Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about 100 days a year exploring Europe. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. A New York Times -bestselling author, Rick produces a guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and he organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He does all of this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves' Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle). When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. What's the ideal vacation for a professional traveler? For Rick, it's to play his piano, relax at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spend time with family and friends at home in Edmonds. Find out more about Rick at RickSteves.com and on Facebook.

Connect with Rick: facebook.com/RickSteves X: @RickSteves Instagram: ricksteveseurope Gene Openshaw has co-authored more than a dozen books with Rick, specializing in Europe's art, history, and culture. In particular, their Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler and Europe's Top 100 Masterpieces have helped bring European art to life. Gene also writes for Rick's television shows, produces the audio tours, and is a regular guest on Rick's radio show. For public TV, Gene has co-authored two television specials with Rick: Fascism in Europe and the ambitious six-hour series Art of Europe . Outside of the travel world, Gene has composed an opera called Matter, a violin sonata, and dozens of songs. Gene lives near Seattle, where he roots for the Mariners in good times and bad. Check out his latest book on art, travel, and love: Michelangelo at Midlife.