Rick Steves is a renowned travel writer, television host, and European travel expert known for his engaging approach to discovering the Continent. Born in 1955 in Edmonds, Washington, he began his career by teaching travel classes at the University of Washington, leading to his first guidebook, "Europe Through the Back Door," in 1980. Rick has since authored numerous guidebooks and hosted the popular PBS series "Rick Steves' Europe," inspiring countless Americans to explore Europe independently. Passionate about cultural understanding and responsible tourism, he also advocates for global citizenship and social justice, using his platform to promote meaningful travel experiences.