Rick Steves Suggests Doing This Before Every Trip To Get The Most Out Of Local Culture

In a 2023 interview with The Seattle Times, PBS host Rick Steves spoke on a wide range of topics — time management, avoiding crowds, climate-conscious outfits — but one comment struck a more philosophic chord. "Remember that the more understanding and context you bring to a place, the more you'll enjoy it," said Steves. He added, "The greatest souvenir is a broader perspective."

Steves should know. His series, "Rick Steves' Europe," has aired for 12 seasons on public television, and in each episode, the even-keeled explorer waxes poetic on art, architecture, history, politics, and religion. For more than half a century, the Washington native has spent a large chunk of each year traveling in Europe; not only is his knowledge of the continent encyclopedic in scope, but he has managed to fill dozens of guidebooks with cultural exposition as well as practical advice. Much of this content has to do with interesting destinations and their significance, but Steves also has strong opinions about how to travel — his bold approach to exploring Europe involves tourists being more extroverted — which includes doing a little homework beforehand.

This is relevant in the 21st century, when young travelers have grown accustomed to cheap flights and planning vacations around the suggestions of social media stars. Without an Iron Curtain or global pandemic to stop them, U.S. and European passport-holders can zip from country to country, taking selfies in front of "exotic" and spectacular scenery — and have no idea what they're looking at or why it's important. Another one of Rick Steves' strong opinions: how social media has changed travel forever by making the experience more superficial.

Does this mean you must memorize the entire lineage of the British monarchy — from William the Conqueror to King Charles III — before you deserve to visit London? Definitely not. Nor will anyone become an expert in another country without studying the language and living there for a critical amount of time — an enterprise most of us don't have time for. But even a cursory glance at a destination's Wikipedia page will help put a place in perspective. You may ask yourself the "five Ws": Where is this place you're planning to visit, geographically speaking? Who lives there? What do they do — for work, for fun, for sustenance? When did their history unfold, and when did major events occur? Finally, why do people live here, or want to live here, or not want to live here? These simple, open-ended questions will almost always lead to illuminating answers.

"Homework" doesn't have to be dry and sociological; it can be as easy as reading a book by a local author (in translation, if necessary), or a novel that's set in the place you plan to see. You could watch a movie by a local director, or a TV series produced there. Maybe find a local news outlet and read a few headlines; what do residents think about, worry about, hope for? Search for YouTube videos of a distinctive local sport or musical style. If you've never tried the cuisine before (Ethiopian? Tibetan? Peruvian?) try to find a restaurant in your own community that prepares it.

In short, a little research will help you understand a place better. You'll feel more enriched by — and prepared for — your encounters. The next step? Blending in, something Rick Steves also has some thoughts about.