Long posts

We've got nearly 35,000 people booked on our 2026 tours, and a handful have reached out expressing concern about all that's going on in the world. This is understandable, and not something we take lightly. We're keeping a close eye on things — in Iran, in Ukraine, and all over — but the ad-lib approach America is taking with these conflicts makes it impossible to predict what will happen (other than a pricier plane ticket). That said, Rick Steves' Europe has weathered many moments of global unrest before…and we will again.

But if you want my honest take on current anxiety? It's yet another reason to travel. I'm more committed than ever to my belief that the best thing we Americans can do for peace is to get out there, make friends with our world, and come home and help the USA play better in our planetary sandbox. I just returned from Italy and I'm eager to begin 50 days of research in Greece, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland starting May 1.

And speaking of making friends…my last stop on that Oslo harbor bike ride was in front of the Nobel Peace Center. Parking my bike, I sat on a giant bench shaped like a smile. It made people giggle because you can't help but slide together…to the center. And from there you can read — etched into the pavement directly in front of you — a quote from Nelson Mandela: "The best weapon is to sit down and talk."

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/travel-news/april-2026/hi-from-rick