Rick Steves, Travel as a Political Act, Global Washington 2011

Rick Steves, Travel as a Political Act , Global Washington 2011

Rick Steves advocates smart, affordable, perspective-broadening travel. As host and writer of the popular public television series Rick Steves' Europe, and best-selling author of over 50 European travel books, he encourages Americans to travel as "temporary locals." Over the past 20 years, Rick has hosted over 100 travel shows for public television, and numerous pledge specials (raising millions of dollars for local stations). His Rick Steves' Europe TV series is carried by over 300 stations, reaching 95 percent of U.S. markets. Rick has also created two award-winning specials for public television: Rick Steves' European Christmas and the ground-breaking Rick Steves' Iran. Rick writes and co-produces his television programs through his company, Back Door Productions. Rick is outspoken on the need for Americans to fit better into our planet by broadening their perspectives through travel. He is also committed to his own neighborhood. He's an active member of the Lutheran church (and has hosted the ELCA's national video productions). He's a board member of NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). And Rick has provided his local YWCA with a 24-unit apartment building with which to house homeless mothers. Rick Steves spends about a third of every year in Europe, researching guidebooks, filming TV shows, and making new discoveries for travelers. Rick was divorced in March, 2010. He lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington, where his office window overlooks his old junior high school.

Director / Producer / Editor: Colin Christianson
Camera Operator: Emery Christianson

[johnhill]

He has completely missed the point. Excellent travel guide producer, who does not seem to understand how and why americans can afford to see all those great sights. Just travel, and look at the difference in quality of life anywhere in Europe compared with a decent middle class american life-style and the choices it provides. He can also lose the holier-than-thou PBS attitude - its so unbecoming.