WATCH: Rick Steves Talks Travel In A Post 9/11 World

Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent 120 days a year in Europe as a travel guide, host of "Rick Steves' Europe" and author of more than 50 guidebooks. Needless to say, he knows a thing or two about travel and how it has changed over the past few decades.

In an era of travel warnings — the U.S. Department of State recently released one for the 9-11 anniversary — Steves believes there's no reason for Americans to be fearful about travel. "Frankly, I think fear is for people who don't get out much," he said. "The flip side of fear is understanding, and I gain my understanding though travel."

Steves, who is about to jet off to destinations European, Skyped with Huffington Post Travel to talk about travel safety, learning through travel and what fans can expect from the upcoming season of "Rick Steves' Europe."