rick steves dublin walking tour

• Smaller Text Larger Text
• Home / 

Rick Steves Ireland: The Birth of a New Walking Tour

I spend four months of every year in Europe, notebook in hand, lovingly researching and updating my guidebooks. But with more than 70 books on the market with my name on them, I can’t do it all alone. I’m grateful for the help of a trusted team of co-authors and researchers — many of them old friends — who travel in the Rick Steves style and are dedicated to making our guidebooks the best in print.

Join me in this clip as I meet with my wonderful Rick Steves Ireland co-author, Pat O’Connor. Pat came by my office to propose a new self-guided walk through the south side of Dublin, beginning at St. Stephen’s Green and heading past Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Christ Church Cathedral, and then down Temple Bar to the O’Connell Bridge.

I’ll be in Dublin myself this July, and I’m excited to test out this new material, explore Pat’s latest discoveries, and make some discoveries of my own. I’ll be sure to tell you all about it once I’m there — and, of course, you’ll find it all in the 2020 edition of Rick Steves Ireland .

597a Dublin Walk; The Immortal Irishman; Aran Islands Travel with Rick Steves

• Places & Travel

In this all-Irish hour, tour guides describe some of the intriguing sights you'd encounter on a walking tour of Dublin and explain why the rugged Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast, are such an exciting place to explore Irish traditions. And author Timothy Egan delves into the legacy of 19th-century America's most famous Irish immigrant.

• More Episodes
• copyright © 1996-2024 Rick Steves' Europe

More by Rick Steves

Dara McCarthy

Welcome to the website of Dara McCarthy. I am tour guide from Dublin, Ireland and I provide private historical walking and driving tours of my home town and Ireland tours.

I am recommended by Rick Steves , am a licensed tour guide for Dublin from ATGI and you can find my reviews on Tripadvisor .

dublin tours

I provide private and group walking and driving tours of Dublin , Ireland my home town. If you would like to read up on Dublin itineraries, please click here .

vatican tours

I was a Vatican tour guide for five years and brought over 40,000 people through the site. I provide a Vatican tour guide service where you can take a tour with one of my licensed tour guides living in Rome .

I have compiled my notes on the attractions of Rome so you can guide yourself around the Eternal City. Alternatively you can book a private walking tour of Rome with one of my guides.

I used to write music from 1996 to 2016 and I have published it online. You are free to listen to and download this music free for non-commercial use.

As well as providing Dublin Walking Tours , I also give tours of Ireland such as Powerscourt Tour , my Dublin Pub Crawl and a Glendalough Trip .

If you don’t want a Vatican tour , you can read my articles on the Sistine Chapel , or St. Peters Basilica or St. Peters Dome among other parts of the Vatican .

Before taking a Rome tour , you can check out my articles on the Spanish Steps , Trevi Fountain , The Pantheon and the other piazzas of the Eternal City .

Bored? You can read my blog entries , like the time I visited the HBO Rome Set , or my article about the Laocoon .

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• To the North

Dublin Walking Tours

We're trying to decide between the Historical Walking Tour of Dublin and the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour. Should we try to do both, or is one more comprehensive than the other? This will be our first trip to Dublin. Thanks!

Chris, if you only have time to do one of the tours, my suggestion would be the Historical Walking Tour of Dublin as it will provide a more comprehensive look at the history, from viking times to the present. If it's the same as the one I took, it will also cover some of the events of the 1916 rebellion. I'd suggest also taking a few hours to visit Kilmainham Gaol, as that's a significant part of the history also, especially as it relates to the rebellion. A visit to Trinity College and the Book of Kells is also interesting. Happy travels!

I can't speak on the Historical Walking Tour, sounds good from what Ken says. I personally loved the 1916 tour, but it's a special interest of mine. But what I think makes this tour really stand out is that the tour is given by 2 Trinity College professors (not at the same time, they alternate days) who have published books on the subject. They're extremely knowledgeable.

There's also literary pub crawl that I regret never having taken (oh well, next time for sure). I think the Historical tour will include the 1916 Rebellion but the Rebellion tour will be much more tightly focused. I would opt for the Historical tour myself because there is a lot more history in Dublin and no one can spin it into a fascinating yarn better than the Irish.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

• Manage My Account
• Food & Drink
• Submit an Obituary
• View Obituaries
• Legal Notices
• Real Estate
• Advertising in the Daily Herald
• Advertising in The Herald Business Journal
• Advertising in La Raza del Noroeste
• Social media
• Privacy policy
• Terms of Use
• Newsletters

• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on X
• Classifieds
• Marketplace
• Environment
• Investigative
• Photography
• Street Smarts
• Transportation
• College Sports
• High School Sports
• Prep Football Stats
• Seattle Sidelines
• Hops and Sips
• SnohomDish on Facebook
• Restaurant reviews
• As seen on Instagram
• What's Up With That?
• Family Activities
• Staycation Secrets
• Things To Do
• Aviation & Space
• Paine Field
• Editorial cartoons
• In Our View
• Letters From Readers
• Other Commentary
• Place Obituary
• Local Marketplace
• Senior Resources
• Digital Subscription
• Digital & Print Subscription
• Heraldnet App
• Email Newsletters
• Newsstand Locations
• Education Project
• Environmental & Climate Change Reporting
• Health Reporting Initiative
• Investigative Journalism Fund
• Stay Informed

Many of those who fought for Irish independence were held or executed in Kilmainham Gaol.

These are a few of Rick Steves’ favorite things to do in Dublin

Visiting Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and more in Ireland’s capital city.

• Saturday, January 21, 2023 1:30am

> Give us your news tips .

> Send us a letter to the editor .

> More Herald contact information .

More in Life

Modern-day Madrid is a pedestrian mecca filled with outdoor delights

In the evenings, walk the city’s car-free streets alongside the Madrileños. Then, spend your days exploring their parks.

In a changing industry, travel agents ‘so busy’ navigating modern travel

While online travel tools are everywhere, travel advisers still prove useful — and popular, says Penny Clark, of Travel Time in Arlington.

Burnout is a slow burn. Keep your cool by snuffing out hotspots early

It’s important to recognize the symptoms before they take root. Fully formed, they can take the joy out of work and life.

Budget charges me a $125 cleaning fee for the wrong vehicle!

After Budget finds animal hairs in Bernard Sia’s rental car, it charges him a $125 cleaning fee. But Sia doesn’t have a pet.

The Rick Steves guide to life

The longtime Edmonds resident is trying to bring a dash of the Europe he loves to south Snohomish County.

On Whidbey Island, local fungi forager offers educational mushroom tours

Every spring and fall, Travis Furlanic guides groups through county parks. His priority, he said, is education.

Deciduous azaleas just love the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen climate

Each spring, these shrubs put on a flower show with brilliant, varied colors. In fall, their leaves take center stage.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

The Grand Kyiv Ballet performs Thursday in Arlington, and Elvis impersonators descend on Everett this Saturday.

An example of delftware, this decorative plate sports polychrome blooms

Delft is a type of tin-glazed earthenware pottery born in Holland. This 16th century English piece sold for $3,997 at auction.

Great Plant Pick: Dwarf Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry

What: Dwarf Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry, or berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea Concorde, was… Continue reading

Spring plant sales in Snohomish County

Find perennials, vegetable starts, shrubs and more at these sales, which raise money for horticulture scholarships.

With its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna only gets better with age

Near Italy’s Adriatic coast, it was the westernmost pillar of the Byzantine Empire and a flickering light in the Dark Ages.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.

Best of Ireland in 14 Days Tour

Member Savings

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Dublin, learning about its rich history from the days of Viking raids
• Enjoy scenic drive along the forests, mountains, and lakes of Killarney National Park
• Experience walk along the local paths and lanes, hire a bicycle and pedal the scenic 30-mile Dingle Loop
• Enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside
• Enjoy dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you'll find yourself leaning into the wind

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

Northern & Southern Ireland

Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group

Ireland & Scotland in 15 days - Stunning Ireland & The Highlands - Charm

The Ultimate Tour

Ireland Uncovered

Travel themes.

• Hiking & Walking
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

• United Kingdom

Attractions

• Dingle Peninsula
• Educational/ learning
• Historic sightseeing
• Land expedition
• Short Cruise

Trip includes

• A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
• Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Ireland come alive for you
• All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 29 group sightseeing events, Dublin walking tour, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Rock of Cashel, Kinsale walking tour, Charles Fort tour, Sheep farm tour, Crystal cutting demonstration, Dingle's Slea Head drive, Great Blasket Centre, Gallarus Oratory, Irish musical evening, Burren nature walk, Cliffs of Moher, Boat ride to Aran Islands (weather permitting), Aran Islands minibus tour, Dun Aengus fort, Connemara drive, Cong visit, Ashford Castle School of Falconry, Drumcliff visit, Derry coach and walking tour, Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery tour, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (weather & season permitting), Guided tour of Belfast, Titanic Belfast…and more
• All group transportation from Dublin to Belfast
• 13 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels and B&Bs
• All breakfasts and half your dinners
• All tips for guides and driver
• Rick Steves Travel Store credit to use toward guidebooks for your trip
• Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
• Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
• Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2017
• 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
• Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
• Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing

View Similar Trips

Delve Deep: Britain & Ireland 2022

Iconic Ireland

Taste of Scotland & Ireland

The Lake District Explorer - 3 Day Tour From London

Oxford to Bath Cycle

Meet your guide and fellow tour members at our hotel at 5 p.m. After a group meeting, we'll enjoy a "Welcome to Ireland" dinner together, followed by an orientation walk through the heart of Dublin. Sleep in Dublin (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Today is all yours...free on the Dingle Peninsula. Take a long walk along the local paths and lanes, hire a bicycle and pedal the scenic 30-mile Dingle Loop, sail for the day to the rugged Blasket Islands, or simply savor your generous Irish breakfast and hang out in town. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

We'll seamlessly cross into Northern Ireland today. In Derry, a local guide will take us on a tour of the town, sharing stories about "The Troubles" and the infamous "Bloody Sunday" of 1972. Then we'll drive on to the nostalgic seaside resort of Portrush, where we'll have dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of Belfast or Dublin's handy airports, or take the ferry to Wales for further adventures in the British Isles. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Slán leat!

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Rick Steves .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Rick Steves Reviews & Ratings

Longtime Travelers

Terrible Covid Experience

We are in Ireland now, traveling with Rick Steves Tours and a group of 27. Two days ago a member of the group tested positive for Covid, and we had all been exposed....

Other Rick Steves Reviews

This is about the store not the tours.

We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged me...

A Perfect 10

Sicily is Pure Eye Candy :: Will Leave You Wanting More :: Seamless Way To Travel The Island

A perfect "10" for the Rick Steves' Best of Sicily 11-Day Tour. My 1st tour with any company. This was a perfect combination of scheduled time and free time .. with ...

See all Other Rick Steves reviews

Travelers also viewed

London to Venice Adventure Tour

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Thailand (North & Central): See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Best of Vietnam Tour 11 days

9 Days Adventure Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking-The Lemosho Route

Tour operator, rick steves.

Our mission is to inspire, inform and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live. We strive to keep our own travel style, our world outlook and our business practices consistent with these values.

About Rick Steves

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 80 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and website. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

--We research and write European guidebooks, produce a public television series and a public radio show

--We organize and lead energetic tours throughout Europe

--We sell select travel bags, guidebooks, maps, DVDs, and other travelers' supplies

--We offer travel consulting and trip planning services

--We teach do-it-yourself travel seminars

--We provide a wealth of free information about travel in Europe via our Travel Center and Website

--We travel a lot

What we don't do

--We are not travel agents, so we don't book flights, hotels, or rental cars

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

Cancellations and refunds: Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received, unless noted otherwise below. After 30 days your deposit becomes nonrefundable, and will be forfeited should you decide to cancel your reservation. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become nonrefundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days.

Become a member

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

The Clever Little Things Rick Steves Does On Every Trip

T ravel is a balm for the soul. It brings you to new places and sets you down right in the middle of a phenomenally enriching cultural revelation. Those who wander frequently may be partial to specific regions of the United States or prefer a certain continent or country located somewhere else in the world. Explorers often seek out a mixture of familiar haunts and new experiences, testing their mettle and bringing brand-new environments into their lives.

But travel isn't without its difficulties and challenges. From the long-haul flights that international jetsetters brave to the minute differences in power, currency, and conversation, there's plenty to prepare for ahead of a new adventure. Rick Steves offers a plethora of great examples, however, for the perpetual wanderer. He's a seasoned traveler who helps guide adventurers throughout Europe in tour format and a slightly wider footprint in the form of guidebooks and videos. His forum is another fabulous resource for travelers seeking help navigating a global landscape of opportunity. Rick Steves has spent countless hours touring the world, and many of the things he does personally can act as small helping hands to improve your own experience. Those who have traveled extensively will know that a few little tricks and habits can make all the difference, and fortunately, Steves is forthcoming with many of his most useful.

Read more: This Is What You Should Never Do When You Travel

Money Preparation

Before leaving the house, Rick Steves takes some time to think through his payment options and take steps to ensure a smooth adventure, complete with a pre-trip money checklist . This means adjusting ATM withdrawal limits on your debit card — or cards — and checking for the 'contactless' symbol on your Visa and MasterCard plastic. Steves suggests packing cards with these brand logos and potentially leaving American Express or Discover cards at home altogether: They aren't widely accepted abroad, although the U.K. is a notable exception to this rule. Contactless payment is the standard in Europe and across Asia, so getting comfortable with tapping your card rather than inserting it will help you enjoy a stress-free holiday.

You'll also want to contact your bank to give a heads-up that you'll be traveling. There's nothing worse than landing in a new country or city and pulling out your card to buy a meal or withdraw cash at the ATM and freezing your account rather than spending from it. Applying a travel notification on the cards you'll be using (now often performed through your banking app rather than in person) will make for a seamless trip, money-wise. On that note, Steves suggests it's no longer useful to head into the bank to exchange currency either. ATMs can be found in abundance in virtually any city you visit, and exchange rates are now quite favorable compared to your bank's fees.

Rick Steves Always Packs Light

One of the most important tricks that Rick Steves deploys when traveling starts before he leaves home. Steves is a major proponent of packing light. He only packs a checked bag if there is an absolute necessity for the extra weight. He is a strict packer and will only take what he can carry in a small day bag and a moderately sized rollaboard suitcase that fits in the overhead compartment when flying. For one thing, packing light allows him to roll with the punches when changes occur in flight schedules or boarding gate information. Even when he has to make a fast trek across the airport, lightweight packing makes it a breeze to get where he's going. Moreover, once Steves arrives at his destination, he can hop off the plane and head straight into the city for whatever excitement awaits him. The experienced traveler never has to wait for a bag to be unloaded off the plane and sent down through the baggage carousel. This also means that lost luggage is virtually nonexistent in Rick Steves' vocabulary. 

The benefits of packing light also present themselves while exploring a new destination. Rather than having to lug around a bulky suitcase, his light bag can be zipped around town without pain or fatigue. Travelers who check bags often have to contend with where to leave their suitcases during interim time periods between connections or hotel reservations, but Steves never has to worry about this.

Voltage And Converter Checks

Rick Steves is an avid European traveler, and Steves spends around four months every year across the Atlantic. Therefore, whenever he plans a new trip, he is keenly aware of the power conversion issues that may rear their ugly head. Europe relies on two main plug types to power electronic devices, with the continental mainland showcasing a dual (or three-pin) round setup and Ireland and the U.K. plugging in with a three-pronged, rectangular outlet layout. No matter where in Europe you're traveling, you're bound to need a power converter. Neither of these plug types will support the standard American plugs, and both run a 220-volt circuit rather than the 110-volt power output found in the United States. The same considerations must be made for travel virtually anywhere internationally, with a few notable exceptions, including China (the voltage setup isn't the same, but the plug shape is virtually identical, and American devices will largely work when plugged directly into the wall, although an adaptor will make it safer).

Steves suggests carefully inspecting any device you plan to bring with you. Inspecting its tag or any kind of serial number plate emblazoned on the side will help you identify voltage conversion issues. Many devices will operate on either system and simply need an adapter to change the plug configuration. However, not all electronic devices will work universally. Dyson hair dryers, for one, are built on one platform or the other and cannot be used interchangeably.

He Prepares For Theft But Doesn't Let It Sour The Mood

Steves notes that he has been the target of a few thefts and other criminal activity aimed at cashing in on a tourist's minimal knowledge of the area and potentially high monetary value. This is to be expected with such a high volume of travel under his belt, but considering how often Steves travels, it is a rare occurrence. Preparation is key. Steves always wears a money belt rather than carrying his wallet in his back pocket. Moreover, one of the very few times he has been pickpocketed came while he wasn't wearing this anti-theft device, further cementing the value it brings. It might seem like a small thing, but it is a simple trick to avoid being pickpocketed . Rick Steves isn't one to follow the crowds and this brings him a little farther out of the way from a typical pickpocketing environment. Looking for destinations off the beaten path will take you away from some of the most heavily populated areas where theft targeted at tourists is most common.

However, Steves understands the risks, and if he is targeted, he makes sure not to let the incident ruin the mood of his trip. It's easy to let something like this completely overshadow all the positives. But you simply can't let that happen. Steves has learned to roll with minor and major setbacks and doesn't let them put a dampener on an otherwise fantastic adventure.

Visit Your Doctor And Consult Your Insurance Provider

Tackling any healthcare needs you might have is high on Rick Steves' priority list, both as a general piece of advice and for his own personal travel. Visiting the doctor to check in on any medical conditions is an excellent step in the preparation process ahead of every trip you take. Getting advice on your unique circumstances and stocking up on any prescriptions you might take will prepare you for the rigors of travel and keep you ready throughout the entire trip.

Your doctor will be able to provide specific guidance on activities you can participate in and things that may be better off avoided. If you are at all hesitant about your wellness, visiting the doctor should be one of the key things on your pre-departure checklist. Not only will you be able to put your mind at ease knowing you've got your medication covered, but you will walk out of the appointment with all the information you need on staying healthy and feeling your best. The last thing you'll want to do is compound the effects of an injury or illness with a fear of missing out or added strain while on vacation.

Make Reservations At Popular Attractions

As you plan your trip, the possibility of exploring a bevy of activities while out and about in your chosen destination can seem endless. Rick Steves notes that not all attractions are easily accessible, and some require advanced reservations that might sell out by the time you arrive. Iceland's Blue Lagoon and Amsterdam's Anne Frank House, for instance, both require a reservation and can quickly run out of availability.

Rick Steves doesn't typically make a large slate of popular attractions his bread and butter while traveling, but any big ticket item that is on his list of must-see places often requires a bit of foresight. Anything that needs advanced reservations he tackles early in the planning process to avoid disappointment and avoid last-minute booking options that may not suit the rest of his travel plans. The last thing you'll want to do is choose between skipping something you really want to see and rearranging your whole trip on the fly. This approach is only possible if you've taken some time to plan at least certain elements of your adventure, though. Therefore, one major takeaway from his travel playbook is just that: Ample planning.

He Prepares His Home For Vacancy And Acts As A Good Steward For The Environment

Rick Steves is quick to point out the exceptional environmental stewardship that Europeans, in particular, showcase in their legislative agendas and everyday lives. Globally, amazing things are happening at the grassroots and individual levels when it comes to taking care of the planet. In Europe, energy-efficient travel can be found in abundance, and things like trains and other public transportation options are often both energy-efficient and cost-effective. In deference to the environmentalism that Europeans prioritize, Steves does his best to live by the same mantras.

Before he leaves home, Rick Steves prepares the house to be vacant, both for security reasons and to do his part for the environment. If you don't already have a security system, investing in one is a great idea ahead of your next adventure. Additionally, unplugging or turning off appliances and other electronics in your home will help save energy, cutting down your electricity bill and adding your weight to the fight against climate change. When he finally arrives at his destination, Steves likes to participate in environmentally friendly activities alongside the great public transportation options available. He's a proponent of bike tours and can often be seen packing a collapsible water bottle in his day bag to cut down on single-use plastics.

He Creates A Check List Of High Value Items Left At Home, Too

Many travelers will be familiar with creating a concise packing list. On a big trip, it may be helpful to write down a list of all the things you'll need while you're away and then check them off as you add them to the bag. Rick Steves utilizes this strategy often enough, but he also creates a secondary checklist to help create added peace of mind while he's away.

When Steves prepares to leave on yet another big adventure , he goes through a checklist of high-value items he'll be leaving at home. Not only is it important to think through personal safety and security while exploring a brand new place, but there's also the home and its things to consider. Losing your wallet or phone while on vacation can be a real downer, but it's often nothing compared to the potential devastation created by a burglary back home. To ward against this, Steves writes up a checklist of expensive and important items at home so that he can take into account some of his most important belongings in the event of the unthinkable. Upon returning home, running through this list and finding each one of these valuable items will allow you to seamlessly transition back into your daily routine.

Rick Steves Looks To Embrace Local Culture

Rather than seeking out mass-produced recommendations from social media, Rick Steves lets the city and people be his guide. This allows him to miss the most heavily crowded tourist areas of any destination he might be visiting — unless, of course, a stop at one is truly warranted.

Steves likes to seek out places that locals frequent, often for opportunities to take in the community in its natural state rather than the over-curated facades of touristy areas. These spaces often gloss over a community's authentic cultural treats while serving up expensive meals and drinks, creating vulnerability to pickpockets and generally providing far more traffic than is required. Local culture in its true environment is what Steves is after when he travels, and in his estimation, this makes all the difference between a truly unforgettable adventure and one that just hits the highlights and creates a pleasant memory.

He Tries To Take In The Moment Rather Than Allow Discomfort To Annoy Him

Crowds are inevitable wherever you are, and flight crampedness can't be avoided. It's far too easy to become cranky and allow these inconveniences and discomforts to set the tone for your trip and your mood. Rick Steves and those he travels with like to keep an open mind and remember what and why they are exploring. It's crucially important to roll with the punches and remember the meaning and reasons behind your voyage. A long flight can be a bummer, but at the other end of that journey is a fabulous new experience, regardless of whether you've been there many times before or are checking off a new place on your list.

Enjoying the moment is the best way to maintain positivity in your travel, even if you're dealing with some unpleasantness in the present. It isn't too challenging to relate to this tidbit of advice. Whether it be voyaging north into the Guatemalan jungle to gasp at the ruins of Tikal or riding through the night to dive with whale sharks in Cebu, uncomfortable bus journeys each bring travelers to breathtaking new adventures that they wouldn't trade for anything. Steves offers up a golden nugget of wisdom with this mindset.

Steves Takes Home The Most Precious Souvenir Of All From Every Trip

Rick Steves is a collector of stories, experiences, and, of course, souvenirs. He wouldn't be a traveler without indulging in that urge to purchase something (or a few somethings) to bring back for himself and those who are important to him. But Steves does something that many people simply overlook when it comes to thinking about travel and collecting souvenirs. Steves is a voracious journaler and consistently writes about his experiences while out and about. Writing a journal can help enrich your travel experience tremendously, and Steves advocates for this practice with extreme vigor. But there's another reason to keep a journal while you're traveling, and it's so valuable that Steves recommends that all travelers keep a log of their experiences while exploring each new place.

Whether you're a pen-and-paper kind of person or a tech-savvy personal blogger, writing down a few or a great many notes about your experiences and the things you've encountered while traveling can act as one of the most precious souvenirs you'll ever bring home. Creating a journal documenting your travels will allow you to revisit all of these wonderful experiences anytime you wish. Writing while the adventure is fresh and new will help you return to the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells long into the future.

Read the original article on Explore