Rick Steves Recommends Ditching These 'Zones' For An Authentic European Getaway

When it comes to planning travel, some will search the internet for lists such as the top 10 sights and destinations to visit in Portugal or the most iconic tourist attractions you can't miss in Rome. Of course, as travelers, we all want to see the Pantheon and the Eiffel Tower or ride Tram 28 through the hills of Lisbon. And rightfully so — they are iconic and part of what make Rome, Paris, and Lisbon so popular with tourists to begin with. However, travel and hidden gem expert Rick Steves recommends in a blog post that travelers ditch two zones for an authentic European getaway: the tourist zone — with all those famous sites — and your comfort zone.

By escaping the busy tourist zone, your European trip can become even more meaningful. Picture this: During the summer months, when most people tend to take time off, you'll find throngs of tourists crammed together in the picturesque Old Town squares, arms stretched out with protruding selfie sticks in the air, all taking photos in unison of the same thing, like Prague's Astronomical Clock when it strikes the hour.

In his blog post, Steves also touches on Prague's crowded tourist zone, saying, "Many people jockey themselves into the most crowded spot of the most crowded city in the most crowded month (Old Town Square, Prague, July) — and then complain about the crowds." Steves urges travelers to think outside of the box when it comes to visiting Europe, which sometimes means abandoning what feels most safe or familiar.

While tourist zones in European cities tend to be some of the most beautiful places filled with stunning views and beautiful historical architecture, you'll also find overpriced restaurants, large crowds, and cliché tourist souvenir shops. Even a travel guru like Rick Steves has admitted to absolutely loving Rothenburg ob der Tauber – an unexpected tourist trap in Europe. But along with large crowds and high prices for subpar meals, if travelers never leave the tourist zone, they'll never truly get a local experience.

I can vividly remember during my trip to Prague a few years ago, I somehow decided to conduct a little market research of my own. I don't typically dine in the main squares (hello, tourist trap menus), but I wanted to do a price comparison of a coffee in the square versus a few streets away. I found a spot at a cafe in view of the Astronomical Clock, opened the menu, and was shocked at the price: almost $6 for a coffee. Shortly thereafter, I handed over the money while mourning the hit to my wallet, walked a few streets away to a quiet location where only Czech was spoken, and got the same coffee, with better service, for a fraction of the price.

Steves swears by getting off the main square to save money and is known to have some of the best tips on how to eat like a local in Europe, saying to travelers, "You'll enrich your trip by wandering the back streets, away from the main tourist area." He also mentions that by walking a few streets away from the souvenir-adjacent cafes and restaurants, travelers are less likely to feel disappointed by an overpriced meal.

Leaving your comfort zone and routine can help you connect with locals in your destination, according to Rick Steves. If your morning routine usually consists of grabbing a coffee to go, consider slowing down instead. Take your coffee to stay, linger awhile, and blend into the rhythm of the local morning crowd. Or take a page from Steves when ordering a drink across the pond and lean into the social side of it: "At a pub anywhere in England, don't sit at a table. Sit at the bar, where people hang out to talk."

According to a 2021 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, people who are more willing to step out of their comfort zone tend to be more confident and feel less anxious, which in turn can have a positive effect on their mental health. Stepping out of my comfort zone as a solo traveler is something that I tend to do often. Whether it be riding motorcycles on unfamiliar roads in new countries or removing my prescription glasses to snorkel in Iceland, each time I stepped out of my comfort zone, it turned into a travel adventure that taught me new skills and helped me grow.

Steves also writes, "A fundamental goal in my travels is to have meaningful contact with local people," noting that meeting others abroad is essential for a memorable trip. "Connecting with people is what enlivens your travel experience. And for many of us, that means getting out of our comfort zones."