'The Mr. Rogers Of Travel': Why Rick Steves Is So Beloved And Trusted By Reddit
If you've ever browsed the travel section at your local bookstore, you've likely come across a guidebook by Rick Steves. For many travelers, the iconic blue and yellow cover design of a "Rick Steves Europe" book immediately evokes the excitement of planning a trip abroad. Travelers love and trust Rick Steves, and he sells around a million books each year. He has also hosted a popular travel-themed television program, and around 30,000 people attend his branded group tours each year. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what caused Steves' fame to skyrocket, but his following and influence are immense. According to Reddit users, the reason so many people love and trust him is because he's authentic, good-natured, and extremely experienced.
In our modern world, most of us are bombarded with travel "content" created by social media influencers, but it's often impossible to tell whether they're being genuine or giving out glowing reviews in exchange for endorsements, paychecks, or free vacations. Reading one of Steves' guidebooks or blog posts is like a breath of fresh air for many travelers — myself included. There's something comforting about the eloquent way he writes and speaks. Reddit users think he's wholesome, knowledgeable, and full of funny dad jokes. One Reddit user went so far as to call him "the Mr. Rogers of travel."
I used to poke fun at my mother for lugging around his guidebooks (full of dog-eared pages and sticky notes) anytime we visited Europe, but they helped her plan some unforgettable adventures. I can't help but agree with Reddit user u/porkchopespresso, who wrote of Steves, "In fact he may be the only man left that we can trust." Not all heroes wear capes — some of them wear khakis and comfortable shoes for travel.
Rick Steves has decades of experience, which he shares in an authentic and approachable way
One Reddit post in r/travel asked whether Rick Steves is generally considered trustworthy, to which nearly a thousand people swooped in to say "yes, definitely." The general consensus is that Rick Steves is one of the most trustworthy people on the planet — especially when it comes to travel. "Yes. Rick Steves is the single most trustworthy European travel guide / book author out there. His 'Europe Through the Back Door' should be REQUIRED READING for anyone going to Europe for the first time," u/NiagaraThistle wrote.
Rick Steves visited Europe for the first time as a young teenager and quickly fell in love with travel. Since then, he's traveled internationally countless times and has published around 50 books full of top-tier travel tips. Now in his 70s, he still spends several months out of every year in Europe.
His fans love that he gives authentic recommendations. They can tell he actually enjoys the places he features, unlike some modern social media influencers who will recommend anything for views. "My friend and his wife were on honeymoon in Italy in the time before smartphones," u/trustme1maDR wrote. "They went to a restaurant recommended in their handy dandy Rick Steves guidebook, and RICK STEVES WAS AT THE RESTAURANT. This is a guy who puts his money where his mouth is. If he told me I should travel to the surface of the sun, I would probably consider it." Steves exudes kindness and respect, and multiple comments on the thread said that he has a heart of gold.
He gives great advice and inspires travelers to step outside of their comfort zones
The people who sing Rick Steves' praises the loudest are the ones who learned to trust him after following his advice. His tips and suggestions are wonderful, according to Reddit users. "A few years back, I was staying in a small hostel in Switzerland recommended by Rick," u/Chicken-Pickle-Robot wrote. "One evening as the guests sat around a campfire watching the moonrise over the Alps, someone yelled out, 'RICK STEVES IS A GOD!' and we all started cheering. One of my most treasured memories."
A few of my most treasured memories also stem from Rick Steves' suggestions because my mom used his books to help plan multiple trips to Europe. We rented a camper van and followed his favorite route through the charming Irish countryside; enjoyed a picnic lunch on the banks of the Aare River in Switzerland, where the locals plunge in the icy water to float home from work; and bought special tickets that allowed us to skip the lines at popular tourist attractions in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and London. We only travel with carry-ons because Steves taught us the importance of packing light.
It may seem like a bold approach for exploring Europe, but Steves continuously suggests that tourists act as extroverts to connect with locals. "One of the many things I've always respected about him is how he pushes people to actually experience the places they visit," Reddit user u/PorcupineMerchant wrote. Steves himself offered tourists some sage advice on his website, Rick Steves' Europe: "The meek may inherit the earth, but they make lousy travelers. Be a catalyst for adventure and excitement. Meet people. Don't wait for cultural experiences — reach out and make them happen."