Rick Steves | |
|---|---|
 Rick Steves at the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, Switzerland | |
| Occupation | Writer, Television host, Radio host |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Business degree |
| Alma mater | University of Washington |
| Genre | Travel literature |
| Spouse | Anne Steves |
| Children | Jackie Steves, Andy Steves |
Rick Steves (born in Edmonds, Washington in 1955) is an American author of more than thirty European guide books, producer and host of the syndicated Rick Steves' Europe show broadcast on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations, and host of the syndicated Travel with Rick Steves broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) and podcast. Steves also authors a weekly travel column syndicated by Tribune Media Services which shares the same name as his television program. His influence as a travel expert has led to the popularization of less than mainstream attractions in various countries such as Rue Cler market street in Paris, France, leading travel editor John Flinn of the San Francisco Chronicle to dub the location "Rue Rick Steves." Steves has over three decades of experience as a travel guide and author[1] and his company, Europe Through the Back Door, is a multimillion dollar enterprise.[2][1]
Steves is an important fundraiser for PBS during their pledge drives, with Tom Doggett of Oregon Public Broadcasting stating he is one of three top fundraisers for them. His television show has aired on PBS for eighteen years and today is broadcast on more than three-hundred stations, reaching 95% of the U.S. market. In 2003, his book Rick Steves' Italy was the bestselling international guidebook in the United States. In spring of that same year one of his television episodes, based in Prague and the Czech Republic, won a CINE Golden Eagle Award in the Professional Telecast Non-fiction Division. In 2006 his production company, along with Oregon Public Broadcasting, won a Gabriel Award for the Rick Steves' European Christmas special.