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
