Open Letter to Rick Steves
Comments Off Mr. Steves (and crew),
Your guide book series has the motto “Europe Through the Back Door“; and the back cover of my copy of the “Best of Europe 2006″ proclaims that one can “Experience the culture like a local– you’ll spend less money and have more fun.” These books are canon for the savvy American tourist headed for Europe, and my own anecdotal experience with these books (tips and tricks) have been spot on.
However, in our travels, we will just be tourists staying in hostels, hotels, and bed & breakfasts. What have I found in these places? More tourists, nothing but tourists. Who do I meet while sightseeing (or just wandering in town)? Tourists. Who will I mostly talk to? You got it, Tourists.
And for the sites and attractions we visit, our eyes see only other tourists; our ears only hear other tourists; our food is eaten with other tourists; we are still, metaphorically speaking, on the outside looking in. So how can we really experience the true feeling of Europe, like a local, when we are just surrounded only by other tourists?
A friend of mine introduced me to something called CouchSurfing. CouchSurfing is a worldwide community of travelers– currently about 80,000 people– who open up their homes (couches and spare beds) to each other– gratis. Although free accommodation is a great motivation for travelers to partake in the community, the idea is much more about making connections with each other around the world– and really getting to know local life– through acts of openness and generosity by both guest and host. With this concept, I have been making my way through Europe and meeting many great people along the way. What I’ve experienced in this community can never be matched by strictly traveling, through Europe, with your guidebooks alone. Actually, the concept complements your advice and I have been greatly enriched by my experiences with this community.
I think that as part of your 2006 Europe research itinerary, this idea– this community– should be on the top of your research list. I think that your guidebook audience will have much to gain by learning about this community. There is a chance for you (and your crew) to get a first hand view of the European Couch Surfing Community: the European Couch Surfing community is getting together for a week long conference in Eisenstadt, Austria starting July 21st. Come, visit, and see how this strong community is working to better build connections between travelers and locals around the world. Your audience will benefit from what you learn by seeing this community in action.
Still Traveling,
Ben
http://badpopcorn.com/
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