All eyes have been on the Olympics in France. If you have been watching you have no doubt seen many of the beautiful venues and sights. What about traveling to France next year? Now is the perfect time to make plans for a wonderful river cruise or land vacation. My recommendation would be to travel to France in April and May. Gorgeous flowers will be blooming and the city will not be as crowded.

I would recommend taking a river cruise in France. Of course, the famous Seine River but also the Rohn or Loire rivers are quite popular. The beauty of the river cruise is that you visit small towns that are easily walkable. With a river cruise you do not have long disembarkation lines. You simply walk off and there is the city or village. 

River boats are an amazingly quiet ride. They glide through the water without any noise. There is no side-to-side movement of the boat when passing other boats on the rivers. The boats glide along so effortlessly. 

The river boat companies have similar itineraries. Some brands are more exclusive that others. But they all share common features. The cabins are small but really efficient with space. There is a common area for socialization and this is where port information is provided. The dining is exquisite and shared with other guests aboard. Excursion(s) are included. Some brands provide only one free excursion per day, while others you can take in two each days.

Onboard there is a fitness area and usually a fitness manager to assist for those who workout while traveling. Some brands such as Ama Waterways, have bikes to use as an excursion. Laundry service is available quite inexpensively too. Give them your laundry in the morning and it is back in your cabin by late afternoon. If you need a hair stylist or massage those services are available for an additional fee.

The dress is casual and relaxed, yet some refer to is as country club attire. Evening entertainment consists of local performers coming aboard or a house musician. Or there maybe an overnight stay that you can take in the town. Seldom if ever will you find children aboard the river boats. Those booking a river cruise are advised that there are no kids activities or programs and that the parents assume full responsibility for the behavior.

Finally, if you consider taking a river cruise, plan to take in another tour or cruise option. Once you have paid for a flight to Europe, consider maximizing your time by adding on another destination. The are many rivers in which to cruise and plenty of ocean going cruises as well.

As always, I suggest book as far in advance as possible! The clients that do this end up with the best fares, best cabin location and best incentives. Cruising and travel no longer operate under the past methods of last minute deals. There are last minute deals, but they are usually inside cabins or not the desired balcony locations. The last minute deals are meant for those who do not care where they will sleep. 

Lastly, please remember that I have a refer a friend incentive for you. If you send me a friend that books a cruise with me, I will give you $50 OBC on your next voyage. Your friend will receive $25 shipboard credit from me. This is only through Sep 30, 2024. I love referrals!

Kathy Hays