With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I know that there are so many of us who won’t be able to celebrate our mother’s, mother figures, and the outstanding father’s who’ve played both Mom and Dad to us, in quite the same way this year.

With travel restrictions slowly lifting however, we can give the Gift of Reconnection in the form of a future travel certificate – and start thinking about the kind of travel that we can safely embark on as we enter our new normal way of life.
​
For those of us wanting to get back into the world and see new places or different scenery, but who are still wary of jumping right back into the fray of extensive multi-destination trips or mega-resorts, there are a number of smaller boutique and secluded style options available that are ideal to start. Let's explore a few of those today... ​

1. Rhine River – 
Along the Rhine River are the countries of Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands. Many have said that cruising the Rhine River is the best option to see some incredible castles and medieval architecture. Cruises along the Rhine are also perfect for romantics, wine lovers, the curious epicures and nature enthusiasts. 

2. Danube River –
The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, and it runs through 10 countries including Germany, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria and more. More than a dozen languages are spoken on its banks! Two places not to be missed if you are cruising the Danube are Vienna and Budapest - even more so during Christmas time where you can find their famous Christmas Markets that will transport you into a fairytale Christmas experience. The Danube is also great for visiting several palaces, indulging in a variety of cultures and cuisines, and learning a lot of history. 

3. Seine River – 
Though this river is mainly a waterway within the north of France, spilling out into the English Channel, it's still a very popular river traveled by river cruise liners.  This river is perfect for the cruise goer that wants a Parisian experience, but also wants to see more that France has to offer. You will blend your passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and timeless landscapes. In addition, you will visit one of the most magnificent monasteries, the unforgettable beaches of Normandy and be inspired by great works of art.  


​There are additional rivers to cruise in Europe. However, these are the three most popular and in my opinion, the best rivers to begin your journey into River Cruising. We look forward to helping you learn about the vast cruise line options and how they differ in experiences, so together we can plan the perfect vacation to match your expectations and style! To learn more about river cruises available to you, call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195 today.  

Experiences Await...

Most people that know me already know I'm a huge fan of European River Cruises. Well, the travel gods have smiled on the world because the next big thing in river cruising is themed river cruising. Why is this so spectacular you ask? Because not only can we travel to several destinations with only one ticket and mode of transportation, but now we can do it with like minded people who like the same things we do!

What better way to explore your favorite hobby than to take a trip with folks who enjoy it just as much, if not more, than you?  Today, I'm going to share with you just two of the themed cruises that are available, and if you would like to learn about other themed cruises give me a call.

Wine Themed Cruises
Let the wine flow! Wine enthusiasts and foodies will adore a wine themed cruise. On a typical wine cruise you'll explore the places the wines are made, learn about the acclaimed wine regions of the world, and enjoy talks from experts all the while sipping on this delicious fermented grape juice. An added benefit is that many of them include food pairings that teach you which foods are best with the various types of wine.

Get historic and get cultured in all things wine cellars and vineyards. Learn the centuries old traditions of wine and take solace in the fact that you'll never be without a designated driver on this adventure.

Each wine themed river cruise will typically have excursions that fit in with the theme as well. From actually visiting wineries and witnessing the process from grape to glass to simply tasting a variety of wines you will know everything you wanted to and more about what it took to make the perfect vino you love so much. You might even get to go grape stomping depending on the cruise you take! Talk about an unforgettable experience!

Art River Cruise
Though the word art can mean many things to many people, an art themed river cruise is guaranteed to give you an experience unlike any other you've had to date. Depending on the one you take you could visit museums and learn about how the sculptures and paintings were created, you might enjoy lectures of the great artists of the past or you could even make art while you drift from port to port.

Each of the destinations you will see are sure to inspire and you'll walk away with at least a few tools in your knowledge tool belt! Some of the most exciting art themed cruises feature step-by-step painting classes as well as easy to understand art lectures. There's no telling what you could create or at least learn about on one of these fun cruises.

Other Themes
Just a few of the additional cruise themes we've heard of include Christmas market cruises, culinary adventure tours and heritage cruises. There are so many cruises to explore and I'd love to share them with you. Call me today at (913) 244-9195 and I'll help you discover the best theme for your next getaway on the water.

I love this fall weather - don't you?!  It's my favorite time of the year!  I hope you are enjoying your fall season as much as I am.  This week, I wanted to chat about group travel...  Traveling as a group can be a wonderful thing and an amazing trip to take as a group, is a river cruise. But, you may be thinking, what's so great about going as a group as opposed to solo, couples or family travel? I'm so very glad you asked, because I've got five reasons your next river cruise should be done as a group!

1. Cost
Some river cruises offer discount for groups saving you money. For example, a group of 10 or more can save as much as 10% or more off of standard pricing. Remember, the goal for any cruise line is to fill up all the cabins and groups mean they are more likely to fill up the spaces. That is why they will offer a discount as an incentive to get groups to book together. PLUS, and this is the BEST part...  You may be able to cruise FREE as the group leader, depending on how many cabins you can fill and cruise line!

2. Safety In Numbers
When traveling in an unfamiliar place, it’s much safer to travel with a group. And, it doesn't hurt that you will feel more safe and comforted in the company of friends rather than strangers. At the various ports you will also be less likely to be the victims of crimes as a group as predators prey on singles and couples because they are easier to approach.

3. Having People You Know To Do Things With
Group cruising brings together a sense of togetherness. Whether it's friends or family members, you will have stronger bonds with the people you are traveling with by the end of your trip. Few things create common ground better than travel. Widely-traveled members in your group may also act as resource centers describing in detail the part of the country you are cruising through. They may also recommend attraction sites that the group might like to see.

4. Discounts May Extend Beyond the Cruise
Not only will your group enjoy group rates on the ship, you may get additional discounts for airfare, trip excursions at various ports, tours and more. Again, vendors like to fill up slots and that is why they love groups! Less work filling all the slots for a vendor translates to discounts for your group!

5. You'll Have Someone to Eat Dinner With
One of the greatest benefits of group river cruising is that you will know everyone that you're seated with at dinner. Some people get very anxious about who might be at their table because they don't like being seated with strangers. However, with a group you'll likely be seated together and not have to worry about that. Plus, the dinner will be a great time to re-group, talk about and vote on the next day's plans and ensure that everyone is getting what they want out of the trip.

Whether you are exploring the New England Islands or the Rhine River in Europe, bringing a group with you will make your trip even better!

Ready to book?! Call us today to discuss your options: (913) 244-9195
Experiences Await...

I have been planning a few river cruises lately and I always get so excited about these trips. :)  Earlier in the year I  spotlighted AmaWaterways River Cruises. This month I'd like to spotlight Uniworld River Cruises. This amazing company offers river cruises on upscale, boutique vessels to some of the world's most entrancing destinations with an all-inclusive experience. You'll travel easily between stops in staterooms with terrific perspectives of the passing landscape, while the transportation details are taken care of for you.

Just a few of the perks you'll enjoy while cruising with Uniworld include:

• Lodging in a lovely stateroom. Ships are decorated per destination you are traveling to emerge you in local familiarity.
• Unlimited beverages like beer, wine, espressos, teas and sodas; they even include many premium spirits such as Grey Goose and Crown Royal!
  
• All meals are included and the chefs are dedicated to providing farm-to-table culinary experiences so you know you will receive the freshest foods sourced from regional farms, farmers’ markets and artisan producers, to ensure every meal embodies the unique character of each region and season.
• Entertainment on board and complimentary excursions at each port
• Well-equipped on-board fitness center and wellness classes are included with your cruise ticket
• Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for onshore use at each port
  
• Wi-Fi on board

Because the boats are smaller you'll be able to get to ports not available to large cruise lines. Sea sickness is generally less frequent because you'll almost always be able to see land and you'll never have one of those dreaded “at sea” days.

With each port you'll dock smack dab in the heart of the activity. Instead of transfer boats taking you to and from the ship causing you to miss upwards of an hour or more of shore time, in most cases you'll step right off the boat and into your port of call. Because of this you'll enjoy a more casual pace without large crowds in your way.

Uniworld offers river cruises in Europe, China, Vietnam & Cambodia, Russia, Egypt and India.

Want to learn more about Uniworld River Cruising? Ready to experience what the buzz is all about on your own River Cruise adventure?  Call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195 today!
Experiences Await...