Rick Steves Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Books, Wife, Children

Richard John Steves Jr., famously known as Rick Steves, is an American travel writer, activist, and television personality.

Renowned for his expertise in European travel, he shares his insights through guidebooks, a PBS television series, a radio show, and a tour company. His goal is to inspire Americans to expand their worldview through travel.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard John Steves Jr.,
• Stage Name: Rick Steves
• Born: 10, May 1955
• Age: 69 years old
• Birthplace: Barstow, California, USA.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Writer, activist, and television personality
• Height: 1.83m
• Parent: Richard John Steves Sr. and June Erna Steves
• Siblings: Janis Lee Steves and Linda D. Steves
• Spouse: Anne Steves (m. 1983–2010)
• Partner: Shelley Bryan Wee
• Children: Jackie Steves and Andy Steves
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life And Education

Richard John Steves Jr. was born on May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California, USA. His parents raised him, Richard John Steves Sr. and June Erna Steves, alongside his two sisters, Janis Lee Steves and Linda D. Steves.

He graduated from Edmonds High School (now Edmonds-Woodway) in 1973 and later attended the University of Washington, earning a degree in European history and business administration in 1978. Of Norwegian descent, Steves is an active and devoted member of the Lutheran church.

Career

Rick Steves’ passion for travel began in his teenage years when a trip to Germany with his father, a piano importer, ignited his interest in European exploration. During his college years, he funded his travels by teaching piano, allowing him to deepen his knowledge of European destinations.

In the late 1970s, he led tours for Cosmos, a budget travel company, and taught travel seminars at the University of Washington’s Experimental College. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career as a travel expert and educator.

Steves founded his company, Rick Steves’ Europe, in 1976 in Edmonds, Washington. After graduating from the University of Washington in 1978 with business and European history degrees, he published his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, in 1980.

This book became a cornerstone for independent travelers, emphasizing cultural immersion over conventional tourism. His work has since been dedicated to encouraging Americans to explore Europe beyond the usual tourist hotspots, embracing local cultures, traditions, and authentic experiences.

Steves’ influence grew significantly with the launch of his television series Travels in Europe with Rick Steves in 1991, followed by Rick Steves’ Europe in 2000. He expanded his reach further by hosting the public radio show Travel with Rick Steves and writing newspaper columns.

Through his guidebooks, television programs, and radio broadcasts, he has become a trusted authority on European travel, inspiring millions to embark on meaningful journeys. Today, his company thrives, offering tours and travel resources that reflect his commitment to cultural education and exploration.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @ricksteveseurope
• YouTube: Rick Steves’ Europe
• Twitter handle: @RickSteves

Personal Life

Rick Steves was married to Anne Steves from 1983 until their divorce in 2010. Throughout their marriage, they built a family together and had two children, Jackie Steves and Andy Steves, who have embraced travel in their ways.

Following their separation, Steve remained focused on his career and personal growth while continuing to inspire travelers worldwide. In late 2019, he began a relationship with Shelley Bryan Wee, a bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Net Worth

Rick Steves’s estimated net Worth is approximately $15 million, largely accumulated through his successful career as a travel writer, television host, and entrepreneur.

Much of his wealth comes from his work in travel media, including his guidebooks, TV series, and his production company, Back Door Productions.