Reasons Rick Steves' Son Says You Should Be Selfish When Making Travel Plans

When it comes to planning your next European backpacking adventure, there's usually a mounting sense of pressure that insists you need to visit every must-see destination on social media or follow the same well-worn path as your friends. After all, what's the point of traveling if not to see the most famous sights and follow popular recommendations, right? Well, Andy Steves — son of travel guru Rick Steves and founder of Andy Steves Travel — actually has some pretty compelling arguments for why you shouldn't do that. Because, according to Andy Steves — who has spent years guiding young travelers across Europe — the secret to a truly memorable trip actually lies in being completely selfish with your destination choices ... not in ticking off a generic to-do list.

After years of watching how students studying abroad often failed to spend their time and money effectively, and just how big the need was for efficient and redeeming travel, Steves discovered that the most satisfied adventurers share one common trait: They choose destinations based on their own genuine interests rather than on any external expectations. Specifically, instead of fighting to try and cram every Instagram-worthy location into their trip, successful travelers actually focus on what genuinely excites them personally — from incredible food scenes to a vibrant nightlife and stunning architecture. 

After all, you're the one actually out there spending your time and money on this adventure, not your friends or social media followers. And planning a trip based on someone else's idea of the "perfect European experience" means you're essentially living someone else's vacation instead of creating your own.

Simply put, Andy Steves' philosophy suggests that a more intentional, self-focused approach to trip planning leads to deeper connections with places and more authentic travel experiences that you'll remember long after you return home. And while this approach might sound obvious in theory, the entire concept challenges the traditional approach to European travel — one where visitors generally feel obligated to check off famous landmarks and experiences. Think climbing the Eiffel Tower, hopping aboard a gondola ride along Venice's canals, or taking a selfie with Big Ben, just to name a few. Many visitors do this without actually considering whether or not those destinations even align with their preferences.

However, according to Steves, breaking free from these expectations is exactly what separates memorable adventures from forgettable tourist experiences. This is especially true considering that each destination offers something completely different: While some cities are famous for their incredible food scenes, others shine for their nightlife, and others are all about world-class architecture and museums.

As such, Steves' approach to "selfish travel" goes far beyond just choosing destinations. Along with making sure you're visiting each place for your own reasons, he also recommends being intentional about timing — whether you're prioritizing summer beach destinations or February ski adventures — and even booking around events that genuinely matter to you, like music festivals or sporting events. Finally, he also encourages travelers to be more aware about their trip pacing — oftentimes telling overeager planners to "reduce, reduce, reduce" their ambitious city lists. That way, rather than rushing through multiple destinations to maximize bragging rights, you can give yourself enough time to truly experience a place instead of just scratching the surface for the sake of it.