Contributing Editor: Rick Steves

Rick Steves' column has been running in ITN since February 1998. Advocating smart independent travel, Rick helps travelers connect more intimately and authentically with Europe — and Europeans — for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.

The author of 30-plus best-selling books on travel in Europe, Rick also is the host, writer and producer of the popular public television series "Rick Steves' Europe," which has grown to 70 half-hour shows carried by over 300 public television stations annually.

Over the past 15 years, he has hosted over 100 travel shows for public television (most still airing in rebroadcasts) and become one of public television's top pledge drive hosts, raising millions of dollars annually for stations across the US.

Rick self-published the first edition of his travel skills book, "Europe Through the Back Door," in 1980. He has also written 12 country guidebooks, nine city and regional guides and six phrase books and has coauthored "Europe 101: History and Art for Travelers."

In 1999 he tackled a new genre of travel writing with his anecdotal "Postcards from Europe," recounting his favorite moments from 25 years of travel. Rick's books are published by Avalon Travel Publishing.

In addition to his guidebooks, Rick is a syndicated newspaper columnist with the Tribune Media Services and is a regular on the op-ed page of USA Today.

Rick recently launched a weekly public radio program, "Travel with Rick Steves." Focusing on world travel, each hour-long program has a guest travel expert for interviews, followed by call-ins with questions and comments.

Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. By the time he reached 18, he began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano. In 1976 he started a business called Europe Through the Back Door (ETBD), which has grown to a company with a staff of 70 well-traveled employees.

ETBD offers free travel information through its travel center, website (www.ricksteves.com), "European Railpass Guide" and free travel newsletters. ETBD also runs a European tour program with over 300 departures annually.

Outspoken on the need for Americans to fit better into our planet by broadening their perspectives through travel, Rick also is committed to his own neighborhood. He's an active member of the Lutheran church and has provided his local YWCA with a 24-unit apartment building with which to house homeless mothers.

Rick lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. He lives with his wife Anne, and two children, Andy and Jackie.