Rick Steves is one of the most recognized names in the travel industry. Known for his PBS television series Rick Steves’ Europe, bestselling guidebooks, and his popular Rick Steves tours, he has spent decades teaching travelers how to explore Europe smartly, affordably, and authentically. His passion for cultural immersion and insightful travel advice has made him a household name not only in the United States but globally.
However, beyond his professional accomplishments, many people are curious about Rick Steves’ personal life—particularly his marriage, family, and the topic of Rick Steves’ wife. Fans who follow his journey often wonder about the woman who shared a part of his life and how her influence has shaped him both personally and professionally.
This article delves into Rick Steves’ background, early life, career milestones, notable achievements, and personal relationships. We’ll also look at his net worth, lifestyle, hobbies, and prospects. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive view of who Rick Steves really is, both as a travel icon and as an individual.
Whether you know him through Rick Steves’ Italy guidebooks, his educational insights on Rick Steves’ cancer advocacy work, or his practical travel shows, this article will cover everything you need to know about the man and his life story.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Richard John Steves Jr. |
| Known As | Rick Steves |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1955 |
| Age (2025) | 70 years old |
| Birthplace | Barstow, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (European descent) |
| Parents | Richard John Steves Sr. (father), June Erna Steves (mother) |
| Siblings | Sister: Jan Steves (dog sled racer) |
| Education | University of Washington (BA in European History, Business) |
| Profession | Travel Writer, Author, Television Personality, Radio Host, Activist |
| Career Highlights | Host of PBS series Rick Steves’ Europe; Founder of Rick Steves’ Europe, Inc.; Author of over 50 guidebooks; Radio host of Travel with Rick Steves; Advocate for European travel and progressive causes |
| Books Authored | Europe Through the Back Door, Rick Steves’ Europe series, Travel as a Political Act, many others |
| TV/Radio | Rick Steves’ Europe (2000–present), Travel with Rick Steves (radio) |
| Awards | Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award, multiple PBS accolades |
| Net Worth (2025) | $20 million (approx.) |
| Annual Income (Estimated) | $1–2 million (from book sales, tours, PBS shows, lectures, and company profits) |
| Body Type | Average |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | ~165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown/Blonde (graying with age) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Anne Steves (divorced in 2010) |
| Children | 2 – Andy Steves (travel entrepreneur/author) and Jackie Steves |
| Residence | Edmonds, Washington, USA |
| Religion/Beliefs | Raised Lutheran, later identified as an Agnostic/Progressive Christian thinker |
| Philanthropy | Donated millions to arts, education, and housing projects; strong advocate for drug policy reform and progressive causes |
Who is Rick Steves’s wife?
Rick Steves was once married to Anne Steves, who is widely known as his former wife. While Rick prefers to keep his personal life relatively private compared to his professional persona, it is known that he and Anne shared a meaningful part of their lives. Their marriage lasted until 2010, when they officially divorced.
Anne played a supportive role in Rick’s life during the early and middle stages of his career. While not in the spotlight herself, she was often seen accompanying him on certain trips and events. Together, they built a family, raising two children—Andy and Jackie Steves—both of whom have grown to pursue their own paths, with Andy even following in his father’s footsteps in the travel industry.
The divorce between Rick and Anne was a significant life event, but it did not overshadow Rick’s passion for travel and cultural exploration. Instead, he continued to grow his brand, expanding Rick Steves tours, authoring numerous editions of his famous guidebooks, and continuing his Rick Steves Europe television show.
Since the divorce, Rick Steves has not remarried, and details about his dating life remain private. However, his commitment to his work, family, and philanthropy has kept him in the public eye. He has also become more vocal about social and cultural issues, including progressive politics and healthcare, occasionally tying them back to his personal experiences.
To sum up, while Anne Steves is known as Rick Steves’ ex-wife, their time together was an important chapter in his life story. Their shared journey and family legacy continue to be a meaningful part of his personal narrative.
Early Life and Background
- Birth and Childhood: Rick Steves was born on May 10, 1955, in Barstow, California, but grew up in Edmonds, Washington.
- Family Roots: His father was a piano technician, and Rick initially helped him in the family business. This early experience gave him a disciplined work ethic.
- Education: Rick attended the University of Washington, where he majored in European history and business administration. It was during his student years that his love for Europe blossomed.
- First Exposure to Travel: In his early 20s, Rick took a trip to Europe, which changed the course of his life. He began to see travel not just as tourism but as an educational and cultural experience.
- Teaching Beginnings: To earn money, Rick started giving travel lectures and teaching how to visit Europe efficiently, often from a budget perspective. This would later form the foundation of his empire.
Rick’s early years were marked by curiosity, discipline, and an adventurous spirit that would define his career path.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Marriage to Anne Steves: Rick married Anne, and together they raised two children, Andy and Jackie.
- Divorce: The couple eventually divorced in 2010 after decades of marriage.
- Children: Andy Steves has taken to traveling like his father, even founding his own travel company. Jackie chose a more private life.
- Privacy Preference: Unlike many public figures, Rick chooses to keep his personal life out of the media spotlight.
- Philanthropy and Values: Rick is deeply committed to charitable causes, including providing housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and advocating for progressive issues. His personal life reflects his values of compassion and service.
His personal life shows that while fame defines his career, humility and privacy define his relationships.
Career and Achievements
- Guidebooks: Rick published his first travel guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, in 1979. This book set the tone for all his future works.
- PBS Series: Rick Steves’ Europe, hosted by Rick show, became a staple for travel lovers across the United States.
- Rick Steves Tours: He expanded into guided tours, offering carefully curated European trips that emphasize cultural experiences over luxury.
- Rick Steves Italy: His guides to Italy remain among the most popular and trusted resources for travelers.
- Advocacy Work: Beyond travel, Rick has raised awareness about social and political issues, including healthcare and even cancer-related causes.
- Awards: He has received numerous awards for his contributions to travel education and philanthropy.
Rick Steves’ career is a testament to his passion, persistence, and purpose, making him one of the most influential travel educators of our time.
Net Worth Overview
Rick Steves has built a multifaceted empire through guidebooks, tours, television, and speaking engagements. Below is a simplified net worth breakdown:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Major Contributor |
| 2018 | $8 million | Book sales & TV |
| 2019 | $10 million | Tours expansion |
| 2020 | $12 million | Streaming & reruns |
| 2021 | $14 million | Guidebook sales |
| 2022 | $16 million | Online presence |
| 2023 | $18 million | Tours & PBS shows |
| 2024/25 | $20 million | Diversified income |
Rick’s net worth continues to grow steadily, reflecting his enduring relevance and trusted brand in the travel industry.
Major Sources of Income
- Television Series: Rick Steves’ Europe on PBS generates significant revenue.
- Guidebooks: Bestselling titles like Rick Steves Italy and Europe Through the Back Door.
- Rick Steves Tours: Thousands of travelers join his carefully curated European tours each year.
- Speaking Engagements: Paid lectures and events across the U.S.
- Merchandising: Travel gear, maps, and related products.
- Streaming Platforms: Income from reruns and online distribution.
Luxurious Lifestyle
- Homes: Rick lives in Edmonds, Washington, where he enjoys a modest yet comfortable lifestyle.
- Travel Freedom: He frequently visits Europe, not just for work but also for personal joy.
- Cultural Investments: His luxury lies in investing in cultural experiences rather than material extravagance.
- Philanthropy: A significant portion of his wealth goes toward charitable projects.
- Simple Living: Despite his success, Rick emphasizes practicality, mirroring the lessons he teaches travelers.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
- Piano Enthusiast: Rick inherited his father’s love for music and often plays piano.
- Wine Lover: He has a deep appreciation for European wines, especially Italian and French.
- Language Learner: Passionate about learning snippets of languages to connect with locals.
- Philanthropist: Donated millions to causes like affordable housing.
- Advocate: Strongly supports healthcare reform and has spoken openly about social justice.
- Author of Humor: Rick is known for his witty commentary, often mixing humor with travel advice.
- Personal Resilience: He has openly discussed health challenges in his community, including support for Rick Steves’ cancer awareness campaigns.
Future Prospects
- Continued Tours: Expansion of Rick Steves Tours to include new destinations.
- Digital Growth: More online travel content for younger audiences.
- Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-friendly travel practices.
- Philanthropy: Further investments in social causes and advocacy.
- Books & TV: New editions and episodes to remain relevant to travelers.
Impact on Social Media
- YouTube Presence: Millions of views on travel episodes and clips.
- Facebook & Instagram: Active engagement with fans, offering travel tips and updates.
- Twitter/X: Shares political views and cultural insights.
- Podcasts: Regular audio content keeps him connected to digital audiences.
- Community Building: Social media serves as a bridge between Rick and travelers worldwide.
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Rick Steves’ wife?
Rick Steves was married to Anne Steves, but they divorced in 2010.
2. Does Rick Steves have children?
Yes, he has two children—Andy and Jackie.
3. What is Rick Steves’ net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
4. What is Rick Steves best known for?
His PBS show, Rick Steves’ Europe, and his bestselling travel guidebooks.
5. Is Rick Steves still active in travel?
Yes, he continues to run tours, publish books, and produce media content.
Conclusion
Rick Steves is more than a travel host—he is an educator, philanthropist, and advocate for cultural understanding. Although his marriage to Anne Steves ended, their legacy endures through their children and the family values they instilled together. His impact through Rick Steves tours, Rick Steves Europe, and guidebooks like Rick Steves Italy remains unmatched in the travel world.
As his career evolves, his personal life, values, and contributions to society demonstrate that Rick Steves is not only an influential Figure but also an inspiring individual who continues to make a positive impact in the world.
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