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Dreaming of a trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to see? Chances are, you’re thinking about who should come with you. Travel is more than just choosing the place to go – it’s about the people you want to experience the trip with! Choosing the right travel companions is more important than you might think too. Here, I’ll talk about some important considerations to make before you invite someone with you to join you on your next getaway.

Consider Travel Styles
Everyone travels in a different way – and that’s why it’s important to understand if your travel companion has the same kind of travel preferences. Some people love to pack their trip with museums, tours, adventures, and other cultural experiences, while others want to kick back, unwind, and take things at a slower pace. Some want to have things completely unscheduled, while others want to follow a strict protocol about times. Neither approach is right or wrong, but the differences are glaring when you’re traveling together. So, before you book a trip, talk to your prospective travel partner about what their style is, what they aim to get out of the trip, and even discuss different activities or experiences that they’re interested in. See if you both align or can find common ground.

Personalities and Communication Styles
Traveling can be a mix of excitement, stress, relaxation, and fun. And when it comes to spending extended time together in an unfamiliar destination, you’ll need to be sure if each of your personality styles fit together. The ideal travel companion should be flexible, communicative, and patient. If things go sideways at all during the trip with a delayed or missed flight, weather change, or problem with a reservation, you’ll want to have confidence that the other person can remain helpful, positive, and willing to find solutions to ensure you both can enjoy the trip.

It’s also important to remember that talking about independence on the trip ahead of time is also good. Discuss if you want to do everything together or if you want to do some exploration or sightseeing on your own. Setting boundaries and expectations ahead of time makes things easier in the moment.

Take Budgets Seriously
Not everyone has the same travel budgets. Some may want to find conservative accommodations and shop at grocery stores to cook meals at the rental as much as possible. Others budget to eat out more often or may want to find more luxury accommodation, or they want to splurge on some costly excursions. Talk to your potential travel companions about what they prefer and see if those expectations align with your budget. These differences aren’t necessarily a deal breaker in traveling together, but they should be discussed before making reservations for anything. Establish your budget and stick to it, and also discuss how shared expenses will be divided, so everyone is comfortable.

Let a Professional Handle the Details
As a travel advisor, I’m well-versed in planning trips of all kinds – including for groups! I recognize that coordinating everyone’s preferences can become complicated, but to help with that, I can help recommend destinations, find accommodations that meet everyone’s budget and style guidelines, and ultimately, will help simplify the process for you. I can get everything booked for you, which gives you the time you just show up and enjoy your vacation, rather than managing all of the logistics that come with it.

The best travel partners are the people who make you feel comfortable, bring out the best of you, respect your boundaries and preferences, and help you live in the moment. Are you ready to plan your trip? Contact me and I’ll start working to plan a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

If you’re dreaming of a vacation that includes exploration of historic cities, calm, smooth waters, and the relaxation of going to sleep and waking up with stunning new scenery each morning, a river cruise might be right for you. These cruises are a smaller, more intimate way to experience a destination you’ve always wanted to see and allow you to step right into the heart of some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

As a travel advisor, many first-time river cruisers have questions – and there are some important things to know before you book. Here, I’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions, so you can get the information you need before you set sail.

Q: I love ocean cruises. Are river cruises similar?

Rachel: River cruising is a completely different experience than ocean cruising. River cruising ships are a lot smaller with an average guest capacity of around 175 with a staff capacity of around 200. This means that you receive highly personalized service onboard a river cruise. River cruises also focus more on the destination and cultural experiences. There are no designated 'sea' days on board a river cruise ship. River cruising is a slow-paced, smooth experience. It is great for someone who is motion sensitive.

Q: What are the most popular places for river cruises?

Rachel: River cruising was first introduced on European rivers. The most popular rivers are the Danube, Rhine and Rhone. River cruising has expanded into Russia, Spain, Egypt and Asia, but European rivers remain the most popular river cruise destinations.

Q: Are river cruises more expensive than ocean cruises? What’s included in the cost?

Rachel: Yes, river cruises are typically more expensive than ocean cruises. However, river cruises offer a mostly all-inclusive experience. This can differ between cruise lines. Most river cruises offer free Wi-Fi, excursions, beer and wine with meals and gratuities included. The upfront cost of a river cruise with these inclusions can seem more expensive but most people often end up paying a similar price after sailing on an ocean cruise.

Q: Is there an ideal time of year to plan a river cruise trip?

Rachel: This is subjective based on the type of experience you're wanting. Christmas is a very popular time of year to go because of the Christmas Market season. Summer has great weather, but there is a risk that the rivers may be too low at some points, which could mean the cruise would have to be switched over to a land tour for a portion of the trip. I think a fantastic time of year to go is in the fall or winter, as the weather is more mild and the crowds are low.

Q: How do I know which itinerary is right for me?

Rachel: Each itinerary has unique highlights. If you love to explore wineries, there are itineraries that focus on that. For history enthusiasts, there are itineraries that focus more castles and cathedrals. That's where having a conversation would really be the most beneficial, and I can help narrow down the itineraries to focus on what interests you the most.

Q: What’s the biggest benefit of a river cruise, in your opinion?

Rachel: I believe the biggest benefit to river cruising is the opportunity to experience multiple countries and cities with only having to unpack once. The all-inclusive experience and attentive, personalized service is also unmatched!

Q: Is a river cruise good for first-time cruisers?

Rachel: Absolutely! River cruising can also be a laid back and quiet experience. If a guest wants more entertainment onboard, river cruising may not be the best fit. I believe that river cruising can not only be great for first time cruisers, but they’re also great for people visiting a destination for the first time. I’d love to talk to you & discover exactly what you’re looking for, then make a plan from there!

Ready to plan your river cruise adventure?
I can help take any guesswork out of the planning process and will take the time to get to know exactly what you want your vacation to look like. We can compare destination options, cruise schedules, and I’ll help you navigate any questions that pop up so you can get excited about booking a river cruise experience that you’ll never forget.