Rick Steves' Germany, Austria and Switzerland, 2001

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful vacation guide!
Review: Rick Steves' writing style is a great help to anyone trying to sort through the mass of information about these countries. He presents the history, vital information, and major sights in a friendly manner, as if you were talking to a friend who had recently returned from a trip. The major areas are covered in a logical manner, making the book easy to follow. The countries seem to come alive with his vivid descriptions. The advice and opinions he shares are, for the most part, valid. Having lived in Germany for eight years, I must agree with Steves' portrayal of the cities and culture to be found in this part of Europe. I am planning on returning to the area next spring, and purchased the book for information on low-cost lodging. I was pleasantly surprised with all the book had to offer.

Rating:
Summary: Informative, Practical, and Enjoyable
Review: Rick Steves' writing style is a great help to anyone trying to sort through the mass of information about these countries. He presents the history, vital information, and major sights in a friendly manner, as if you were talking to a friend who had recently returned from a trip. The major areas are covered in a logical manner, making the book easy to follow. The countries seem to come alive with his vivid descriptions. The advice and opinions he shares are, for the most part, valid. Having lived in Germany for eight years, I must agree with Steves' portrayal of the cities and culture to be found in this part of Europe. I am planning on returning to the area next spring, and purchased the book for information on low-cost lodging. I was pleasantly surprised with all the book had to offer.

Rating:
Summary: Not for travellers on a shoestring budget!
Review: Somehow I get the feeling that Rick Steve's core audience is a practical, middle aged, fairly well-to do kind of a person who is looking for a no-hassle guide for a short vacation. If you're that person, then this is the book for you! But, if you will be spending an extended amount of time abroad, planning your own route or destination, or looking to travel as cheaply as you can- this is NOT the book for you. There is not much suggested in way of variety as far as hotels and eating goes (and most of it is not inexpensive) and most of the destinations are "popular" vacation fare. Travellers with more imagination and a sense of spontenaiety will find a Lonely Planet guide much more helpful.

Rating:
Summary: Virginia German
Review: The University of Virginia does not recommend any other book but this one for a vacation to Germany. So sayeth the Travel Council.

Rating:
Summary: Best of all the travel guides we've found!
Review: We traveled to Germany and Switzerland with the "top three" travel guides recommended by our travel agent, plus Ric Steve's Germany. By the second day the other books were packd securely away, and Steve's book was our guide. All of his recommendations were accurate, and we almost felt as though we had the benifit of traveling with Rick. We suggest Rick's books, and give them as gifts to any of our friends traveling to Europe!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful vacation guide!
Review: We used Rick's advice to enjoy Germany and Austria. We followed his advice on the best places to see within our time and were never dissappointed. My sister who lives in Germany even loved his book and learned of some new places to visit! One stop we made that was missing in his book and should be included was the overnight at the Fernsteineese Schloss in the Alps in Austria. This is a castle built in 1100 and you get to stay overnight in it and enjoy a wonderful 5 course meal....with a beautiful view.

Rating:
Summary: This book was key in our planning our best vacation ever
Review: While we don't share Rick Steve's taste in lodging or dining, this book was great in helping us plan a driving trip across Europe that focused primarily on the Romantic Road in Germany, Salzburg and Switzerland. We had a elementary school child in tow and his suggestions were among the ones that she found the most interesting. Super practical advice on being flexible, allowing experiences to happen, searching out more than just the usual pre-packaged touristy stops at any destination. (However, even though it was informative, we were a little unimpressed with the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg!) I would recommend this book as basic reading to anyone considering a trip to these areas.