The value of travel | Rick Steves | TEDxRainier

After spending 4 months a year for the last 30 years living out of a suitcase, Rick Steves reflects on the value of thoughtful travel. Sharing lessons learned from Iran to El Salvador and from India to Denmark, Steves tells why spending all that time and money away from home has broadened his perspective, enriched his life, and made it clear to him, as he says in his talk, "Fear is for people who don't get out very much."

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[joanamorganda]

Rick Steves has inspired me to travel and I did. so far I've been to 30 countries already ... and counting. Thank you Rick!

[AmandaShields_Adventures]

This is the best talk on travel I have ever heard. Living and traveling around Europe for the last 2 years has changed my mind and views on SO many things. Every word in this speech was true. It's amazing what happens when one gets out of the USA and sees that they're not the top of the pyramid. 

[davidsharif]

I have traveled to 40 countries in five of the seven continents in the world. Traveling the world is like reading a book. You don't know what the real story is until you travel to that place getting out of your comfort zone. I would love to meet Rick someday.

[worldcruisepackages]

The only thing that is greater than reading is traveling and experiencing things yourself. Great Talk! :)

[bdcochran]

When we were 30, my late wife and I quit our jobs and traveled all over the world, back packing. It helped us to continue to grow, just as we had grown as children. Over 40 years later, I continue to grow - today was another class in a foreign language.

[Diytravelshow]

He inspires me to quit my career and start my own travel show to inspires other explores our magnificent planet!

[Lepewhi]

Because of Rick Steves and watching his show for years gave me the love of travel. Because of that, I moved to Europe, and even here, I travel between countries. I love it!!

[Furtivo]

Many people brag about how many countries they've traveled to (including Tedxers) . Few of them actually learn these kinds of golden lessons.

[kazooBob]

Definitely a great speech. It might be referred to as a speech on how to become open minded.

[swamplife]

Fear is for those who don't get out much.

[WalkingPlatonic]

About the Scandinavia example; I myself am from the Netherlands and we have the same practice here, my mother told me when I was 18: it's fine if you try weed but do it here at home in the garden instead of in some shop or alley (where you also might pick up wrong 'friends').
The reason behind that is that we as youth have the freedom to try out new things but in a safe environment.
The same happened to me with alcohol when I turned 16 (former legal drinking age in The Netherlands, now 18).

What if I did smoke weed in an alley with guys I barely know, or bought a bottle of alcohol and drank it outside somewhere away from home as a first time, I would've become so drunk I wouldn't be able to find my way home and who knows what would've happened in those situations.

Now I'm 27 years old I've smoked weed about 5 times in my life and have alcoholic beverages about once every 3 months; sure I might be the odd one out, but I like to believe that it is because it was not seen as a 'naughty thing'.
Just like basic psychology, keeping something away from someone, makes them want it more.

This was my own little TEDx Talks, thank you for reading.

[ravanne]

Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain have taught me an incredible amount about the love of travel and to open myself up to meeting people from cultures different than mine. I've had some of the greatest, most eye opening experiences you could imagine because of what I learned from them and I'll always be grateful.

[bognalinder]

if only all leaders of the World adopted your point of view, Rick ! Your LOVE for humanity is palpable and hopefully contagious. World needs your charisma and your loving Heart. I am lacking words of appreciation, admiration and awe for your BEING in this troubled world. Do not leave us !!!

[Ravenelvenlady]

I love you Rick Steves. Thank you for opening our minds and hearts to the world and nature.  Heaven bless you. <3

[blazegirl]

I love traveling! I've been throughout most of Europe many times, Mexico, Honduras, Japan, Hong Kong, and will be visiting S. Korea this fall. Travel does wonders for the soul and I always learn so much from each place I visit. Get out there and travel - broaden your horizons!

[mikezterspage]

So much wisdom in this 20 minute speech, I want more! Rick Steves is definitely one of the most underrated travel hosts on TV.

[edwardabel]

A phenomenal Ted Talk from Rick Steves with his learnings about societies he has engaged with through his travels through the years...

The wisdom shared by Rick gives us the opportunity to embrace other cultures, not condemn them or just tolerate them.

I especially appreciated his comments on Iran & Turkey... We are fundamentally all the same all around the world and WE need to act as World Citizens... Not use citizens of our own nation...

[gitanitosevillano]

Thank you  Rick for  sharing your experiences from traveling. I am from Colombia,  ( naturalized American citizen)  living In usa for more than 30 years. I travel to Europe,   Italy and Spain every year for  the last nine years. Your words cannot be more true:  One grows as a person while traveling, one becomes more open minded while and because of traveling. How much million and million of people here in USA would learn watching this video? A LOT.  Great video .

[avxd]

rick has been an idol for me since childhood. i think he’s revolutionized the tourism industry, opened travel to ordinary people, and provided his wisdom for over 20 years. his outlook is incredible; positive, welcoming, inclusive, descriptive, appreciative. i love his show and always will

[akshay-rao]

Rick - You have been my inspiration for travel since my childhood. I am also in the quest to travel the world and make the most of life. To travel is to live!!