n 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. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and 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. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy, daughter Jackie, grandsons Atlas and Dashel, and favorite travel partner Shelley.

Find out more about Rick at RickSteves.com and on Facebook. n n Connect with Rick: n facebook.com/Rick

Steves n Twitter: @Rick

Steves n Instagram: ricksteveseurope n nIan Watson has worked with Rick Steves on his guidebooks since 1993, after starting out with Let's Go and Frommer's guides. Originally from upstate New York, Ian made his home in Reykjavík for several years. He now lives with his family in Germany. n n nCameron Hewitt was born in Denver and grew up in central Ohio.

Since moving to Seattle and joining Rick Steves' Europe (where he serves as content manager) in 2000, Cameron has traveled to more than 35 European countries, contributing to guidebooks, tours, radio and television shows, and other media. Cameron is married to his high school sweetheart (and favorite travel partner), Shawna, and enjoys taking photos, trying new restaurants, and planning his next trip. n