Before you head off to Europe for vacation, you may read or hear about the prevalence of pickpockets. It can happen anywhere, of course, but one European country is reportedly worse than the rest. In a study published in July, 2023, insurance comparison website QuoteZone.co.uk analyzed reviews by British tourists for the top five tourist destinations in popular European countries. As it turns out, Italy had the highest number of pickpocketing reports.

The Country With The Highest Amount Of Pickpocketing In All Of Europe

When it comes to travel destinations in Europe, Rick Steves is just about the undisputed master. He can tell you where you go, what to see, and when to make those flight reservations to experience each city at its peak. It stands to reason that, after spending so much of his life traveling the continent, he would have accumulated some favorite and not-so-favorite destinations. And since he's been gallivanting abroad since the 1960s, we're sure he's got quite a laundry list of disappointments — if only we could have a beer with him and get his real, unvarnished opinions.

Rick Steves' Most And Least Favorite Places In Europe

If you're planning the perfect trip to Germany, you're going to want to pack carefully so that you have everything you need to enjoy your travels. It's one of the largest and most populated countries in the European Union, so there's a lot to see and do as you make your way around. There's truly something for every type of traveler. Whether you're interested in dancing all night at Berlin's world-famous night clubs, meandering around lush gardens, exploring must-see castles, or relaxing on a romantic couples getaway – Germany makes an ideal destination. You'll be able to experience incredible modern cities, historic architecture, and gorgeous natural scenery, so your packing list may look a little different depending on which activities you choose to squeeze into your itinerary.

Why Tourists Should Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Germany

When you think about an image of Greece, it's likely that you envision the Acropolis. The famous hill in Athens with the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2023, brought in around 23,000 visitors per day. In fact, it's so popular that there is now a daily visitor cap of 20,000.

The Best Time Of Day To Visit The Iconic Acropolis In Greece, According To Rick Steves

Travel + Leisure

The travel expert shows no signs of slowing down.

Rick Steves on the Best Meal of His Life, His Favorite Country in the World, and What’s Next

The List

For fans of Rick Steves, it often seems like there's nothing this travel expert and "Rick Steves' Europe" star can't navigate. While he has written over 50 guidebooks over the years, we all know there's no map or guidebook for love. Even so, Rick has managed to embark on this journey, too. While travel may have been his first and most consistent love, Rick has also had some long-term romances. From his ex-wife to his current partner, it's time for a tour of Rick's love life over the years.

What We Know About Anne & Rick Steves' Divorce (& Inside His Love Life Since)

Insider

After moving from Rhode Island to Ireland, I think Europe does some things better than the US, from laws about paid time off to access to fresh foods.

I'm an American who lived in Ireland for 4 years. Here are 5 things I liked better about life in Europe.

Traveling is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but there are good and bad ways to do that. Getting lost in a new city can feel simultaneously uncomfortable and exciting, but trying to translate your way through filling out a foreign police report? That's not fun. Safety and friendliness are great factors to consider when looking for vacation destinations. To help you plan carefree trips where you feel welcome, we've rounded up some of the friendliest and safest places in Europe, from the welcoming locals in Iceland to the safe cities in Portugal.

These 5 European Countries Are Considered The Safest And Most Welcoming To Travelers

Utah State

As a state with five national parks and plenty of beautiful and varied natural scenery, it makes sense why Utah is so popular amongst travelers. While one of the best ways to see the entire state is to hit all five national parks in one unforgettable road trip, you may want to also stray a little off the beaten path and check out some of the less-popular but equally-beautiful areas of the Beehive State. For example, you could head to Utah's Antelope Island for uncrowded beaches and incredible wildlife or even visit America's only pink salt lake. Furthermore, you could even head to some of Utah's gorgeous swimming holes like the one at the Fifth Water Waterfalls and Hot Spring.

Relax In One Of Utah's Most Beautiful, Bright-Blue Waterfall Swimming Holes

Cinque Terre is immediately recognizable: tightly packed pastel buildings built onto the side of a rocky cliff overlooking the brilliant blue Italian Riviera. As its name implies, Cinque Terre is not one place but five. All of its villages are charming, picturesque, and intriguing in their own way, and you can definitely visit them all in one trip if you want to, but if you have to pick just one, or you're trying to decide which one you should spend the night in after a day of exploring, travel expert and popular TV host Rick Steves would probably tell you to pick Vernazza.

Rick Steves Says This Dazzling Town Is The 'Jewel' Of Italy's Iconic Cinque Terre

Popular tourist destinations in Greece, including Athens and Santorini, are struggling with overcrowding and economic strain.

Greece is in the middle of an anti-cruise rebellion, with locals complaining about over-tourism and trashed streets

TravelNoire

There are not enough pictures to do Italy’s spectacular Lake Como and the charming towns surrounding it justice. Located in Italy’s Lombardy region, the shimmering blue waters of the lake and the majestic Bergamo Alps that sit as a backdrop behind it captivate the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.

The Best Towns To Visit Around Lake Como, Italy

The world's a shockingly big place. There are so many tourist destinations out there that it's impossible for any one person to see them all. Yet, for some strange reason, travelers tend to congregate disproportionately around a small number of "must-see" spots. Sometimes, their fame is warranted, and most people would agree they're absolutely worth carving out precious time for a visit. But some places fail to live up to the hype, leaving visitors feeling underwhelmed.

The Most Disappointing Tourist Attractions In The World, According To Reviews

The sweeping landscape, lively pub atmospheres, and friendly if enigmatic locals have long nourished Rick Steves' fascination with the Emerald Isle. It also probably doesn't hurt that it's one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe. Steves has praised many of the island nation's destinations over the years; however, one in particular has captured his heart. "Colorful little Dingle — my favorite town in all of Ireland — perches on Ireland's westernmost point," Steves shared on his website.

Rick Steves' Favorite Town In All Of Ireland Is A Coastal Paradise With Dramatic Views

There’s a lot that qualifies as “enchanting” when speaking of Italy’s Ligurian coast. An array of crystal-clear seascapes, colorful villages, dramatic craggy vistas, beaches for miles, and incredibly fresh food specialties offer a bounty of sensory delights in this stretch of Italian Riviera. Cradling the Ligurian Sea from Tuscany to the border of France, travel destination superstars such as Cinque Terre and Portofino are found here — the happening places for chasing the perfect social media portfolio, resplendent with elbow-to-elbow crowds.

Finalborgo: Italy’s best-kept secret in the heart of Liguria

With some of the world's most stunning canals, gabled architecture, raucous nightlife, and dynamic culture and cuisine, Amsterdam will likely never lose its appeal. However, some cities can get too popular for their own good. In 2023, the Dutch capital welcomed over 10 million international visitors — more than twice that of Venice, the notoriously busy canal city on Italy's north coast. These numbers are great for the Dutch economy, but some may curse the tourist traps, the rowdy bachelor parties, and the erosion of peace, quiet, and local culture.

This Picturesque Canal City In Poland Is Like Amsterdam's Laidback Sister With Fewer Crowds

Iceland is arguably one of the most unique destinations in the world. Volcanos, waterfalls, glaciers, beaches — the island nation has it all. Tourists flock to the Nordic country to visit the best stops on its famous Ring Road, bathe in the iconic Blue Lagoon, and spot puffins and other wildlife. Unsurprisingly, these attractions can lead to crowds, especially during peak tourist periods.

Rick Steves Says This Hated Aspect Of Traveling Can Actually Enhance An Iceland Trip

When it comes to European wines, connoisseurs often wax poetic about French Bordeaux, Italian Chianti, or Spanish Rioja. However — tucked away in the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula — there's a sweet and zesty contender that's captured the heart of renowned travel expert Rick Steves: Portugal's vinho verde. Often translated as "green wine," vinho verde is, according to the author's website, the "most misunderstood wine" in Europe.

The Most Misunderstood Wine In All Of Europe Is A Refreshing Favorite Of Rick Steves

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What makes today’s date special for your zodiac sign? Today, all zodiac signs are set to experience extraordinary cosmic shifts that would likely affect certain areas of their lives. For some signs, today’s cosmic boost will positively affect their finances. The planets have aligned to bring luck and good fortune their way. Hence, some individuals will feel a special wave of optimism and passion to lay a good foundation for financial abundance.

3 Lucky Zodiac Signs With Financial Abundance | August 22, 2024

Even with the rise of independent travel and private rental sites like Airbnb, a hotel stay is still many people's idea of luxury and convenience. There is something so appealing about drifting down from your room at your leisure to indulge in a breakfast buffet before heading out for the day to explore your new surroundings. But that is exactly what you shouldn't do while you are touring around Europe, according to seasoned travel writer Rick Steves.

The Popular Breakfast Option Rick Steves Advises Against While You're In Europe

NewsBreak

Rick Steves Calls This Youthful, Charming European City The 'Boston Of Poland'

Located in Central Europe, Poland is an often overlooked destination. However, the country, which is home to one of the most mysterious places in the world,...

Rick Steves Calls This Youthful, Charming European City The 'Boston Of Poland'

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