Podcast Summary: The Journal – "Rick Steves Is Tired of Hearing 'Have a Safe Trip'"

Release Date: June 29, 2025

Hosts: Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza

In the June 29, 2025 episode of The Journal, hosts Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza engage in a comprehensive conversation with renowned travel entrepreneur Rick Steves. Filmed live at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival in Seattle, the episode delves into Steves' perspectives on travel, business resilience, progressive politics, and their intersection in today’s increasingly polarized world.

1. Traveling with Young Children

Ryan Knutson begins the discussion by addressing a personal concern: traveling to Europe with his nine-month-old son and two-and-a-half-year-old grandson. He seeks Rick Steves' advice on navigating the challenges of family travel.

Rick Steves responds with practical wisdom based on his extensive experience:

“If you've got kids your age and you ask where should we go? I would say to grandma and grandpa’s on the way to the airport.” (04:05)

He emphasizes the value of family travel, suggesting that integrating family time with adventure fosters beautiful parenting and broadens children’s educational horizons:

“If you can afford it and if you're willing to compromise from an adult travel point of view to make it a family occasion, it is beautiful parenting and you will never regret it.” (04:25)

2. Business Resilience During the Pandemic

The conversation shifts to Steves’ business challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, his company was generating $100 million in revenue. However, the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 led to a significant downturn.

Rick Steves discusses the ethical and pragmatic decision to retain his 100-strong staff despite negative revenue:

“But if shareholders were smart, they would understand that when you have a great team of 100 people and suddenly something unpredictable happens and you can't earn any money, you don't want to disband that team.” (05:37)

He attributes his ability to sustain the business through the crisis to having sufficient reserve capital:

“I am so thankful I was able to. I had enough reserve capital to make the payroll through those years.” (05:42)

3. New Book on the Hippie Trail

Rick Steves unveils his newly published book, which is a reflection on his 1978 journey along the historic Hippie Trail from Istanbul to Kathmandu. This project emerged during the pandemic as he revisited old notebooks and photographs.

Ryan Knutson marvels at the difference in travel experiences between the past and present:

“But it's also just like you can't do a trip like that's just not even possible in today's world.” (07:12)

Steves reflects nostalgically on the adventure of limited information and spontaneous exploration of the era:

“I can have the hippie trail experience. Even in our comfortable age, if you get out of your comfort zone, recognize we can learn more about our home by leaving it and looking at it from a distance.” (08:10)

4. The Changing Landscape of Travel and Isolationism

Addressing the paradox of increased American travel abroad amidst rising nativism and isolationism, Steves offers a critical perspective on national attitudes.

“Half of America does not travel. Half of America dreams of building walls... What we need to do is build bridges to the other 96% of humanity outside of our country.” (10:53)

He expresses frustration with the prevalent sentiment of fear and isolation, advocating instead for a worldview enriched by travel:

“Fear is for people who don't get out very much.” (12:36)

5. Political Outspokenness and Its Impact on Business

Rick Steves discusses his increasingly vocal stance on political issues, including his support for marijuana legalization and his endorsement of progressive candidates like Kamala Harris.

Steves explains that his business’s strength allows him to prioritize personal ethics over potential business repercussions:

“I don't make my personal political decisions based on what's good for my business.” (14:17)

He addresses concerns about alienating customers but remains optimistic about the broader impact:

“We take 30,000 Americans on our tours every year. For me, I love the fact... We've got a lot of people that are dealing with some pretty exciting culture shock.” (15:50)

Steves humorously recounts marijuana entrepreneurs attempting to name cannabis strains after him, reinforcing his principled stance against commodifying marijuana:

“I want nothing to do with the Green Rush... it's a very serious issue dealing with racism, mass incarceration...” (18:22)

6. Bridging Political Divides

Confronting the metaphorical walls between political factions in the U.S., Steves emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy across divides:

“We have a huge wall in our country between red and blue and it's a metaphorical wall. My challenge is to better understand the people on the other side of our metaphorical wall.” (20:35)

He highlights his efforts to foster dialogue and broaden perspectives among diverse groups of travelers.

7. Reflections on American Tourism

When prompted about why foreign visitors, particularly Europeans and Canadians, might be deterred from touring America, Steves candidly critiques current American policies:

“I think the only thing that's going to wake America up, sadly, is the equivalent of the cost of eggs... tourism is one of the biggest employers on the planet and the brand of America is something I've long been tuned into.” (21:37)

He expresses a pessimistic view on the future of American tourism, linking it to broader socio-political issues.

8. Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

In a lightning-fast speed round, Steves shares personal reflections:

• Retirement Plans: (22:58)
  “I just turned 70 and I'm so thankful I found a niche... I'll do it as long as I'm physically able.”

• Frequent Flyer Miles: (23:07)
  Despite being a prolific traveler, Steves abstains from airline loyalty programs, viewing them as unnecessary gimmicks:

  “It's like it's a gimmick to get me to have loyalty to this airline instead of that airline.” (23:57)

Conclusion

Rick Steves embodies a blend of seasoned travel expertise and progressive advocacy, using his platform to challenge societal norms and encourage a more connected, empathetic world. Through The Journal, listeners gain valuable insights into the interplay between travel, business ethics, and political consciousness, all underscored by Steves' enduring passion for exploration and understanding.

Notable Quotes:

• “Fear is for people who don't get out very much.” – Rick Steves (12:36)

• “If you can afford it and if you're willing to compromise from an adult travel point of view to make it a family occasion, it is beautiful parenting and you will never regret it.” – Rick Steves (04:25)

• “I just turned 70 and I'm so thankful I found a niche... I'll do it as long as I'm physically able.” – Rick Steves (22:58)

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