The Benefits Of River Cruising

The tides are changing when it comes to cruise vacations, with many travelers swapping the open seas for an intimate riverscape.  River cruises have become the "must do" journey for travelers seeking the three L's: leisure, luxury, and landscapes guaranteed to give their cameras a workout.

So, why choose a river cruise over a traditional ocean-bound voyage, or add one to your existing itinerary?  Here are some great benefits of river cruising that might sway you to take to the waters on your next vacation.


Unpack Just Once
When you're traveling point-to-point, it can be hard to feel settled knowing you will have to repack and head to another hotel before to long.  Forget about lugging those bags from one lobby to the next - river cruises allow you to really get comfortable.  Unpack just once and keep your home comforts close by in your private cabin, with plenty of room to stow away your purchases from your port stops along the way.


A New Destination Every Day
Far from being a fad, river cruising is one travel trend that is here to stay.  A big reason for this is the ability to greet each new day in a new city; refreshed from a smooth night's sleep enroute.  A river cruise allows you to sample the sights of several different places, stopping at each port for a day.  Tick off a few bucket-list destinations at once, like France, Germany and Austria, or an all-in-one Asian adventure through Vietnam, China, and Cambodia.


Luxurious Accommodations
River cruise ships are often called 'floating hotels' and it's easy to see why.  On-board accommodations vary in size and style, with the majority of cruise ships fitted out with 4 and 5 star rooms and suites.  You are almost always granted a room with a view to watch the landscapes change from the confines of your cabin, while more often you will find your cabin having their own French balconies.  For the the utmost comfort, book yourself a stateroom and soak up the European grandeur.  Most river cruises are around seven nights, though some are longer, and rooms are generally double occupancy.

Range Of On-Shore Activities
Historically, life has blossomed on the riverbank.  This source of agriculture and sustenance has seen villages become towns and towns become cities throughout the ages.  Most river cruises take place during the warmer months, perfect for on-land excursions.  Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a prearranged guided tour.  Cruise companies often partner with local guides to offer more intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.


Indulgent Wining and Dining
The gourmet side of river cruising is perhaps one of its biggest selling points.  Renowned for overall luxury, river cruises certainly don't skimp when it comes to meal time.  On board you can expect fine dining that would not be out of place at a Michelin star restaurant - 5 star fare matched with top-shelf beer and wine.  Many cruises also theme their meals to match your surroundings, so you can glide through Bordeaux enjoying a full-bodied red or feast on hearty Bavarian fare in southern Germany.


VIP Service
Thanks to smaller passenger numbers, you won't feel like just another guest on board.  Concierge services ensure all your needs are taken care of, whether you're chasing an extra blanket to cosy up and watch the sunset from your private balcony or want to plan activities for your next docking.  Many first-time cruisers are blown away by the level of service they receive on board.  It's the little things like baristas remembering how you take your coffee that make all the difference.  Modern, larger river cruise ships are chock-full of amenities too, such as fitness centers, spas, bars and pools.

Inclusive Extras
Cruise vacations in general have surged in popularity over recent years, largely due to their affordability.  Chances are your river cruise will come with a bunch of added extras already worked into the cost, making it much more budget-friendly than you may imagine.  Your meals and beverages on board are almost always complimentary, with more all-inclusive cruises taking care of airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore tours, meaning you'll get plenty of bang for your buck.


A More Intimate Experience
River cruise ships are often boutique or exclusively built for the company, boasting state-of-the-art facilities without all the flash that are common with ocean liners, like on-board casinos or theaters.  Ships can vary in size from 50 quests to around 200, in styles to suit all travel personalities from friendly and casual to elegant and refined.  While some ships cater to families, river cruising is generally adults-only: perfect for those seeking a little romance.


Iconic World-Wide Waterways
The 1990's changed everything for the river cruise industry.  Europe's historic maritime landscape opened up and the canals began to welcome a new type of sightseer.  Europe is a major frontrunner when it comes to river cruising, boasting iconic waterways like the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, and Danube, while the upper and lower Mekong meandering through Asia is and ideal introduction to the Orient.  Egypt's Nile River, China's Yangtze, and our own mighty Mississippi are just some of the aquatic highways you might choose to travel.


A Relaxed Pace
River cruises tend to attract a certain type of traveler; one who isn't in a hurry to inhale every world city, but would rather sit back and savour the sights both grand and humble.  You can really get the lay of the land on a river cruise, and the vantage point of a spacious sundeck makes the viewing experience even sweeter.  Some river cruises dock at night and cruise by day, some do it the other way around, but all river cruises allow ample time for on-land exploring and on-board enjoyment.  Bon voyage!


Ready to make the switch to river cruising?

Why My Family Travels

When we went to Europe last summer, I can't tell you how many people were really surprised to hear that we were taking Alex and Matthew. Now I could understand if they were toddlers, but at 19 and 15 yrs old I was rather perplexed. At Alex's age I had already been to Europe multiple times and been on a few cruises to Alaska and Northern Europe. My husband had made yearly trips back to Poland, France and Sweden to visit relatives.

The ability to see places I have read about(history is a passion of mine) and my parents were always ready to incorporate something I wanted to see on a trip. Stopping at Monticello on the way to the Outer Banks was just one example. As I hit my teens, I was fully allowed to jump into planning. Hence why we ended up in Vienna, to see the capital of the Hapsburg Dynasty. And we happened to be able to take part in the 300th anniversary of coffee being introduced to the city, thus establishing the Viennese Coffee House culture which is still one of the activities that needs to be experienced when you visit.

The love of travel was one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me, but more important it was the experiences I had that have made me the person I am today. So that's why I take my sons. And besides spending quality family time together I found this article to give you some more great reason to take those kids to places other than a gated beach resort in Mexico or Disneyworld.

11 Ways Your Kids Are More Likely to Succeed if They Travel

Let's make this the year you start showing your kids the world

Come Home in Your Skinny Jeans

  Yes you really can get off a cruise ship or leave an all inclusive resort wearing your skinny jeans. There is no reason to bring your yoga pants if you follow my few rules about staying in shape while on vacation. I have kept off 50+ pounds since 2010 and I travel regularly, so I will share my secrets with you and if you are a regular here, you know I love food.

Workout- Just because you are on vacation, don't take a break from working out. My workout clothes always come with me, because I want to have that dessert tonight or my amaretto on the rocks for a night cap. So I will hop on the elliptical or treadmill for 30 minutes a day to burn off those extra calories.

Don't Wait for the Elevator- When I am on a cruise I take the stairs to get where I want to go instead of the elevator most of the time. If that is too much for you just get off the elevator a deck or 2 before your desired location and walk the rest of the way. This also works at resorts too.

Pick Active Shore Excursions- You may have been sitting around by the pool or the beach for a few days, get out and try some snorkeling or a walking tour of town. And yes if you are at an all inclusive get out and discover the country you are visiting either on your own or a scheduled tour.

Food & Drink- Personally I try to eat my regular diet with some indulgences when on vacation. Okay those bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon do call my name at breakfast, but I will only go with half a bagel and a light smear of cream cheese. I do get lean protein and veggies so I can try the desserts, especially if there is anything chocolate! I tend to stay clear of high calorie drinks like Pina Coladas, and stick with something lighter like wine or a vodka & tonic but I also drink plenty of water. Not only will it help you feel full, it will help keep you hydrated if you are somewhere warm and flying also effects your hydration level, so don't skip your water! Most resorts and cruise ships have low calorie options clearly marked on the menu and the portion sizes are much smaller than say your well known sit down chain restaurant, so while you eat more courses it is probably less food.

Know your level of fitness before you go- I always advise my 1st time Walt Disney World clients about the amount of walking you will do in a visit, very easy to hit that magic 10,000 step mark per day. Most excursions either at a resort or when cruising usually have good guidelines on how active the tour is. If it looks like too much on paper for you or someone in your group it probably is. So maybe start an exercise program, even just starting to take a daily walk will get you into Disney shape before you go. Who wants to spend time on vacation nursing sore muscles from overuse?

You don't need to diet on vacation but strategically pick where to indulge and by adding some activity to your day, you too can wear your skinny jeans home too!

Planning the Right Destination for Your First Foreign Trip

The first time's always the hardest.  This is true of many things in life, and also of traveling abroad.  If you've never had a chance to visit another country, then you might be concerned or anxious about how it will turn out, or not even sure if you actually want to travel.  Of course, I'm going to tell you that I've never met anyone who regretted starting to travel and I doubt I ever will.

However, I do hear people tell me that they are unsure about travelling to a foreign country, don't know where to go or how to start the process.  I understand that the first time can be daunting and that's why I've got some tips on how to decide on the best destination for your first trip abroad.


Take Travel Distance Into Account

If you have only a short time available for your trip, then try not to choose the most far-flung destination for your first time.  Long distance travel (anything over 24 hours door-to-door, in my book) is exhausting and not really fun - it might be fine if you're on a train but I don't think anyone stuck on a plane for more than a few hours is actually really enjoying it.  Don't spoil your trip with an overtired start.


Consider The Language

Communication when your travelling is something you should consider for your first trip abroad.  If you're really concerned about not being able to make yourself understood, then head somewhere where they speak English, or where most of the locals working in the tourism industry speak English.

However, although many people worry about this enormously before they travel, it really is true that you can make yourself understood without any common words at all.  And this can be a lot of fun, too!

Relate The Trip To Your Hobby Or Passion

A great focus for a trip abroad can be tying it in to a hobby or passion you have, as this should guarantee you'll be interested in what you see and do.  For example, if you're a motor racing fan, plan a trip to coincide with a Formula 1 race in Europe or Asia; if history's your thing, head for a country with fantastic museums like France or England.


Choose A Country You Have A Connection With

Similarly, if there's an obvious destination that you have some connection with - perhaps one of your parents or grandparents was born there - then choosing that as a destination for your first trip abroad makes a lot of sense.


Choose Your Seasons Wisely

If you're not used to either extremely hot or cold weather, then try to avoid destinations with a really different climate to yours, just for your first trip.  You'll want to feel comfortable to get used to the idea of traveling and having to deal with extreme temperatures just won't help.

Don't Be Overly Ambitious

If you're not too experienced and are feeling a bit nervous, then deciding on a long multi-country trip for your first trip is probably not a good idea. Test the waters first with a smaller trip and learn more about what you like and dislike about travel, and what your preferences are - this will help you plan a more successful bigger trip later.


Don't Judge All Travel By This Trip

And finally, whether your trip goes perfectly or somewhat haphazardly, don't expect every future trip you make to turn out the same.  Some trips go better than others although in my case I can definitely say that I've enjoyed every single one of them.  I understand not everyone naturally loves traveling as much as I do.  All I ask is you give it a try, following these tips if you need, and see how you enjoy it.