Travel Writer Andy Steves Speaks Oct. 11

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2016) — University of Kentucky Education Abroad welcomes influencer and travel writer Andy Steves, son of author and TV personality Rick Steves, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Kincaid Auditorium in the Gatton College of Business and Economics.

The theme of his speech is “Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget.” Steves will discuss his philosophy on travel and his firsthand experience with education abroad. Steves will share his insights and practical travel tips learned from his life on the road in Europe, as well as other tools and tricks that will allow students (and other travelers) to maximize their time, money and fun while they seek to create unforgettable experiences during their time abroad. Students, faculty, staff and community members of all ages will learn how to travel on a budget (and still have a great time), how to immerse themselves into a new culture, and how to tailor their adventures to their own academic, cultural and social interests.

“Being an Education Abroad alumnus gives Andy Steves a unique perspective to be able share with UK students the importance of participating in international educational experiences during college,” said Niamh Minion, UK education abroad advisor. “His vast experience traveling, particularly in Europe, also allows him to share useful tips on learning about other countries and cultures for anyone who is interested in exploring the world.”

Steves was born into a traveling family. Each year,  they traveled Europe while his father updated his guidebooks, recorded TV shows and researched new tours. His father’s passion for travel, in-depth cultural experiences and efficient, affordable travel rubbed off on Steves during these annual family trips. 

“International travel promotes understanding and recognition that we’re just one of a big global community,” Steves said. “Travel is one of the only things that really provides clarity in how you perceive your global neighbors. Whether that’s the States to Canada, the States to Mexico, or the Western Hemisphere to Eastern Hemisphere, it really breaks it all down. In this day and age, it’s so important to keep learning more, instead of perpetuating misunderstanding and bigotry.”

A semester abroad during his undergraduate years at the University of Notre Dame opened his eyes to the fascinating world of independent, budget travel. The need for the next generation of travel tips and tricks became painfully clear to him. Upon winning Notre Dame’s annual business plan competition with an idea for a student tour company, Steves launched Weekend Student Adventures in 2010 and now has guides and itineraries all across Europe.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Steves’ latest guidebook, “Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget,” outside Kincaid Auditorium. He will be available for book signing after the event.

Learn more about Steves and his traveling team at www.WSAEurope.com .

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu