Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2011: The Travel Skills Handbook

If you are an experienced traveler, this book is probably not for you. If you aren't, the wealth of experience is priceless. I got my copy in 2008 and have since purchased the 2010 and 2011 for friends going abroad for the first time. While you won't agree with everything Rick says (and he is up front about it) he provides you with the practical information to make informed decisions and have a good trip. He covers everything from tipping, to itinerary, to language, to packing, to using public transportation,to scams etc. etc. On my first trip I didn't have this and missed out. However, the info I learned by reading the 2008 books really helped my trips become more successful.

As a first-time traveler to Europe I have found this book very helpful in providing an overview of transportion issues, packing, practical travel tips relating to culture and sightseeing planning, and then a brief overview of primary European destinations and their highlights. This is not a substitute for a detailed guide for a specific destination and if you have traveled to Europe previously (at least in the relatively recent past), I do not believe it would be useful in addition to the specific destination guide.

Admittedly, I heed by the old rule that you can never trust a man with two first names. I knew nothing of Rick Steves or his wide array of products aimed at making European travel for Americans easier. I was really only looking for one book to give me some suggestions of what to do/buy in Europe, as well as learn a bit about the sneaky people who try to make victims of American tourists. Not only did I get every piece of information I was looking for out of this book, but I got so much more. I read the entire thing from cover to cover the day I got it, and I learned about England, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and so much more. I even learned about places I wasn't going to visit, like Eastern Europe. I learned about traditions, pitfalls, and even a little bit about European marijuana laws.

This book has it all. If you're looking for ONE book to get you through Europe, make it this one. Nice job, Mr. Steves.