Author: Rick Steves, Special to USA TODAY

After seeing Switzerland’s famed Matterhorn, Rick Steves says he finally understands why tourists trek to Zermatt. But when’s the best time to go?

With pilgrimages, the point is to go beyond tourism and connect more deeply with a place, a culture or a faith. Rick Steves shares several favorites.

Ireland is an isle filled with cultural and historic wonders … and lately with lots of tourists, too, prompting many sites to require reservations.

While many travelers are understandably curious about how Brexit is affecting tourists, it isn’t – at least not yet. It is a little cheaper, though.

These days, enjoying Italy requires some advance planning so you don’t end up spending half your trip waiting in lines. Here’s what you need to know.

There’s much more to the booming Northern Irish capital than the Titanic and the Troubles. See why you should consider a day trip from Dublin.

Be skeptical of fake officials, selfie-taking tourists behind you at the ATM and Airbnb hosts demanding wire transfers, warns Rick Steves.

When the museums in cities Rome, Florence, and Vienna are overrun with tourists, Rick Steves advises skipping the crowds and visiting these spots.

Skiing’s not the only reason to visit Europe in winter. Sparse crowds, cheap flights and lodging and holiday markets make an off-season trip worth it.

Set under a historic fortress, Tomar is a place with lots of local ambience, yet remarkably untouristed – and well worth a stop.