Rick Steves

Rick Steves is a best-selling guidebook author, television host, radio personality, and owner of a European travel company, guiding travelers to immerse themselves in local cultures across Europe. After authoring the first edition of ‘Europe Through the Back Door’ in 1979, Rick Steves went on to self-publish the guide in 1980, establishing a seminal resource focused on practical and immersive European travel. Building on this success, he created a storefront operation in Edmonds, serving as a travel center and piano teaching studio. This enterprise, incorporated as Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door, evolved beyond traditional travel agency services, offering specialized travel classes, consulting, and organized tours.

In 2010, Steves innovated digitally with the release of the ‘Rick Steves’ Audio Europe’ mobile application, providing users with self-guided tours and comprehensive travel information. He is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe (RSE), a premier travel business that successfully guides over 30,000 individuals to Europe annually, emphasizing cultural immersion. Through RSE, Steves continues to lead a robust operation dedicated to fostering authentic travel experiences across the continent. Beyond his extensive travel enterprises, Steves is a notable public advocate.

He has contributed significantly to philanthropic initiatives, including the donation of a $4 million apartment complex to the YWCA in 2017, providing crucial transitional housing for mothers and children. In 2019, he further committed to environmental causes, announcing his intention to donate $1 million annually to environmental nonprofits. Steves is also a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization, utilizing his platform to support social justice causes.