Dear Traveler,
Malcolm Miller and Rick Steves
With each trip I take, I bring home magic memories — travelers’ gold nuggets of experiences I will remember all my life. In this month’s edition of Travel News, in words and pictures, I’m sharing a few favorite moments that gave my 2011 travels that extra sparkle.
Tag along with me, climbing the Scala Santa on my knees…savoring a twilight cocktail at Il Campo…autographing circuitry…being inspired by my son…having intimate encounters with art…floating over Cappadocia…hiking on Hadrian’s Wall…playing student to a teaching hero (Malcolm Miller, pictured with me)…embracing the splurge…and peering way, way down at my comfort zone. For all the details, see My Favorite Travel Moments in 2011 slideshow.
This month I’ll also catch you up on how Vernazza is digging out of its October 25th disaster, the serious challenges that lay ahead for this much-loved village — and what you can do to help.
Have you ever wondered how glamorous it must be to film TV shows in Europe? This month you’ll find an article and video revealing the on-the-road reality behind “Rick Steves’ Europe.”
December 13th through 15th I’ll be recording new “Travel with Rick Steves” radio shows, and I’d love it if you can participate. Sign up for my Radio Waves email, and I’ll send you details soon.
To pay the bills (and have fun, too) we are in the midst of our annual Travel Store Holiday Sale and — with up to 50% discounts and free shipping — I can honestly say you won’t find better deals on my books, DVDs, travel bags and gear at any other time. And you can see how I’d look as a reindeer.
Finally, if you have any way of getting to Edmonds, WA next month, mark your calendar for January 14th. It’s our biggest day of the year at Europe Through the Back Door, as we put on a full day of free, open-to-the-public Test Drive a Tour Guide Classes in conjunction with our annual tour alum reunion bash. We’ll have about 70 of my top tour guides in town — many flying in from Europe — and they would love to talk travel with you.
Looking back at this past year, it’s been more obvious to me than ever that thoughtful, rewarding travel goes way beyond collecting famous sights. It’s leaving our comfort zones to have experiences that surprise, thrill, challenge, enrich and inspire us. These create insights and memories that we’ll forever treasure. So raise a glass. Here’s to — for all of us and those we love — a heaping helping of rewarding travel moments in 2012.
Happy Travels,
Rick
