Rick Steves' travel books and shows are always informative and entertaining. This publication isn't a typical guide book. Actually, it's not a guide book at all. It's a memoir and diary of an amazing trip he and his friend endured when they were in their twenties.
I did say endured as it was described as an primitive adventure with total lack of refinement. Filthy conditions for sleeping, dangerous border guards and at times meals with questionable concern regarding preparation. That said, it's exactly what he and his friend wanted to check off the bucket list. The Hippie Trail. You know straight off you'd have rough conditions but it's the adventure of a lifetime.
This is actually the diary of two 23 year old friends who make this trip work on a showstring budget. They controlled themselves by limiting photos to 11 per day. These were the days of film and no cell phone snaps.
The appeal to me was reading about the youthful carefree attitude regarding travel. Something I have done, but wouldn't repeat now.
I was in Europe the same year Steves arrived to start this journey but my loose itinerary was all about seeing western Europe (and as much of it as possible) before money ran out. A one way ticket from Miami to Luxembourg and savings lasted me (and the now ex-husband) for a year and a half before returning home. I interject this because I get the youthful sense of adventurous traveling, sleeping in a van, discovering new foods and cultures with zero responsibilities.
Much thanks to Deb at Readerbuzz for the opportunity to read this book.
This book is shared with Shelleyrae at Book'd Out for the 2025 Nonfiction Reader Challenge. Category: Published in 2025
I had planned on listening to On the Hippie Trail by now but life got in the way. I'll get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteVicki, I know what you mean!
DeleteI didn't really know what this book was like so thank you for describing it in such a thoughtful / detailed manner! Definitely sounds like my cup of tea! Adding it to my TBR right now!
ReplyDeleteJinjer, it was quite a trip for those two friends and I loved the old photos , seeing Steves' as a young man.
DeleteP.S. When I went to add it just now I see that there are several books about the Hippie Trail so I guess that is the official name of the trail???? I thought it was just a cute name that Steve was calling it. lol
ReplyDeleteJinjer, yes it was the official name and not sure if they still call it that but it was a real pilgrimage for people back then. The only place I ever visited that was dicy (at the time) was Yugoslavia and had an interesting experience at the border regarding a visa. Oh, and Portugal during political upheaval where we got caught up in the middle of a protesting crowd and didn't know what they were yelling about.
DeleteAlso, very cool that you were on your own European adventure at the time he was there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jinjer, it would have been very cool if we had crossed paths...but we didn't.
DeleteI used to love watching Steves' show so I bet this will be a good read. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan
Mary, I liked his show as well. This is certainly a different take on his travel guides!
DeleteFirst, before I forget, thanks for stopping by to visit me at Marmelade Gypsy. I'm slow in returning the visit. But this one sounds good. I like Steves' television programs and website and it would be fun learning about his first journey -- probably the one that started it all! I loved hearing a bit about your trip, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie. I hope you enjoy the book. I found it interesting to be in his 20 something year old head, we sure thought differently then!
DeleteOh how interesting to have a life experience that so closely mirrors the book. I love when that happens! This sounds interesting and I didn't know the Hippie Trail was an actual thing.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, it was a real journey for some folks but I never wanted to make a trip like that. Besides, we ran out of money when living in Vienna and had to come back. Long story...
DeleteI wondered what you would think of it since you took your own trip at about the same time. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really didn't know a lot about Rick, and now I think I'm quite taken with him as a person.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I had journals about my travels back then but my exhusband never sent me my belongings after we split. I would love to hear my thoughts as a 20 year old living on the road for a year and half.
DeleteI wonder if it's too late to try to get those now...
DeleteOh, definitely too late. That was 42 years ago and he has since died. Pretty sure he chucked my things into some dumpster in Lawrence Kansas. that's where I was when I flew back to Florida. Alas. Some good memories in those journals.
DeleteWhich way did Steves go on his journey was it all around Europe or Asia too? What year was it? I think your own travels then would be really cool to hear about. Did you write a travelogue of your time? A year & a half. That's totally cool & admirable. I wonder if Robert would like this book -- since he likes Steves show. Hmm. How did you and Steves differ on your travels?
ReplyDeleteSusan, Steves mentioned he and his friend tired of touring around Europe after doing it several summers so they planned the Hippie Trail for their next joint trip. They went through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
DeleteThe year was 1978, same time I was bumming around but I stayed in Western Europe with the exception of a trip into Yugoslavia to purchase several tanned cow hides (for crafts). the Ex and I made purses, bracelets, wallets, etc and sold them at the flea market in Vienna near St Stephens church. He ended up arrested because we didn't get a permit and I guess there was my chance to "disappear". haha
I did have journals but when we split up my boxed possessions never made it to me back in Florida from Kansas. I have always journaled!