Rick Steves is best known as the host of Rick Steves’ Europe, a long-running travel documentary series on the PBS network. He also hosts a public radio travel show called Travel with Rick Steves and has written a number of travel books. Steves has lived and breathed travel his entire life. So much so that his two grown-up children have decided to follow in his footsteps.

Quick Facts

Rick Steves Net worth

Rick Steves’s net worth is about $10 million as of June 2023.

Gay rumors arose following his divorce from his wife

The native of Barstow was married to Anne Steves. He divorced his wife in 2010. Rick and his wife have two grown children: Andy, a son, and Jackie Steves, a daughter. After his marriage ended, rumors about his sexuality began to circulate.

In March 2017, he discussed gay travel in Europe on his Facebook page, which fueled the rumors. However, based solely on his professional achievements, it would be incorrect to conclude that he is gay. He is, after all, the proud father of two grown-up children.

Rick Steves’ children are following in his footsteps

Andy, Rick’s son, grew up in Europe with his family. He accompanied his father as he updated guidebooks, produced TV shows, and planned tours. It’s no surprise that Andy followed in his father’s footsteps and shared his father’s love of travel.

Rick is now the founder of Weekend Student Adventures Europe, a travel company. He compiled his travel experiences into a book titled “Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget.” He also hosts a podcast in which he interviews close international friends and collaborates with other travel entrepreneurs. Similarly, Rick’s daughter Jackie enjoys traveling around the world.

Made a career out of a passion for travel

From a young age, Steves had a strong desire to travel. He even taught travel courses at the University of Washington through a student-run non-credit program. In 1980, he advanced his career by publishing Europe Through the Back Door, a general travel guide for Europe. In Edmonds, Washington, he later opened a store that offered piano lessons as well as a travel center.

From 1991 to 1998, the travel guide hosted his first television show, Travels in Europe With Rick Steves. Rick Steves’ Europe, which is now well-known, was his second show, which debuted in 2000. In late 2020, the show completed its eleventh season.

Travel with Rick Steves, his weekly public radio show, debuted in 2005 and is still running today. In addition, he wrote several travel books, including Europe 101: History and Art for Travelers and Travel as a Political Act. Aside from the books, Steves runs a travel website that includes a European vacation for families at a reasonable price.

On his website, he puts together tours with small groups, great guides, central hotels, sightseeing, and memories to last a lifetime. He also sells travel accessories like planning maps, travel bags, and guidebooks.

Encourages Fans to Travel More

While viewers find it strangely comforting to turn on a Rick Steves’ PBS television special, Rick has devised a way to push them out of their comfort zone. His book, Travel as a Political Act, which has been revised and published in a third edition, encourages people, particularly Americans, to look beyond the tourist traps and engage with the people they meet.

He even admitted that many Americans spent their vacations at Disney theme parks or in Las Vegas. Then he challenged his followers to increase their appetite for reality. After admitting that Americans had the shortest vacations in the world, Steves concluded the interview by suggesting that they use their time wisely.

‘Europe Awaits’ by Rick Steves

Steves, unfortunately, was forced to take a break from his shows due to COVID. Being the traveler that he is, that is a difficult task in and of itself. However, he was right back at it after the mass vaccination programs with his new show Rick Steves Europe Awaits.

When asked about the new show in a June 9, 2021, interview with Travel + Leisure, Steves said it was a collection of destinations in Europe that he thought were perfect for post-COVID travel. “Places that take us off the beaten path, where we can connect with people, traditional lifestyles, and beautiful food without having to deal with a lot of the crowds that were just crippling before COVID hit,” he added. We wish him every success with his new show.