about embracing the moment and giving into a more relaxed way of exploring somewhere new — and it's fully supported by Rick Steves himself. After all, the constant rush to try and see everything often leaves you seeing, well ... nothing. Instead, staying for longer in fewer places and settling into a temporary routine can help you notice the rhythms of local life. You might recognize the same shopkeeper each morning or discover which neighborhood café makes the best espresso. From there, these repeated interactions can eventually lead to a genuine sense of familiarity — as well as meaningful conversations with locals who appreciate your interest in their everyday world.

The way Steves puts it, it's these everyday activities that create the most authentic travel experiences. Whether you visit a local barber or antique shop at a neighborhood market, his approach encourages you to try and incorporate the most ordinary activities into your travel routine. Even if you're only in a destination for a few days, Steves suggests that you try to prioritize at least one everyday interaction.

Hit up laundromats to chat with locals while waiting for your clothes to wash. Shop at grocery stores to learn more about the city you're visiting and food scene. Take public transportation to see what a daily commute looks like. Ultimately, these mundane experiences will provide authentic glimpses into local culture that most tourists miss entirely. At the end of the day, when you leave room in your schedule for unplanned discoveries, you're able to actually experience a place and its people on its own terms, rather than just following what a guidebook tells you.