Rick Steves
1 Terrible description in section on Turkey
"Tourists are learning that the image of the terrible Turk is false, created to a great degree by it unfriendly neighbors. Turks are quick to remind visitors that, surrounded by Syria, Iraq, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece, they're not living in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood."
This is a direct quote.
It sounds like they're trying to say that the surrounding countries are painting an incorrect negative image of Turkey. Which is amusing, since he listed both Greece and Armenia there, which were both targeted by Turkey. Either this writing staff has no idea what they're writing and is just happy to sell books, thinking no one will double check the info, or they're Racist and opinionated. Either way, I wouldn't trust the info in here even as a rough guide on where to go.
2 A book for getting the most out of Europe
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door presents a philosophy that many tourists seem to lack: When in Europe, ACT like you're in Europe! This book is aimed towards those travelers that just can't quite seem to ever escape the U.S. no matter where they travel.
Rick presents a whole host of tips for seeing a Europe beyond the standard guided bus tours and airline deals. His years of experience go into his writing, giving often insightful and funny tips from sleeping overnight in the train station (he recommends sleeping in the first-class lounge to be among a higher class of hobo) to the best way to wash your clothes in the hotel sink.
This book is not all about travelers caught in a pinch, however. There's also great advice for finding accomodations in during busy season, picking the right hotel/room, and finally finding those gems--great spots in Europe that no other traveler seems to know about.
This book is not so much a guide to specifics as it is a guide to travel philosophy. Steves encourages the reader to immerse themselves in the local culture, and offers advice for the reader not sure how to do so.
Those looking for a country-specific guidebook should look somewhere else, but they should also keep this book handy to really get a feel for what Europe truly is and was.
3 Rick is a good travel guide, just not a good WRITER
Rick does an okay job of giving a quick overview of Europe, but sometimes forgets to "just inform" and tries to get all poetic and fancy. His description of Rothenburg does not inform me about the place, just about the wind and the leaves and his acid trip. This book will annoy you with its sporadic bursts of cheap thesaurus prose.. Rick is just not a good writer. Otherwise he does a good job of letting you know of not-so-touristy things to do in EU. The types of things he suggests are walking around and smelling things, sitting down and drinking a beer, buying a chunk of cheese and eating it on a park bench while people-watching. I don't see 18-30 year olds getting much from this book. Younger travellers might want to do more than just smell a place and get tipsy.
His writing tone seems biased; he's opinionated and sometimes makes me feel as if he gets paid to advertise shops and attractions.
Buy this book for a general overview of an Euro Trip, not as a travel guide. For more detailed info, grab a Lonely Planet guidebook.
In an effort to cater to ALL audiences, Rick, as well as oher mass market writers, tries to create ONE book for ALL types of people. Any given traveller will be interested in only 15% of this book, and toss the rest aside. The backpacker will use 15%. The high class big baller will use 15%. The middle class two week vacationer might use 10%. I would prefer to pay more for a book JUST FOR ME. (Mr. Backpacker)
4 A Revolutionary And Liberating travel Philosopy
This book makes you want to go to Europe.Now.Just get on the plane and GO!
I wish I had read this eleven years ago on our first trip to Italy.Since that time I have travelled to Europe on business many times and I have to agree with Rick Steves that no one ever says " every time I go to Europe I pack more".
His travel philosopy addresses peoples fears and insecurities when they are travel..."I won't have a certain piece of clothing,object when I might want it...better take it just in case" or "a less expensive hotel may be dirty ,unsafe...I know this luxury hotel will bust the bank, but its worth it for piece of mind." That kind of thing.Rick Steeves describes clean,charming hotels and pensiones which are centrally located and much less expensive than "luxury" properties. his restaurants are not dives, but great trattorias,atmospheric ristorantes popular with the locals.He is wonderfully opinionated about what to see,when to go...like having a best friend who lives there. No guidebook( and I have read them all) combines such practical advice with a travel philosophy which is positively liberating.This is especially true for older travellers who do not want to backpack,hostel, and who thought they had to stay in the "best" places, and wear a different outfit everyday. Our next trip to Italy will be with one carry-on bag each, staying in Rick Steves suggested family run pensiones and hopping on and off trains between destinations. We feel 20 years younger(and we will be 20 pounds lighter,too)
5 Not a guide book... a HOW-TO book
This is a great book for those first timers to Europe. Those that don't know what to expect. It tells you what to pack, how to create an itinerary, booking flights, how to get around Europe (train, car, and boat), how to find places to stay, how to make phone calls, how to interact with the locals, etc.
This is NOT a guide book. It is a "how to enjoy yourself in Europe" book.
The previous reviewer should have taken this into account before bad mouthing it.
This book does give some pointers about the best trips one can take given certain timeframes, but does not go into detail about everything there is to see about Europe. He includes his favourite places. For more detail, pick up Rick Steve's Best of Europe 2004, or one of his country specific guide books.
After spending several months a year for 25 years touring Europe, Rick knows what you need to know about enjoying yourself there. No need to make the same mistakes, he tells you how to avoid the pitfalls.
6 A joke at best
Where to begin? The fact that the information about the countries is scant, or that you SIMPLY SHOULDN'T BUY THIS BOOK! Hey Rick, ever heard of Nice? You know, the second largest city in France? How about ROME?!?!?! Hm, guess not. Now it would be one thing if your definition of a "back door" was smaller, less traveled cities. Yet somehow London and Paris are in here. If you really want to get a comprehensive travel guide, look no further than the Let's Go! guides. They are concise, informative, and umptine MILLION times more useful than ol' Rick
7 A traveler's best friend
I found this book to be very useful. First of all, this isn't a guidebook. This is basically a how to travel book. It shows you how to travel the back door way. In other words, travel as a guest rather than as a tourist. It's unfortunate how many tourists are happy to be herded into tourist ghettos to be stripped of their cash. This book shows how to avoid that, and how to enjoy Europe as the Europeans do. Also this book gives good advice on how to travel cheaply. I particularly admire Rick's philosophy of travel. He advocates socially responsible travel, getting to know the local people, and experiencing what's unique in each country. On the down side, Rick tries to be humorous, but a lot of the jokes are too corny. However this doesn't bother me too much.
In the second half of the book, he gives some recommendations for back doors into Europe. He covers all of the Western European countries. The back doors are little touristed spots which really breathe the magic of Europe and reflect what tourists expect to see before they go. After reading these, you won't be able to stay away from Europe. I just felt that I wanted to visit all of the places he recommended. At least visit one of these places, and I'm sure you'll be impressed with his skills for finding those perfect places.
If you're interested in a guidebook, you might want to buy one of Rick's country or city guidebooks. In those, he goes into detail about the sights and places to stay. If you're interested in some strategies for travel, and in recommendations for some very special places to visit, pick this book up.
8 The best reference for post 9/11 Europe
The Rick Steves guides are more update to date than other guides. It's clear in using the 2003 and 2004 editions that Rick has recently updated the books . Other guides seem like fact checked revisions. Rick's books give me info that only someone that has "been there" and "done that" RECENTLY could provide. Besides all of this, Rick is one heck of money manager. I was sometimes thrifty and sometimes not, but I always felt I got my money's worth thanks to Rick 's advice about what's worth it and what's not.
9 Every American coming to Europe needs Rick Steves!
As the brother in law, cousin, uncle and much else besides of numerous Americans who come to visit us in Europe, none have spoken more highly of a guide to what they really need to see than they do of Rick Steves. If Cousin Ernie had her trip to Europe transformed by reading his books, then one can get no higher recommendation than that! Buy this book before you come and enjoy your stay!
10 Rick does it again.
The only complaint I have about Rick Steves is that the perfect places he discoves on his travels (the ideal example would be Cinque Terre) are immediately overrun. There's no real way to prevent this, and I guess it encourages people to be a bit more openminded about obscure places. It certainly is a testament to his popularity.
Which is well-deserved, by the way. This book is full of sensible advice and ideas. The hard-earned travel wisdom of a billion summers with just a backpack and comfortable shoes crystalizes into this book that is required reading for the young (at heart if not in body) about to strike out on their first trip abroad, the practical-minded armchair traveler, and even the seasoned veteran, who will surely learn something new. This and Mona Winks are worth the bit of extra weight in your backpack.
11 Good travel advice
Enjoyed reading this, but didn't buy it soon enough. It has a lot of information on planning your trip, which I couldn't use as I had already made my plans.
12 Tells you How to be an European Traveler, Not Where to Go
I would read this before any trip I take in the future - the tips on European traveling are essential.
The ideas cover what to REALLY pack, sleeping in trains and hostels to be comfy and safe, what to eat and see in general, and how to emotionally cope with problems--which you WILL have; but do not use it as your guide book.
Places and names change in Europe, times to visit change, and everyone's taste is different.
If you want a "guide book", you should buy Let's Go: Europe. If you want to prepare for a great experience with minimal stress and maximum proficiency, you should buy the cheapest edition of this book regardless of the year of publication and ignore the specific places to visit info.
13 This guy does his own legwork
My wife and I used Rick Steves' guidebooks in 1998 and 2000. The books were excellent and very up to date. He's interested in getting you into Europe on the ground level at its best. We had 10 days to see places, and he had the perfect pace. He's pretty blunt-if its contrived or otherwise not worth your precious time, he tells you not to bother. His suggestions for accomodation were excellent. We really felt like we experienced a slice of Europe and LOVED IT!
14 great resource/easy read
This book was the best thing to happen to me prior to heading off to Europe. The book has tons of valuable info to have while traveling the continent, and it is written in plain English! It is a very easy read, and by the time you are done with it you feel like you are an expert on where to go and what to see. Gather your highlighters and tabs and go to town! I can't imagine what my trip to Europe would have been like without this book. I wanted to go to Europe and delve into the culture- not the tourism. Europe Through The Back Door shows you exactly how to do just this. I also found Rick's website really helpful- [URL]
15 THROUGH THE BACK DOOR TO THE FRONT OF THE SHELF
I AM NOT A WEALTHY PERSON BUT MY WIFE AND I CAN AFFORD 3 TRIPS A YEAR TO EUROPE. WE HAVE DONE PACKAGE DEALS, BUS TOURS AND ON OUR OWN. I HAVE READ PRODUCTS BY FROMMER'S, FODOR'S,MICHELIN,BAEDECKER,LONELY PLANET AND LET'S GO.RICK STEVES GRABS MY CLOSE ATTENTION IN ALL OF HIS BOOKS BUT NONE MORE THAN "EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR." I HAVE A WEALTHY FRIND WHO WILL ONLY STAY IN 5 STAR HOTELS AND WILL NOT VENTURE ANYWHERE ELSE. WHEN RICK SAYS PORTOFINO IS FOR THE RICH AND FAAMOUS AND TAKES YOU TO THE LESSER KNOWN SPOTS ON THE CINQUE TERRE, MY FRIEND IS APPALLED.I FEEL SORRY FOR MY FRIEND BECAUSE HE MISSES THE TRUE SPIRIT OF TRAVEL.
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO PACK? WHERE TO GET INFORMATION? WHAT TOURIST TRAPS TO AVOID? HOW TO CALL HOME? WHERE TO STAY? THE FIRST PART OF THE BOOK IS LOADED WITH EASY, READABLE, INFORMATION.RICK IS OPINIONATED BUT NOT CONDESCENDING. I CONFESS I UPDATE HIS BOOKS ABOUT EVERY THREE YEARS AND ALWAYS GET ONE THE YEAR I AM TRAVELING TO A PARTICULAR DESTINATION. GUESS WHERE I GOT THAT IDEA FROM!!
WHEN I AM DOWN AND BLUE OR CAN'T FALL ASLEEP, THIS IS THE ONE I TURN TO. HAPPY TRAVELS
16 Several Good ideas
This book has several good ideas, although some seem a little excessive. For instance, his ideas on packing light. Overall, I found it very useful.
17 The Standard for Europe travel books
Europe Through the Back Door is an invaluable book for travelers who want to experience the real Europe with real Europeans, instead of the sanitized versions offered by tour companies and big hotels.
Rick shows you how to enjoy your trip more by spending less money, by getting closer to the locals. You won't be disappointed. In my trips to Europe, Rick's advice led to life-changing experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.
This book is also economically packed full of the kind of useful, practical advice honed through 20 editions. (Trust me, the guy knows his stuff).
Thanks, Rick, and keep up the good work!
18 The key to successful travel
This book has definitly made an impact on my life. I first read it in 1998, and the updated one still has all of the best information on smart budget travel I have ever come across. Someone suggested it to me when I was thinking of going on my first trip abroad. I was a little apprehensive about being a young girl, traveling alone through Europe, for the very first time. After I read this book I had a lot of confidence and set out. I spent 3 months over there. And a year later set out for another trip; this time it was for 5 months, throughout Europe and the middle east. Now when many people ask me for advice on their trips, usually I sum up my response by advising them to get a copy of Rick Steve's - Europe Through the Back Door. All of his advise will definitly save you a lot of time, and hassle. The second half of the book talks about small town gems, and they are all great places.
19 Europe through the back door 2002
I enjoyed this book, I thought it was very entertaining and infromative. When I go to Europe, you can be sure I will have a copy of this book with me. Mr Steves' video programs are very enjoyable as well.
20 Absolutely the Best
When I'm in the US, the highlight of my day is Rick Steves show. When I can't watch the show (and even when I can), I love perusing Rick's books. Rick is so personable and enjoyable I almost feel as though the books were written by a good friend.
Rick Steves' travel books don't detail the usual. Why should they? We all know to visit the Coliseum when in Rome, the Parthenon when in Athens and Notre Dame when in Paris. Rick's books are gems precisely because they detail those out-of-the-way places that any ordinary tourist would no doubt miss if he didn't have Rick's books to guide him.
In addition to fascinating places, Rick also gives us much useful information about hotels, restaurants and local customs. Unless you're traveling with an unlimited budget, this information is invaluable to both the novice and the more seasoned traveler. Even if money is "no object" Rick's tips will help you to see the "real" Paris, the "real" Venice, the "real" Spain. They'll lead you to places you never even dreamed existed but you'll be thankful you found.
Rick writes in a very down-to-earth and friendly style that is simply a joy to read and a radical departure from the dry, conventional guidebooks most authors write.
As a continental European, I've found Rick's books invaluable when visiting other parts of Europe. If you're planning a trip to Europe, one (or several) of Rick Steves' books can only make your trip all the more enjoyable.
21 Smoking Dope in Europe!
While this book is more user friendly than other books on the market, it was offending in that he suggests, on page 299 (right below the picture of Mass at St. Peter's) "For a casual toke of local life without the risk that comes with smoking in the United States, drop into one of these cafes and roll a joint. If you have no political aspirations, inhale". A book that suggests marijuana use has no place in our home or travel! We are extremely irritated that the author has turned a useful travel book into a travel guide for Pot-Heads! I wonder if he inhales?
22 Don't leave home without it...
If you are planning a trip to Europe, then this book will be essential. After two such trips myself I have come to regard Rick Steves as a kind of personal friend. He has yet to let me down. On our first trip to Italy my girlfriend and I started referring to him as Saint Rick. He's always right.
Most books in this genre aim to provide the reader with a great deal of detailed listings of restaurants, hotels, and sights. But if you have, say, one week to spend in Italy, you may feel lost in trying to prioritize your time. WHICH sights should you see (you can't see them all), which restaurants should you eat at? Where can you go in Sienna for a magical evening? It is in answering these questions that Rick Steves really shines.
Yes, you should still buy "Let's Go," but you will also need a book such as this to find out where to get the best gelato in Florence. I prefer mint.
Thanks Rick.
23 Best travel book ever!
Rick Steves book guided my girlfriend (now wife) and I through an incredible 2 months in Europe. We carried Let's Go Europe and Fodors with us originally but threw them both away in favor of Europe Through the Back Door. Steves book gave us great restaurants, hotels, museums, history, tips on train travel... all the essentials. SIMPLY THE BEST!
24 The standard for Europe travel books...
Europe Through the Back Door is an invaluable book for travelers who want to experience the real Europe with real Europeans, instead of the sanitized versions offered by tour companies and big hotels.
Rick shows you how to enjoy your trip more by spending less money, by getting closer to the locals. You won't be disappointed. In my trips to Europe, Rick's advice led to life-changing experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.
This book is also economically packed full of the kind of useful, practical advice honed through 19 editions. (Trust me, the guy knows his stuff).
Thanks, Rick, and keep up the good work!
25 Great for the Newbie to European Travel
I recently went on an amazing life changing trip to Germany. I was in Berlin for 2 weeks! I was so inspired by Europe that I have made plans to go back for an extended period, and also to finish my degree. I have started to prepare for the opertunities of 'student travel' while in Europe and have found this book invaluable. Things that I learned from this book have been confirmed by fellow students just returning from European sojourns! I feel so much more confident setting out on this journey having this in my arsenal. Rick Steves' presents travel in Europe as not only an activity but a mindset and truly as a way of life; which is just as it should be.
This is the best guide to get if you are thinking of going on your own, seeing the true Europe, meeting the real people who live there. At the risk of overstating his style, reading this book is closer to reading a Hemingway novel, than a typical quidebook. It paints pictures without superlatives, relates custom and tradition without over-dramatization, and opens minds as well as back doors! If you are seeking a whilwind tour of the major 'commercial' sites, this is not for you. However, if you are seeking a more enriching, personal, and organic experience, follow the advise of this book. It's such a great read that you may want to pick it up just for leisure purposes.
26 How to Get More From Your Trip To Europe, and Spend Less
I like this philosophy for traveling, not all, but a great part. If you want to have fun on your Europe trip, read this book, understand the points it makes, then go. No tour, no guide, all alone or with your "traveling partner". This is the way to travel, and to experience the people and the culture of where you are. Rick does a great job letting you in on some great ideas. He'll also open your eyes as to what to get from your travels, or lose from your travels.
If you go to Europe and say once "It's not the way I have it at home", then don't read this book unless you're ready to change your attitude. If you raise your voice louder and continue to speak English, then stay home and don't read this book. If you want the adventure of traveling to Europe and immersing yourself in the culture and people, way of life, and past, then read this book, buy your plane tickets, and get going. All the tools you'll want are in this book. You just add the adventure. Be brave.
This is the best story telling instruction book I've read in a long time. Rick gives you all you'll need to get off anywhere in Europe and be able to survive and enjoy. He'll encourage you to free your mind, talk in bad local language with a smile, change money, ride the train, order dinner at the local eatery, and how to just enjoy the life you're experiencing. Remember you go there because it's different from where you live.
There is so much information for the traveler here that it's hard to grab 1 or 2 ideas and discuss them. The one thing that stands out is that you'll approach your trip to Europe from a totally different angle after reading this book.
Rick, we go in 10 days, and thanks for the help.....
27 At Home Away From Home
Such a refreshing approach to traveling. Easy, natural, no glitz but a lot of glow. The author has succeeded in making tourism a lovable trait. And helpful? All the way.
28 A good book, but not enough
I bought this book before a the Summer in Europe last year. When I got it I thought it was wonderful, and would dream about how much fun I would have when I visited the places he mentions in his book. I ended up making it to a couple of them, but they never impressed me as being as great of places you found on your own.
It is a good book, but don't do Rick Steves tour of Europe, do your own. If you buy this book, read it as a companion to another book that offers a greater variety of selection. (Try Lonely Planet my personal favorite)
The book is not enough on its own, and needs a companion guide to help make your trip workable. I would read through it again before my next trip - his ideas about packing light, sleeping in trains, and other travel essentials are very highly recommended, but do not use it as your guide book.
29 Great Guide
This book is mostly about traveling tips, not a guidebook for sightseeing or hotel reservations. Rick recommends getting other books for the specific countries you will be in and that is absolutely true. In fact, you will probably want to leave this book at home after you have read through it. The packing and general advice tips are fairly valuable and worth a read through at least once for new travelers. The rest of the book glosses over the backdoors Rick has found - but only in a summarized version. I would pick out the ones that seem interesting, then get the country guide to that area for more in depth information.
30 The Back Doors are no longer
Before buying this book, understand that all of the "secret" back doors are known to EVERYBODY that reads this book. You'll find yourself among ETTBD readers everywhere. There's a virtual army of Rick Steve's-toting 35+ "independent" travelers everywhere in Europe.
The general travel advice is good - the hints on hostels, trains, packing, etc. are important.
Do yourself a favor - get over to Europe with a couple of good maps and just find your own Back Doors.
31 Go to Europe as a traveller - not a tourist
Every guidebook has great advice - the same advice as this book, even - for travelling through Europe. The presumption that all other books make is that you already know where you want to go. Guides exist to help you find what you already seek.
But what if you don't know what you want, as I did not? How do you make the best decisions? This book helped me understand the right mindset for the European traveller as I choose my destinations.
This is not a traditional guide. In fact, you'll need one of the guides from Lonely Planet or Frommers because a little tourism is part of every visitor's trip. Don't pick just one, however; this is their perfect complement.
32 Europe for 35 and older
I enjoyed his recommendations for dinner and lodging, but some sightseeing suggestions did not appeal to me and my husband. We used the book for our honeymoon trip and I thought some of the tours were slow. If you are in your twenties and love to explore, walk, hike, and love the nightlife, buy lonely planet as a backup.
33 Pure and Simple the European Travel Bible
After reading this book in 1991 I traveled to Europe for the first time. I found it invaluable with respect to planning and packing for a European vacation, but above all else Rick Steves describes a travel philosophy, a mind-set to contemplate and travel by. I credit many of my irreplacable European experiences not to "guidebook specifics" but rather to trying to travel in the spirit that Rick believes in. Since that time Rick's books have become more numerous, detailed and popular, and I have moved to Europe and am experiencing first-hand some of the European lifestyle he describes his books. If you are interested in finding and blending into the multi-cultural European fabric, then fellow traveler...do not hesitate! This is THE comprehensive European travel bible.
34 Great Start - Could be Better!
I have read Rick Steves' books for years, and like the others, this one contains helpful information. His conversational style and middle income budget make this book perfect for average American, especially the first time traveler. The down side to this book and other Rick Steves books is as follows: 1) the maps are very poor- hand drawn and definitely low tech. Frommer does a better job in this area 2) costs are listed only in the foreign currency instead of following with the approximate cost in dollars in parenthesis. You must constantly dig out the calculator. 3) a lot of the material (whole pages at a time) is a direct copy from the previous edition, making for a repetitive read. That said, I would not take a trip to Europe without this book. I have never met anyone who went to Europe and used his tips and was sorry. However, I have met a lot of people who have used Lonely Planet and Let's Go who were disillusioned. I'm taking this book and Frommer's when I go this summer.
35 Another Excellent Edition of the Back Door Series
The 'Back Door' series is excellent and provides first-rate reading, even for the seasoned traveller. One of the reviews below ( by Patiwat Panurach) downgrades the book for providing exactly what the series and the synopsis promise. It seems inappropriate to be so critical (2 stars) of the book simply because the reviewer clearly ordered the wrong book for his/her needs.
We have travelled a bit, but still find that the Rick Steves books are invaluable and we would recommend them to anyone.
36 Good writing, but little detail, not a replacement for LP
What this book is: - 280 pages of "Travel Skills", guided torwards the first time American traveller - Magnifying glass coverage of specific European locations. 6 pages for Portugal, confined only to Lisbon and Algarve. 4 pages for Spain, covering only Andalucia. 5 pages for Norway. - Good writing, but zero detail. Impossible to plan a trip based on this book alone.
I was expecting this to be an insider's Lonely Planet, what I got was dozens of pages on tips like How to Pack, How to Plan an Itinerary, How not to be an Ugly American. If you're planning on buying a single book to plan your European trip, this is probably not for you. If this is your first trip outside the US then maybe this is for you. I can't really see who this book is targeted to. Steve urges you to ignore the tour guides and find the backdoors, but gives only general information on how to actually do that (try to communicate with the locals, use public transport, etc.). Besides that, just his personal picks for nice off-the-beaten-track locations. This book was really not for me. I'm getting the Lonely Planet Europe instead, which doesn't assume I'm a lazy american tourist and actually gives the the information I need to explore a country and get closer to the people, on my own.
37 for both the novice & the more seasoned traveller
Rick Steves has an enlightened, practical, and ultimately entertaining view on travel. He's an insider, a traveller in-the-know, but he's not blase or jaded. Instead, he invites us with him, into his 'back doors of Europe.' You can't read this book & not want to explore the world!
38 Amazing Suggestion - Thanks Rick
Traveling Europe last summer, my cousin and I were armed with every travel book that we could carry on a 2 1/2 month expedition throughout Europe. Europe Through the back door provided the most unique and awesome experiences that we had. Gazing onto the majestic scenery in Lake Como, Italy to the personal quarters in the scerene mountains of Switzerland. Rick Steves book was great and I suggest it to anyone who desires to experience Europe to it's fullest extent.
39 good if you have the time and energy to find Back Doors
this book mentions a lot of cool little towns but it takes a lot of time and effort to find them and depending on how long you are going to be in europe for they might not be worth it. also, although i only went to one or two of the suggested back doors they were both very crowded with american college age students who had heard about it from some other big european travel guide.
40 Best way to go
Europe Through The Back Door is the best travel guide out there. When planning to travel solo around Europe for a month, Rick Steves was my guide, and I had a great time. Every little secret "Back Door" I went to were amoung my favorite places, with only carriers of this book and no other Americans to be found! This book is also the most enjoyable travel guide to just sit down and read! It is really entertaining. Only complaint is that his focus is more centered to older people and not the young student traveller like me, but its still great. But don't buy it, so all of us "In the know" travellers don't need to share the Cinque Terre!
41 The only guidebook you'll need!
I have used these guidebooks in the past ... last year, I used the guide to Scandinavia for a month-long tour. The advice was wonderful - we found great little hotels and places to eat. And the information on sites to visit was priceless ... very much "down and dirty." Don't leave home without it!
42 Not for an experienced European traveler
Maybe I'm too used to Michelin or Fodors, but I found Through the Back Door to be more on the philosophical benefits of packing light, using the railpass and staying in lesser known places than on seeing, exploring, and experiencing Europe. Much of this material is already covered in packing books and general travel guides (not necessarily European).
I agree with several of his picks (and will be sure to check out others on my next trip there), but his recommendations about what to do in these places occupy only a small portion of the book.
Already a believer in packing light and meeting the locals, I wanted a book that would cover in more detail the "Back Door" towns that he recommends. My advice would be to get this book from your local library, check out his Back Door towns, photocopy the restaurant/lodging recommendations of those towns, and then get a Michelin guide for more detailed information.
43 Top notch ... the best overall Europe book available
A must-buy for anyone vacationing in Europe, this book details all the important facts to get you closer to the culture, people and the country or countries you're visiting.
44 Compulsory reading for first time travellers to Europe
We really enjoyed Rick Steve's pratical ideas & comments so much so that we are jumping a plane next week to Europe. Living in a remote island in the Pacific where any sort of information on travelling to Europe is non existent, Steve's book was a god sent. The book is written in a very easy to read style, with brilliant, and very practical ideas and tips that will make anyones visit a success. Highly recommended.
45 excellent tips on budget travel
If you want to experience Europe as a European does, then this is the book for you. It has tips on how to travel, where to go, and what to do. An essential for european travel.
46 Le Cinque Terre
Paradise on the Italian Riviera. I would have never even thought of going there had it not been for Rick. If any of you go, say hello to Sylvio at Mamma Rossa's hostel for me!
47 Don't go to Europe Without It!
I would not go to Europe without Rick's books! For my last trip, I purchased several books on Europe, and Rick's was right on target! The suggestions he made on out-of-the way sites were wonderful. Even if you don't want to stay in the hostels he suggests, the sight-seeing and restaurant recommendations are reason enough to purchase the book. The few occasions when we did something other than what he suggested, we usually wound up doing what he had mentioned afterwards! The only part of the book we didn't follow was the packing and luggage recommendations. Although it would be great to take as little as he does, I find it impossible.
We also enjoyed Frommer's books on Europe. They devote themselves more to the major cities, but we found some reasonable hotels through them. A step up from the hostels, but still inexpensive and clean.
48 I've been to Europe three times and I wish I had this book!
My gosh this book has the whole nine yards. Rick Steves' himself will tell you take the best of the book and put it to use! Which I did in Western Europe, and this summer I will travel in Eastern Europe. Traveling lightly is soo important and people tend to forget that you can get any thing here, their as well! Great detail of Euro rail & train system. Even better info about crowds and avoiding "tourist traps", check it out. If you ever traveled before this is what you need to fill your travel guide. See ya through the back door!
49 Well Worth It!
This book was a godsend for backpacking around Europe. Chock full of useful information. Rick Steves' will get you to really incredible, off-the-beaten-track places. You may even meet one of his writers in the hostel you stay in! I bequeathed my copy to an Australian traveler on the last days of my travels and I am sorry I didn't hang on to that dog-eared, road weary book just for the memories!
50 Informative, entertaining and witty
Rick Steves never disappoints. His TV series (Travels in Europe) as well as his books are always informative, helpful and entertaining. This book is no exception. It is perfect for first-time as well as seasoned travellers who want to make the most of their travel dollars and have a great time as well. A must read!!!
51 Fantastic!
If you have considered going to Europe pick up this book! This book is not only for the "College Backpacker" but for anyone looking for a enlightend trip to Europe. Rick's style is funny and informative. After reading this book I took two months off and went over seas. Simply the best book around to get you motivated to just do it.
52 Everything you need to know for a great European adventure.
This is the book that did it for me. When I first picked up this book I had never been to Europe. I had little inclination. After reading this book, visiting Europe became a priority. There was no stopping me, I was going! Five short months later I was on a four week tour of Europe. This book not only showed be how easy and inexpensive European travel can be but it also provided extremely motivating insights into the European travel experience. Each day is an adventure. The culture of Europe is so diverse, especially in comparison with the USA. A two hour drive or train ride can bring you into another world - different language, people, food, architecture, scenery, climate, history and plumbing! There is no experience like this in the USA, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.
Rick gives you everything you need to know. This book is packed with sage advice. What to pack, and not to pack. What are the pitfalls and how to avoid them. When to go. Whether to travel by train or car. Whether to take a tour, or do it self guided. How to find inexpensive accommodations in the best locations.
I recommend this book for anyone planning a trip to Europe. If you have ever considered traveling in Europe but thought the prospect overwhelming or too expensive - READ THIS BOOK. But be warned, you will be empowered.
53 One of the best books on taking an European trek I have read
Steves delivers clear and knowledgeable advice about trekking in Europe from how to pack to which restaurants give the best native flavor for a lean budget. I personally enjoy his humor and lighthearted love of travel in Europe. I only wish he loved to travel to other places, but with his additions of Turkey and Greece we can only give him more time to explore the rest of the planet. In planning for a trip to Europe this December I plan on taking Steves with me and following him to the letter. His advice for women traveling alone is very helpful because he solicits the views of women who have done just that. You learn good first-hand accounts of travel ins and outs as well as how to relax and enjoy the European lifestyle without circuming to our American insecurities. Relax and enjoy Europe while knowing that Rick has given you the best advice for very little investment. One of the best books on Europe by far.
54 The Best book on Europe
I have about 10 - 12 different travel books on Europe, both in general, as well as regional-specific books.
This is the best book, if you only buy 1. Or , actually, no matter what quantity of travel books you buy.
The reason is this: You will have a much better time and you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in the process. What else could you possibly want?
This is my 7th trip to Europe. You always won der things like: which maps are the best (it's the Michelin ones, by the way)?, should you take out the CDW or let your credit card cover it on auto rentals (it depends - call your credit card)?, and how to best utilize time (for example. take the night trains around Europe).
Steves has it down pat for those who really want to immerse themselves in Europe, as opposed to going to the 4 Seasons and drinking Gin and Martinis in the American-styled lobby.
Europe is on the streets. Like here in AMsterdam, where I am right now on my European trip. I'm at a funky little Cyber Cafe called CafeTops - no problem just getting on the American On line and having a beer for cheap $$ i.e. 12.5 guilders for an hour which is only about $6 - 7 American.
This is the book to buy. If you're going to Europe, order the book now. Period.
(P.S. No, I don't work for Steves, nor do I know him, nor do I work for Amazon or anyone. I just know his book totally rules. Chuck Houston Chuckhous@aol.com from AMsterdam, the Netherlands. I live in N.H> US
55 great intro to budget travel in Europe
The best introduction you could wish for to budget travel in Europe. The book is full of convenient hints and tips that you ordinarily can only learn the hard way. The conversational style is great and no place he recommended has disappointed me yet. You'll need another guidebook for the facts-and-figures advice, but this, broader, advice is infinitly more valuble
56 "a HOW to -- not a WHERE to"
You ever get sick of reading travel books about WHAT to see, and not HOW to see it? Rick Steves has done it again with this one. If you're like me, you're going to love Rick's style and frankness about what to see and what to avoid. But I was most enamored by his colloquial way of dealing with being a tourist. Where else could you learn about how to walk into a back kitchen in a german cafe and mix with the locals. Learn about the off the beaten track ways to really learn about Europe -- through the people you meet, not the sites you visit. Buy this one -- then buy one of those dry directories
57 It saved our Honeymoon!
Rick Steves' "Europe Through the Back Door" can show you how not
only to see more of the 'real Europe', but also how to save money
doing it! My wife wanted a honeymoon in Europe, but it looked
like all we would be able to afford would be a honeymoon in
Cleveland! With Rick Steves' tips on travelling light and cheap,
we managed to afford a great trip through parts of Germany, France,
and Britain. His recommendations on affordable restaurants and
hotels are right on the money; one can cut back on costs and not
miss out on any of the comfort or atmosphere. Our hotel room for
our first night in Europe was at the top of a 400-year-old stone
tower with a view over the Rhine river!
