Travel options are limited only by our imaginations . . . I have to admit I am partial to land journeys, but I'm happy to say I have broadened my horizons. If you are wondering, is this the right fit for me, read on, I think you will be surprised.
While my children were growing up, their favorite vacation was an ocean cruise or skiing, which are awesome for family travel, but we fell into a rut of cruising or skiing many, many years. And, let's face it, there are only so many summers you have to travel, especially WITH your children. I urge you, don't make the same mistake I did, they THINK they want to do the same kind of travel each year because they enjoyed it so much, but, oh how I wish I had shared other immersion travel adventures. But hey, its not too late, My youngest son and I just returned from a Rhone River Cruise. It was amazing and I apologize in advance, I will be gushing river cruise for several weeks-it was that good!! Here are a few reasons I think anyone/everyone will love a river cruise:
1) Smaller, more intimate
2) Always something to do, yet laid back enough to relax and enjoy the panoramic journey
3) Hassle-free as you can get
4) Depending on ship, it can be all inclusive
5) Smooth sailing (seasickness should not be an issue)
6) Floating Hotel
7) There is something for everyone, set your own pace
8) Charming destinations
Ocean Cruising, with its bellyflop contests, and buckets of beer, is slowly giving way to a more "immersed" mode of travel -- RIVER CRUISING. Sometimes travel is more than just getting away from it all, its about where you are going, learning new cultures, experiencing your hobbies in a new country, becoming fully immersed in a little village. In just this one mode of travel the options are many, the most commonly known are the European River Cruises (Danube, Douro, Po, Rhone, Rhone, Seine), however River Cruising is also extending itself to Russia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Africa, and even the United States. Many of them are "themed" which means that there are workshops on board and excursions are offered for a full immersion in a specific interest, such as "Wine Immersion", "Tulip Time", "Jewish Heritage", "Art Immersion", "Christmas Markets". And if you have a small group, we can arrange immersions of your choice, whether that be "Beer Cruise", "Foodie", or "Family Reunion", again limited only by our imaginations.
Many ocean cruisers are switching to River Cruising . . . some say they will do both, but the majority have said they will never go back. I don't like to say "never", but I absolutely LOVE many, many things I experienced on a river cruise with AMA Waterways. Like me, river cruising also appeals to travelers that have primarily favored land journeys.
In the coming weeks I will share more photos and suggestions based on my recent experience on the AMADagio. In the meantime, feel free to follow my cruise on VIP Travel Experience facebook page.
Email me tammy@viptravelexperience.com to see just how easy it can be to broaden your horizons, don't just settle for postcard beauty, EXPERIENCE it.
