This was my first tour...

...and I had always thought tours were for wimps. I don't need a tour guide to make all my arrangements or tell me where to go or organize my transportation for me. Well, I was right in a way. I don't need someone to help me, I can do all that myself. But I was also wrong—at least where a Rick Steves tour is concerned. I loved this tour! I loved that our guide Jana and our driver Mitch had everything planned out for us, even leaving room for free time to explore on our own. I loved all the people who were on the tour with me. They were awesome. I loved our local guides who helped us have a deeper understanding of their city and their country. My fears of bad hotels, annoying people and transportation troubles were all unfounded. Not something I can claim for previous trips arranged by me! The really wonderful surprise about this tour was how relaxed I felt both during the trip and after. Travel on my own was always fun, but also always stressful. I usually came back from a trip in need of a vacation. Not this time. Not this tour.

So this site is for all of you, who like me, think tours are for wimps. I'm a convert to the Rick Steves way of travel. I've already signed up with my daughter for my second Rick Steves tour this summer—I can't wait!