travel stories

River cruising is one of the areas of travel I stay closely connected to throughout the year. Every couple of years, I attend the ASTA River Cruise Expo—an industry event where many of the world’s leading river cruise ships gather in one place. It’s an incredible opportunity to step aboard multiple ships, meet the people […]

Just imagine stepping off of your flight, breezing through customs, and starting your much-anticipated getaway without the hassle of your suitcase. Instead of panicking while watching the baggage claim conveyor belt, you walk straight past the carousel and into your waiting transfer.  Your luggage is already at your hotel (or ship), waiting for you, and […]

I remember sending a European river cruise proposal to a client who had been dreaming about celebrating their 25th anniversary along the Danube. She called me later that afternoon and said quietly, “Okay… I love it. But can we talk about this number?” Maybe you’ve had the same reaction. If you’ve ever wondered, “Are river […]

When it comes to planning your dream luxury vacation, every detail matters, and selecting the best river cruise line is no exception. Whether you envision yourself floating past quintessential European villages on a traditional river cruise, embarking on an exotic adventure on the Nile, or combining a safari with a river cruise in Africa, the […]

River cruising is the perfect choice for those of you who want to discover Europe by voyaging along inland waterways like rivers, canals, and lakes! On your trip, you will most likely stop at many ports where you’ll be immersed in their unique culture, landscapes, and architecture. River cruisers are unique and will allow you […]

Cruising is a fantastic way to explore the world without sacrificing convenience, luxury, and adventure. But with endless options available, choosing between a river cruise and an ocean cruise can feel overwhelming. Each type of cruise offers its own unique experiences, destinations, and advantages. Whether you’re dreaming of gliding down the serene rivers of Europe […]

River cruises offer a unique window into Europe’s lesser-known treasures, combining luxury with access to the heart of old-world towns and scenic landscapes. Unlike the grand ports of ocean cruises, river cruises glide through intimate waterways, docking in the heart of charming villages and historic towns you’d otherwise miss.  Why Vienna Is My Favorite River […]

When it comes to luxury travel, there’s something uniquely captivating about exploring Europe aboard a river cruise. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the most picturesque cities and landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort and sophistication of a floating boutique hotel. River cruises combine the charm of intimate travel with first-class amenities, making them […]

How many times have you found what seemed to be an amazing cruise deal—gone through all the steps, picked your dream itinerary, and could practically feel the ocean breeze—only to discover that the actual cost is way higher than you thought? Suddenly, port fees, gratuities, and drink packages start stacking up. That all-inclusive feeling you […]

Cruising with your family is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world. With activities for all ages, endless dining options, and the joy of discovering new destinations together, cruises offer an adventure like no other. But with so many ports of call to choose from, which ones are ideal for families? Here’s […]

Planning a family vacation can feel a bit like juggling beach balls in a breeze—trying to balance the needs of toddlers, teens, and grown-ups alike. You want fun and relaxation. You crave time to reconnect. And of course, you’d love a little luxury woven in, too. That’s where Disney Cruise Line sets sail as the […]

Cruises are a fantastic way for families to bond, relax, and explore new destinations together. For our family, cruising feels like a big exhale—we can finally stop juggling schedules and just enjoy each other, all in one beautiful place. Yet, when it comes to choosing the perfect cruise line, it can feel a bit like […]

Cruises are designed to cater to everyone in the family, from infants to grandparents, and no matter which one you choose to book, there will be activities, entertainment, and dining options that will put smiles on your whole family’s faces. Not to mention, family cruises make it easy to spend time with your loved ones, […]

When it comes to booking a cruise, there really is no such thing as “too soon.” As someone who has been on more cruises than I can count, I can assure you that planning in advance is the key to securing the ideal experience.  Over the years, I’ve witnessed how the process of booking a […]

Cruising is one of the most effortless ways to travel, but for first-timers, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Unlike a typical vacation, where you check into a hotel and go with the flow, a cruise has its own rhythm, rules, and insider tricks that can make or break your experience. […]

Ever wondered what the buzz around adventure travel is all about? It’s more than just a vacation—it’s about stepping outside your everyday routine and diving headfirst into exciting experiences. Imagine exploring breathtaking landscapes, immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, and sparking your curiosity in ways you never thought possible. Whether you’re up for a gentle escape […]

Today’s newlyweds are skipping traditional honeymoon plans in favor of more personally tailored experiences. These 7 hot honeymoon trends for 2025 reflect the desire for a blend of balancing adventure, relaxation, culture, and even unplugged serenity. Read on to discover how couples are curating their perfect romantic getaways. Top Honeymoon Trends of 2025: Your Ultimate […]

Is it advisable to embark on a honeymoon after tying the knot? According to recent research, indulging in a honeymoon experience could significantly contribute to the overall success and happiness of your marriage. In this article, I’m delving into all the details! A Time To Re-Focus & Connect! A honeymoon serves as a remarkable transition […]

Your honeymoon is more than just a vacation—it’s the beginning of a beautiful journey together. But planning it can feel like a daunting task. When should you start? What should be on your honeymoon planning checklist? This blog is your ultimate honeymoon planning guide, with everything you need to know, from using a honeymoon travel […]

Close your eyes and picture this: you’re walking down a white-sand aisle, the waves whispering their congratulations as the sun sets behind you. Sounds perfect, right? Planning it, however, can feel like a puzzle. That’s where this destination wedding planning guide comes in! We’ll help you craft a detailed destination wedding to-do list, navigate the […]

Ready for some river cruise trivia? If you’re someone who likes to collect fun facts to have on hand at a moment’s notice, this article is for you (you never know when someone’s going to ask whether ocean or river cruise ships are more sustainable!).  As a homeschool mom, learning is always at the forefront […]

POV: As an avid cruiser, you’ve been on every ocean cruise there is. And while you always have a great experience, you’re starting to wonder what *else* is out there. Today, I’m giving you 12 differences between river cruising and ocean cruising so you can decide for yourself whether it might be time to give […]

POV: it’s 2020.  You’ve been stuck at home for MONTHS, working from home on your laptop in between homeschooling the kids. You’ve baked too many loaves of sourdough bread, scrolled TikTok until you felt nauseated, and spent too much time worrying that the day will eventually come when you’ll have to fight a stranger for […]

If you’re anything like me, you like to visit the same spots over again.  Every year on my birthday, I ask for the same Oreo cream cake from the same local bakery down the street because I know it’s delicious and my family LOVES it. Are you the same way? Maybe you and your partner […]

Warning ⚠️ major FOMO ahead! You wake up with the sunrise, and as you open the curtains in your room, you realize you’re in a completely different country than the one you were in last night!  Maybe you’re a morning person, so you head out for a spin class before sitting down to check emails […]

Calling all foodies, history lovers, and wine connoisseurs! Picture this. . . You’re cruising along the calm, soothing waters of the Danube river, and everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by emerald green valleys and magnificent castles that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. As you sail through the beautiful landscapes, you stop […]