Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door 2012: The Travel Skills Handbook Reviews
January 3, 2013 
3 Comments
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door 2012: The Travel Skills Handbook
You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Europe, including how to:
Plan your itinerary and maximize your time
Pack lightand right
Find good-value hotels and restaurants
Travel smoothly by train, bus, car, and plane
Avoid crowds and tourist scams
Hurdle the language barrier
Understand cultural differences and connect with locals
Save money while enjoying the trip of a lifetime
After 30 years of exploring Euro
List Price: $ 22.99
Price: $ 22.99
[wprebay kw="travel+europe" num="8" ebcat="-1"] [wprebay kw="travel+europe" num="9" ebcat="-1"]
Travel Guide to get you acquainted with Europe,
I bought this book before my first ever trip to Europe and while it was not incredibly specific, I found the breadth of the information to be helpful. I agree that most of the information is found on the website but I also feel that I made the right decision to purchase this book on my kindle so I can reference it while on the trip. This book provides an introduction to Europe including lodging, dining and attraction types, not necessarily guides to specific places. He gives advice on what to do, how to plan, how to take care of the basics and how to behave in order to make your experience enjoyable. It’s hard to say that you won’t go into a trip without some guidance. I also agree with his tone throughout the book that we should be conscious and respectful travelers. Letting go of our attitudes and misconceptions and allowing the local culture to influence us will go a long way to ensuring a meaningful experience. I loved this book as an introduction and am greatly looking forward to my trip!
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|Must for those “traveling” vs. touring europe,
Valuable for all, but especially for those planning their own trip, arranging own lodgings, traveling by themselves. Read completely, much practical advice contained within. Also, don’t feel disappointed if your “real” agenda can’t keep pace with what Rick recommends; he sets a blistering pace (and probably has more support in his travels than you’ll have available).
Consider:
* If by yourself, cars sometimes nice, but big responsibility/worry. Parking, directions, liability, etc. Local trans generally good, always in big cities. Maybe OK in UK/Ireland, if getting one, always get/bring GPS with up-to-date maps. Trains are good. Driving in large cities not recommended, just is no fun.
* Plan at least two nights at a time at location, unless strictly getting from A to B. Reserve first night’s lodging in advance, know/plan how to get from arrival point to lodging in advance.
* Thorough understand phone/electronic compatibility/coverage in all counties you expect services available (and associated costs). Investigate “international” options with your carrier.
* Don’t need to plan itinerary completely, but understand less planned, more time finding arrangements while on trip. So, trade-off; sometimes arrangements take time (unless willing stay at hostels, which a generally easy to find and readily available).
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|Can Get Info on Website,
I feel bad rating this book at only a 3 because the information is really great. However, almost all of this information found in the latest version of the book can be found on his actual website. I’m sorry I spent the money for this book when I had already read about 90% of its content.
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