- Rick Steves runs a multimillion-dollar travel company, but he still flies economy.
- Steves spoke to The Washington Post about his passion for philanthropy and the rise of business.
- He also shared some surprising insights about travel, including how he wishes there was one cabin class on airplanes.
For someone running a company that generates $120 million in annual revenue, it might come as a surprise to learn that Rick Steves proudly sits in economy class on every flight.
“I had no idea I was suffering,” the 68-year-old travel writer told The Washington Post. “As long as I have an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”
In a profile written by Natalie B. Compton, Steves told how he grew his business and donated millions of dollars to charity. He also shared some of his passionate thoughts on travel.
Experts shared their unconventional travel beliefs
Steves heads a multimillion-dollar European travel company and spends about three months a year overseas, according to the Post. Travel includes everything from updating travel guides to researching and writing.
To get to his destination, Steve often takes long-haul flights. And although Steves could have afforded a business or first class seat, the Post said he chose to sit in the back of the plane’s economy seat.
That’s because Steves has an egalitarian worldview when it comes to flying, the Post reported. In this case, he believes that no matter how much you can spend on a plane ticket, the way you get to your destination should be the same.
And if it were up to Steve’s, the airline would only offer one cabin class.
He also said he “refuses” to enroll in airline loyalty programs “because I believe airlines are bullying us and complicating our lives.”
Steves and his beliefs continue to spark debate
In addition to sharing travel packing tips and encouraging travelers to visit “second cities” and less touristy destinations, Steves spends his time focused on activism and philanthropy. I am.
And his views often sparked heated debates. For example, in 2013, he posted a video supporting a progressive wealth tax. Steves wrote at the time that the video received “more comments than anything I’ve ever posted” that was laden with anti-government sentiment.
More than a decade later, Steves continues to hold similar views as a progressive Lutheran. He told the Post that he is both anti-Trump and pro-marijuana.
His efforts are also very localized. In 2001, he donated his $1 million to the Center for the Arts in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. This was part of then-President George W. Bush’s political statement when he approved the tax cuts, the Herald.net reported.
He also donated a $4 million apartment complex to the local YWCA for transitional housing for women and children.
And this just scratches the surface of what Steves has done besides becoming a leading expert in the travel field.