I learned a great deal from Rick Steves and his methodolgoy of "going local." Admittedly, he isn't as "local" in his adventures as the readers of this site are likely to be, but I think his emphasis on traveling light, respecting the local customs and people, and investigating the local culture from the inside out is a good entre' for (especially US) traveler embarking on their first forays outside their country of origin.
I also appreciate his exuberance, and the way he conveys the thrill of exploring experience off the beaten track.
I agree. I love his ETBD style; however, I would not use his book on the road as a backpacker's reference, but rather as armchair traveling to inspire me to get out to another place each month.
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I would definitely use Rick Steves' books for travel in Europe - I have and his recommendations are great. One exception was a hotel in Bath, England with a great location, super cheap, but really crummy. His restaurants are good and we saw many people traveling with his book in Germany. He's very entertaining and I've gotten my son hooked.
