Rick Steves’ European Travel Tips and Tricks ~ Travel Talks

2 ~~~ November Travel News

Hi from Rick: Early Planning Pays Off

As my very busy year of travels winds down (I just flew home from a great little trip to Morocco the other night), many travelers are already looking ahead to their next adventure — and so am I.

These days, when we make reservations for more than a thousand Rick Steves tour departures, we find that Europe is more popular — and more crowded — than ever.

People often ask for my top crowd-beating tips.

One of them is "don't just follow the crowds." Another is, simply, get an early start with your planning.

Some of my favorite mom-and-pop hotels and restaurants, all over Europe, love hosting our travelers.

Lately, they've been telling me that things are very seasonal and during the peak months, they're filling up several months out 

Quite a few times the last couple of years, I've missed out on staying at a personal favorite hotel and was told essentially "sorry, we're full on that date…you got aced out by your own readers!" (That little disappointment actually makes me strangely happy.)
A big part of my joy of travel is spontaneity. But I find my spontaneity is the most bouncy and sprightly when I have the basics — transportation and hotels — booked in advance. That floating sauna experience in Oslo's harbor…that intimate classical guitar concert in an Andalusian garden…that lesson in vodka appreciation Polish-style, and that impromptu soccer match with big smiles and Berber students under Saharan palm trees last week? All that "free flow" fun occurred on the spur of the moment thanks to a smart foundation of early trip planning.
Before the busyness of the holiday season hits, the next few weeks are prime time to get a head start on your trip planning for next year. That's why, for this month's Travel News, we've collected a couple handy resources to get you thinking about 2024: As you start hatching your plans, read my tips for researching your trip and watch my video on how to plan your itinerary. And for a little inspiration, we visit Kraków, a charming city filled with a strong sense of history, unforgettable sights, and fun-loving college students. Plus Cameron Hewitt shares some of his favorite places to stay in Europe's best neighborhoods.
Where are you dreaming of going in 2024? It's about time to turn from dreaming…to planning. And we'd love to help you out.
Happy planning…and travels!
Rick


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