Rick Steves Travel Advice: Why He Wants Americans to Explore More in 2025 At a time when the world feels uncertain and overwhelming, many Americans question whether taking a vacation is the right choice. With daily headlines full of global crises, travel can seem like an indulgence — even frivolous. But travel expert Rick Steves believes the opposite is true: this is exactly when Americans need to travel the most. Rick Steves on Travel During Crisis: A Bold Yet Necessary Act Rick Steves, a seasoned traveler and tour guide, argues that in moments of stress, travel becomes more than leisure — it becomes a tool for understanding and connection. According to Steves, Americans are often shaped by fear and isolation, especially those who lack firsthand experience of other cultures. “Fear is for people who don’t have passports,” he says. “The flip side of fear is understanding.” Rick Steves Travel Philosophy: Building Understanding Through Exploration Steves believes that stepping outside of American borders can reshape perceptions. When Americans venture abroad, they’re exposed to real people with real struggles, joys, and lives — people often misunderstood or misrepresented in the media. By witnessing life in countries like Iran, Palestine, or Cuba, travelers begin to dismantle prejudices and stereotypes. These journeys, Steves insists, aren’t just about beaches or sightseeing. They’re about learning that despite differences, the world is filled with decent, kind individuals. This broader understanding, he suggests, could even shift how Americans think — and vote. Travel as a Political and Ethical Act For Steves, travel isn’t apolitical. In his view, exploring countries that the U.S. government warns against visiting is part of a broader mission to become a global citizen. He sees travel as a political act—a way to engage deeply with the world’s complexities instead of hiding from them. Travel teaches empathy. It gives Americans a chance to understand economic and political struggles from a ground-level view. This kind of education doesn’t come from textbooks or news channels—it comes from conversations, meals, and shared experiences with people around the world. From Tourists to Pilgrims: Different Ways to Travel Rick Steves classifies travelers into three categories: He encourages blending all three approaches to create a rich, meaningful journey. “I want to be poetic, thoughtful, and curious,” Steves says. “Travel isn’t just about escaping; it’s about growing.” Facing Cultural Shock and Embracing Discomfort One of the most overlooked aspects of travel, according to Steves, is culture shock — something he believes is essential, not problematic. Culture shock is a sign that your worldview is expanding, and it’s something to be embraced, not avoided. Many travelers only skim the surface of a destination, changing weather but not culture. Steves challenges this. Real travel, he argues, should make you uncomfortable. It should “rearrange your cultural furniture” and challenge ethnocentric thinking. Travel Reveals the World — And America Spending extensive time abroad has given Steves a fresh perspective on his own country. Through contrast, he’s learned that the so-called “American way” isn’t the only path to success or happiness. For example, he discovered that different cultures value work-life balance in ways that many Americans might find surprising — and admirable. Climate-Conscious Travel: Ethics in Action Steves is also aware of the environmental impact of travel, especially in the era of climate change. But rather than stopping travel altogether, he believes in ethical mitigation. Each year, he imposes a self-directed carbon tax on his company, investing a million dollars in nonprofits that support sustainable farming in the global south For him, this isn’t just about carbon offsets — it’s about making travel part of the solution, not the problem. Fear vs. Smart Caution: Knowing When and Where to Go While Steves is a passionate advocate for pushing beyond comfort zones, he also acknowledges that there are reasonable limits. “I wouldn’t go to North Korea,” he admits. He draws a line between irrational fear and smart caution, emphasizing that informed travel doesn’t mean recklessness. Why Travel Matters More Than Ever Travel has the power to shift perspectives, dismantle fear, and nurture empathy. In a time when many Americans are retreating into echo chambers, Steves makes a compelling case for getting out, seeing the world, and understanding it firsthand. According to him, the most valuable souvenir isn’t a trinket or a photo—it’s a broader worldview. That’s what the world needs right now, and that’s why Rick Steves wants Americans to travel more than ever in 2025.

A Rich History Baked into Every Slice Think “Chicago pizza” and chances are you’re picturing a massive slice of deep-dish oozing with cheese and chunky tomato sauce. But as any local will tell you, that’s only one slice of the story. Chicago is home to three signature pizza styles: deep-dish, stuffed, and tavern-style thin crust. With Lollapalooza 2025 set to bring thousands of visitors to the Windy City, it’s the perfect time to explore these legendary local creations. Local food journalist and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky – author of Pizza City, USA and founder of Pizza City Fest – breaks down the best Chicago pizza places that reflect the city’s rich and diverse pizza culture. The Origins of Chicago Pizza Styles Long before deep-dish became a tourist attraction, Chicago’s pizza journey began in neighborhood taverns. In the 1940s, tavern-style pies – ultra-thin and cracker-crisp – were created to encourage patrons to order more beer. Bartenders served square-cut slices as salty bar snacks. Then came the famous deep-dish, introduced in 1943 at what would later become Pizzeria Uno. A few decades later, the stuffed pizza emerged – even thicker and more indulgent – topped with another layer of dough and tomato sauce. Best Places to Try Tavern-Style Pizza in Chicago 1. Pat’s Pizzeria – A Thin-Crust Legend Opened in 1950, Pat’s delivers one of the thinnest and crispiest pies in the city. Their dough is aged for three days and baked to perfection, resulting in a savory cracker-like crunch with every bite. 2. The Original Vito & Nick’s – South Side Classic Operating since 1923, this spot is as old-school as it gets. Dolinsky praises their hand-pinched sausage and crispy undercarriage that creates an unforgettable texture. Just remember: no delivery! 3. Pizza Matta – Chef-Inspired Pizzas Chef Jason Vincent brings a gourmet twist to tavern-style with high-quality meats, local mushrooms, and a final touch of nutty Wisconsin SarVecchio cheese. Where to Get Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago 4. Lou Malnati’s – A Deep-Dish Staple With over 70 locations, Lou’s is the go-to for a perfectly balanced deep-dish pizza. Expect a rich tomato sauce, buttery crust, and melty mozzarella from Wisconsin. 5. Labriola – Artisan Deep-Pan Perfection Known for its three-day fermented dough and use of cornmeal, Labriola offers a deep-pan crust that’s airy inside and crisp outside. The cheese caramelizes at the edges, creating a crunchy golden crown. 6. George’s Deep-Dish – Greek-Style Innovation George Bumbaris infuses his sourdough crust with the spirit of Greek lagana bread. With toppings like pinched sausage and clever names like “Clooney’s ER,” this pie is as smart as it is tasty. The Overlooked Hero: Stuffed Pizza 7. Nancy’s (West Loop) – Stuffed Pizza Royalty Invented in 1971, Nancy’s stuffed pizza is truly in a category of its own. A second layer of dough and sauce gives it towering height and serious indulgence. One slice goes a long way. Not Just Deep-Dish: The Real Chicago Pizza Scene As Dolinsky explains, Chicago pizza isn’t one-dimensional. From bar-friendly tavern pies to towering stuffed creations and everything in between, the city’s pizza scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. And while deep-dish might be the city’s most recognizable export, locals often lean toward the crisp, flavorful experience of thin-crust tavern-style. Why You Should Explore All Chicago Pizza Styles Whether you’re in town for Lollapalooza, sightseeing downtown, or just passing through, don’t settle for the tourist trap slice. Steve Dolinsky’s guide proves that Chicago pizza is about craftsmanship, regional history, and a deep love for quality ingredients. So go ahead – skip the clichés, grab a square-cut slice, and discover why Chicago pizza is more than just deep-dish. It’s a cultural icon, served in many styles, all worth tasting.

A Michelin Award You Shouldn’t Overlook While Michelin stars often steal the spotlight, Bib Gourmand restaurants are quietly redefining culinary travel. These Michelin-recognized eateries highlight budget-friendly dining experiences that deliver exceptional value, making them ideal for curious travelers who crave authenticity over luxury. Launched in 1997, Bib Gourmand restaurants are celebrated for offering two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for under $50 (approx. £37). These places aren’t about white tablecloths or tasting menus—they’re about bold flavors, cultural immersion, and local soul. What Sets Bib Gourmand Apart from Michelin Stars Michelin stars are traditionally associated with fine dining—multi-course menus, sophisticated service, and often, steep price tags. In contrast, Bib Gourmand restaurants excel by offering delicious food in relaxed, often unpretentious environments. You might find yourself devouring chile relleno burritos in East Los Angeles, or savoring lamb-filled mantı at a bustling Istanbul tavern. The focus here isn’t haute cuisine—it’s heart, heritage, and hometown flavors. Travel-Friendly Dining: Bib Gourmand Around the World Food-savvy travelers are increasingly planning itineraries around Bib Gourmand destinations. Why? These restaurants often serve dishes that reflect the everyday culinary culture of a region. In Vietnam’s Hanoi, for instance, Bib Gourmand spots like Phở Bò Lâm deliver complex, comforting soups on sidewalk stools. In Montreal, Syrian-Armenian staples at Le Petit Alep offer a richer, more representative taste of the city than some of its starred competitors. Even in France, where the Michelin Guide was born, Bib Gourmand locations like La Merenda in Nice attract locals and tourists alike with regional dishes like pistou pasta and stuffed courgette blossoms. Cultural Representation and Diversity on the Plate One criticism of the Michelin star system is its over-representation of French, Italian, and Japanese cuisines. Bib Gourmand restaurants, by contrast, tend to showcase a broader array of cultural traditions. In cities like Los Angeles, with deep Asian and Latin American culinary roots, Bib Gourmand listings include beloved establishments like Chengdu Taste for fiery Szechuan fare or La Azteca Tortilleria for burritos dripping in homemade salsa. These places highlight culinary diversity often absent from Michelin-starred lists. An Award That Feels Local and Personal Bib Gourmand isn’t just about affordability—it’s about atmosphere. These restaurants aren’t designed for spectacle; they’re meant for everyday enjoyment. You’re more likely to dine next to locals than influencers, more likely to discover a grandmother’s recipe than molecular gastronomy. In Istanbul’s Karaköy Lokantası, a Bib Gourmand awardee, guests gather for hünkar beğendi—a smoky aubergine purée crowned with tender meat. Paired with a glass of rakı and the hum of neighborhood chatter, it’s a meal that feels deeply rooted and refreshingly unpretentious. Why Travelers Are Choosing Bib Gourmand Restaurants Frequent travelers like James Zhang and Ben Beale have shifted from chasing Michelin stars to exploring Bib Gourmand locales. Their reason? These places offer spontaneity, cultural depth, and meals that linger in memory—not just on the bill. “I want to try authentic foods when I travel, not just cutting-edge chef experiments,” Zhang explains. Beale echoes the sentiment: “With Bib Gourmands, it’s more like—we’re hungry, let’s open the app and see where locals eat.” The Hidden Michelin List Worth Knowing Bib Gourmand restaurants offer more than value—they offer authenticity, community, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re traveling to Montreal, Hanoi, Istanbul, Los Angeles, or London, these eateries serve as genuine windows into a region’s food story. So next time you travel, consider skipping the reservation-only Michelin-starred dining rooms. Instead, open your Michelin Guide app, search for a Bib Gourmand, and enjoy a meal that’s memorable not because it’s fancy—but because it’s real.