Today is a day of deep sorrow. The death, suffering, and economic chaos that Russia's aggressive actions are causing in Ukraine, and at least indirectly, are heartbreaking. Here at Rick Steves Europe, we hope that a diplomatic solution will be found and that peace will return to that fragile and violent part of the world.
Our mission at RSE is to help Americans better understand and understand our neighbors through travel. But when we bring travelers to another country, we bring their dollars that support Putin's aggression. Therefore, as of today, we have canceled all 2022 tours, including the stop in Russia.
We will certainly be keeping an eye on the journeys to the rest of Europe and any impact. But it is important to remember the geographical reality and remember that a war in Ukraine is far from our European vacation dreams, a war in Guatemala is from Texas or Florida. For 40 years we have lived, worked and traveled through many tragic times of war (some close). And at this time we see no reason to change the rest of our travel and travel plans.
The tragic reality unfolding in Ukraine reminds me how important it is for Americans to travel in ways that make us better and more engaged citizens of the world. Next month I'm flying to Europe for a 40-day trip from London to Athens in ten major cities, and I'm proud that thousands of my fellow travelers will be taking their dream European trip with a great learning experience. . Home of the Rick Steves Tour in 2022.
In the meantime, let's give thanks for our blessings, support our nation's leaders as they do all they can to address this crisis, and keep the troubled corners of our world—Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, and more—in our thoughts and prayers.
- Rick