Travel enthusiast extolls wonders of seeing Europe.

Byline: TRICIA SCHWENNESEN The Register-Guard

Don't let the terrorist attacks on the East Coast clip your wings when it comes to traveling abroad - particularly in Europe.

That's the message travel guru Rick Steves plans to deliver this afternoon to a Eugene audience he hopes is eager to explore outside the United States.

"If we are free and healthy and rich enough to travel, then we should travel," Steves said in a phone interview from his Seattle office. "My mission is to help travelers consume smartly by knowing what their options are."

As a youngster, Steves traveled to Europe with his parents, but he didn't get hooked on the continent until he went back on his own after graduating from high school in 1973.

"Part of it was just as a teeny-bopper being surrounded by new candy, new pop, women with hairy armpits - it was just a wonderland of experiences," he said. "Then there was this realization that Europe was so well organized, it's easy to travel around. And if you know how to travel like a European, it's a cinch.

"My goal was to expose Americans to the wonders of travel in Europe."

A consummate traveler, the 46-year-old spends more than 100 days a year in Europe. He built his business, Europe Through the Back Door, on travel guides, then expanded his business to include television series, travel tours and lectures. He tries to keep his information up to date and filled with practicalities such as money-saving tips.

Today's talk will include a slide presentation and information on how travelers can stretch their dollars in a tight economy, buying with the new euro and the safety of post-Sept. 11 travel.

As one key way to save money, Steves advocates staying at bed-and-breakfast inns or international hostels, which are far less expensive than traditional hotels.

When travelers price their lodging, they'll notice a big change that has swept Europe - the euro. While a difficult change for many Europeans, Steves said the new currency will only make travel easier for Americans, who now won't have to convert money at each country they visit.

"The prices do change with each country, but now the price differences will be more apparent" - driving up competition and keeping down prices, Steves said.

As for traveling in a post-Sept. 11 world, Steves said most Americans will notice little change other than heightened security at airports - and the delays that typically follow. Some travelers also may notice that Europeans are a little friendlier to American visitors.

"Everywhere you go people are polite and nice to Americans," Steves said. "People are friendlier and more gentle with Americans because they know we've been hurt. There's a lot of solidarity."

Steves also will address making reservations, using the phone - or buying a disposable cell phone - blending in, traveling light and planning ahead.

Traveling is an expression of freedom, a way to sample different worlds and get a broader perspective, he said.

"I'm trying my best to turn as many people as I can to these little places,' he said, `places where you take only pictures and leave only footprints."

RICK STEVES

When: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Where: McDonald Theatre, 1010 Willamette St.

Cost: $10.

MORE INFORMATION

Rick Steves on the Web: Log on at ricksteves.com