• Travel as a Political Act

  • By: Rick Steves
  • Narrated by: Rick Steves
  • Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (388 ratings)

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Travel as a Political Act  By  cover art

Travel as a Political Act

By: Rick Steves
Narrated by: Rick Steves
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Publisher's summary

Change the world one trip at a time. In this illuminating collection of stories and lessons from the road, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves shares a powerful message that resonates now more than ever.

With the world facing divisive events and movements like the rise of nationalism, Trump, Brexit, Erdogan, and more, there's never been a more important time to travel.

Rick believes the risks of travel are widely exaggerated, and that fear is for people who don't get out much. After years of living out of a suitcase, he still marvels at how different cultures may find different truths to be self-evident. By sharing his experiences from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shows how we can learn more about own country by viewing it from afar.

With gripping stories from Rick's decades of exploration, this fully revised edition of Travel as a Political Act is an antidote to the current climate of xenophobia. When we travel thoughtfully, we bring back the most beautiful souvenir of all: a broader perspective on the world that we all call home.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 Rick Steves (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Steves's pleasant, down-to-earth delivery will be familiar to listeners who have watched his travel shows on PBS...the message remains valuable and timely in today's contentious political climate." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Travel as a Political Act

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Powerful

Rick Steves at his best. But isn't he always? Spreading kindness where ever he goes, educating us on tolerance and cultural diversity. Never lecturing, just suggesting, in his non-judgmental way. I want to be just like him when I grow up.

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8 people found this helpful

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Travel Transforms

Way back when, I worked for an educational tour company—sending groups of American students and teachers on European adventures with the goal of creating a "living" classroom. To keep us up-to-date, the documentary series, "Rick Steves' Europe," was required watching for staff (we had a library of VHS tapes to choose from). Many years later, Rick Steves is still making documentaries and writing books, but now there’s also a nifty audiobook app that allows me to listen to the 3rd edition (updated for 2018) of this industry classic in Rick's distinct voice. It’s a welcome reminder of how simply leaving the U. S. and experiencing the world beyond my bubble—meeting actual people, in real life—is a kind of political act. At the very least, it’s a great first step.

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8 people found this helpful

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The book every citizen of the world needs

Rick is my life guru. It's wonderful to follow the path of what he has learned after a lifetime of traveling. It challenges you in every chapter. And listening from his own voice is an extra treat.

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An Enlightening Experience

In our divisive times, I found it very enlightening to visit other countries along with Rick, via this book. Many other countries have grappled with the same issues we deal with in the USA, and have solved them with different approaches, and some have not. Rick invites us to open our minds and explore other cultures with curiosity and compassion. Very fun and entertaining too!

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Expected Radical Political Action; Not what I Got

This book, though the audio is produced well, is basically just a self-congratulatory screed that pats the author on the back for having traveled to other countries. I was hoping for a discussion about bucking the system, taking the vacation your company promises, and not feeling guilty for taking time off to travel, as opposed to the overlong explanation of "learning about other cultures makes you more open to other cultures." Wouldn't recommend it. The TEDTalk basically covers everything you'd get in this book, and is almost 10 hours shorter.

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Not your usual travel book

There's something about Rick Steves--he can appear to be the most traditional and middle class traveler imagineable--likable and utterly non-threatening--until you get to know him a little better. A completely enjoyable, fascinating read if you love cultures and social justice.

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Some good themes without real depth

Liked the start of the book with some good themes however you start to lose your mind with all the self serving stories that pitch his company or his personal POV. Sadly disappointed and it could have been great but it’s just feels like a big ego stroke that misses the concept of the title. This book could have been written under 250 words as an essay easily.

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3 people found this helpful

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Traveling is important

Rick Steves does an excellent and entertaining job of reminding us why travel is important; as a mean to connect with other people and appreciate what we have. Part travel book, part pep rally, I found this book very uplifting which is a rare find these days. I strongly recommend this book.

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This is pretty basic stuff

Immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the people when you travel. Seems pretty basic to me. And Rick Steves' VOICE! Sounds like a mix of Casey Casum and the Shaggy from Scooby Doo.

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Traveling Abroad

Rick Steve's has a wonderful perspective on viewing different cultures with an open mind. Learning the good things that we all have to offer. This was a great read, I had it both on here and paper cover.

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