Rick Steves is a well-known American television personality, author, and travel expert, primarily focusing on European travel. He began his career by teaching travel classes at the Experimental College, a student-run, non-credit program at his alma mater, the University of Washington. During this time, Steves also worked as a summer tour guide and taught piano. His father owned a piano store, where Rick also contributed to the family business.
Steves’s interest in travel led him to author his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, which offered general travel advice for exploring Europe. Self-published initially, the book emphasized independent travel and provided practical tips for avoiding tourist traps. Unlike many guidebook authors, Steves ran a storefront business that combined piano instruction and travel consulting. He held presentation-style travel classes and organized a few group tours annually, though he did not offer ticket booking or standard travel agency services.
Rick Steves is the producer, writer, and host of the long-running public television series Rick Steves' Europe, distributed by American Public Television and produced through Oregon Public Broadcasting. He also hosts the public radio show Travel with Rick Steves. His content is tailored for an American audience, encouraging viewers and readers to travel as "temporary locals" by visiting lesser-known towns and villages alongside major cities. Steves has developed an extensive portfolio of travel guidebooks, mobile applications, and multimedia programs that have attracted a dedicated following often referred to as "Rickniks."
| Birth Date: | 10 May, 1955 |
| Age: | 64 yrs |
| Occupations: | Writer Radio personality Travel writer Businessperson |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Edmonds |
| residence: | Edmonds |
| Education: | University of Washington |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American travel writer and television host |
| Net Worth 2021: | 10 million |
