Book Review From Rick’s Library: The Hippie Trail

⏱️ 9 min read                             

In 1978, a young Rick Steves set out on a journey far removed from the polished, practical travel tips we know him for today. This wasn’t a stroll through European churches or quaint villages—it was the Hippie Trail. A wild, unpredictable odyssey from Istanbul to Kathmandu, where backpackers chased enlightenment, dodged danger, and lived on the edge of adventure.

But how does this free-spirited trek compare to the travel guru we recognize now? And what does it reveal about a lost era of travel—one that can never quite be replicated? In this book review we’ll diving deep into On the Hippie Trail and Rick Steves’ unexpected past. So, buckle up—this is not your typical travel story.”  

Welcome to That's Life, I Swear. This podcast is about life's happenings in this world. Happenings that conjure up such words as intriguing, frightening, life-changing, inspiring, and more. I'm Rick Barron, your host. 

That said, here's the rest of this story: 

Abstract of the book   

Rick Steves' "On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer" offers readers an intimate glimpse into the formative journey that sparked his illustrious career in travel writing. In 1978, a 23-year-old Steves embarked on the famed Hippie Trail, which covers about 6,000 miles. The trail takes you into countries like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Drawing from his travel journals, Steves memoir chronicles the external landscapes he encountered and the internal evolution of a young man embracing the world's vastness.

The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of diverse cultures and landscapes. Steves recounts experiences such as navigating bustling bazaars, enduring challenging bus rides, and engaging with locals whose perspectives broadened his own. These anecdotes are complemented by photographs from the journey, adding a visual dimension that enhances the storytelling. Readers are transported to a time when overland travel was both adventurous and enlightening, offering a raw and authentic perspective of regions that have since undergone significant change.

Critics have lauded the memoir for its candidness and depth. Kirkus Reviews described it as "a pleasure for travel buffs, especially those who once plied the Hippie Trail—or wish they had," highlighting Steves "evenhandedness, generosity, and curiosity" evident from the outset of his journey. 

The book reflects "a spirit of youthful wanderlust that's a bit edgier than the polished presentation Mr. Steves fans know from his travel guides and television shows."

The book has an engaging narrative and many of Steves personal photographs. He reflects that the trip in his new book gives him pause to think of his youth, think back to those memories, and realize how time quickly floats by. 

About the author 

Rick Steves is a renowned American travel writer, television host, and advocate for immersive cultural experiences. He was born on May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California. Steve never had the passion to travel until after a family trip to Europe at age 14. This journey ignited his curiosity about diverse cultures and perspectives.

In 1976, Steves founded his travel company, Rick Steves' Europe, in Edmonds, Washington. He self-published his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, in 1980, emphasizing affordable and authentic travel experiences. His approachable style and focus on connecting with locals resonated with travelers seeking deeper cultural engagement.

Steves' influence expanded with his public television series, Rick Steves' Europe, which debuted in 2000 and continues to inspire audiences to explore beyond typical tourist destinations. His weekly public radio program, Travel with Rick Steves, further showcases his commitment to broadening Americans' perspectives through travel.

Steves's 1978 "Hippie Trail" adventure through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal is a lesser-known aspect of his journey. This trip shaped his travel philosophy, detailed in his book On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer. His experiences and challenges during this journey influenced his advocacy for cultural immersion and understanding.

Steves' contributions to travel extend beyond media; his company leads small-group tours for over 30,000 travelers annually, promoting sustainable and informative travel practices. His dedication to teaching and genuine passion for exploration have solidified his status as a trusted guide for those seeking meaningful travel experiences. 

In recent years, Steves faced a personal health challenge with a prostate cancer diagnosis in August 2024. Approaching this journey with characteristic positivity, he underwent surgery in October and has been open about his experience, emphasizing the importance of early detection and maintaining an optimistic outlook.

Through his work, Steves continues to inspire countless individuals to venture beyond their comfort zones, fostering a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of global cultures. 

What drew my interest in reading this book?  

I've been following Rick Steves travel show for years. Reading his book about how traveling the world and exploring the various countries that populate it, the cultures, the people, was a read  I had to review. 

Rick Steves' new book, offers readers a captivating glimpse into his 1978 journey along the legendary Hippie Trail. At 23, Steves threw caution into the wind and stepped into countries like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. As always, he took meticulous notes documenting his experiences during his travels.  

Readers will be drawn to this book for its authentic portrayal of a young traveler's journey of self-discovery. Steves candid reflections and rich descriptions of diverse cultures and landscapes offer a nostalgic look at a bygone era of travel. 

The memoir also sheds light on the experiences that shaped Steves into the renowned travel writer he is today, making it both an inspiring and educational read for travel enthusiasts and those interested in personal growth narratives.

Additionally, including Steves' original copious journal entries and photographs enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in his journey. This firsthand account serves as a time capsule, preserving the essence of the Hippie Trail and offering valuable perspectives on cultural immersion and the transformative power of travel. 

Overall, On the Hippie Trail appeals to readers seeking adventure, cultural insights, and an understanding of how travel can profoundly influence one's worldview and career path.

What can we learn from this book? What's the take away?  

"On the Hippie Trail" is more than a travel memoir; it's a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of exploration and self-discovery. 

Steves' reflections on his youthful adventures provide insight into the experiences that shaped his philosophy on travel and cultural engagement, making it a compelling read for long-time fans and newcomers alike. 

Well, there you go. That's life, I swear.

For further information covered in this episode, I invite you to visit my website, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, for show notes and the episode transcript.

As always, I thank you for the privilege of you listening and your interest. 

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