Ways to Travel
Deciding that you want to go to Europe is easy – figuring out how to get there, where to stay and what to do while there is the hard part. Do you want to travel on your own, on an escorted tour, by train, by river boat?! So many things to research that it can quickly become information overload and will make your vacation planning more of a chore then it should be. But have no fear – I am here to help you narrow down the many options to the ones that you would most be interested in. I will help you plan all aspects of your vacation and will make it painless and hassle-free!
First, decide on how you want to travel.
Choices include:
On Your Own – Do your own thing! There’s many styles of traveling on your own – some prefer to just have their hotels and flights reserved, but will arrange sightseeing and trains upon arrival. Others prefer a more detailed itinerary before they leave with guided tours, day-trips, train reservations and more already planned before they leave. I would recommend a combination of the two for most travelers to Europe – it is advisable to at least have your hotels, flights, transfers and trains booked with some sightseeing options. There’s also the option of having a hosted trip which would include someone at your hotel to help you arrange sightseeing – its like having a personal concierge (available in many cities in Europe).
With A Group – Don’t want to worry about all the details? Then a group tour will be ideal for you. Group tours can also be customized if you just want it to be your own family, friends, church group, etc. or if you share an interest with others (culinary, wine, sports, religion). Not all tours are as intense as they used to be – there are a lot of “relaxed paced” tours available now as well as in-depth regional tours such as for Ireland, Italy or Spain. Many tour operators also offer family-friendly tours with unique activities for kids included so they don’t get bored!
River Cruise – European river cruises is the fastest growing trend of 2010. All the major river cruise companies are adding new ships to their roster while also retaining the quality, intimacy and relaxation that river cruises are known for. There’s many benefits of river cruising and I highly recommend it!
Small Ship Cruises – When most people hear the word “cruise” they think of a huge ship with shows, restaurants, pools and casinos. But not all ocean cruises are like that! Small-ship cruises can vary in size and amenities. Some are very basic with small cabins and no extra entertainment on board. Some are beautiful yacht-type boats that are absolutely beautiful and have 5-star service – but with a price-tag to match. There are some newer brands such as Azamara Club Cruises that offer an all-inclusive pricing structure which is worth every penny. There’s many options and I will work with you to find you the right option for your travel style and budget!
Large Ship Cruises – Great option for those traveling with kids and who want to visit coastal areas such as the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. These ships are also becoming destinations themselves, with a multitude of dining, entertainment and accommodation options. All the major cruise lines are in Europe at least part of the year including Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Disney.
All of these options can also be combined – such as doing a river cruise for a week and then continuing by train to another location to enjoy a few days on your own. So many options, so little time – but I can customize the perfect vacation for you!
Have questions? Need help? Just email me your travel ideas and I will work personally with you to create the best trip for your budget!
Email: Leila@worldclasstvl.com
